Thinking about it..

[Blizzard]

i found a cool computer that could be compatible with all the games i want to buy for it, and its ONLY 329 bucks! its a great deal..but im a little suspicious about the price. Its from Best Buy, i found it on their site and there is a local store i could go over to and pick it up. But im wondering if its a smart buy..the price is making me a bit skeptical.

 

[Hefemeister]

Well if we had the specs of said machine it would help to decide if it is a good deal or not.

 

[Blizzard]

specs:
* AMD Sempronâ„¢ X2 2300 dual-core processor
Features 2 processing cores, 667MHz frontside bus, 512KB L2 cache and 2.3GHz processor speed.
* 3GB DDR2 memory
For multitasking power.
* Multiformat DVD±RW/CD-RW drive with double-layer support
Records up to 8.5GB of data or 4 hours of video using compatible DVD+R DL and DVD-R DL media; supports DVD-RAM; also supports Labelflash media.
* 320GB SATA hard drive (7200 rpm)
Offers spacious storage options and fast read/write times.
* NVIDIA GeForce 8200 graphics
For lush images with stunning detail. HDMI port for connecting your computer to an external LCD or plasma HDTV.
* Multi-in-one media reader
Supports CompactFlash, CompactFlash Plus, Microdrive, MultiMediaCard, MultiMediaCard Mobile, Reduced Size MultiMediaCard, Secure Digital, miniSD, xD-Picture Card, Memory Stick and Memory Stick PRO formats.
* Also supports Memory Stick Duo and Memory Stick PRO Duo formats.
* 1 IEEE 1394 port and 9 high-speed USB 2.0 ports
For fast digital video, audio and data transfer; 1 eSATA port for connecting to peripheral devices.
* Built-in 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet LAN
With RJ-45 connector and 56 Kbps modem (v.92) for quick and easy wired Web connection.
* Amplified stereo speakers
High-definition audio with 5.1-channel audio support to create a lush soundscape.
* Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium Edition operating system
With Service Pack 1 (SP1) preinstalled provides a stable computing platform.
* Software package included
With Microsoft Works, Adobe Reader, Acer Empowering Technology and more. 60-day trial version of Microsoft Office Home and Student 2007 also included.
* AMD, AMD Arrow logo, AMD Sempron, AMD PowerNow!, HyperTransport and combinations thereof are trademarks of Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.

 

[hikaricloud]

Yeah, 329 bucks could be a steal or a heaping waste of money, lol. What's under the hood?

EDIT: Eh, you could do better for that money mate. For a few bucks more you could have a better build in general.

 

[Blizzard]

specs:
* AMD Sempronâ„¢ X2 2300 dual-core processor
Features 2 processing cores, 667MHz frontside bus, 512KB L2 cache and 2.3GHz processor speed.
* 3GB DDR2 memory
For multitasking power.
* Multiformat DVD±RW/CD-RW drive with double-layer support
Records up to 8.5GB of data or 4 hours of video using compatible DVD+R DL and DVD-R DL media; supports DVD-RAM; also supports Labelflash media.
* 320GB SATA hard drive (7200 rpm)
Offers spacious storage options and fast read/write times.
* NVIDIA GeForce 8200 graphics
For lush images with stunning detail. HDMI port for connecting your computer to an external LCD or plasma HDTV.
* Multi-in-one media reader
Supports CompactFlash, CompactFlash Plus, Microdrive, MultiMediaCard, MultiMediaCard Mobile, Reduced Size MultiMediaCard, Secure Digital, miniSD, xD-Picture Card, Memory Stick and Memory Stick PRO formats.
* Also supports Memory Stick Duo and Memory Stick PRO Duo formats.
* 1 IEEE 1394 port and 9 high-speed USB 2.0 ports
For fast digital video, audio and data transfer; 1 eSATA port for connecting to peripheral devices.
* Built-in 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet LAN
With RJ-45 connector and 56 Kbps modem (v.92) for quick and easy wired Web connection.
* Amplified stereo speakers
High-definition audio with 5.1-channel audio support to create a lush soundscape.
* Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium Edition operating system
With Service Pack 1 (SP1) preinstalled provides a stable computing platform.
* Software package included
With Microsoft Works, Adobe Reader, Acer Empowering Technology and more. 60-day trial version of Microsoft Office Home and Student 2007 also included.
* AMD, AMD Arrow logo, AMD Sempron, AMD PowerNow!, HyperTransport and combinations thereof are trademarks of Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.

under the hood ^

 

[hikaricloud]

Newegg.com - AMD Athlon 64 X2 7750 Kuma 2.7GHz 2 x 512KB L2 Cache 2MB L3 Cache Socket AM2+ 95W Dual-Core black edition Processor - Processors - Desktops
Newegg.com - Foxconn A7GM-S 2.0 AM2+ / AM3 Ready AMD 780G HDMI Micro ATX AMD Motherboard - AMD Motherboards
Newegg.com - G.SKILL 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Desktop Memory
Newegg.com - Seagate Barracuda 7200.11 ST3160813AS 160GB 7200 RPM 8MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Hard Drive - Internal Hard Drives
Newegg.com - CORSAIR CMPSU-400CX 400W ATX12V V2.2 80 PLUS Certified Compatible with Core i7 Power Supply - Power Supplies
Newegg.com - LG Black 22X (CAV) DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 16X DVD+R DL 22X (CAV) DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 12X DVD-RAM 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM 2MB Cache SATA 22X DVD±R DVD Burner - CD / DVD Burners
Newegg.com - Antec Three Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Computer Cases

$348.74 after shipping, 20 bucks back in an MIR.

This build would be much better, and you could upgrade it later much easier.

You could grab a 3450 (an extra 20 bucks after MIR), hybrid crossfire it and see nearly double your performance. You could also bump up the RAM for 10-15 bucks to 4gb.

 

[Hefemeister]

^^Keep in mind that he would need an os so that is another $100.

 

[hikaricloud]

Ack. Well, maybe he has an OS already? OR he can pick up Win7, aren't they giving that out for free or something today?

Mak tells me it's loads more stable now.

 

[carnageX]

You can run the RC free for 1 year.

 

[Blizzard]

well basically im wondering if its a good buy considering i only have 400 bucks to spend and i want to run COD4/L4D. so i am on a 400 dollar budget. =/