Getting a new PC unit

#49311Tue 15/04/08 11:54

I'm thinking of getting myself a new PC base unit (I don't want monitors or keyboards etc - I just want the base unit itself) but really don't know much about them and would welcome some pointers as to what I should opt for.

My current system is increasingly slow and I'm fearful it's about to die on me. It's crashed three times over the past few days, altho I've restored to a point from last Friday (or thereabouts) and (touch wood) it seems to have fixed that problem. But I dunno how long it may last for. I really can't afford to do without my PC (not that I spend very much time on it these days but I need it for my work on at least a weekly basis). I've backed up the important files off it anyway so if it does decide to die at least I'll have the data I need.

Anyway, can anybody give me some pointers as to what I should look for?

I'd prefer to continue using Windows XP, and I want it to be able to burn DVDs and CDs. Ideally it should do everything faster than my current system does, and probably have a bigger hard drive (my current system is 40GB). I don't know whether to go for an intel-based system or an amd-based system?

I expect I'll have to give more info about my current system but if necessary you'll have to ask me specific questions and (probably) tell me where to find the answers!

Oh, and I don't want to be spending a vast amount of money either - up to £300? I dunno?...

johnandsurajTue 15/04/08 12:01

Have a peek at a company called ARIA www.aria.co.uk Ive bought from them and recommend them. Another bonus is if either you ar if you know someone who can build you one, they do some very nice 'barebones' PC's that are very cheap, this way you would get more bang for your bucks

satyr_zaTue 15/04/08 12:03

you should be able to do that with dell as well

johnandsurajTue 15/04/08 12:04

http://www.aria.co.uk/Products/Systems/AriaNet/Fujitsu+E600+Intel+P4+2.8GHz+Slimline+PC+?productId=30850

Cheap enough????

http://www.aria.co.uk/Products/Systems/AriaNet/eSys+2140XPP+Intel+DualCore+PC+with+Windows+XP+Pro+?productId=30033

finalfrontier1976Tue 15/04/08 12:05

I bought an ex display dual core etc etc base unit from PC World just before xmas (literally just before) to replace mine that died. It did come with a mouse and keyboard but I binned them. It had on it a valid Vista code but I downgraded back to XP with no problems at all. I paid £279 and so far so good.

johnandsurajTue 15/04/08 12:07

quoting > "you should be able to do that with dell as well"

BUT look out for the hidden costs with DELL, i like their kit but some of the add ons are dear, i posted a topic recently on DELL highlighting things like £20 for a standard 2m data lead..etc

mintladdTue 15/04/08 12:20

Try power computing.

www.powerc.com

This is their bottom of the range which starts at £179 -- I clicked the drop downs to add a DVD reader to make it easier to copy DVDs & CDs and clicked the drop down to add Windose XP...

http://www.powerc.com/ps/code=998-1111&act=gpage/1/629-1208261655-4514

I've always been a believer in getting entry level PCs as they do everything an ordinary user needs (i.e. not someone who is a power user playing games or editing video) as you can upgrade when you need it e.g. memory why have 4GB when you can get it in a year or two when you need it?

#49311Tue 15/04/08 12:37

Thanks so far guys. Will take a look at the suggestions on here.

My system went and crashed on me again. And I can't work out why it's doing it - it just seems to be a bit random. Dammit!

cephidTue 15/04/08 13:00

Could be a dodgy power supply, make sure the memory is well-seated, overheating of the processor, processor beginning to fail, software issues?