[Nick052]

Hi,

Im after some advice - my dad wants a cheap new PC, and I have found two ideal ones for him to choose from:

http://www.pixmania....rio-sr5209.html

and

http://www.pcworld.c...duct/seo/191562

Which of these PCs is likely to be fastest? One has a faster processor but only 512MB RAM, and the other processor is 900Mhz slower but with 1Gb RAM.

It is not crucial that the PC comes with peripherals (e.g. monitor, mouse) as he is only replacing the tower. However, if the PC World one is the better PC, this is the one he will go for.

His current PC is a Windows 98 machine that is getting very long in the tooth! The new PC would be used for surfing the internet, and image scanning/printing only.

Which one represents best value for money?

Cheers.

[Advertisements]

The PC World one is the price for a complete package, and its processor (Pentium D) is the older Pentium, the other machine would wipe the floor with it performance wise. Plus 512Mb is nowhere near enough to run Vista on its own never mind anything else so you'd have to factor in more memory.

If the decision is between these two computers alone, the Prescario SR5209 would be my choice. It's also slightly cheaper (as its just a base unit on its own) but it does come with a slightly better version of Vista and while 1Gb is not quite enough for Vista either, it'll be an easier experience than it would be on 512Mb.

Not that I'd personally buy anything with the Compaq name on it but there you go.

[Neil Jones]

The PC World one is the price for a complete package, and its processor (Pentium D) is the older Pentium, the other machine would wipe the floor with it performance wise. Plus 512Mb is nowhere near enough to run Vista on its own never mind anything else so you'd have to factor in more memory.

If the decision is between these two computers alone, the Prescario SR5209 would be my choice. It's also slightly cheaper (as its just a base unit on its own) but it does come with a slightly better version of Vista and while 1Gb is not quite enough for Vista either, it'll be an easier experience than it would be on 512Mb.

Not that I'd personally buy anything with the Compaq name on it but there you go.