New computer purchase

[threehills]

I don't know crap about computers any more, AMD vs Intel, dual vs. qual etc.. (basically, I know RAM =good, Highprocessor speed is good etc, but the differences betweeen the numbers is a foreign language to me. ) So, I was wondering if any of you geeks could have a look at the what I was considering purchasing below and let me know if it seems like a good deal. Also, if you could suggest any upgrades that I may want to think about.

Things I use it for. Illustrator, photoshop, Pron, games, music....
I don't need the best gaming machine out there, I don't play on getting crysis any time soon, but would like to be able to play Civ IV and the likes (which I can't on my current desktop).

For $499

HP Pavilion a6230n GN561AA AMD Desktop Computer This HP Pavilion desktop offers high-performance computing thats ideal for business, home or personal use. It carries an AMD Athlon 64 X2 5600+ 2.8GHz processor, 3GB of DDR2 memory (expandable to 8GB), and a 400GB Serial ATA II hard drive. This PC also features a DVDRW/RAM optical drive with Lightscribe thats great for multimedia entertainment and digital data storage. Add integrated GeForce 6150 SE graphics for great Vista graphics. With the integrated LAN and PCI modem you can get online with dial-up , dsl, or cable modem and have a home network with your other computers. All these features run on Microsoft's Windows Vista Home Premium Edition which gives you the tools to make working with digital photos and video clips fun and convenient.

http://www.buy.com/prod/hp-pavilion-a6230n-gn561aa-amd-desktop-computer-amd-athlon-64-x2-5600/q/loc/101/205611528.html#cRevSec

Was thinking I would add this graphics card just to spruce it up...

http://www.buy.com/retail/product.asp?sku=204105916&loc=101

Thanks!

[beanzncheez]

Re: New computer purchase

I haven't followed the link but you definitely want to upgrade the graphics card on it. 6150 SE is quite bottom of the line for current gaming. It's not awful but you might as well get something mediocre. The other components will be fine for your needs but I usually recommend an Intel processor for those that don't know much about systems and get one of these pre-built machines. The AMD processors are not bad but for someone that doesn't OC, you want more bang for your buck.

[maddlingo]

Re: New computer purchase

I agree with beanz on this one. You will definitely want to get at least a 7800 series graphics card or higher.

[threehills]

Re: New computer purchase

Thanks guys!

[FM]

Re: New computer purchase

the only drawback to this model is the amount of PCI slots should you be looking to upgrade/add cards down the road. If not, then no problems really, sans the video card.

[threehills]

Re: New computer purchase

the only drawback to this model is the amount of PCI slots should you be looking to upgrade/add cards down the road. If not, then no problems really, sans the video card.

Has two PCI slots and two PCI-x listed...does that typically include the one taken up by the graphics card? So I only have one slot available? (assuming I use a normal PCI slot)