Computer Science Canada

Buying a new PC
Author:  Aziz [ Tue Aug 07, 2007 1:42 pm ]
Post subject:  Buying a new PC
Hey guys, I'm looking to buy a new desktop at the end of this summer. I just need a tower. I've got a quote for a pretty decent gaming Vista machine for $800 from a local store (pretty respectable place as far as I know), but I want to keep the price down (I still have insurance to pay, and my dad might not be willing to help if I blow 800 big ones BooHoo ).

So, what's the good-deal places to go? TigerDirect.ca? or Canada Computers? Or should I stick with a local computer shop (with local service and warranty)
Author:  Mazer [ Tue Aug 07, 2007 5:14 pm ]
Post subject:  RE:Buying a new PC
It's not just about the good deals; I won't trust Canada Computers. I can't speak for the customer service of ncix.com (Canadian) but I hear they've got good prices.
Author:  Aziz [ Tue Aug 07, 2007 5:37 pm ]
Post subject:  RE:Buying a new PC
Hmm... found this deal... http://www.canadacomputers.com/index.php?do=ShowProduct&cmd=pd&pid=013654&cid=170.45

but I'll check ncix.com. Why don't you like CC?
Author:  PaulButler [ Tue Aug 07, 2007 6:04 pm ]
Post subject:  RE:Buying a new PC
I haven't had any problems with TigerDirect (only had one or two orders though), but you probably won't end up saving much when you add in the cost of shipping. You are in Ontario, right? Maybe it will be cheaper for you than it was for me.

I have heard good things about NCIX.

When I had my PC built, I went with a local shop. The prices were fair and the service was great.
Author:  Clayton [ Tue Aug 07, 2007 7:05 pm ]
Post subject:  RE:Buying a new PC
Do you also need to get a monitor? A decent monitor will run you a couple hundred bucks easy. If not, then just ignore this post Razz
Author:  Aziz [ Tue Aug 07, 2007 7:21 pm ]
Post subject:  RE:Buying a new PC
Nope, only a tower. Shipping was extremely cheap for that CC order. The whole order incl S&H, GST PST was $540. I'll check out the other sites. I know tigerdirect's shipping is a bit more hefty. Also checking out Dell...... Sad
Author:  Mazer [ Tue Aug 07, 2007 9:50 pm ]
Post subject:  RE:Buying a new PC
Just bad customer service. I only went into one store, but I got the idea that they are badly run in general.

My test: if you email them to ask a question and their response is poorly worded (yes, be a grammar nazi) then be careful about trusting them.
Author:  rdrake [ Tue Aug 07, 2007 10:02 pm ]
Post subject:  RE:Buying a new PC
Canada Computers is cheap but has horrible customer service. Want to contact their online support? I hate to phone accounting and ask for a transfer.

Ncix.com is wonderful.
Author:  Aziz [ Wed Aug 08, 2007 7:39 am ]
Post subject:  RE:Buying a new PC
I will look into that. As long as I can get my computer at my house, I "should" be fine (As long as I don't have to get service under warranty right away).

I'll take that suggestion, guys, but no other sites beat the price on that setup. And $15 S&H. I'll look into it more though (I was using dial-up last night so I didn't really get to look at it much, especially with a nagging woman about Very Happy)
Author:  neufelni [ Wed Aug 08, 2007 9:22 am ]
Post subject:  RE:Buying a new PC
I'm not sure if you noticed but the reason that the computer at CC was so cheap is that it doesn't include an OS, so unless you plan on just using Linux, you'll have to spend another few hundred bucks on Vista.
Author:  Aziz [ Wed Aug 08, 2007 9:54 am ]
Post subject:  RE:Buying a new PC
Yeah, I saw that. I can install XP from my laptop, and probably also multi-boot with ubuntu and a downloaded "test" Vista.

I just realized that it's integrated graphics, too. I'm going to take a bunch of printouts to the local computer store tonight. I'm mainly looking for:

Decent dual-core CPU, 64 bit preferrably
1 GB RAM, 2 GB if not too much $ extra (can upgrade later)
Decent Vid card
Nothing too special in the HDD, maybe 100gigs

Sound & LAN can be onboard.

Don't need a monitor or OS or keyboard/mouse or speakers. Just tower.
Author:  Mazer [ Wed Aug 08, 2007 10:16 am ]
Post subject:  RE:Buying a new PC
A 100 gig hard drive? Do you also have your current hard drive to put in?
Author:  Aziz [ Wed Aug 08, 2007 10:17 am ]
Post subject:  RE:Buying a new PC
It's a laptop, and I'm keeping my laptop. However, I do have an old 8 GB harddrive in the other PC Smile
Author:  wtd [ Wed Aug 08, 2007 12:14 pm ]
Post subject:  RE:Buying a new PC
Simp on the processor a bit if it buys you a bigger hard drive and definitely more RAM.
Author:  Aziz [ Wed Aug 08, 2007 12:16 pm ]
Post subject:  RE:Buying a new PC
I don't really need a lot of HDD space. I don't store much... but RAM, perhaps. I've got some more questions. Is the AMD Athlon 64 X2 dual-core CPU actually 64 bit? My friend was wondering a while back if his was or not.. said that Kubuntu 64-bit version didnt work or something
Author:  md [ Wed Aug 08, 2007 2:19 pm ]
Post subject:  RE:Buying a new PC
Yes it is 64 bit, but runnign a 64bit OS is hit or miss right now as there is a disturbing lack of drivers and software. Flash for instance doesn't run on 64bit linux (yet).
Author:  Aziz [ Wed Aug 08, 2007 2:24 pm ]
Post subject:  RE:Buying a new PC
What about Vista 64bit?
Author:  wtd [ Wed Aug 08, 2007 3:14 pm ]
Post subject:  RE:Buying a new PC
Don't discount the importance of HDD space. With a more capable computer, you may find yourself using a lot more space.
Author:  Aziz [ Wed Aug 08, 2007 3:15 pm ]
Post subject:  RE:Buying a new PC
True. The guy at a local computer store said he would give me 500GB using RAID

I'm taking some printouts of PCs I've found online to him tonight, and once I get paid next week I'll hopefully be able to buy a PC. If it doesn't work out (not enough money), I'll probably instead buy a DS, but who knows.
Author:  Aziz [ Wed Aug 08, 2007 5:08 pm ]
Post subject:  RE:Buying a new PC
Okay... here's what I got for a quote a the store today (computerdesigns.ca)

ASUS M2N-NX Motherboard
AMD 4400 X2 AM2 CPU
2GB DDR2 667 Dual Channel Twinx XMS
MSI 7300 GS 256MB Video card
On board sound
LG 18x DVD-RW
WD 320GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache HDD
Cooler Master Elite Case
Cooler Master 500 WATT Extreme Power Supply
3 - ATX Silent Case fans

Warranties -
1 year instore service for all parts
3yr on motherboard
2yr on CPU
LIFE for RAM
2yr Video card
3yr for HDD

Total:

$749

Upgrades:

X1650 Pro 512MB Video Card: +$50

Gonna email this to some other PC stores in town... what do you guys think? Solid?
Author:  wtd [ Wed Aug 08, 2007 10:34 pm ]
Post subject:  RE:Buying a new PC
Seems decent enough.
Author:  Aziz [ Thu Aug 09, 2007 7:59 am ]
Post subject:  RE:Buying a new PC
Indeed. However, I think I'm going to pass on a new PC this year. My budget will have only about $1800 saved up by the end of the summer, and I'm not sure if it's worth it now. I think I'll buy a DS or a new MP3 player, and possible get some more RAM in my laptop. Thanks, though, guys...
Author:  md [ Thu Aug 09, 2007 7:56 pm ]
Post subject:  RE:Buying a new PC
For reference my workstation, now server, has 1.4TB of storage in RAID5, and 120GB of storage on the root drive. Of that 994GB is used.

A fast computer is great and all, but in the end it's the amount of storage you have access to that makes the difference.
Author:  Aziz [ Fri Aug 10, 2007 7:43 am ]
Post subject:  RE:Buying a new PC
994 GB? For what? I won't be using that much XD. But either way, I can always upgrade later. Could even take the HDD out of my external if required (its 250)
Author:  Aziz [ Fri Aug 10, 2007 10:23 am ]
Post subject:  RE:Buying a new PC
Bah. I've been discussing it with the woman and I'm decided I was going to get it. I'm having second thoughts again. I'm so indecisive. I think I worked out that I'll have $1500 still from the money I made this summer after I buy the PC.
Author:  Mazer [ Fri Aug 10, 2007 11:19 am ]
Post subject:  RE:Buying a new PC
Can you tell us about your current computer?
Author:  Aziz [ Fri Aug 10, 2007 11:44 am ]
Post subject:  RE:Buying a new PC
Pretty much this system: http://www.notebookreview.com/default.asp?newsID=2376

* 1.6 GHz Intel Pentium M 730 (Sonoma), 533MHz FSB and PCIe x16 chipset
* 15.4 inch WSXGA+ LCD Panel (Samsung)
* 512 MB DDR2 400 MHz ram
* 60 GB Ultra ATA Fujitsu 4200rpm hard drive
* 64 MB ATi Mobility Radeon X300
* Microsoft Windows XP Home
* 24x CD-RW/DVD (Sony)
* Intel 2200 b/g internal wireless card
* 6-cell lithium ion battery
* 4 USB ports
* 1 IEEE 1394 FireWire port
* Secure Digital I/O card slot
* 1 PCMCIA card slot
* 2 front facing speakers
* VGA output
* Optional S-Video and composite video out with adaptor cable
* Audio-out (headphones) and Mic-in
* Integrated 10/100 network Ethernet card
* Internal 56k modem

Except it's got an 80GB HDD and the video card is an Intel Extreme Graphics 400M or something similar. Very crappy. System Properties says I have 504 RAM, so thats 8 to video i think, and dxdiag says 95 MB. I don't have it here so I can't say for sure on my specks.
Author:  md [ Fri Aug 10, 2007 6:23 pm ]
Post subject:  RE:Buying a new PC
That's not a bad laptop at all; not sure why you'd want to replace that. I mean, except for the ram, wifi and battery it's got seemingly better specs then the laptop I am beginning to use as my primary computer.


Oh, and $1500 isn't very much either... I would make sure that's enough money to cover everything you may need until such time as you start working again before getting a new computer.
Author:  Aziz [ Fri Aug 10, 2007 11:53 pm ]
Post subject:  RE:Buying a new PC
I'll be getting a part time job, my insurance is paid for the year, my parents are gonna give me a $1000 gas card and $500 for books (they only gave me $1.5k of the 3k they promised last year Razz), and I've got OSAP... 3.2k loan coming in sept, my 2420 scholarship coming in nov., and another around 1.5k loan in jan and my $900 grant Smile so getting by is fine.... I just wanted to actually save up some money this summer.

The laptop's video is crap. It's been really reliable though, except blue screening (a known issue for Intel onboard video) in Guild Wars
Author:  agnivohneb [ Sat Aug 11, 2007 1:06 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Buying a new PC
I found this site about a month ago. http://www.ncix.com/ I don't know to much about the others but they seem cheap. I made a custom pc and saved a copy of the page on my website. http://www.benscomputertalk.ca/extras/NCIX_shop_cart_07_05_2007.htm
Author:  Aziz [ Sat Aug 11, 2007 7:43 am ]
Post subject:  RE:Buying a new PC
The beauty of having a local store do it is the support and service options, also you're dealing with a person rather than a faceless interface. If something f's up, I can lay the blame elsewhere. They have 1 year service with them, and then they send the parts away for the other warranty'd parts. I'm taking my quote to other computer shops around here today.

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