should i get this?

[velocity]

after 5 years im getting a new pc and was wondering if this would run PR?
Acer M3802 Desktop PC and TFT Monitor from PC World - Cheap Acer Desktop Computers and the latest Acer Desktop PC deals.

[Darkpowder]

It would but if i were you i would compare the costs of all those components, bearing in mind the cheapest of each type.

Also, i would also bear in mind that this doesn't look like a great case, which makes upgrades difficult. The cheap(ish) price of 22-24" monitors make anything smaller not sensible for any futureproofing.

In conclusion, think very hard about buying a PC from PC world, think about where they are making their profit, they have to be skimping somewhere.

If you don't usually build PC's nows the time to do so.

[velocity]

the only problem with that is that i have no idea how to build a pc.
i have been looking at a dell thats made straight from the factory so it is cheaper and i get a 22" monitor with it 4gb of ddr3 ( correct me if im wrong) 620gb of hard disk space and i think it has a 1gb g320 graphics card from nvidia. ( again correct me if im wrong)
im not fussed about taking the case off and upgrading things because as long as my pc works and will play the odd game i dont see the need for spending money on a upgrade that i wont actualy see working.

[Dunehunter]

Putting a computer together isn't really that hard, just some messing around connecting the right stuff mostly

[Mr.Hyde]

You could mess around with your old computer and figure everything out before jumping into building one from scratch without any reference.

Not only is building your own machine fun, but you'll find out which component does what, so when something inevitably goes wrong, you're more likely to know what to fix.

Also, you'll get all the components you need and not pay for stuff you don't.

[Epim3theus]

Yes like the above said, it isn't that hard and quite rewarding when you've done it. More value for money.

It's just like Lego really.

[PLODDITHANLEY]

My advice would be no:

I had an ACER laptop which died CPU overheat after 13 months, exactly the same story to a friend.

Acer IMHO are the pinnacle of Chinese built ****, they look good on the spec sheets but are really badly put togother.

[Ninja2dan]

Acer used to be a decent company, but several years ago they started sliding downhill and haven't improved since. That's why their full computer systems are selling at places like Wal-Mart.


It's too bad you live in the UK and not the US, Tigerdirect is the bomb when it comes to PC stuff. I've been buying from them for a long time now, and would recommend them to anyone.

If you do plan on building your own PC but are fairly new to it, Tigerdirect has some guides available that you can browse.

[Mr.Hyde]

Tigerdirect is world wide. They just go by different names. For instance it's called Misco.de here.

[PLODDITHANLEY]

Yep France and Uk too.

Systemax Inc. | Business Directory

I am pretty clueless about computers but I have the impression that many of the huge computer guys: Dell, Compaq, HP/PB use more integrated components so upgrades can be more costly and or harder, or has this changed since?

[Ninja2dan]

Most of the larger computer manufacturers use integrated components for a few reasons. First, this allows them to produce the majority of the computer "in-house", which reduces their overall costs in the production. Less cost means more profits. Another point is that when they cost less to build, they can sell them cheaper and try to attract more customers.

Because these are larger companies selling ready-to-run PC's, they are getting more sales. With higher profits, this allows them to turn a smaller profit per unit and still make good money. This in turn leads to cheaper prices again.


Unfortunately, the use of integrated components (which are not of the best quality) leads to problems for upgrades because their systems are made mostly to fit what they have. There is often little room for customization, and when you do find room you might end up having to buy their **** because it's all that will work.

A very good example of this is Emachines. Their computers are very basic, cheap, and appeal to people with minimal computer knowledge/experience or have minor demands in performance (kids, students, etc). If you have ever tried upgrading an Emachine, you'll know that it's almost impossible. Those are the ghetto of systems, not worth their weight in dung.


The advantage to building your own PC means you can customize it from scratch. Every component is suited to your own specific needs and budget. You can build a basic PC for office or school work, or a mega PC for hardcore gaming. The nice thing is that you can also go back and forth between builds, for either upgrading or downgrading, quite easily. This makes the systems easier to resell or give as a gift when you do decide to go with a newer system down the road.

Building your own computer is also generally cheaper in the end, because you aren't paying for assembly fees or all of the extra costs that big companies tag on to cover expenses from advertising, etc. You purchase the parts almost at wholesale, build it yourself, save some money, and have something that you can generally fix on your own should it have issues.


It's not really hard to learn how to build a computer. But you can't just learn from reading a book or watching videos on Youtube. I personally learned on my own over decades of playing with them. I first started back in around '86/87, before the age of the internet and other technology. I learned everything as it was born, from components to operating systems. This made it easier for me, but it's not required. You can probably just get a couple of old PC's on Ebay for a few bucks, take them all apart, and play with the parts. You won't likely have a computer worth modern use, but it's good for learning. You can then turn the finished product over to some kids or use it to play classic games.

If Ebay isn't your thing, or the shipping costs get too high, you can also try finding old second-hand computers at yard sales in your area. A while back I saw an ad in the paper for an old 486 with a good selection of stuff for only $30. And in the past I've even seen a collection of 5 286's and 486's with a huge assortment of accessories for only $150. Perfect for learning beginner-level PC building and repair.

[Sir.Grossi]

Having just got a 'self-specified' PC through an online Boutique (CyberPowerSystems)

I would advise strongly that you check out a website called Tom's Hardware
Tom's Hardware : Hardware News, Tests and Reviews

There you will get solid guidance on components, 'bang for buck' etc

As has already been mentioned, some of the 'budget' brands do skimp on quality.

[PLODDITHANLEY]

Emachines is Acer....