Help me buy a new CPU

[Jules]

Recommendations are welcome-

I currently have a HP Pavillion slimline s3100n

Processor AMD 64x2 2.10 Ghz
Memory 1.5GB
Hard Drive 250GB

The windows exp is only a 2.7. It constantly overheats and shuts down whenever I try to run any kind of diagnostic or play a video.

I need a monitor as well since mine is a 17" flat screen from about 7 years ago.

We simply use this for home use, school work, music- minimal gaming. Must be able to find barbie.com, littlepetshop.com, old episodes of Batman, OH, and Drudge. :D

Thanks

[itsernst]

Recommendations are welcome-

I currently have a HP Pavillion slimline s3100n

Processor AMD 64x2 2.10 Ghz
Memory 1.5GB
Hard Drive 250GB

The windows exp is only a 2.7. It constantly overheats and shuts down whenever I try to run any kind of diagnostic or play a video.

I need a monitor as well since mine is a 17" flat screen from about 7 years ago.

We simply use this for home use, school work, music- minimal gaming. Must be able to find barbie.com, littlepetshop.com, old episodes of Batman, OH, and Drudge. :D

Thanks

I would say honestly, if you can hold out until Fall, do it. Windows 7 release date is October 22nd of this year. I have personally tested it, and it is MUCH better than Vista. Any computer you buy now, I believe (may have to verify this with a manufacturer), is eligible for a free Windows 7 Upgrade. You may run into issues with this though. Dell Vostro's are solid PC's that are very inexpensive. As far as parts go:

Stick to Dual Core or Quad Core Processor (Intel is far superior to AMD for general home, office, internet browsing use, etc.) 2.4GHZ to 2.8GHZ Dual/Quad core is standard now in all PC's unless otherwise noted.

2-4GB of RAM is standard now. If the upgrade to 4GB of ram is cheap, it
may be worth it to go that high.

As far as graphics go, if you do not play many games, don't go crazy with a video card. Most Dell come with Nvidia Graphics. For light use, 256mb to 512mb graphics card will be more than sufficient for your needs.

Let me know if you want more info.

Good luck!

Sean

[ChrisP]

Buy it at BJ's...with a Gold membership and it pays you back. They also have a great warranty program and good prices. I'd wait for Oct/Win release as well.

[NastyRonald]

I sell computers for a living. I work for the company that makes Thinkpads. My company, Lenovo, purchased IBM's computer division.

Basically, I can give you my discount if you would like. You can call me at 919-804-6263, thats my office line. I work 10 am - 7 pm EST.

Also- about Win 7. You can purchase now and get a free upgrade in Oct when it comes out.

[ChrisP]

I sell computers for a living. I work for the company that makes Thinkpads. My company, Lenovo, purchased IBM's computer division.

Basically, I can give you my discount if you would like. You can call me at 919-804-6263, thats my office line. I work 10 am - 7 pm EST.

Also- about Win 7. You can purchase now and get a free upgrade in Oct when it comes out.

Jules, Call this guy and get a price for that b-day gift you were talking about. :)

[Goober Noodles]

I sell computers for a living. I work for the company that makes Thinkpads. My company, Lenovo, purchased IBM's computer division.

Basically, I can give you my discount if you would like. You can call me at 919-804-6263, thats my office line. I work 10 am - 7 pm EST.

Also- about Win 7. You can purchase now and get a free upgrade in Oct when it comes out.You work for Lenovo? Haha thats pretty sweet. I have a x61 tablet from work.

What kind of discounts can you get? :D

[itsernst]

Agreed; I use a T43. What are the discounts like?