[interpolarity]

Is this a good deal?
I would think so because the processor got amazing reviews, 8GB of RAM and 1 TB of HD space for $699
Or am I being swindled?

http://www.costco.co...topnav=#reviews

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I think it is except for the 300w power supply, plus because it's an el cheapo OEM case the thing will run stupid hot. The lack of a graphics card means no gaming.

[mkau]

I think it is except for the 300w power supply, plus because it's an el cheapo OEM case the thing will run stupid hot. The lack of a graphics card means no gaming.

[DaffyKantReed]

Case $70
http://www.newegg.co...N82E16811129066

Power Supply $70
http://www.newegg.co...N82E16817139003

CPU $160
http://www.newegg.co...N82E16819103674

Motherboard $140
http://www.newegg.co...N82E16813128438

HDD $120
http://www.newegg.co...N82E16822136533

Video card $50 and up

DVD drive $30

OS, if you qualify as a student
http://www.microsoft.../windows-7.aspx


$640US for a much better build than the Costco product. Also, you could spend less on the HDD, motherboard and processor, depending on how you'll use the PC.

[DaffyKantReed]

Let's add some RAM, just for fun.
http://www.newegg.co...N82E16820148262
$99USD

[Troy]

Yeah that 300W PSU looks scary

[interpolarity]

thanks for the tips...
P.S. My mom doesn't trust me to build a computer because she thinks I'll break it. I know I won't, because I'm good with this kind of thing, but she won't listen. If I can't convince her, is there anything I can get to keep the Costco computer cool?

[DaffyKantReed]

The power supply is rubbish, even without seeing it. Replace it ASAP.

http://www.newegg.co...N82E16817139003


As far as that goes, I've see eMachines sold at Walmart and Costco for under $350USD which have very good internals like Gigabyte, MSI, LG, other than the crappy power supply.

[mkau]

thanks for the tips...
P.S. My mom doesn't trust me to build a computer because she thinks I'll break it. I know I won't, because I'm good with this kind of thing, but she won't listen. If I can't convince her, is there anything I can get to keep the Costco computer cool?

Tell her it's very difficult to truly break a computer. The only way to do it is to literally force something too far. I'm 15. I know more about computers than my mother, who's been working with PC's for about 20 years.

[Troy]

Show her my how-to guide! You can't go wrong!

[Ferrari]

P.S. My mom doesn't trust me to build a computer because she thinks I'll break it. I know I won't, because I'm good with this kind of thing, but she won't listen. If I can't convince her, is there anything I can get to keep the Costco computer cool?

Hmmmm, well, building your own is the way to go and it's really not that hard, seriously. With the help of Troy's guide and any one else in this topic helping you along the way, you can get it done quite easily.

I've helped people build their own computer on here that didn't even know where to connect a SATA Cable.

With all that said, another option would be to have someone locally build your computer for you. With the budget it seems you are working with it doesn't leave much room for a quality computer though.