New desktop PC - any opinions on ths?

[harveyn]

Hi There
We are looking to replace our home PC and ideally want a horizontal 'desktop' box. The one at this link appeals, but I suspect the graphics card may be poor: http://www.novatech.co.uk/novatech/pcrange.html?VER
We would go for the Verso pro. My son plays basic games, and as it is in the kitchen we would prefer one that runs quietly.

Also is there any real need to go for Windows XP pro rather than the home edition?
All views, or alternatives would be much appreciated. We don't need a new monitor. Many thanks.

Harvey

 

[masqueraid]

It's always too easy to spend someone else's money
I have no idea about this model but if your spec is low end games and quiet I would make sure you've heard one of these running. Budget machines are not known for their silent fans. Having said this the recent Dells are very quiet indeed and in the same price bracket although they don't have a huge choice in the case shape you prefer.

You're right about the graphics card, integrated cards are never as good as dedicated cards. If you can give us an idea of what games we're talking about it might help.

If you're not going into networking your PCs Home is easily as good as Pro. There are more "fiddly bits" to play with on Pro but for the extra cash you probably won't see any benefit.

 

[harveyn]

thanks for your thoughts.
He plays things like 'need for speed underground', don't know where he got that idea from..!
I will look at some of the Dell's....I wasn't aware you couldn't network XP home edition ...
What do you think should be the minmum type of graphics card to go for, that isn't too noisy?
Cheers

 

[Shude]

I wasn't aware you couldn't network XP home edition ...

XP home works fine on a network.

 

[DieselE]

About three and a half years ago, I bought a new computer from Evesham. At the time you could specify most of their products in a desktop case. I don't know if that's still true.

The computer is still going strong though the fan is not quite as quiet as it was when new.

 

[bibamus]

The Verso Pro you are looking at would be an ideal home computer and should be capable of playing basic games. Win Home is perfectly capable of being networked too, so there are no worries about that.
Noise may be an issue though, I would try and see one working if you can.

Not sure of your budget or software you already have, but if you want a really quiet machine, look at Apple Macs. I have a Shuttle XP mini PC and I thought it was quiet till I bought an Apple mac Mini. It is virtually silent, I never use the Shuttle now.
The later Intel chipped models can run Windows as well as Mac so you shouldnt have any trouble with software incompatabilities. Worth a look and the smallest Mac Mini is only a little dearer than the Versa Pro and will probably perform better.
Look here http://store.apple.com/Apple/WebObj...wK020hPsqC2/0.PSLID?mco=6A2AA4B0&nclm=Macmini

No viruses to worry about, no frozen screens, no driver problems, easy network setup, everything just works... and keeps working. I never turn my Mac off, It goes to sleep overnight, runs a maintenance routine overnight too and ( IMHO) is a much nicer system to use.

Allan

 

[masqueraid]

....I wasn't aware you couldn't network XP home edition ...

Sorry didn't make myself clear, any version of XP will network, Pro contains extra stuff for Domains & the like which is just superfluous for the average user. In answer to your question is there any real need to go 'Pro' - No!

For the game NFSU2 needs a minimum of a 32MB Direct3D card so would work with the integrated card on your example but it might be worth looking for an AGP card to buy separately - there are some bargains to be had at the moment.

 

[GazCaff]

About three and a half years ago, I bought a new computer from Evesham. At the time you could specify most of their products in a desktop case. I don't know if that's still true.

The computer is still going strong though the fan is not quite as quiet as it was when new.

I had a friend who bought an Evesham system. He had a problem with it and when he had a computer whizz look at it he found that the graphics card and ram were inferior to what he had bee ninvoiced for originally!

As for the systems in question in this thread, they will make good home entertainment/home office systems but will be no good whatsoever for playing games on.