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[H]Buying computer

Blogs > TOloseGT
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TOloseGT
Profile Blog Joined April 2007
United States1145 Posts
Last Edited: 2009-06-01 04:39:14
May 31 2009 01:05 GMT
#1
Hi. I was browsing the listings on craigslist and I found this:

Here are some specs:

Windows Vista Ultimate
Intel Core 2 Duo E7300 Processor @ 2.66 Ghz
4 Gigabytes of DDR2 RAM PC2-6400
320 GB Hard Drive
9800GT+ Graphics card with 512 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express – VERY NICE!
500 Watt Power Supply
Keyboard and Mouse
DVD Burner
802.11G Wireless Card
TV Tuner Capture Card

Has Photoshop CS4 installed as well. I can leave it on there, or uninstall it if you want me to.

link: http://denver.craigslist.org/sys/1197349896.html

1) I'm wondering if that is a good price for those parts right now. I will research myself but I want another person's opinion on it.

2) Is it safe to buy off craigslist? I can definitely meet this guy in person and have check the computer out at his place.

Thanks.

EDIT:

This is the list of components I'm leaning towards buying, all from Newegg.

Case:
NZXT Apollo Black SECC Steel Chassis ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - $69.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811146025

Power Supply:
CORSAIR CMPSU-750TX 750W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Compatible with Core i7 Power Supply - $119.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139006

Processor:
Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 Wolfdale 3.0GHz 6MB L2 Cache LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor - $164.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115037

Mobo:
ASUS P5Q Pro LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel Motherboard - $119.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131299

Memory:
1. CORSAIR XMS2 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Desktop Memory - $59.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145241

2. G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - $48.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6820231122

Graphics Card:
1. SAPPHIRE 100265HDMI Radeon HD 4830 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card - $89.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102822

2. XFX PVT98WYDFU GeForce 9800 GTX+ 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - $134.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150341

Hard Drive:
Western Digital Caviar Black WD6401AALS 640GB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive - $74.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136319

CD/DVD Drive:
LITE-ON Black 18X DVD-ROM 48X CD-ROM SATA DVD-ROM Drive Model iHDS118-04 - $19.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827106276

I've checked and double checked and I think these are what I should go for with the price range I set for myself. Any thoughts?

da_head
Profile Blog Joined November 2008
Canada3350 Posts
May 31 2009 01:12 GMT
#2
wow that's a pretty sweet deal. how old is the computer?
When they see MC Probe, all the ladies disrobe.
Lemonwalrus
Profile Blog Joined August 2006
United States5465 Posts
May 31 2009 01:13 GMT
#3
1.) I recently bought a computer that has comparable stats to that for more than he is asking, so I think it sounds about right, imo.

Can't really answer 2 though, sorry.
TOloseGT
Profile Blog Joined April 2007
United States1145 Posts
May 31 2009 01:15 GMT
#4
On May 31 2009 10:12 da_head wrote:
wow that's a pretty sweet deal. how old is the computer?


I called him up and he said he got it last week. I was kind of skeptical at first. He said he had to move somewhere so he needed to get rid of his computer fast.
infinity21 *
Profile Blog Joined October 2006
Canada6683 Posts
May 31 2009 01:16 GMT
#5
if you have a friend who's knowledgeable with computers, take him with you and check out the computer's specs to make sure it's what the guy claims it to be. seems like a good deal to me
Official Entusman #21
Klapdout
Profile Joined August 2007
United States282 Posts
Last Edited: 2009-05-31 01:27:02
May 31 2009 01:23 GMT
#6
its a good deal, though if you buy smart, re-use your windows install+keyboard and mouse you can build a tower with an e8400+gtx 260 for that price, using a quality power supply/mobo, he doesn't list what he used, they may be cheap. Many folks skimp on them to get the best big ticket items they can(cpu/gpu) I'd try to find out what brand/model they are, the fact he doesn't list them is fishy.
TOloseGT
Profile Blog Joined April 2007
United States1145 Posts
May 31 2009 01:26 GMT
#7
On May 31 2009 10:23 Klapdout wrote:
its a good deal, though if you buy smart, re-use your windows install+keyboard and mouse you can build a tower with an e8400+gtx 260 for that price, using a quality power supply/mobo, he doesn't list what he used they may be cheap.


Thank you.

I am really not that computer savvy. I'm in the process of saving up for a decent computer that has a fairly good graphics card.

I'm not sure where I put my Windows XP install disc.
Klapdout
Profile Joined August 2007
United States282 Posts
Last Edited: 2009-05-31 01:40:55
May 31 2009 01:31 GMT
#8
On May 31 2009 10:26 TOloseGT wrote:
Show nested quote +
On May 31 2009 10:23 Klapdout wrote:
its a good deal, though if you buy smart, re-use your windows install+keyboard and mouse you can build a tower with an e8400+gtx 260 for that price, using a quality power supply/mobo, he doesn't list what he used they may be cheap.


Thank you.

I am really not that computer savvy. I'm in the process of saving up for a decent computer that has a fairly good graphics card.

I'm not sure where I put my Windows XP install disc.



Building your own isn't to hard, when I first built my own pc I had no idea what I was doing ;P
I just did some research online and went for it.

If you have your XP product key still, you can just D/L a copy from thepiratebay then call up microsoft and tell them your upgraded your pc, they will re-issue a product key for your new hardware.

you can save a good bit of money building yourself, but if your really not comfortable doing it, the PC in your OP is still really good for $600. It will play crysis on all high, 1680x1050, and pretty much any other game thats out now on max.

I wouldn't buy his monitor though, you can buy one new off newegg for that price
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824116396
21.5" 1080p viewsonic for $180



xmShake
Profile Blog Joined February 2007
United States1100 Posts
May 31 2009 02:33 GMT
#9
Klapdout has the right idea. Building a computer yourself will net you a better build and a skill that can continue you save you money every time you need to buy a new computer or feel the need to upgrade your rig. There are many great guides for assembling a computer for a beginner, and if you need any help selecting part, you can just post here and I, or someone else will surely be able help you.

If you're a bit squeamish, or really lazy its an OK deal for $600. However, that monitor is definitely a bad buy at $160. A good 22" or 21" monitor like Klapdout posted is what you should strive for.
Cambium
Profile Blog Joined June 2004
United States16368 Posts
Last Edited: 2009-05-31 02:58:22
May 31 2009 02:58 GMT
#10
For 600$, you can probably buy something cheaper. e: by "buy", I meant "build"

The fact that he tries to sell a used 19" monitor for 160$ got me suspicious.
When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.
Etherone
Profile Blog Joined November 2008
United States1898 Posts
May 31 2009 03:37 GMT
#11
Build one your self, 600 is better than what you get a pre-built store, but still overpriced.

and considering half the warranties aren't transferable....

also the fact that a no name 500w PSU can fry your system in a few months and there goes your $600

also he doesn't say what case he uses which is a big no no. he should at least mention it even if it's an old spare pc case.
shavingcream66
Profile Blog Joined February 2008
United States1219 Posts
May 31 2009 04:52 GMT
#12
i built a computer for around 600 but it had a core 2 duo E8400 cpu and more hard drive space

but for a pre built computer it's a pretty good deal..although I'm not really sure if buying off craigslist isn't shady or not
Clasic
Profile Blog Joined January 2009
Bosnia-Herzegovina1437 Posts
May 31 2009 05:04 GMT
#13
Omfg. you are so fucking lucky. Buy it for 700 just because he is being nice lol.
No no no no its not mine!
mahnini
Profile Blog Joined October 2005
United States6862 Posts
May 31 2009 05:06 GMT
#14
too expensive. build your own.
the world's a playground. you know that when you're a kid, but somewhere along the way everyone forgets it.
Clasic
Profile Blog Joined January 2009
Bosnia-Herzegovina1437 Posts
May 31 2009 05:20 GMT
#15
On May 31 2009 14:06 mahnini wrote:
too expensive. build your own.


Hmm, you can get all this stuff for 400$
No no no no its not mine!
Vedic
Profile Joined March 2008
United States582 Posts
May 31 2009 05:39 GMT
#16
Overpriced, and that power supply isn't nearly enough.
I tried to commit seppuku, but I accidentally committed bukkake.
Icarus
Profile Blog Joined March 2008
United States105 Posts
May 31 2009 06:16 GMT
#17
I'd also suggest building one on your own. Building the computer itself after getting all of your parts isn't that hard with the manual that comes with the motherboard and the almighty Internet(lol), the only hard part is picking out your parts. I just helped my friend build his today, and it's fun putting it all together, it's exciting :D

Ok, now about the computer you're considering. If you look on the Internet(forums like slickdeals.net) and spend your time looking for good deals on good websites and retailers, you can build that machine for quite a bit less than what it's being sold for. And btw Vedic, that power supply is enough to power to machine, PSU is more than just watts, it's more about the number of rails and the amount of voltage.

If you want to build one... and I have lots of time right now... I'll just go through some basics

Consider what you're gonna use your computer first: gaming, work, just daily use, or a combination of a bit of all three? Depending on what you're going to use your computer for, the priority of your components will vary(i.e. if you're going to game a lot, you'd want to invest in at least a good GPU and a good monitor, more memory/CPU power and a bit more graphics if you're more into the media editing, etc.). But then again, the processors these days are so advanced and have so many features that just getting a very nice CPU(Intel Core i7 *drool*) may already give you a very good foundation for a computer.

Once you plan out your build and your components, it's all down hill from there. Get your OS and other software, buy the components, put it together, and enjoy! If you need help, PM people who responded to this thread or me, or just search on Google and I'm certain you'd find plenty of forums and blogs on the very topic of "how to build a computer".

~| Icarus
TOloseGT
Profile Blog Joined April 2007
United States1145 Posts
May 31 2009 20:41 GMT
#18
After giving this some thought, and from your guys' opinions, I think I will build my own computer.

1) My computer's going to be mainly for gaming, with a dash of AutoCAD/SketchUP and PS.

2) The games I play aren't really graphics intensive at all. WoW, SC, hopefully SC2 when it comes out, D3 when that comes out. L4D when I get bored.

3) I don't want to spend that much on it. I think $500-$700 is enough to keep me satisfied with what I will do with my computer. So that's my limit.

I heard from my friend that summer's really not a great time to buy computer parts, as they likely won't be on sale much. Should I wait till after the "back to school" season to wait for the parts? I'm thinking of buying the computer parts over a series of weeks or months, getting the best deals out of each one.

The only reliable site I know of that sells computer parts is newegg.
TOloseGT
Profile Blog Joined April 2007
United States1145 Posts
May 31 2009 21:39 GMT
#19
What do you guys think about this setup:

Case:
NZXT Apollo Black SECC Steel Chassis ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - $69.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811146025

Power Supply:
Rosewill RP550V2-D-SL 550W ATX12V v2.01 SLI Ready CrossFire Ready Power Supply - $54.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817182030

Processor:
Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 Wolfdale 3.0GHz 6MB L2 Cache LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor - $164.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115037

Processor Cooling:
ZALMAN 9500A 92mm 2 Ball CPU Cooler - $44.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835118223

Mobo:
ASUS P5E3 PREMIUM/WIFI-AP @n LGA 775 Intel X48 ATX Intel Motherboard - $239.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131276

Memory:
CORSAIR XMS2 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Desktop Memory -

$59.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145241

Graphics Card:
SAPPHIRE 100265HDMI Radeon HD 4830 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready

CrossFire Supported Video Card - $89.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102822

Hard Drive:
Western Digital Caviar Black WD6401AALS 640GB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal

Hard Drive - $74.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136319
mahnini
Profile Blog Joined October 2005
United States6862 Posts
May 31 2009 23:10 GMT
#20
would go with this mobo: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128372
this ram: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231166
and a hd 4770 instead of 4830, supposedly it performs better than a 4850 with a slight overclock (using ati's provided software)
the world's a playground. you know that when you're a kid, but somewhere along the way everyone forgets it.
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