thumbelina19

So I have been looking to update my Iceage PC for some time now, and I think I have found something suitable, finally!

The specs look like this:
Meridian ST18
•Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium (Free upgrade to Windows 7 yay!)
•Intel Core 4 Quad Q9550 Processor
•8192MB Corsair DDR II Memory
•1000GB SATA II Seagate Ultra Fast Hard Disk Space
•nVidia GeForce 9500GT 1024MB Performance Graphics
•7.1 High Definition Surround Sound
•Intel Deluxe Motherboard
•Multi Format Memory Card Reader
•NEC 7200 Multi Format DVD/CD ReWriter
•10/100/1000 Ethernet LAN
•12 x USB2 Ports
•Firewire
•12 Month Classic Warranty
•Microsoft Office 60 Day Trial
•Microsoft Windows Live Essentials
£575

Or alternatively http://www.cube247.co.uk/?customise=21 For a little cheaper

I am mainly using my computer for photoshop, video editing and gaming. The only game I have issues with on my current PC is WoW, averaging 2 FPS in a 25 man (Yes, 2 )

I'm pretty confident the above specification is good for what I need, but any more experienced input would be appreciated, or even just experience with the website :)

Thank you in advance!

koala

Hi, welcome to TSF

You won't need 8gb RAM for games, but it will be useful for image and video editing if you're working with large files. Just make sure you install a 64bit operating system, otherwise you'll only be able to use 3.5gb of the 8gb.

If you're just using Photoshop for small images (not multi-layered), and your videos are for youtube (ie. not professional), you could easily get by with 4gb. I do media editing and gaming with just 2gb, and Task Manager shows there's plenty to spare.

The 9500GT is in the low-medium range for modern gaming cards. If it's within your budget, I would recommend going for a better graphics card if gaming is a priority.

What size is your monitor? The graphics card only needs 1024mb video memory (VRAM) if you're playing at very high resolutions (over approx 1920x1200) with the texture settings on maximum. Most people use 512mb cards, which are slightly cheaper and give exactly the same framerates and performance as 1024mb cards.

Phædrus2401

That isn't what I'd call a great gaming computer. It's got a quad core processor, which will work for games but isn't ideal, and 8GB of RAM which is completely unnecessary. The graphics card, a 9500GT, will play most games on only medium settings, low settings if you use a high resolution monitor. The price is decent for the hardware you get, but it's what I call a "Number Queen"--it puts big numbers in front of all the "GHz" and "GB" and "MB", but gives you a wimpy graphics card and a crap power supply.

Try looking here for ideas: Want to Build A New Intel or AMD Computer? Here are 6 suggested models with Spec
For electronics parts the pound will pay 2:3 or 4:5 with the USD. Ebuyer.com is a good place to shop in the UK.

thumbelina19

Thanks for the replies! 8gb of RAM seemed like overkill to me too

It is all just recreational stuff, yes :)

My monitor is a LG Flatron F900P, 19". (vga)

I could go with the cheaper one and upgrade the graphics card eventually perhaps. I don't have loads to spend on it atm, so just looking for reasonable bang for buck

What kind of PSU should you have for something like this?

koala

Your link to cube247 shows 'No Upgrade' for all the parts. Is that correct or is it different when you view it?

Going on the specs listed in your link, you could upgrade the graphics card to a Radeon HD4850 for an extra £60. This would allow you to play any currently available games at high settings with good framerates.

They offer 2 PSU upgrade options. Don't bother with the 800W Silent as it's a low quality unit. The Corsair for an extra £70 is the one we usually recommend for gaming computers. It's probably the 650W model, which is very good, but give them a call for more details before buying.

thumbelina19

Nope I can upgrade/alter every feature of it.

I will give them a ring tonight I think =) Is it even worth getting 32 bit Vista? Or just not with 8gb ram.

koala

As you'll only be using Vista until the end of October, when Windows 7 is released, I don't think it really matters which version you go for. Check with the supplier to see if the 32 and 64 bit versions both qualify for the free upgrade to Win7. Sorry I don't have more details, I skipped Vista and am now using XP and the pre-release Windows 7.

32 bit versions of Windows (XP, Vista and 7) only recognise 3.5gb RAM maximum, but you can still install 8gb and use it fully when you install a 64 bit operating system.

greenbrucelee

I agree with Koala on the PSU go for the cosair PSU and if you want good graphics look at a better graphics card.

Tyree

No need to mess the the trial of MS Office. Open Office is free:http://www.openoffice.org/

Dacads

Hello, I'm from the UK.
I'll advise you buy from reputable companies such as Arbico and Overclockers.
http://www.arbico.co.uk/Arbico-CD-84...C-p-18359.html
Upgrade the graphics and psu
Alternatively this AMD system, make sure you choose an OS which comes with windows 7 upgrade voucher.
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showpr...d=1445&subcat=

thumbelina19

Thanks for those links =)
Doesn't look like the first comes with a Windows 7 upgrade, so looking at the 2nd atm! Wouldn't it be best to get quad core now though, as a way of future proofing it?
Hehe sorry, I have so many questions!

greenbrucelee

iff your building a gaming comp then a core 2 duo will do you fine. Not many games use two cores let alone 4.

4 cores is really only worth it for things like video editing and such.

The best core 2 duo cpus to get are the E8400 E0 stepping 3GHz, E8500 (same stepping) and E8600 but the best bang for your buck is E8400 and if your into overclocking it will do it very well.

thumbelina19

I have 1 last question I think :)
How can you tell what type of OS (32/64bit) your processor supports?

I think I'm getting:

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showpr...d=1444&subcat=

But I'm not sure if the processor can use 64 bit, which I'd obviously prefer :)

koala

You can use either a 32 or 64 bit OS with the Quad Q8400. I have a 64 bit dual core CPU and am running 32 bit XP and 64 bit Win7 on it.