New PC

[Sebster 105]

3D is annoying at times aswell.

[Ad Bot]

[A.R.C.]

Even though the build is pretty good (and fairly cheap, especially for a prebuilt from Alienware), I wouldn't listen to salespeople.

Don't you work for customer service?

[Tom Gunn]

Don't you work for customer service?

No, Microsoft.
http://www.wimp.com/translatingtelephone/

[Ephialtes]

The main thing I'm concerned about is graphics, but the guy said I could just buy another 5870 and crossfire the two for some extreme power if I didn't like the single.

[Inv3rted]

um

The 5870 is an extremely powerful card.

[TomTheGeek]

Wow, I am surprised.

Nice comp, including nice screen, which I have the 20 inch model.

[Niliscro]

I have a 42" flatscreen lcd hdtv with ports for a computer, is there any reason why buying a specified computer monitor is better (besides price, maybe)?

[Inv3rted]

I have a 42" flatscreen lcd hdtv with ports for a computer, is there any reason why buying a specified computer monitor is better (besides price, maybe)?

Higher resolutions. HDTVs are only 1080p.

[Niliscro]

Higher resolutions. HDTVs are only 1080p.

Monitors go beyond 1080p?  And mine's only a 780p, but It supports more than 1360x1000 (or a similar number, I'm not sure of the exact one at the moment).

[Mr.Patrick]

Monitors go beyond 1080p?  And mine's only a 780p, but It supports more than 1360x1000 (or a similar number, I'm not sure of the exact one at the moment).

Yeah some monitors go all the way to 2560x1600, also Ephi... why... just why are you buying an alienware? it'll probably break down in a few months and the case is a piece of stuff.

[Niliscro]

Yeah some monitors go all the way to 2560x1600, also Ephi... why... just why are you buying an alienware? it'll probably break down in a few months and the case is a piece of stuff.

He likes Dells.

[Inv3rted]

it'll probably break down in a few months and the case is a piece of stuff.

Alienware cases are pretty cool, and the computer can't really break down considering the parts are pretty much the same as in custom built ones.

[Duckmeister]

It was only like £30 more which is nothing compared to the £1700 so I figured I'd just roll with it. It usually makes things less basic and exposes more options to you by default, I think. There were differences between Xp Home and Pro which I hated so I'm just going with pro again.

Would there be a big difference between 1333 and 1600? I am in no way a computer person - I have no idea what any of this does, the Dell salesperson just told me everything was good.

Microsoft did away with the whole "we hide features you already have and then show them when you upgrade as if they were brand new features" shtick they were doing before.  The only things you are buying with Pro that you wouldn't have with Home Premium are:

Ability to run non-3d applications made specifically for Windows XP in the "XP Virtualization Mode" (useless unless you are a business that using specially-made computing software that was made before 2007)

Ability to connect to public and semi-private networks more easily and securely with Domain Join

Ability to back up your data to a network, instead of the usual data storage

As you can see, everything else is fair game, no hidden tricks or anything like that.  Don't waste your money.  And the only thing you would be buying with Ultimate is built-in encryption software and fast-switching multilingual support.


I'll get back to you on the RAM in more detail later, but my advice is to simply stick with 6GB, 3x2GB @ 1300Mhz.  That's what I have, and I have pretty much the same specs as you, and it's perfect for, if not more than, what I need.

As for the graphics, the 5870 is extremely powerful, you'll probably never feel the need to upgrade for the next 4 or 5 years.

[dkamm65]

Somebody find all of the parts in Ephialtes' computer separately and add up the price.

[Bisjac]

Monitors go beyond 1080p?

long before tv even had 1080p, 1080p is ass quality.