Solved Best computer for a value of £600 to £650

[Faceofjoe421]

So if I successfully set up this £550 computer with 64GB Crucial SSD, 32GB of RAM, i7 Processor, and the stock GFX card, will it be able to run games smoothly?

 

[ignatzatsonic]

As near as I can see, it has no "stock GFX card".

It seems to be sold without a graphics card.

The graphics are built into the 2600K processor--eg Intel HD 3000.

You can google around for what games that will run. It's equivalent to a mid level gaming card.

You can later upgrade to a standalone graphics card as you see fit.

You don't need more than 4 GB of RAM to yank around a game.

 

[Faceofjoe421]

Just had a look at Blackvipers Service Pack 1 Windows 7 Services Guide, looks like he has Barebone in that Guide, might need to check that out .

 

[ignatzatsonic]

Blackviper is now selling PCs??

What's the link?

You are best advised to try to restrain yourself regarding his recommendations about services.

 

[Faceofjoe421]

Blackviper is now selling PCs??

What's the link?

You are best advised to try to restrain yourself regarding his recommendations about services.

Black Viper’s Windows 7 Service Pack 1 Service Configurations | Black Viper's Website | www.blackviper.com

No he has just got a Service Setup for Blackbone.

 

[Faceofjoe421]

Ok, so my Mum asked if I wanted to buy it now; at first she kept saying it's a scam, I got through that part: but as it does not include a monitor, keyboard or mouse, that discouraged her, I haven't even told her I need a £70 SSD yet :S

 

[Faceofjoe421]

After some more research, I found out I have a 3.5" bay, but the SSD is 2.5", firstly where can I find the Drive Bay, secondly how will I use the 2.5" adapter to 3.5", so confused here.

 

[essenbe]

the 3.5" adapter is to make the SSD the same size as your drive bay so it will fit. Once you put the SSD in the adapter it will be 3.5" and will fit in a 3.5" hard drive bay.

 

[Faceofjoe421]

the 3.5" adapter is to make the SSD the same size as your drive bay so it will fit. Once you put the SSD in the adapter it will be 3.5" and will fit in a 3.5" hard drive bay.

Any tutorials on how to fit the adapter in?

What tools will I need to open the case?

 

[theog]

You can use those as a base.
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/67662-sata-hard-drive-how-install-setup.html
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/67882-sata-dvd-cd-drive-how-install.html

 

[Faceofjoe421]

I have chosen to get this one instead:

Zoostorm Desktop PC - Desktops | Ebuyer.com

It has the same process, but the other one has 3.8Ghz instead of 3.4, and another thing is this completely upgradable, or shall I just get a new case in the near future?

Cheers Joe.

 

[ignatzatsonic]

It doesn't have the same processor. It's a 2600 rather than a 2600K. There is a difference.

And I don't see any details about the motherboard type or brand. I wouldn't even consider that PC without knowing more about the motherboard.


That case is noticeably smaller than the Novatech case. Without more details, I would be suspicious it would be cramped and may not have a good layout inside. I can't see any details of the fans or bays.

It may be a micro ATX motherboard and case--which I would probably avoid, given your ideas about upgrading different parts.

Does that motherboard have 4 slots for RAM??

You normally get inside a case with a Phillips screwdriver, but you can change over to thumbscrews and then get in without a tool at all.

The SSD adapter probably screws onto the sides of the SSD, effectively making it 3.5 inches wide rather than 2.5 inches wide--so it will then be attachable to the 3.5 inch drive bay with standard length screws.

 

[Faceofjoe421]

I just want a really good computer (in speed and performance) for £600 now, so later, I get a good case, and swap the 1TB HDD to it, and install an SSD too with the OS on along with each part and upgrade one by one.

These are the final specs I would love.

- Any sort of GFX card (Minecraft is a pixel game do does not require much)
- 1TB HDD for Data, 64 GB SSD for OS.
- Good case (Phantom NXZT) for example.
- i7-2600(k) Processor
- 32/64GB Ram
- Powerful enough fans/PSU.

Cheers Joe.

 

[ignatzatsonic]

I just want a really good computer (in speed and performance) for £600 now, so later, I get a good case, and swap the 1TB HDD to it, and install an SSD too with the OS on along with each part and upgrade one by one.

These are the final specs I would love.

- Any sort of GFX card (Minecraft is a pixel game do does not require much)
- 1TB HDD for Data, 64 GB SSD for OS.
- Good case (Phantom NXZT) for example.
- i7-2600(k) Processor
- 32/64GB Ram
- Powerful enough fans/PSU.

Cheers Joe.

Keep looking or go to a local builder. Ideally a local builder who will assemble your chosen parts.

If you want a particular case, you are almost certain to require a local builder or build it yourself.

The Novatech is closer to those specs than the most recent one you found.

You might add a motherboard to your above list of parts.

 

[Faceofjoe421]

What about this one?

ACER X3990/I7.Computer Base Units at Comet

Link may not work (Mobile iPhone Version)

Or this one, and get an i7-2600 Processor later, along with a SSD, and 32 GB Ram?

http://www.novatech.co.uk/pc/range/irushpro.html

As long as I can get this processor for the iRush Pro
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/cr/B004FA8NOQ/ref=aw_d_cr_computers

 

[ignatzatsonic]

I wouldn't buy an Acer. Dell is superior. I have heard too many bad stories about Acer support. Anyway, it is a 2600 not a 2600K. You know nothing about the Acer motherboard or case other than the H61 chipset, which is outdated compared to H67, P67, and Z68.

The Novatech has a 2500K processor. You would be a fool to upgrade from a 2500K to a 2600K. There is little difference between them. If you want a 2600K, get it to start with rather than upgrading to it from a 2500K.

This Novatech with the 2500K also has a micro ATX motherboard and would not have several PCI slots that you might need if you plan to get involved in upgrading. In such a case, you might wish you had a full ATX motherboard rather than a micro ATX.

The best PC you have located so far is the original Novatech with the 2600K.

 

[Faceofjoe421]

I can't get the Hard Drive separately at first, so I think I will either get the iRush Pro, get 32GB Ram, and an SSD OR get this:

Dell Mobile - Dell XPS 8300 Media Desktop — Reviews, Specifications & More | Dell UK

With a SSD upgrade, RAM, and case upgrade.

 

[ignatzatsonic]

If you get the Dell, you may be faced with the PSU issues mentioned earlier in this thread---non-compatibility due to proprietary connections, either on the PSU, motherboard, or front panel.

From what you have listed so far, I would go with Novatech, a mid-tower ATX case, a full ATX motherboard, and 8 GB RAM to start with.

I wouldn't plan on upgrading a case. Stay with the case you buy for a while. If it is a poor or a non-standard case, you shouldn't buy it to begin with.

Spend your money on SSD, more RAM as you need it, and monitor.

You will probably only have 4 memory slots. That points to 16 GB RAM max for most budgets--8 GB RAM sticks are going to be rare and expensive.

Pay attention to the motherboard chipset. Due to budget, you may not want to get in a situation where you MUST buy a separate videocard. For instance, I don't think you can use the integrated graphics on a 2500K or 2600K on a motherboard with a P67 chipset--you would have to buy a separate video card. Or use an H67 or Z68 chipset. You should have other members confirm this, but that is my recollection.

If you don't intend to overclock, there is no particular reason to get a K processor rather than a non-K. You could use a 2500 or 2600 and use the integrated graphics with an H 67 chipset.

 

[Faceofjoe421]

If you get the Dell, you may be faced with the PSU issues mentioned earlier in this thread---non-compatibility due to proprietary connections, either on the PSU, motherboard, or front panel.

From what you have listed so far, I would go with Novatech, a mid-tower ATX case, a full ATX motherboard, and 8 GB RAM to start with.

I wouldn't plan on upgrading a case. Stay with the case you buy for a while. If it is a poor or a non-standard case, you shouldn't buy it to begin with.

Spend your money on SSD, more RAM as you need it, and monitor.

You will probably only have 4 memory slots. That points to 16 GB RAM max for most budgets--8 GB RAM sticks are going to be rare and expensive.

Pay attention to the motherboard chipset. Due to budget, you may not want to get in a situation where you MUST buy a separate videocard. For instance, I don't think you can use the integrated graphics on a 2500K or 2600K on a motherboard with a P67 chipset--you would have to buy a separate video card. Or use an H67 or Z68 chipset. You should have other members confirm this, but that is my recollection.

If you don't intend to overclock, there is no particular reason to get a K processor rather than a non-K. You could use a 2500 or 2600 and use the integrated graphics with an H 67 chipset.

Wow, 8GB ram costs 100 pounds a piece, I have chosen a £50 monitor and will be getting a SSD, I would like to overclock but I am worried about overheating

 

[ignatzatsonic]

You are almost certainly overestimating your need for RAM. 8 is plenty for nearly everyone and only an extreme case (not you) would need more than 16. I have 4 and have no need for even 8.

Overclocking is relatively easy with the 2500k or 2600k. Heat issues are controllable by upgrading to a new CPU cooler and possibly different case fans. Think about overclocking after you have the thing a while and have your SSD.