New Computer - Opinions??

Pooh Bear

15 years ago

I just bought a new computer.

Ebay Item Number: 270242236661

Intel Pentium 4 HT

3.4 Ghz

2 GB RAM

250 GB Hard Drive

DVD+/-RW

$299 + $49 S+H

I'll have to add my own OS and some other stuff

but I feel it will be a great upgrade to my current system.

What do y'all think about it.

Thanks.

Pooh Bear

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Comments (10)

ravencajun Zone 8b TX
15 years ago
The things I would want to know is what brand is the hard drive, it only says generic, same with the dvd, it comes with no fans or video or audio? you will be adding that on your own?

It looks ok but of course I don't know anything about them.
I am assuming you will be going with xp not vista.

Just make sure you get some really good fans to put in there.
I am an AMD person, just prefer it.
Congrats on the new purchase.
Of course you could put in one of the linux distros and not have to pay for an OS plus it would run really good on there. You can get most all the linux os on live cd which you can just stick in any pc, start it up and then run the linux os just from the cd with out ever installing a thing on your pc, good way to see how you like it. That hard drive would be big enough to partition and put linux as well as windows on it and dual boot.
owbist
15 years ago
Pooh, if you will be installing XP that has been installed on another box then MS might try to refuse validation. If so you need to phone them (the toll free number comes up somewhere during the process) and explain what you have done. You may need to be a little persistent but be sure to succeed.
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Pooh Bear
Original Author
15 years ago
I presently have 3 computers. One will be decommissioned.
One computer has XP Home Edition OEM. It will have to stay that way.
Another computer has XP-HE Retail. I may wipe that one
clean and install the OS on the new computer. Not sure yet.
I have looked at Vista and didn't particularly care for it.
My 3rd computer has Windows 98se on it. I stopped using
it about a year ago. I'll probably take it to my Dad so he can
have a little bit faster (400Mhz) computer to play his games on.
That would be a big improvement over his little 166Mhz computer.

I had to call MS once before about an OS installation.

I think I'll email the seller and ask what brand of
hard drive and DVD drive I'm getting. I'm curious now.

Thanks.

Pooh Bear
johnkr
15 years ago
Pooh Bear, it looks like a good system. The embedded GeForce 7 graphics controller is going to use 256MB of your system memory for video, but the MB has a PCI-Express x16 Slot. This means you can add a better video card at a later date and you'll get the 256MB back if you do. The sound and network cards are also embedded, but the MB also has additional PCI slots for future upgrades or replacements. That's something I look for when purchasing a system.

There's nothing wrong with embedded (on-board) components until they fail. Having slots to replace the embedded parts is a very good thing IMO.

I'm sure the processor fan and case fans will provide sufficient cooling. Also, the HD and DVD appear to have a 3-year warranty. That being the case, I don't think the brand really matters. The seller probably purchases from different suppliers and uses different brands, as all computer manufactures do.

I think you are getting a good system for the price. I'd probable be happy with the sound and network cards, but would look at upgrading the video card someday.

Good luck.
Pooh Bear
Original Author
15 years ago
I emailed and asked about this:

Hello, just out of curiousity, what brand of
hard drive, DVD drive, and RAM is in this computer.
Thanks.
Pooh Bear
-------------
Samsung, Pioneer and Buffalo.
Thank you.
PC Market Inc

So it looks like I'm getting a great system.
Never heard of Buffalo brand memory. I'll look them up.

My computers right now have on board sound/video/lan.
I don't do anything major that needs a powerful video card.
And I don't mind giving up a bit of RAM for the onboard card.

I am going to have to get a new monitor. I heard a loud pop one
day from the back of this one and then the color went screwball.
It's all pale now. A different monitor looks fine.
So I know the problem is the monitor and I need a new one.

But otherwise, this looks like a great system to get.

Thanks.

Pooh Bear
Pooh Bear
Original Author
15 years ago
Found Buffalo RAM. Looks ok to me.

Pooh Bear

Here is a link that might be useful: Buffalo Technology
ravencajun Zone 8b TX
15 years ago
Good for you! Yes I am sorry I had not even looked at the motherboard just did not see any mention on the list of what sound and video card were used but the embedded is fine if you don't have a need for heavy duty stuff in those areas.

I have never heard of Buffalo either.

Pooh I have seen some really great prices for LCD monitors around lately they are really dropping. I love my ACER 19" LCD, it just makes a world of difference not having that big monitor taking up my desk. I got my ACER from buy.com for a great price. And on my local craigslist there are always some great prices too.

Enjoy the new system.
michelle_phxaz
15 years ago
Follow up with your purchase, the seller doesn't have a great feedback record. Keep all your purchase records, and receipts. You will have either gotten a great deal or a really bad one! eBay is one place where you need to be cautious with electronic purchases, there are many scammers who prey there.
Pooh Bear
Original Author
15 years ago
I don't understand.
He has been a member for 8 years with a feedback score of 98%+.
I would take that as having good feedback.
What am I missing here.

Pooh Bear
michelle_phxaz
15 years ago
Anything less than 99% is considered below average on eBay. It isn't like a math test where 98% is great.

Look at his feedback from others. Here is all the negative feedback he has received, he didn't respond to any of them which is odd (a good seller will defend themselves) and it doesn't look like he tries to help if there is a problem.

There are lots of people who had good experiences too, but on eBay negative feedback says a lot about the seller.

Here is a link that might be useful: Negative/neutral feedback for your seller

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