New computer build ! newbie ..

[kirstymelb101]

Dear computer nerds

I have about 20,000 bht saved up and I'm looking to buy a new computer !

As soon as I walk into any computer store, employers see me as a potential target to scam, because I'm female IMO.
I'm always charged 4-8k bht extra of the original price because I act like a dummy and have no clue what I'm asking lols.

I plan to use it for games, download movies, Facebook, multimedia (Adobe cs5), video editing (adobe premier & Sony Vegas pro 10).

And I also want to set up a modem/router for internet use. Either with 3BB or ToT, which ever service provides faster internet.

Many Thanks in advance ..

Kirsty x0x

[Richard-BKK]

The first thing you should do is to check which Internet service provider can provide service at your location. One advice, even if you already have a telephone line ask them to do another one for your Internet connection (often the telephone line you already have will give you a poor ADSL connection).

When you know which internet provider you can have and know what is included in the promotion, especially a free ADSL modem yes or no. You can go shopping for a computer.

Your list of things you would like to do with your computer includes games, do you mean the average Facebook game or game titles like “Batman: Arkham City” or “Mortal Kombat Arcade Kollection” the hardware needs, especially the graphic card required quickly eats up most of your planned budget.

If you just want to play a few so-called Flash or HTML5 games online (like the once your find in Facebook) a simple Intel HD graphics is good enough.

A good set what will do everything you want is build up with a Intel Core i3 3240 processor which cost about 3890 THB, for mainboard you best can select a mainboard based on a Intel Z77 chipset, from one of the popular brandnames Asus, MSI,Gigabyte, etc... it will cost you about 3200 THB, for memory I would advice to go for 8GB minimum what will cost you about 2500 THB. A WD or Seagate 1TB hard disk with 64mb cache cost about 2100 THB. For the case what is very personal you can select any from 1000 up to 5000 THB or even more... You can best buy a case that has a USB 3.0 port on the front of the case... additional a DVD-RW will cost you about 500 THB, keyboard mouse set from Microsoft will cost 500 THB (Microsoft Desktop 600) but you can select anything...

Selecting a monitor at Panthip is often very difficult as they have sometimes 20 monitors on one VGA port connected and the screen is not exactly sharp. I personally would advice to go big and select a 23” as minimum screen size. Acer, Samsung, Philips,and LG all have 23” monitors under 5000 THB which are pretty good.

Okay your budget doesn't really give you the space to buy a official version of MS Windows, but if you plan to run MS Windows I would seriously recommend that you go for an official version. You skip so much headache with buying a legal version. You can of course also run Linux which now-a-day is pretty okay....

With the computer set I suggest you can add an additional graphics card, which can play the latest game titles, at a later stage.... say in 2 or 3 months...

Edited November 13, 2013 by Richard-BKK

[Richard-BKK]

Another advice if you going to run MS Windows 7 or 8 is that yu buy an fast USB 2 or 3 flashdrive of about 8 or 16GB (cost about 450 THB) which you can use as ReadyBoost. Which speeds op the computer a bit when it comes to hard disk traffic...

[h90]

yes car repair shops and computer shops LOVE female customer. The computer shop can get rid of all the outdated things....

I would go with invadeit. They are usually cheaper than most shops and slightly more expensive than the cheapest shop. But their recommendations often saves you money.

Ask them for recommendation + ask at the forum, compare it.

Video editing needs a lot resources, for everything else a very cheap computer will do the job.

For the video editing it is the question if you sometimes edit some small movie from the mobile phone or if you want to do some real difficult job.

I always prefer custom made PCs. I feel you get more for less money.....But my last built is some time ago, so maybe someone else can recommend.

[kirstymelb101]

I don't think I can afford a genuine version of Windows. I payed 200bht for an illegal version for my notebook, and has not had any problems so far. I can even download regular updates without it being detected.

My notebook is - Acer Aspire model 4750G. I want the specs of my computer to be a little better than this..

I prefer to buy a compact computer already build, because I doubt i'm able to build it myself..

[h90]

I don't think I can afford a genuine version of Windows. I payed 200bht for an illegal version for my notebook, and has not had any problems so far. I can even download regular updates without it being detected.

My notebook is - Acer Aspire model 4750G. I want the specs of my computer to be a little better than this..

I prefer to buy a compact computer already build, because I doubt i'm able to build it myself..

Well, for the happiness of the moderator here, pretend to buy a genuine Windows version

The customs build computer: You don't build them yourself. The shop build it for you and usually they also install the "genuine " windows for you.

So it isn't more difficult than buy a complete computer...beside that you must decide what is inside (which is an advantage)

[Richard-BKK]

It would be a pretty difficult to buy a ready build computer that would be faster than your current notebook. The Acer Aspire 4750G is equipped with a Intel i5-2410M processor, and has Nvidia GT540M graphics.

[Richard-BKK]

If you take the components listed in my earlier post and add a Nvidia GT640 or AMD 6670 graphics card (about 2500 THB) you would be overall about 20% faster than what you can do on your notebook.

Edited November 13, 2013 by Richard-BKK

[BB1950]

My notebook is - Acer Aspire model 4750G. I want the specs of my computer to be a little better than this..

Hmmm... The 4750G seems to have pretty decent specs except for the small screen and limited memory. Why not buy a larger monitor and add some more memory???

You should notice a big difference.

Edited November 13, 2013 by BB1950

[ignis]

Another Post Topic earlier this month said Intel i5 4570 with on-board graphics was excellent ?

Myself no idea as have always used AMD, without a monitor you can build or have built a pretty good spec AMD for under 20,000 baht

[kirstymelb101]

I paid 22,000bht for my notebook 3 yrs ago!

I'm sure it would be much cheaper now, and I could most likely build a computer with similar specs for a much lower price.

I may even spend 10k bht more, which will total $1,000 - and is only $300 more than what I initially agreed to spend.

[kirstymelb101]

My notebook is - Acer Aspire model 4750G. I want the specs of my computer to be a little better than this..

Hmmm... The 4750G seems to have pretty decent specs except for the small screen and limited memory. Why not buy a larger monitor and add some more memory???

You should notice a big difference.

It's a notebook. How can I add a bigger screen and more memory? o.O''

[Richard-BKK]

My notebook is - Acer Aspire model 4750G. I want the specs of my computer to be a little better than this..

Hmmm... The 4750G seems to have pretty decent specs except for the small screen and limited memory. Why not buy a larger monitor and add some more memory???

You should notice a big difference.

It's a notebook. How can I add a bigger screen and more memory? o.O''

If it's correct your notebook comes with 4GB memory, which is more than enough if you use MS Windows 7 x86 (32-bits) operating system. You can connect an external monitor to your notebook as it has a HDMI and extrenal VGA port. With an external keyboard and mouse this could make it more easier to work with it... Still playing games on a Intel i5-2410M processor combined with a Nvidia 540M is not for the latest game titles.

[Richard-BKK]

Another Post Topic earlier this month said Intel i5 4570 with on-board graphics was excellent ?

Myself no idea as have always used AMD, without a monitor you can build or have built a pretty good spec AMD for under 20,000 baht

Which AMD processor can beat a Intel i5-2410M in combination with a Nvidia GT540M, and still be able to build a decend system which cost less than 20,000 THB?

[kirstymelb101]

Where is the best place in Bkk to look for computer parts/software/hardware?

[sammycic]

J.I.B built my computer a few weeks ago and I must say the prices and the service was excellent. Work out exactly what you want, let them price it and they will build it for you in less than 2 hours. I paid 24, 000bht for mine, no gpu but would go for z87 board with intel hd4600 on board graphics. You can always add a gpu anytime. If you can afford a ssd well worth the money.

[h90]

Where is the best place in Bkk to look for computer parts/software/hardware?

Panthip placa is sure a good place...but there are also others.

At least you don't get the "sexi movie sexi movie" sales guys annoying you.

[h90]

My notebook is - Acer Aspire model 4750G. I want the specs of my computer to be a little better than this..

Hmmm... The 4750G seems to have pretty decent specs except for the small screen and limited memory. Why not buy a larger monitor and add some more memory???

You should notice a big difference.

It's a notebook. How can I add a bigger screen and more memory? o.O''

If it's correct your notebook comes with 4GB memory, which is more than enough if you use MS Windows 7 x86 (32-bits) operating system. You can connect an external monitor to your notebook as it has a HDMI and extrenal VGA port. With an external keyboard and mouse this could make it more easier to work with it... Still playing games on a Intel i5-2410M processor combined with a Nvidia 540M is not for the latest game titles.

That would be an excellent idea:

Big screen, Keyboard and Mouse.

And the best thing is, if it is not good enough and you buy a desktop, you didn't loose any money because you can use the screen, keyboard and mouse for it.

+ if you feel that you have too much money on your bank account: replace the Harddisk on the Laptop with a SSD, which will bring a huge improvement on speed.

[BB1950]

My notebook is - Acer Aspire model 4750G. I want the specs of my computer to be a little better than this..

Hmmm... The 4750G seems to have pretty decent specs except for the small screen and limited memory. Why not buy a larger monitor and add some more memory???

You should notice a big difference.

It's a notebook. How can I add a bigger screen and more memory? o.O''

If it's correct your notebook comes with 4GB memory, which is more than enough if you use MS Windows 7 x86 (32-bits) operating system. You can connect an external monitor to your notebook as it has a HDMI and extrenal VGA port. With an external keyboard and mouse this could make it more easier to work with it... Still playing games on a Intel i5-2410M processor combined with a Nvidia 540M is not for the latest game titles.

I've read different specs for the 4750G. Some have 2GB of memory, i3 CPU, where others have 4GB of memory, i5 CPU. If it has only 2GB or memory, that's a little weak for Windows 7, but usable. I'd bump it up to 4GB as that's the limit for 32 bit Windows. If you have 64 bit Windows bump it up to 8GB especially if you're doing graphics or video processing. It's easy to add more memory. There's sockets in the laptop to add more. All shops know how to do it. As far as the monitor, there's a socket to plug in a larger external monitor. Yeah, an external keyboard and mouse would also help. If you're a gaming enthusiast, it's not really a gaming machine and you won't be able to get a good gaming machine with a 20,000 baht price limitation.

Edited November 13, 2013 by BB1950

[dddave]

If you live convienient to the MRT, you can also go to FORTUNE TOWER, directly above the Rama-9 station. Many shops on the 3rd and 4th level, right hand end of the building

[phil2]

The first thing you should do is to check which Internet service provider can provide service at your location. One advice, even if you already have a telephone line ask them to do another one for your Internet connection (often the telephone line you already have will give you a poor ADSL connection).

When you know which internet provider you can have and know what is included in the promotion, especially a free ADSL modem yes or no. You can go shopping for a computer.

Your list of things you would like to do with your computer includes games, do you mean the average Facebook game or game titles like “Batman: Arkham City” or “Mortal Kombat Arcade Kollection” the hardware needs, especially the graphic card required quickly eats up most of your planned budget.

If you just want to play a few so-called Flash or HTML5 games online (like the once your find in Facebook) a simple Intel HD graphics is good enough.

A good set what will do everything you want is build up with a Intel Core i3 3240 processor which cost about 3890 THB, for mainboard you best can select a mainboard based on a Intel Z77 chipset, from one of the popular brandnames Asus, MSI,Gigabyte, etc... it will cost you about 3200 THB, for memory I would advice to go for 8GB minimum what will cost you about 2500 THB. A WD or Seagate 1TB hard disk with 64mb cache cost about 2100 THB. For the case what is very personal you can select any from 1000 up to 5000 THB or even more... You can best buy a case that has a USB 3.0 port on the front of the case... additional a DVD-RW will cost you about 500 THB, keyboard mouse set from Microsoft will cost 500 THB (Microsoft Desktop 600) but you can select anything...

Selecting a monitor at Panthip is often very difficult as they have sometimes 20 monitors on one VGA port connected and the screen is not exactly sharp. I personally would advice to go big and select a 23” as minimum screen size. Acer, Samsung, Philips,and LG all have 23” monitors under 5000 THB which are pretty good.

Okay your budget doesn't really give you the space to buy a official version of MS Windows, but if you plan to run MS Windows I would seriously recommend that you go for an official version. You skip so much headache with buying a legal version. You can of course also run Linux which now-a-day is pretty okay....

With the computer set I suggest you can add an additional graphics card, which can play the latest game titles, at a later stage.... say in 2 or 3 months...

It costs less than a thousand more for the latest core i3 4xxx processor. The chipset is different from the one posted above. I suggest you buy the ram and HDD from any vendor ( cheaper ), and walk into Banana IT on the fourth floor ( near the lift ) to buy the motherboard, CPU, optical drive ( 520 baht ) and a cheap case. Have them put everything together for you if you don't know how to DIY. The guys there speak English and they are very friendly.

[Bender]

My best advice is to stay away from Pantip, its the best place to get cheated.

You will end up with a machine made in Bangladesh, honestly.

Here a nice desktop under 20 K, if i was not single i would buy it for my gf...

http://www.powerbuy.co.th/ProductDetail.aspx?CategoryID=679&Brand=&Price=0&itemNo=PWB000206772

and let me tell you, you gonna make your house happy with it.

Edited November 13, 2013 by Bender

[rakman]

I don't think I can afford a genuine version of Windows. I payed 200bht for an illegal version for my notebook, and has not had any problems so far. I can even download regular updates without it being detected.

My notebook is - Acer Aspire model 4750G. I want the specs of my computer to be a little better than this..

I prefer to buy a compact computer already build, because I doubt i'm able to build it myself..

My GF and her daughter both had "free win" and both had a keylogger in their machines. On the GFs new laptop, real Win "distributed with a new PC" was only1800 baht if you ask. Like everything, its negotiable. No keyloggers found in the real version.

[sniffdog]

Contact me by pm and I'll give you my personal recommendation. But to be honest for video editing you need a powerful computer and I doubt 20000 will be enough.

[sniffdog]

What a nonsense. Pantip and fortune are two of the best places in Bangkok to buy a computer. Just pick the components you need and they will assemble it for you in an hour (or 2).

If you use for instance jedicool (ground floor Pantip) you know you get excellent service and all prices are by price list. If you have a problem afterwards they are always prepared to give you free support.

My best advice is to stay away from Pantip, its the best place to get cheated.

You will end up with a machine made in Bangladesh, honestly.

Here a nice desktop under 20 K, if i was not single i would buy it for my gf...

http://www.powerbuy.co.th/ProductDetail.aspx?CategoryID=679&Brand=&Price=0&itemNo=PWB000206772

and let me tell you, you gonna make your house happy with it.

[keeniau96]

Richard gave you some good ides for a general purpose computer, best to build it or have it built. Video editing with the Adobe and/or Sony apps is very demanding for CPU cycles, which also generates fair amount of heat; i5 may be OK but i7 really best for such (=expensive). Gaming is a mixed bag but the most advanced games need very powerful (=very expensive) video cards. Best bet is to go to Pantip Plaza and talk to the dudes at TK Comp and Jedi Cool, both on the ground floor near the back. Also the enthusiast shop across the aisle from TK Comp with the woman with flaming red hairdo ... knows her stuff. Tell them your wants/needs and your budget, they will have quality solutions. Above all don't neglect the PSU, can get a decent one eg. Seasonic for under 3000 baht.

[Richard-BKK]

That is a bit the problem now-a-day, a basic do all well computer for home with a simple mainboard and no additional graphics card will work fine with a cheap power supply. But when you install a bit more memory than average, fancy Intel i5 or i7 processor and use a graphics card that moves pixel a bit faster than the eye can see you quickly will have the need for a better power supply.

Another thing is buy what you need, some people advise you to buy a more expensive mainboard so you can upgrade to a better processor in the future... the truth is, and I also fall for that idea in the past, reality is that every time I upgraded a processor in a computer I also replaced the mainboard (to be honest most of the time I bought a whole new set).

The speed of any given processor is okay for the task you bought it for, for about 2 years. After that you can still use it for a year and then things with new releases of software and operating systems become a bit to slow to serious work on it... At that time you probably cannot buy any upgrade processor for your computer system because a new standard is fully accepted...

Edited November 14, 2013 by Richard-BKK

[JSixpack]

Here you are, on budget:

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/build-a-pc-fx-6300-overclocking,3617.html

CPU here: http://www.jib.co.th/web/index.php/product/readProduct/11766/3/index.html

Get a good case. Cooler Master, Lian Li, NZXT, Thermaltake, Corsair, Zalman, etc. And a good power supply: I suggest http://www.jib.co.th/web/index.php/product/readProduct/11460/6/index.html. Seasonic is great but a bit harder to find.

If you want to spend more, an SSD for the boot drive would be great.

Good luck, let us know the result.

[kirstymelb101]

hey, guys! Sorry about the delayed reply.

I've read very useful information which is much needed. Thanks guys!

I'm planning to make a trip to BKK this weekend. I'm still kind of clueless about all this computer stuff !

My plan is to go to Panthip plaza - Ask for a quote and price of what I'm willing to spend. Update you guys here of the price/parts etc... and if everyone agrees I'm getting my moneys worth, i'll proceed and let them build my computer

Edited November 18, 2013 by kirstymelb101

[leosuntime]

What computer did you end up buying??

I just bought the Gigabyte gaming laptop p43g , its my baby!

I also bought a little table so that i can play games in bed lol

http://www.gigabyte.com/products/product-page.aspx?pid=4636#kf