| Author
|
Help Please...Is this a good deal???
|
Heathen
Started Topics :
5
Posts :
51
Posted : Apr 28, 2007 01:03
|
What I want: a home computer to try my hand at recording some psy. I have no previous computer recording experience. Looking to try with a minimal investment.
I am offered the following for $300 USD. Good deal or no?
P4 2.7GHz computer
PC is running XP Pro SP2.
There is a DVD Player and CDRW packaged with this system.
NEW Western Digital 7200 133, 40 gb hard drive and 512 mb of DDR ram.
Office 2003, Nero 7, Photo Shop CS2, Macromedia Suite
Music Programs: SONAR 4 (CAKEWALK), CUBASE LE, SONY SOUND FORGE 8, SONY ACID PRO 5, Native instruments: Kontakt 2 |
|
|
faxinadu
Faxi Nadu / Elmooht
Started Topics :
282
Posts :
3394
Posted : Apr 28, 2007 13:21
|
|
xaBBu
xaBBu
Started Topics :
8
Posts :
161
Posted : Apr 28, 2007 23:13
|
|
Ghost Host
IsraTrance Junior Member
Started Topics :
27
Posts :
512
Posted : Apr 29, 2007 01:56
|
yea $300 USD good price for this setup this days, only thing to add...a bit more RAM, DDR is really cheap now, as DDR2 is on the road...so get at least another 512Mb or better fill all your slots with RAM acording to Motherboard maximum possebility and u would be just fine.
g00d luck 
|
|
|
|
vstDOG
IsraTrance Junior Member
Started Topics :
10
Posts :
90
Posted : Apr 29, 2007 20:46
|
At that end of budget I would get an AMD based setup instead of Intel. The AMD Athlons were alot faster than P4's and also didn't suffer from denormalization issues as bad as P4's did.
A 2.7 GHz P4 will have difficulty pushing through multiple instances of current VSTs.
I'm still running an AMD Athlon 2700+ slightly overclocked on an nForce2 based ASUS board with 1.5Gb of RAM and the machine still manages to surprise me as to the horsepower it can provide...
Heathen, another very important aspect of the system is your motherboard. If you insist on getting an Intel based computer you should try to find out what the make and model of the board is and maybe post that info here. Some lower end boards are designed for office use and will hold you back even further on top of a slow-ish CPU...
RAM is also of great importance. I would say at least 1GB of memory is a good place to start. That shouldn't be much of a problem since RAM is dirt cheap thesedays.
Also in regards to the price you were quoted...well I would say this this isn't at all a bargain. For a second hand machine you could get more.
Computers and parts are so cheap thesedays...
I can build a nice brand new AMD dual core box with a decent Gigabyte board, 250GB SATA2 Hard Drive and 1GB DDR2 RAM for about $450AU (~ $375USD).
This machine would be at least twice as fast as the one you were offered, however it does not include a copy of XP. You should actually ask if the copy included in the bundle is original or not. If not then tell the guy to stuff the box up his a$$.
lol,
vstDOG.
PS:
I just noticed the software that's included.
Well, if all that stuff is original then that changes the picture completely and you can tell the guy to remove the machine from up his a$$. If it's warez than tell him to shove it even further...
|
|
|
|
mk47
Inactive User
Started Topics :
118
Posts :
4444
Posted : Apr 30, 2007 11:12
|
|
Heathen
Started Topics :
5
Posts :
51
Posted : Apr 30, 2007 18:35
|
Thanks for everyones input! I do appreciate it!
The computer was sold by the time I called on Sunday, but no big loss. I was mainly impressed with the amount of relevant software that was included. Not a lot of my first choices, but decent nonetheless.
Can I ask for a bit more help?
So is 1 Gb of RAM is decent or a minimum? If I was going to have someone build something for me, is there a brand or "type" of motherboard that anyone could recommend?
I looked at the stickys at the top of this thread and didn’t really see what I was looking for…..maybe I missed it though. Feel free to post a link related directly to the topic at hand or even some general info on computers.
What type of computer specs should I be looking at as a minimum? Anything (brands, processors, etc.) to avoid? Would it be better to have someone build me what I need? I have no real interest in the video/gaming side of computers, so I would rather not install/buy that type of thing but rather spend the money on a good sound card on a fast computer to allow multitracking without it slowing or crashing.
Again, if this has been covered before, please feel free to say so and/or provide links!
Na Zdrowie! |
|
|
|
vstDOG
IsraTrance Junior Member
Started Topics :
10
Posts :
90
Posted : May 1, 2007 07:06
|
In regards to motherboards I personally would go for a Gigabyte or an Asus. Not saying the rest are crap, however both Gigabyte and Asus have been around for ages and are considered reliable and stable.
If you're after an up to date powerful DAW you will need to spend some more money. I would recommend having someone custom build it for ya.
Since you are not planning to play any games on it just get a low end PCIe GFX card. any 128MB Nvidia or Radeon will do. However ask for a fanless one in order to eliminate noise.
Currently the most powerful mainstream CPUs are the Intel Core2Duo's. The E6420 are nice and can be had for about $215USD.
Both Intel and AMD Quads should become mainstream soon and will obviously change the picture all together.
As to mobos the Asus P5B range should perform nicely, starting at ~ $115USD.
You will need at least 1GB of RAM, however 2GB would be sweet. If possible get 800MGhz DDR2 sticks. A 2GB A-DATA 800MHhz kit should cost ~ $150USD.
In regards to Hard Drives just get a Western Digital or Seagate SATA2 drive. A 250GB Seagate should cost ~ $80USD.
Cases and Power Supplies are also important. If possible get something like an Antec case that comes with a quality Power Supply. Prices may vary depending on model. The Sonata2 is a nice case and should cost around $160USD however you could spend abit more and get a case with a silent Power Supply.
Silence is bliss, especially for DAWs, therefore I would also recommend replacing the stock heatsink/fan that comes with the CPU and get something like a Zalman or Thermaltake cooler.
Heathen, I obviously got a bit carried away here and went way beyond your initial budget. I also didn't take into consideration software, build cost and soundcard. The above specs would be great for a DAW however might be abit pricy. You could save a bit of cash and get an AMD Dual Core build instead but the bottom line is you will need to spend more than your initial budget if you're after a system with balls.
If I were you I'd save up and get something good instead of getting disappointed. Psytrance as a genre is very CPU intensive on the technical side since the sounds are often highly processed and multiple layers are used in the mix.
Hope this helps...
vstDOG.
|
|
|
|
subconsciousmind
SCM
Started Topics :
37
Posts :
1033
Posted : May 1, 2007 08:18
|
The good thing is, that the new Core2duo boards have LGA775 sockets, which means all core2duo motherboards will accept celeron and pentium D processors too.
So if you look ahead, but don't have the money, you can spend it on a ASUS P5B, 1GB ram, and a Celeron or Pentium D which wont be very fast but you can get them from 50USD.
That way you will have a working computer and as soon as the core2duo prices are down, and/or you have money you can go for another 1gb of ram and a faster processor, without having trouble. you will probably not even loose to much since, you will probably be able to sell the old processor for half the price...
 Most of my music for you to download at:
http://www.subconsciousmind.ch |
|
|
|
Heathen
Started Topics :
5
Posts :
51
Posted : May 1, 2007 17:33
|
vstDOG - yes, you did get a bit carried away BUT I LIKE IT!!! Better too much info than not enough.
Honestly, I am trying to get a feel for prices, so $600 bucks is not out of my price range. You mentioned custom built computers...I have a friend who builds them, but what do you know about building them yourself? I am currently looking into it and it does not seem that difficult (I have a degree in electronics). Of course I will do more research before attempting to DIY a computer.
One thing I REALLY want to make sure of is that things are upgradable. When the newest motherboard drops down to $100, I want to be able to swap out the old with the new. Hence the reason why I am leaning towards a custom built rather than "cookie-cutter" comp.
Subconsciousmind - Thanks for the tips!
I am pasting all relevant comments into a file so I have a bunch of info in one place! Keep 'em coming!
Kippis!
|
|
|
|
Enertopia
Enertopia
Started Topics :
99
Posts :
676
Posted : May 1, 2007 18:39
|
|
vstDOG
IsraTrance Junior Member
Started Topics :
10
Posts :
90
Posted : May 1, 2007 19:05
|
I'm a "part time" system builder myself...
With your credentials I wouldn't think putting together a box would be too difficult at all and everything comes with manuals anyway...
In regards to your question about upgrades, well... people don't normally upgrade their motherboard. Generally speaking there's no point in that unless you wish to upgrade your CPU and your old motherboard doesn't support it/socket has changed.
You can't really keep up with PC technology by constantly upgrading your PC. The manufacturers design it in a way that you'll have no choice but to get a completely new system when generations leap forward.
There is obviously some flexibility with some parts such as adding more RAM, hard drives, PCI and GFX cards, even CPU. But when components jump a generation forward often sockets change and some of your older components may become obsolete.
Let's say for example you bought a new system and a year down the track (even less...) you feel like upgrading your CPU to the latest fastest one. Most likely you wouldn't be able to do that with your current motherboard so you'll need to upgrade that as well. Also RAM speeds may have changed at that point too. Your older RAM may still work with the new CPU and motherboard however it will hold your system back and you'll need to upgrade that as well...
Just get a machine and when you want to upgrade do your research and see which of your existing components can stay and which need to go
vstDOG.
|
|
|
|
subconsciousmind
SCM
Started Topics :
37
Posts :
1033
Posted : May 1, 2007 19:12
|
building one yourself is very easy.
actually there is nothing which can be put into the wrong place. all cables are only fitting where they should... so it's a bit like a puzzle.
Upgrading motherboards isn't usual, I agree. It's also unhandy with the drivers and windows.
I think at the moment, with the LGA775 socket it makes sense with upgrading the CPU since even the Quadcores are using that one. So if you buy a motherboard with LGA775 socket now, it will least relatively long to be upgradable.
Especially if you go for a cheap Pentium D or Celeron and then later for a core2duo or even quadcore.
Most of my music for you to download at:
http://www.subconsciousmind.ch |
|
|
|
Kane
IsraTrance Junior Member
Started Topics :
23
Posts :
1772
Posted : May 1, 2007 22:02
|
Quote:
|
On 2007-04-28 01:03, Heathen wrote:
What I want: a home computer to try my hand at recording some psy. I have no previous computer recording experience. Looking to try with a minimal investment.
I am offered the following for $300 USD. Good deal or no?
P4 2.7GHz computer
PC is running XP Pro SP2.
There is a DVD Player and CDRW packaged with this system.
NEW Western Digital 7200 133, 40 gb hard drive and 512 mb of DDR ram.
Office 2003, Nero 7, Photo Shop CS2, Macromedia Suite
Music Programs: SONAR 4 (CAKEWALK), CUBASE LE, SONY SOUND FORGE 8, SONY ACID PRO 5, Native instruments: Kontakt 2
|
|
sounds good, but if possible mess around with it for a little first..run the sound programs and see how much it can handle
other than the processor it sounds pretty close to mine.. |
|
|
|
Heathen
Started Topics :
5
Posts :
51
Posted : May 3, 2007 17:12
|
Thanks for the help everyone!
I am going to do some more research and become a bit more familiar with some terms and devices.
|
|
|
|
