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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,047
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,047 |
I purchased an HP P7-125 about a month ago. This accelerated APU just came out in JUNE. Has one dvi and one SVGA outputs. This new model of CPU, now named APU has ATI graphics and other parts all built into the "APU" Benchmark about 6000 on MY pc itself. Very happy with graphics quality. Ya gotta keep in mind the newer "factory builts" have different slots in them. Side note the "BEATS AUDIO" onboard sound is outstanding for onboard. The P7-1240 is a tad faster for about 50 bucks more. http://www.walmart.com/ip/HP-Pavilion-P7...or-Not/20977049Some of these Deals places might beat the price. I've been extremely happy with Uncle wally on their warranties thru the years. As it now stands I do not any more "Extras". Main negative for you is no HDMI. I did add a switch and watch streaming on my TV beside the bed. Excellent picture thru the SVGA port. If you a gamer these two above are excellent(for the money), with the 1240 having faster graphics. BTW, I have not connections with HP or WALLY, just a fan. Also with WALLY you always have the return to store within 90 days, even for online purchases. Good luck, tough decisions, and am happy with my 1235 unit. BIAB rendering is very fast. I spend about 6 months shopping, reviewing etc, and for the price great unit.
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Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 901
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OP
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Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 901 |
Carkins,
I'm a big fan of Asus. I built my own desktop with components several years ago and it was reliable. I wanted something more compact on my computer desk now because I have it in my piano room with my new Yamaha grand and wanted to streamline everything in there.
This Asus All in One is wonderful. I have called the Asus Tech support and gotten better service than any other support call I have made in the last several years. You get a person on line quickly that is knowledgable and works with you. They walked me through my problem. I just was unluckly with the first installation and didn't have a back up soon enough in the setup.
My system is now working beautifully. Go Asus!!!
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Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 1,492
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Expert
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 1,492 |
Well, yes:
1. Create an Excel table with all the specs you want/need.
2. Go to the internet, search for some dealers
3. Configure several desktop computers according to your dreams.
4. Don't buy cheap or bargain computers, they're (mostly) cheap.
Hint, at first with an i7-2x00 (or i5-2x00) processor and the appropriate mainboard you don't need
a graphics card nor a sound card. That saves money in the first place. You still may add the components later. These processors (code name: Sandy Bridge) are already less expensive than their successor with the code name Ivy Bridge.
Working with photoshop requires lots of RAM. This should be a factor in selcting the mainboard. The ix-2500/2600 processors are sufficiently fast for your tasks (4x 3.3/3.4 GHz) even for a longer period of time.
As I wrote in another post: at least Win7 Professional, the limits of RAM are 192 GB. You probably won't get a mainboard capable of hosting that much RAM in your price range, but any other mainboard with a capacity of more than 16 GB should be a choice.
I have an i7-2600k processor (estimate $300) on an ASUS P8Z68-V PRO mainboard (estimate $220).
An last point: Select the right power supply unit. The extreme cheap ones usually may end as an incendiary composition.
Desktop; i7-2600k, 8 GB mem., Win 10 Pro, BIAB 2017; RB 2017 - latest build
Laptop: i5-2410M, 4 GB mem, Win 10 Pro, BIAB 2017; RB 2017 - latest build
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Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 349
Journeyman
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Journeyman
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 349 |
Thanks for the good advice.
I ordered a Lenovo last week before reading the suggestions here and when it arrived I realized there was only one video plug and I need at least 2 for my dual monitor/hd tv setup.
So it's headed back to Amazon today.
Guess I assumed all new computers had at least 2 since that's what my 9 yr old Dell has.
Once again "assuming" bit me in the you know what.
Definitely need to do my homework more carefully and do very much appreciate all suggestions.
Lots to juggle when it comes to wants, needs, my budget and of course the weight of the various reviews and suggestions.
Easy to get corn fused.
One more question:
How important is the type of graphics/video card when it comes to watching online movies and videos?
Do I definitely need a separate graphics card?
I'm not into online or offline gaming but may get a 3D 1080 TV sometime down the road to use as an additional monitor if that matters.
Is there a minimum requirement?
Thanks again for all the input.
Have a great one,
Carkins
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,047
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,047 |
The HP machine I mentioned above does not need a special graphics card.
DVI and SVGA are standard in the unit. On my system the quality of picture
was better than the NVIDIA PNY 9600GT had in other PC.
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Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,251
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Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,251 |
Frank, Quote:
The HP machine I mentioned above does not need a special graphics card.
Built in graphics on the MOBO doesn't necessarily mean you don't need a graphics card. It depends on what you're doing with the PC.
The same as having built in sound doesn't mean you don't need an interior or exterior sound card.
If you just want to surf the web, make office documents and watch YouTube, most of what you can get at WalMart will work.
If you want to do anything more than that, you need to do a little, (or a lot), of research.
"Off the shelf" computers will only satisfy the casual user.
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Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,251
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Joined: Oct 2007
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Carkins, Here’s the only recommendations I’ll make for now. Start a new thread with a list of ALL of your requirements and what you want at the present. Since you’ve already had to send one back because: Quote:
I realized there was only one video plug and I need at least 2 for my dual monitor/hd tv setup.
… that means that almost ALL off the shelf computers aren’t going to work for you. That also means that you probably need a dedicated video card.
Also make a list of everything you THINK you might want to use it for in the next 5 years.
Ordering a “custom built” PC doesn’t mean you’ll pay through the nose. It just means you’ll pay for the components you select from a list.
Look at the MOBO in particular and also the video card since you have needs in that area. Forget about most of the "name brands" you see at Best Buy, WalMart, Amazon or any other "store".
In almost all cases, forget about local custom shops. They'll try to push whatever they're trying to get rid of today.
Order it online from a company that builds them to spec.
If video is your most important need, pick a gaming company.
If audio is your most important need, choose accordingly based on playback or recording.
That's the end of my recomendations for now. 
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Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 349
Journeyman
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Journeyman
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 349 |
Will take Bob's suggestion and start a new thread with my specific requirements to see what others have to say.
These forums are a wealth of much appreciated knowledge.
Thanks for sharing.
Carkins
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Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.
ChatPG's knowledge base includes the full Band-in-a-Box User Manual and sales information from the website.
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