westcat opened this issue on Jan 04, 2009 · 36 posts
Gareee posted Sun, 04 January 2009 at 11:24 AM
The included video card in that system can be had for all of $20 right now retail.. it's old junk.[
Check tom's hardware guide for the best ideocard under $200.. that's what I usually go with.
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/radeon-geforce-graphics,2086.html](http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/radeon-geforce-graphics,2086.html)
Bundlers always give you bunch of crap you really don't need in a new bundled system. Usually you need to toss out the modem card,(unless you are on dialup), the video card (if they gve you one, it's usually 2 year old junk), and the power supply usually is JUST enough to run the bare rig.. add another HD or a video card, and you'll need to replace that as well.
I'd say go with a 550 watt psu or better, and READ REVIEWS ON POWER SUPPLIES before you order one (usually off newegg or tiger direct). What might look like a great value could be a garbage psu, and that will increase heat in your system, and can cause crashes due to insufficient power provided.
(BTW, the breakdown listed just above my post is almost exactly what I have in my new system right now.)
Only difference is the video card.. here's toms hardware guide for $140-$250.. they rank the ati hd8450 as the best value, but then have the next one up in both ati and nvidia flavors, if you prefer one brand over another.)
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/radeon-geforce-graphics,2086-4.html
Way too many people take way too many things way too seriously.