Noob Computer

[Dave]

So I was considering getting a new compter, and too lazy to build my own and configured this Dell for $1,079+tax I guess (no coupons)

Thoughts other than ewww dell?

Dell Inspiron 530 Intel® Core™2 Duo Processor E6550 (4MB L2 Cache,2.33GHz,1333 FSB)
Operating System Genuine Windows Vista® Home Premium - English
Memory 3GB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 667MHz - 4 DIMMs 3GB64
Monitor 22 inch Samsung 2220WM Widescreen Analog/Digital Black LCD Monitor
Video Cards 256MB NVIDIA GeForce 8600GT-DDR3
Hard Drives 500GB Serial ATA Hard Drive (7200RPM) w/DataBurst Cache™ 500S

[VLSmooth]

Unless you want to play Crysis or some other cutting edge game, that computer should be fine. If you're paying anything extra, just consider it a convenience cost.

On the other hand, the 8600 series sucks both in performance and cost/performance ratio. Get a 8800 GT. I'd also revert to XP or Linux (Ubuntu) if you're not playing games, especially if you're sticking with the 8600.

[VLSmooth]

Also, regarding deals, here are two handy RSS feeds

• http://www.fatwallet.com/rssfeed.php?c=18&deals=50
• http://www.techbargains.com/rss.xml

[Jonathan]

Get a 8800 GT.

this. might need to wait 4 weeks or so for availability to pick up.

I'd also revert to XP or Linux

also this.

You're running Vista, yes, Vincent?

[VLSmooth]

Get a 8800 GT.

this. might need to wait 4 weeks or so for availability to pick up.

I didn't know the availability is as bad as it is, just checked :/

You're running Vista, yes, Vincent?

Nope. XP SP1 here.

Also, Mr. Sparkle approves!

• AnandTech: Sparkle 8800 GT Passive: The Fastest, Silent GPU in the World

[Jonathan]

Your new computer thread totally priced Vista! What gives?

[VLSmooth]

Running it on a laptop I configured for one of my sister's, suffering with Vista, and then suffering to get XP on it without official driver support... happened to it.

As far as software goes, I'm much more interested in Firefox 3 (that supports add ons!) than Vista...

[Jonathan]

I'm going to buy a new hard drive and install Ubuntu on it in December, I think. So I'll let you know how that goes. I might also build a Penryn machine. On the one hand, Nehalem! On the other hand, Eve is upgrading graphics right now.

[Dave]

Yea, 8800GT is supposedly this generations version of the Ti4200 (which is still running in the Dell im typingon, although I never use it for games nowadays).

What engine does crysis run on? UT3?

Apparently this model of Dell doesnt have an XP option.

[VLSmooth]

I'm going to buy a new hard drive and install Ubuntu on it in December, I think. So I'll let you know how that goes.

I hope "it" isn't using an ATI card. I installed Ubuntu on Shinomori (Athlon XP 2500+, Barton core with a Radeon 9500 non-pro) and the graphics subsystem was horrid. Supposedly Nvidia is even more of a king when it comes to Linux support.

[Jonathan]

?
/me points to my thread about Linux gaming in this forum.

I haven't changed that setup yet. Ubuntu and a 8800GT would be the first serious changes. In fact, that's all I would do at this time, except I have an AGP motherboard and so require a CPU upgrade if I want a GPU upgrade.

[Dave]

Actually i checked online and there is a 15% coupon I cna use and it opens up a few more video card options (for less that the 8600)

256MB NVIDIA GeForce 8600GT-DDR3 [Included in Price]
128MB ATI Radeon HD 2400 PRO [subtract $90]
256MB Radeon ATI HD 2600 XT [subtract $50]

[Jonathan]

Realistically the HD 2600 XT compared to the GeForce 8600 GT gives NVIDIA a good lead.

The 8600 is same speed-ish as a 6800 GT, as I recall. So you wouldn't be getting anything except DX10 compatibility over your current system, graphics wise.

[Dave]

Bought the original config for 900, kept the 8600 so if i do get a 8800, i can swap it out without changing drivers. how lazy is that?

Now I need a bigger desk. Ikea just opened up in Orlando too! sweedish furniture ftw!

I'm up this late because I got paged at 1:30. Which was totally awesome.