First thing....right now I have 2003 Dell Dimension 4400,P4 1.6GHz, 1GB RAM, so that should tell you a lot. Second, I'm not a gamer...at all. Can't say I'd never play a game here and there, but I don't need a gaming computer, so to speak. So far, I haven't used any programs that are extremely demanding. Right now I'd be happy if I didn't get the spinning hourglass because I opened up Word while my virus scan was running! That might not be totally accurate, but you probably get what I mean. It takes too long to "think" and actually do what I want it to do, compared to "modern day" computers I've seen and used. My other concern is a good video card, so I can watch HD video, or maybe even a Blu Ray, if I want. My computer now can't handle it too well. I'm pretty limited by the 4x AGP slot, and I did as much as I could do with a new video card and PSU, but it still sucks, lol!
So there you have it it. Of course, I want more than I need, because it's too easy, and not much more expensive to have more than you need, but I don't want to go to an extreme that is just unnecessary or ridiculous. I want it to be fast, be able to handle HD video, MAYBE a game, and so on and so forth. All that being said, is it senseless to build one to suit my needs, or is it always better to build your own, regardless of what you need? My understanding is that it is, because you simply get more for your money. If so, are those bundled kits from Newegg a good way to go or should I start completely from scratch and pick everything out myself. And what is the general rule of thumb for matching up components? My main concern as far as software would simply be Windows 7 and probably Microsoft Office Professional(ouch!), for starters. Or would I be just as well off going to Walmart or Amazon and get an HP?? I like the challenge of building it too though, but it will help if I know it's really worth it. I might be build two, depending on how my wife feels about building one, as opposed to just buying one. She plays a few games, unlike me, but nothing super demanding. She has a Dell that is only a year newer, and a 2.7GHz P4, and it can't handle a newer Sims game she got, so she is basically in the same boat as me, more or less.
Of course, any and all advice/feedback greatly appreciated.
Edited by Jim45, 26 January 2012 - 10:24 PM.