Seeking a pro's eye on this system...

[jmiles301]

This is sort of a follow-up to another thread that I posted a few days ago (regarding an upgrade to my hard drive), but since my other title is a little off I decided to run this through again...

Here's the deal... I'm currently debating on whether or not I should purchase this system. It seems to be of pretty good quality to me and at a reasonable price, but I just wanted to see what some of the experts out there think of it. I have also considered building my own system, but I have never done that before and really don't know where to begin. It seems a little overwhelming..

http://cgi.ebay.com/Intel-Core-2-Qua...3A1%7C294%3A50

Thanks..

[not important]

That is still NOT a good deal, it uses very inferior parts and it's overpriced. As mentioned in this thread: http://forum.pcmech.com/showthread.p...93#post1397093

[jmiles301]

OK, point taken. I'm wondering, if that system is not worth it and I'm not currently knowledgeable enough to build my own system, are there any pre-built system recommnedations that you could make? For instance, are pre-built Dell Precision Workstations worth it?

Thanks,

- Jon

[shadowpr]

What is your budget, and what do you want to do with the computer?

That will help us guide you.

[jmiles301]

I was hoping to only spend up to 600 on a new system, but am willing to go up to 800-900 if need be. I don't plan to do too much with the system up front, other than the normal 'run of the mill' usage, such as watching the occasional movie, storing a ton of music (roughly 80 GB), and coasting through the internet. However, I am a stock trader and that is the primary priority behind the system components (or at least a desired minimum capability of it). I generally run multiple programs spread across 2 monitors that steam a ton of data in real time (quote-by-quote) during open market hours (trade ideas, esignal, etc..). Right now, I have a job with a professional trading firm so I won't actually be using it much for trading purposes, but I would like to have a system ready to go for my own personal trading if I ever decide to make the switch back to home-based trading. Hope this helps. Let me know if I can provide you with any other details.

Also, FWIW, I'm currently running dual 2.4 xeons (I believe) with only 2 split 16 GB drives and I essentially cannot run the programs I need for trading (they run incredibly slow and/or freeze up). I'm looking for a decent sized upgrade, but not overkill.

Thanks again,

- Jon

[Jester]

I will say this. As far as putting a computer together goes its like legos. You just have to know what part goes where and we can help with that. Everything just snaps into place, but for what you need I would say buy a Dell. It really will be the best system for you and the least amount of hassle.

[glc]

Check your other thread, the cheapest acceptable configuration to me on that site is around $1100. With that, I'm going to close the other thread so we don't have a parallel conversation going.

Agreed, if you don't want to build, get a Dell. Just don't plan on a high powered gaming video card.

[not important]

I would agree with going Dell if you are buying a prebuilt system.

[shadowpr]

MB: Asus P5kpl-cm
CPU: Q6600
Ram: 2x2gb ddr2-800 Corsair
HD: Seagate 7200.11 500gb sata
DVD: Lite-on dvd burner sata retail
Video: 4650
PSU: corsair 550
Case: whatever you like the looks of.
OS: either xp home, or vista hp

The shipping shouldn't take any longer than if you ordered prebuilt from somewhere, and it will only take a few hours to build.

[glc]

Isn't a 4650 and 550 watts overkill? I don't see where gaming is a requirement.

[shadowpr]

I figured the 550 could allow for upgrades and headroom, and only a $20 difference after rebate from the 450.

The 4650 cause it has dual dvi ports for his two monitors.

[jmiles301]

Thanks for everyone's help. I truly appreciate it. Still haven't come to a conclusion of what I want to do yet, but it seems that I have it narrowed down to either buying a prebuilt Dell or building my own. Hoping to figure this out within a day or two..

[liambl]

Building is a lot easier than you may think. All the parts (around 8) simple snap together and to be honest, its blatantly obvious where they go as they all have their unique shapes and correspoding place. Im using my first built right now (I was 15 when I built it), took about 45 mins and booted right up. There is also a very distinct feeling of satisfaction when you hear the trusty beep and the monitor lights up for the first time on your first build.