Curse

makosi · Nov 21, 2011, 03:59 PM // 15:59

Hello people-who-are-tech-savvier-than-I,

I'm planning on buying a new computer around the festive period with the main goal of having a GW2-ready machine. I understand that the system requirements aren't published yet so I won't ask.

I want to avoid those overly commercial companies like PCWorld and Dell as they come with so much baggage and bloatware that I don't want. I've scanned the interwebz a little bit and I came across the item listed below. Before parting with money, I'd greatly appreciate if anybody who is knowledgable could provide any input, critique or suggestions regarding the system.

***Computer***

I'm aware that I'd have to buy the monitor and operating system separately. It's not clear about the power supply either.

What do you think?

Laraja · Nov 21, 2011, 05:24 PM // 17:24

That's actually a very very nice machine and should do GW2 easily as well as any other game you'd like to play. However, whoever built it is not scared to charge you absolutely top dollar. You are getting a nice machine, yes, but no bargain.

I'm building a system with almost the same specs for HALF what they're charging. And as you noted, there is no operating system included in that system, which means you'll have to buy and install Windows 7. That's no big deal, but you'll also have to install some security software (I recommend Bit Defender, please don't buy Norton), and Microsoft office if you use your system for anything other than gaming.

My recommendation is to write down the specs on this computer, go to your local small techie store that repairs computers and talk to them about building you a gaming computer. Most of the time they sell you the hardware at their cost and they make their money on labor.

Oh, I'm pretty sure there's a power supply in there. Also, as a side note, unless you're a super duper duper hard core gamer, you don't need an overclocked system, and unless you plan on storing all your movies/music/photos you probably don't need a 1tb hard drive. So I'm beginning to more and more think this is an expensive, over-built system.

Also, check out this website:

http://www.build-gaming-computers.com/

The forth fly · Nov 21, 2011, 05:59 PM // 17:59

The parts for that pc add up to about £500 with psu,so your paying 170 quid for the build and overclock,get the parts your self then go some local pc shop get them to build it,save your self 100 quid

makosi · Nov 21, 2011, 09:53 PM // 21:53

Major thanks for the above advice.

Thoughts on the following:

-Antivirus: I've been doing fine with free Avast along with Windows Firewall. Is this naive?
-Microsoft Office: I have the 2010 version at hand.
-Power supply: I knew the machine would have one. It just wasn't detailed in the listing.

-HDD: Hard drives have always been too big, IMO. My current HDD is 280GB and I've never used more than 10% of it. I certainly don't need the 1TB.

rb.widow · Nov 22, 2011, 12:36 PM // 12:36

I see your in the UK, you should also check out

www.overclockers.co.uk

and check there pre-built systems too, before buying, even though they do break down's they are very flexible.

Also shop around before buying, ESPICALLY when living in the UK.