Topic: Check this

[charlie]

So my dad is buying a computer. Here's what he sent me. He wants to know if there is anything missing. Neither one of us know much about configuring good computers.

I'm wondering why he needs the wireless G USB adapter since he already has something built-in.

Other than that, any thoughts?

• Windows Vista Ultimate (64-bit)
• Intel(R) Core(TM) 2 Quad processor Q6600 (2.4GHz)
• 3GB DDR2-667MHz dual channel SDRAM (2x1024,2x512)
• 512MB NVIDIA GeForce 8600GT, TV-out, DVI-I, HDMI
• 500GB RAID 1 (2 x 500GB SATA HDDs) - data security

• Wireless LAN 802.11a/b/g/n & Bluetooth(R )
• LightScribe 16X max. DVD+/-R/RW SuperMulti drive
• 16x max. DVD-ROM
• Front Ports   15-in-1 memory card reader, 2 USB, 1394, video, audio
• ATSC-NTSC TV tuner with PVR, FM tuner, remote
• Integrated 7.1 channel sound w/front audio ports

• Norton Internet Security(TM) 2008 - 15 Months
• Roxio BackUp MyPC 7
• Microsoft(R) Office Home and Student Edition 2007
• Adobe(R) PhotoShop(R) Elements 6.0
• Cyberlink DVD Suite Premium (upgrade)

• HP multimedia keyboard and HP optical mouse
• HP Photosmart C7280 All-in-One
• HP CD-R LightScribe mv1.2 Media (52x, 700MB, 25-pack spindle)
• HP DVD+R LightScribe mv1.2 Media (16x, 4.7GB, 25-pack spindle)
• Linksys Wireless-G USB Adapter
• Premium Stereo Headset

[jkim]

Why would he need wireless for a desktop in the first place?

Looks good though.  How much?

[charlie]

$2,443.93

Why would he need wireless for a desktop in the first place?

True.

[kermi3]

That's a lot of machine

[ober]

I hope he's a gamer... otherwise there is no fucking reason for that beefy of a machine.

[Mike]

3GB DDR2-667MHz dual channel SDRAM (2x1024,2x512)

If you are going to go that far you might as well do 4x1024 and save the hassle of buying 2x1024 and pulling the 512s out later.

And as ober said:  If he ain't gaming then he is wasting money.

[charlie]

You should have seen the $3500 one he showed me last time.

I did recommend going to 4GB.

No, he is not a gamer.

He will be using it a lot as a TV/PVR, a lot of office stuff, working with photos.

To de-beefify it, what would you downgrade?


P.S. Thanks for the opinions!

[ober]

If he's doing PVR/photo stuff, it might not be too overloaded... Eh.. seems like he has money to burn.

[KnuckleBuckett]

I worry about Vista.  I worry more about Vista 64bit.

Otherwise seems like a good solid solution for his needs.

[Mike]

Does he really need 2 quads though?  I really can't see that many threads running that would actually use all 8 cores.  Graphics handling generally does better using a GPU rather then many CPUs.

[KnuckleBuckett]

Does he really need 2 quads though?  I really can't see that many threads running that would actually use all 8 cores.  Graphics handling generally does better using a GPU rather then many CPUs.

I see what you are saying.  Honestly I don't know.  I suspesct you are on target here.

[hans]

It's not 2 quads, only one, it's a Core2 Quad processor. I question the need for a quad core processor unless you're doing really heavy stuff. Normal picture editing I don't think really requires that kind of horsepower. But in respect to the overall price it wouldn't be a significant reduction. Definitely get the 4GB RAM with the 64bit OS you can take advantage of it.

Seems like a killer rig. Way better than anything I've got right now. I'm starting to feel outdated.

I'd swap out Vista for Linux but that's just me. (or try and make a Hackintosh)

[charlie]

My dad takes about 5 minutes to read any and all message boxes that appear on his screen before hitting OK and moving on. I don't think he needs that horsepower either. He's probably thinking that he wants this machine to work for five years-ish, so the extra juice can't hurt and might help later on. I don't think he minds saving money on stuff he doesn't need, though.

Thanks again folks!