Which of these computers should I get?

[floydianite]

I'm looking to buy a relatively inexpensive desktop computer for the
family. I will be running some memory/CPU intensive applications and
have cable internet so I want a fast, powerful computer that won't
become obsolete too quickly. I figured I'd get some opinions before I
decide, probably on one of the following two systems:

HP Pavilion Media Center a1310n
AMD Athlon 64 Processor 3700+ (2.2GHz)
Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005
2000MHz HyperTransport System Speed
64KB Instruction Cache + 64KB Data Cache, 1MB Level 2 Cache
1.0GB Dual Channel PC-3200 DDR RAM (Expandable to 4.0GB)
200GB 7,200RPM Serial ATA Hard Drive
ATI Radeon Xpress 200 graphics

Dell Dimension E310
Intel Pentium 4 Processor 640 w/HT Technology (3.2GHz,800FSB)
Windows® XP Media Center 2005 Edition
1GB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 400MHz -2DIMMs
160GB Serial ATA Hard Drive (7200RPM)
Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 900

Both are around the same price ($630 - 650). I'm just interested in
hearing how you would rate these two systems based on these specs.
Which one seems like the better choice in your opinion? How does the
AMD Athlon 64 3700+ compare to the Intel Pentium 4 640? I notice the
Intel has HT tech and a higher processor speed, but I've heard good
things about the Athlon chips. Also, the Dell has DDR2 RAM compared to
the HP's PC-3200 DDR. What difference, if any, does this make? Please
keep in mind that I really don't want to spend any more than this so
dual-core based computers are pretty much out of the question. Thanks
to everyone for your feedback.
-Mike

 

[kony]

I'm looking to buy a relatively inexpensive desktop computer for the
family. I will be running some memory/CPU intensive applications and
have cable internet so I want a fast, powerful computer that won't
become obsolete too quickly. I figured I'd get some opinions before I
decide, probably on one of the following two systems:

HP Pavilion Media Center a1310n
AMD Athlon 64 Processor 3700+ (2.2GHz)
Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005
2000MHz HyperTransport System Speed
64KB Instruction Cache + 64KB Data Cache, 1MB Level 2 Cache
1.0GB Dual Channel PC-3200 DDR RAM (Expandable to 4.0GB)
200GB 7,200RPM Serial ATA Hard Drive
ATI Radeon Xpress 200 graphics

Dell Dimension E310
Intel Pentium 4 Processor 640 w/HT Technology (3.2GHz,800FSB)
Windows® XP Media Center 2005 Edition
1GB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 400MHz -2DIMMs
160GB Serial ATA Hard Drive (7200RPM)
Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 900

Both are around the same price ($630 - 650). I'm just interested in
hearing how you would rate these two systems based on these specs.
Which one seems like the better choice in your opinion? How does the
AMD Athlon 64 3700+ compare to the Intel Pentium 4 640? I notice the
Intel has HT tech and a higher processor speed, but I've heard good
things about the Athlon chips. Also, the Dell has DDR2 RAM compared to
the HP's PC-3200 DDR. What difference, if any, does this make? Please
keep in mind that I really don't want to spend any more than this so
dual-core based computers are pretty much out of the question. Thanks
to everyone for your feedback.

The HP system should be faster at most things except maybe
content creation. It's video should be a little better too
though no substitute for a good card added if you're a
gamer.

DDR2 does not yet make much difference, but then overall
these two systems are not a lot different, though the Athlon
based one may run cooler and has a larger hard drive. It is
curious that you're getting Media Center but no video
capture hardware mentioned. Since I have no idea what the
software bundles are like or what software you need, you'll
have to assess that too...without the software one could
build a system themselves for same price, maybe slightly
lower or make compromises to target a specific
most-demanding use better.

No mention of the monitor? If it's included you might weigh
on that factor too, since it is the main thing you'll notice
day-in, day-out using it. Two similar sized monitors may
not be quite the same with regards to clarity (or speed with
LCDs).

 

[Paul]

I'm looking to buy a relatively inexpensive desktop computer for the
family. I will be running some memory/CPU intensive applications and
have cable internet so I want a fast, powerful computer that won't
become obsolete too quickly. I figured I'd get some opinions before I
decide, probably on one of the following two systems:

HP Pavilion Media Center a1310n
AMD Athlon 64 Processor 3700+ (2.2GHz)
Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005
2000MHz HyperTransport System Speed
64KB Instruction Cache + 64KB Data Cache, 1MB Level 2 Cache
1=2E0GB Dual Channel PC-3200 DDR RAM (Expandable to 4.0GB)
200GB 7,200RPM Serial ATA Hard Drive
ATI Radeon Xpress 200 graphics

Dell Dimension E310
Intel Pentium 4 Processor 640 w/HT Technology (3.2GHz,800FSB)
Windows=AE XP Media Center 2005 Edition
1GB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 400MHz -2DIMMs
160GB Serial ATA Hard Drive (7200RPM)
Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 900

Both are around the same price ($630 - 650). I'm just interested in
hearing how you would rate these two systems based on these specs.
Which one seems like the better choice in your opinion? How does the
AMD Athlon 64 3700+ compare to the Intel Pentium 4 640? I notice the
Intel has HT tech and a higher processor speed, but I've heard good
things about the Athlon chips. Also, the Dell has DDR2 RAM compared to
the HP's PC-3200 DDR. What difference, if any, does this make? Please
keep in mind that I really don't want to spend any more than this so
dual-core based computers are pretty much out of the question. Thanks
to everyone for your feedback.
-Mike

Do the systems have a slot to plug a new video card into later ?
Perhaps the very next question you'll be posting, is how do I
upgrade the video (At least, if you are a gamer.)

Some low priced computers have the video card slot removed from
the motherboard, which means there is no video card upgrade possible.

If this is for email/web surfing/MSOffice use, the graphics are
good enough for that.

As for performance, I'd probably take the first system. It
would probably run a bit cooler and be a quieter computer.

Paul

 

[dannysdailys]

Anonymouswrote:
I'm looking to buy a relatively inexpensive desktop computer for the

family. I will be running some memory/CPU intensive applications and
have cable internet so I want a fast, powerful computer that won't
become obsolete too quickly. I figured I'd get some opinions before I
decide, probably on one of the following two systems:

HP Pavilion Media Center a1310n
AMD Athlon 64 Processor 3700+ (2.2GHz)
Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005
2000MHz HyperTransport System Speed
64KB Instruction Cache + 64KB Data Cache, 1MB Level 2 Cache
1.0GB Dual Channel PC-3200 DDR RAM (Expandable to 4.0GB)
200GB 7,200RPM Serial ATA Hard Drive
ATI Radeon Xpress 200 graphics

Dell Dimension E310
Intel Pentium 4 Processor 640 w/HT Technology (3.2GHz,800FSB)
Windows® XP Media Center 2005 Edition
1GB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 400MHz -2DIMMs
160GB Serial ATA Hard Drive (7200RPM)
Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 900

Both are around the same price ($630 - 650). I'm just interested in
hearing how you would rate these two systems based on these specs.
Which one seems like the better choice in your opinion? How does the
AMD Athlon 64 3700+ compare to the Intel Pentium 4 640? I notice the
Intel has HT tech and a higher processor speed, but I've heard good
things about the Athlon chips. Also, the Dell has DDR2 RAM compared to
the HP's PC-3200 DDR. What difference, if any, does this make? Please
keep in mind that I really don't want to spend any more than this so
dual-core based computers are pretty much out of the question. Thanks
to everyone for your feedback.
-Mike

Do yourself a big favor and go to you local computer shop and have
them build one for you. Believe me, you'll thank me.

You get a machine exactly how you want it, no loads of garbage to
uninstall and no calls to India.

These machines (white boxes) have by far, the highest customer
satasfaction ratings. This is not for no reason.

Price wise, they're very competitive.

Best of luck

 

[floydianite]

Thanks for the advice. I'll probably be getting the HP based on the
Athlon processor.

It is curious that you're
getting Media Center but no
video capture hardware mentioned

Is that something different from the video card?

No mention of the monitor?

Neither systems include a monitor. I already have a nice monitor so
that's not a factor.

Do the systems have a slot
to plug a new video card into later ?

No clue. Couldn't I just replace the old one if I really wanted? Either
way, it does't really concern me since I don't anticipate it being used
much for gaming.
As for building a computer, I don't think it would be cost effective
for my needs at this point. Soon I'll be getting a computer for music
recording and production purposes, at which time I will definitely go
that route.

 

[kony]

Thanks for the advice. I'll probably be getting the HP based on the
Athlon processor.

Your post seems to be out of order, not a reply to an author
but to your original post?

Is that something different from the video card?

Yes, a large part of the point of Media Center is for
running a system with home theater features, which would
require a tuner/capture card in addition to the video card.
This would allow tuning tv and recording (from TV or another
input source).

No clue. Couldn't I just replace the old one if I really wanted?

Only if it has a slot. I'd call and ask them if you cant
get the info any other way.

Either
way, it does't really concern me since I don't anticipate it being used
much for gaming.

Ok, but why not have it if it's nearly free? Some of them
literally leave the slot off the board even when there was a
place they could've installed it, so for the cost of a piece
of plastic with metal contacts in it (might be under $1
bought in manufacturing volume) you lose a significant
upgrade option.

There might be other things you loose out on as well, for
example it might not be able to drive multiple monitors...
but only you know if you might benefit from 2 or more
monitors.