Help me buy a new computer

[LondonBroil]

Currently:
2.0GHz, 512MB SDRAM, 40GB HDD, GeForce 3 Ti 200, Windows 2KPro, busted sound card (just went out yesterday).

I don't feel like building my own. I built the one I'm using now and it was such a pain and I'd rather not deal with it. I don't need a monitor, I don't need a printer so all those package deals from the major sites are out.

I want a 2.0-3.0GHz, 512/1G RAM and a decent video card (not one of those cheap integrated ones), XP Home, and at least an 80GB+ HDD. A machine that would play Unreal 2K4 well.

Anyone have any ideas? I'm trying to keep it under $500 if possible.

[1C5]

I would think 512 RAM is way low these days. Dell sometimes has good Christmas sales, I just got a decent Dell with 4Gig RAM for ~$500. (50% off coupon)

[goldtoes]

1GB would be the minimum I would go nowadays.

[BiPolar_Nut]

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1GB would be the minimum I would go nowadays.

[/ QUOTE ]

I agree...in fact, when I first saw this thread, I almost made an OOT/Zoo/BBV'esque comment offering to double the size of OP's hard drive for $350....that'd give him the min specs he wanted (with the possible exception of the games...not sure how well they're running now) and for less then the $400-$500 range he was looking at lol.

Anyway...yeah, If you're buying a new machine, get 1GB minimum (I'm running just fine on 256MB, believe it or not...on a 4 yr old desktop running win2k, optimized as much as possible, kept clean, and only used for general communication/browsing/occasional poker or multi-player BJ tourneys and sports wagering....no serious games).

I forget what all else you've typed in the OP....been a long (but awesome) day.

Edit: I reread the OP. Are you flat out replacing the computer? (no need for old one?) If so, you could prolly keep you case, cd/floppy/dvd etc....basically just swap out the oh...wait...you didn't want to build one. nm.

Go for a Core 2 Duo if you can in your price range...I haven't priced systems in a while, but saw someone get a 50% off Dell coupon the other day (I think in Canada...but 50% off could be worth renting a Canadian mailbox and paying the extra shipping from there to wherever you are lol)

The best deals are typically around inventory time (Jan/Feb) if you can wait, but if not then you should be able to snag a good xmas deal on a pre-built.

Sorry no specific recommendations.

[goldtoes]

[ QUOTE ]
been a long (but awesome) day.

[/ QUOTE ]

Dare I steal this thread by asking??

[BiPolar_Nut]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
been a long (but awesome) day.

[/ QUOTE ]

Dare I steal this thread by asking??

[/ QUOTE ]

No. I talk too much as it is lol.

[goldtoes]

[ QUOTE ]
No. I talk too much as it is lol.

[/ QUOTE ]

TRUE haha