PC Build

[Pwnzilla]

The GPU is the weakest component for both the Gateway and the HP systems. Proverbially the GPU is the weakest link in a pre-built budget box and regardless of how fast your CPU is or how much RAM you have, if the GPU doesn't have the cojones to run a game you're screwed. It is usually difficult to upgrade the GPU on a budget box as well as they usually are specced with a power supply that is just sufficient to run the system as purchased. If you do go the HP route I would recommend this configuration over the previous one that I just slapped together:

HP Pavilion Elite d5000z ATX series
Operating system Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium with Service Pack 1 (64-bit)
Processor AMD Phenom(TM) 9550 quad-core processor (2.2GHz)
Memory 3GB DDR2-800MHz dual channel SDRAM (2x1024,2x512)
Graphics Card 1GB NVIDIA GeForce 9800GT, 2 DVI, HDMI adapter
Hard Drive 500GB 7200 rpm SATA 3Gb/s hard drive
Primary CD/DVD Drive LightScribe 16X max. DVD+/-R/RW SuperMulti drive
Front Productivity Ports 15-in-1 memory card reader, 2 USB, 1394, audio
Sound Card Integrated 7.1 channel sound w/front audio ports
Security Software Norton Internet Security(TM) 2008 - 15 month
Productivity Software Microsoft(R) Works 9.0
Speakers HP stereo speakers (2.0)
Keyboard and Mouse HP keyboard and HP optical mouse
Monitor HP w1907 19" LCD Wide Flat Panel Monitor
Total: $1,359.99

Changes cut 1Gb of RAM and the subwoofer, but adds a "real" gaming GPU that is capable of running any game out right now and the foreseeable future.

The price is a bit more, but if you're laying out $1200 for a new PC, it makes fiscal sense to go another $100 and get something that will not cause you frustration when it won't run applications right after you buy it. You could shave another $40 off the price by opting for the 17" LCD but the extra visual real estate a 19" adds is easily worth that additional cost.

[Swag]

Originally Posted by Pwnzilla

The GPU is the weakest component for both the Gateway and the HP systems. Proverbially the GPU is the weakest link in a pre-built budget box and regardless of how fast your CPU is or how much RAM you have, if the GPU doesn't have the cojones to run a game you're screwed. It is usually difficult to upgrade the GPU on a budget box as well as they usually are specced with a power supply that is just sufficient to run the system as purchased. If you do go the HP route I would recommend this configuration over the previous one that I just slapped together:

HP Pavilion Elite d5000z ATX series
Operating system Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium with Service Pack 1 (64-bit)
Processor AMD Phenom(TM) 9550 quad-core processor (2.2GHz)
Memory 3GB DDR2-800MHz dual channel SDRAM (2x1024,2x512)
Graphics Card 1GB NVIDIA GeForce 9800GT, 2 DVI, HDMI adapter
Hard Drive 500GB 7200 rpm SATA 3Gb/s hard drive
Primary CD/DVD Drive LightScribe 16X max. DVD+/-R/RW SuperMulti drive
Front Productivity Ports 15-in-1 memory card reader, 2 USB, 1394, audio
Sound Card Integrated 7.1 channel sound w/front audio ports
Security Software Norton Internet Security(TM) 2008 - 15 month
Productivity Software Microsoft(R) Works 9.0
Speakers HP stereo speakers (2.0)
Keyboard and Mouse HP keyboard and HP optical mouse
Monitor HP w1907 19" LCD Wide Flat Panel Monitor
Total: $1,359.99

Changes cut 1Gb of RAM and the subwoofer, but adds a "real" gaming GPU that is capable of running any game out right now and the foreseeable future.

The price is a bit more, but if you're laying out $1200 for a new PC, it makes fiscal sense to go another $100 and get something that will not cause you frustration when it won't run applications right after you buy it. You could shave another $40 off the price by opting for the 17" LCD but the extra visual real estate a 19" adds is easily worth that additional cost.

so would this computer be better than the one pedro listed?

[Pwnzilla]

In gaming performance, yes. In some other applications the Gateway model will perform better due to the CPU.

The Gateway has a somewhat better CPU, they are equal in performance for RAM, hard drive, optical drive, media reader, but the 8600GT video card on the Gateway system is entry level gaming performance. The 9800GT card on that HP system will easily run rings around it. Gateway is a good brand and the system is fundamentally sound, it's just neutered in gaming performance with that 8600GT GPU.

Another option is this model by Gateway....
Gateway Official Site: Store - FX541X, Desktops, Product Details

Same solid core, but with an acceptable gaming GPU in the 8800GT. Of course, the price is a good bit higher than the HP even without a monitor. So, if I were in your position I would opt for the HP system with the 9800GT GPU.

[Swag]

yea thats what I am going to do

[Swag]

well now since i have found the pc I want now comes the hard part making the $$$

[Atmat]

Originally Posted by Swag

well now since i have found the pc I want now comes the hard part making the $$$

you found a way to make money `? sell your blood or other thinks like that ;P(dont want to get into detail) to earn some extra cash.

[Swag]

CPU: Intel E7200
GPU: Nvidia 8800GT 512
RAM: 4GB DDR2 800
Mobo: Gigabyte GA-EP35-DS3L
PSU: Corsair VX550
HD: 250-320 GB Sata II, 7200 RPM, from Samsung, Western Digital or Seagate.
DVD: Samsung S203D
Case: Cooler Master Centurion 5

Estimated prices: US - $725 | UK - £504 | CAN - $755 | DK - 4600 | NL - €660

OK I found this build and its pretty cheap and I think my parents would let me build something for this price. My question to you guys is Will this pc outperform the HP

[Pwnzilla]

Performance would be close enough between them for the differences to be insignificant.