Windows 7 - Need advice on new system upgrade

hey all,

I don't post here very often, but I really need some advice on a new system configuration I was looking at, as my PC is at that point in its life where it's time to put it to sleep.

A friend of mine who works in IT says ASRock systems are pretty awesome, and that many of his coworkers use them. They look pretty decent, and I was considering getting one myself since I'm due for a new system.

I'm out of tune with the newest processors and graphics card, and what would actually be considered a high-end system. I do video recording, some gaming, music/photos, etc.; all the stuff that would require a decent system. Would the link below be sufficient for today's standards?

I appreciate any help.

ASRock Vision 3D 252B Intel Core i5 2520M Intel HM65 none 1 x HDMI Remote Control Barebone

ASRock Homepage

Evo,

I suppose its all in on how much money you are willing to spend. It is usually cheapest to purchase individual parts or "package deals" of parts and assemble them yourself, but that computer doesn't look shabby.

Yes, I agree about building your own, and I swore I would do it, but I guess I'm desperate for something new and in my hands ASAP :P

That system uses the mobile version of Intel's Sandy Bridge processor.

Is there any reason you need the mobile version?

Is there any reason you need to deviate from a standard mid-tower ATX or micro-ATX computer?

Look here for CPU benchmarks:

PassMark Intel vs AMD CPU Benchmarks - High End

You will see there that the CPU on that machine (2520M) scores 3578.

That compares to 6156 for an Intel 2400 (not a mobile processor).

The Asrock may have good build quality--I have no idea---but I would think that you could do better for $1000.

I assume you have no intention of building your own. I would at least go to HP or Dell websites and see what you can come up with for the same money.

If you were building your own, here is a list of rough prices that would offer superior performance:

Intel i5-2500: 210

Asus, Gigabyte, or Intel motherboard, with H67 or Z68 chipset: 150

8 GB RAM: 50

Decent case: 70

Good mid-power high quality power supply: 80

Western Digital Caviar Blue 750 GB hard drive: 120

That's 680 and includes on-processor graphics.

Toss in 100 or 150 for a mid-range video card if you want. It would still be about 180 less than the Asrock.

Do some homework and at least consider other builders.