I want a PC

[Simeski]

So for as long as I can remember I have had laptops as my computer usage at home has consisted of a bit of surfing and that's pretty much it so have made do with using either my work laptop or the other half's.

I think now is the time to actually get myself a proper desktop so I can sort out my music library, play films and games etc. Trouble is its been so long since the last time I owned a desktop I haven't got a clue what specs i would need.

So the question is what would I need to get me up and running for storage and media but with the scope to be able to upgrade for some half decent gaming later on. This will be on a bit of a budget so anything that's not too extortionate would be helpful.

Cheers

Si
____________________
Suzuki RG125 Honda CBR400 Kawasaki ZX7R Bandit 600 Yamaha XJR 1200Kawasaki ZX7R - Again!

[Frost]

Media is all about disk space. Gaming is all about graphics card. Seriously its 95% graphics card. So buy whatever you like, provided it will support a decent graphics card.

[el_oso]

what games are you likely to be running?

for media purposes you don't really need a special processor. An old dual core running at 3.0Ghz should be able to render almost any HD video you throw at it.

as you are looking to upgrade in the future (bit of a dodgy business) i would go with an AMD motherboard and processor. intel recently seem to have a habbit of changing their chipset every other week.
AMD really only have one decent socket (AM3) so you can pretty much put any other AMD processor in the same board.
AMD are also cheaper than intel motherboards and processors. the 6 core AMD phenom can be had for around £150, which is slightly cheaper than the intel i5 which only has 4 cores
____________________
Duke 390
Previous: '05 XR125L | '96 XJ600S Diversion |'05 Suzuki GSXR1000 | '05 Honda CBR125-R | '97 YZF 600R Thundercat | '11 Honda CBR250
Car: Jeep Wrangler 4.0L

[defblade]

This place is always helpful (and Custom PC who run it are the best magazine for anyone who actually opens up their case).
____________________
Honda Varadero 125cc => Suzuki Bandit 650 33bhp => 77bhp =>
BMW K1200R Sport 163bhp => Aprilia Shiver GT 750 95bhp