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Posted by nickname on Aug-09-2005 03:59:

first computer

I may be getting a new computer for my birthday, but I am somewhat limited in what i'll be getting. it goes like this, im going to be using it for school (word programs, excel) music (listening, editing, production on a minimal level, right now acid pro) and then some games. price range is from 1100-1200 but probably looking for less. im going to do some customizing with it but i was looking at something like this
http://www.costco.com/Browse/Produc...prodid=11068689

i know an apple would be ideal for the music angle but i dont think that is going to work. just want to hear recommendations and suggestions.
also, what would i have to do to record my mixes onto the computer (any plugs or things i need to get) thanks

Posted by chillsonic on Aug-09-2005 04:22:

yeah man, that's basically what is in my comp (but i run an HP a450n). i am really happy with it and can run all sorts of things. i'd say that's pretty good as far as pre-assembled pcs go. plus, it's from costco; that store takes almost anything back return-wise. i do however, recommend adding another 512 ram stick if you can.

Posted by Chronosis on Aug-09-2005 08:07:

It's best to build it yourself. A custom-made machine with those specs would cost you about 200$ less than that Dell. Plus you pay for only what you need. Get a decent sound card if you're going to record your mixes and make music, Audiophile 24/94 doesn't cost must. Also get 2x 512MB memory sticks instead of 2x 256MB's. And for the display, if you don't need 19", you could save a 100$ buying a 17".

...and imo, it would be better to go for AMD instead of Intel. More power for the same price.

Posted by Jason_R on Aug-09-2005 10:03:

How about one of these?
Can very highly recommend them to anyone.

http://www.carillondirect.com/clnwe...sp?country=null

Posted by trancintaiwan on Aug-09-2005 10:36:

build yourself an amd 64.... just do it

Posted by Alekos on Aug-09-2005 19:52:

Get yourself a Mac G5 or G4

Posted by Chronosis on Aug-09-2005 19:56:

quote:
Originally posted by IKKI-ZUVK
Get yourself a Mac G5 or G4

He doesn't think it's going to work.

Posted by Alekos on Aug-09-2005 20:21:

quote:
Originally posted by Chronosis
He doesn't think it's going to work.

WHAT??
Why would he think that?

Posted by nickname on Aug-10-2005 03:01:

why 512 memory instead of 258, would i notice a large difference, and what if i go up to 1gb instead of 512 cause i know thats offered too. and are flat panels really worth it or am i fine with a crt. thanks

Posted by Nic on Aug-10-2005 05:28:

quote:
Originally posted by nickname
why 512 memory instead of 258, would i notice a large difference, and what if i go up to 1gb instead of 512 cause i know thats offered too. and are flat panels really worth it or am i fine with a crt. thanks

512 is about the minimum you would want in a computer nowdays, 1 gig would be nice too it depends how serious you want to get with audio and how many programs you will run at once.

I hate crts, sure they have their benefits (can run at many different resolutions) but the lcd displays are much smaller lighter and use less power, i also prefer stareing at an lcd all day to a crt

my suggestion is buy a mac

Posted by Chronosis on Aug-10-2005 08:35:

Yeah, by 2x 512MB I meant a total of 1GB instead of a total of 512MB (2x 256MB). It's better to get 2 memory chips if your motherboard supports dual channel memory. With all the memory hungry VST's and 24bit audio files, 1GB is beginning to be the minimum for good perfomance. Same with the latest games.

And LCD's are worth it! The picture is crystal clear, and you won't get a headache even if staring at it all day (there's no constant flickering, like in CRT's). Besides it takes less space and is easy to move around. But if you're on a tight budget, you could buy an used CRT and update later.

Posted by nickname on Aug-11-2005 04:44:

thanks, i didn't know about all that. i appreciate it

Posted by nickname on Aug-13-2005 20:52:

what about connecting my computer to my turntables and mixer, do i do that through my amp or do i connect them to the computer if i want to record mixes? can i even do that?

Posted by mysticalninja on Aug-14-2005 10:53:

plug the line out or headfones jack of ur turntables mixer into the line in of your soundcard. and LCD's suck if your a gamer. they all have low refresh rate and everything gets blurry when you look around too fast. not worth the price unless you goto lan parties or need to move your computer around alot.

Posted by itsamemario on Aug-15-2005 23:04:

get intel imo, p4 3,4 ghz prescott costed me about $100 and is way better than any of my friends amd's.. i also have a MSI 865PE Neo2-V (v-class ) m-board, two sticks of 512 ddr-dimm (400) and a 250 gb + an old 40 gig for system files etc. I had a graphics card + case + psu + dvd burner from my old computer, but can be bought for somehwere around $400.. u dont need a fancy case :P i putted in a audiophile 192, costed me about $115 or something, brilliant sound q.. whole thing costed me around $7-800. that leaves you with 400 for a screen... go crt imo or a 17" flatty.. 19 is not neccesary at all... if u buy a decent and not state of the art, you may also be able to squeeze in a couple of studio monitors as well..

Posted by itsamemario on Aug-15-2005 23:05:

oh and yeah.. apple sucks