[retired_shean]

Yeah, I know there are a million of these threads, so I figured that another one wouldn't make any difference.

Basically, to cut a long story short, i'm going to be moving out in the next couple of weeks, and as I really hate using laptops, i'm taking my current PC (about 3 years old now) with me.

Now, my brother and parents still need a PC (and as will I whenever I go home), so i've been looking for one.

The computer will be used for games, but it doesn't have to be the best computer in the world. Ideally I want something that isn't going to need to be replaced for at least 4 years or so (although, I do intend to change the graphics card in about 2 years or so).

Basically, is this PC any good?

Dell Vostro 400DT

-Intel Core 2 Duo E6750 processor (2.66GHz, 1333MHz, 4MB cache)
-Genuine Windows Vista Business - English
-Base Warranty - 1 Year Business Hardware Support
-Dell 19" Value Wide Flat Panel (E198WFP)
-2048MB 667MHz Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM [2x1024]
-640GB (2x320GB) 7200rpm SATA Hard Drive - Dual HDD Config
-Video Card 256MB nVidia GeForce 8600GT Graphics Card
-16x DVD+/-RW & 16x DVD Drives

So, What do you think of that system?

[retired_eaglepdub]

It should do what you want of it.

[retired_mandyg]

Depends how much it costs.

[retired_shellmac13]

Long story cut short still too boring, was already snoozing by the time I got to the specs. Sorry.

[retired_christy23]

by my reckoning, that should cost around £7-800?

[retired_shean]

Forgot the most important thing /o\

£616.94, inc VAT and delivery.

[retired_christy23]

dell undercutting my markup

[retired_mandyg]

That's a good price but the gfx card is rubbish. Would be tempted to buy it, flog the gfx card and buy either an 8800GTS or a top-end DX9 card.

Moot point though as I wouldn't buy a desktop from Dell.

[retired_shean]

Originally posted by -rudi-:
That's a good price but the gfx card is rubbish. Would be tempted to buy it, flog the gfx card and buy either an 8800GTS or a top-end DX9 card.

Moot point though as I wouldn't buy a desktop from Dell.

Isn't DX10 important though?

I have a 7600GT on my current PC and i'm impressed with it, plays games like Oblivion no problem at all, surely the 8600GT quite a bit better than that?

I could pay an extra £70 for a 8600GTS, but it seems a bit much for such a small model change.

Would this card do ok for a year or two until being replaced? IIRC the computer only has a 300W PSU, so it couldn't really cope with a mega card anyway.

I've had 2 computers from Dell, both have had loads of use and i've not had a single problem from them, so i'd prefer Dell over another manufacturer. Natch, unless an awesome deal is available elsewhere.

[retired_mandyg]

An 8800GTS is at least twice as good as an 8600GT (which is unlikely to be able to play DX10 games with any degree of quality).

I'd pay that extra £70 tbh.