Buying new Computer.

[NoshowJones]

I want to buy a new desktop computer, which make would you recommend? Should I buy the type that does not have a tower, I know nothing about them, I have only seen them in pictures, or should I just replace the tower? I already have a good sound system and moniter.

[narkeddiver]

If you can list what you will be using your computer for then the members who are more knowledgeable than me will be able to offer you more accurate advice

E.g.

Just browsing the internet, streaming video and audio to tvs, cutting edge gaming, etc, etc

[guzzi850m2]

If you can list what you will be using your computer for then the members who are more knowledgeable than me will be able to offer you more accurate advice

E.g.

Just browsing the internet, streaming video and audio to tvs, cutting edge gaming, etc, etc

I agree.

The options are endless, you can spend 8-10.000 baht for a browser pc or you can spend 40-60.000 on top end shelf pc for gaming/video editing.

You can save a bit by going to one of the shops that build them from scratch but then you have to know what you want regarding everything you wants to put in it.

Do you want Win 7 or 8 or perhaps the free Linux? If you choose Win then you have to make up your mind if you want 32bit or 64 bit? The 32bit versions sets limits of how much ram they support.

If I was you I would goggle a bit on the i-net and check what you actually require and what you have to look for when buying a pc.

It's a bit like buying a car, lots of horse power is nice to have even if you don't really need it but you don't have to buy a Ferrari to have fun.

[NoshowJones]

If you can list what you will be using your computer for then the members who are more knowledgeable than me will be able to offer you more accurate advice

E.g.

Just browsing the internet, streaming video and audio to tvs, cutting edge gaming, etc, etc

I agree.

The options are endless, you can spend 8-10.000 baht for a browser pc or you can spend 40-60.000 on top end shelf pc for gaming/video editing.

You can save a bit by going to one of the shops that build them from scratch but then you have to know what you want regarding everything you wants to put in it.

Do you want Win 7 or 8 or perhaps the free Linux? If you choose Win then you have to make up your mind if you want 32bit or 64 bit? The 32bit versions sets limits of how much ram they support.

If I was you I would goggle a bit on the i-net and check what you actually require and what you have to look for when buying a pc.

It's a bit like buying a car, lots of horse power is nice to have even if you don't really need it but you don't have to buy a Ferrari to have fun.

I want to browes, stream video and audio, download tv shows, films, music, play games, so that will be a 64 bit, windows 7 or 8, so I should just get a new tower, which is the best make?

[mania]

If I were you I would go to someone like JIB Computer

They have branches in all major towns & have one built.

It will likely be considerably less price/higher spec than an off the shelf model..

I just had one done for 14k & it is a screamer

Also included a Solid State Hard drive which makes loading windows 7 64bit so fast the

intro screen at start up cannot even draw the windows logo before bang your on your desktop

Edited September 4, 2014 by mania

[NoshowJones]

If I were you I would go to someone like JIB Computer

They have branches in all major towns & have one built.

It will likely be considerably less price/higher spec than an off the shelf model..

I just had one done for 14k & it is a screamer

Also included a Solid State Hard drive which makes loading windows 7 64bit so fast the

intro screen at start up cannot even draw the windows logo before bang your on your desktop

I will look into that Mania, the last poster also advised that, it seems it's the way to go. So you would also say I should go for windows 7? I had already decided about the 64bit.

[mania]

If I were you I would go to someone like JIB Computer

They have branches in all major towns & have one built.

It will likely be considerably less price/higher spec than an off the shelf model..

I just had one done for 14k & it is a screamer

Also included a Solid State Hard drive which makes loading windows 7 64bit so fast the

intro screen at start up cannot even draw the windows logo before bang your on your desktop

I will look into that Mania, the last poster also advised that, it seems it's the way to go. So you would also say I should go for windows 7? I had already decided about the 64bit.

I went for W7 -64bit

I have been around long enough to know many times when a new Windows comes out it is better to

let it breathe a few years & get sorted. Unless of course W8 has something you really want/need

7 is fine for me though

[NoshowJones]

If I were you I would go to someone like JIB Computer

They have branches in all major towns & have one built.

It will likely be considerably less price/higher spec than an off the shelf model..

I just had one done for 14k & it is a screamer

Also included a Solid State Hard drive which makes loading windows 7 64bit so fast the

intro screen at start up cannot even draw the windows logo before bang your on your desktop

I will look into that Mania, the last poster also advised that, it seems it's the way to go. So you would also say I should go for windows 7? I had already decided about the 64bit.

I went for W7 -64bit

I have been around long enough to know many times when a new Windows comes out it is better to

let it breathe a few years & get sorted. Unless of course W8 has something you really want/need

7 is fine for me though

Thanks mate, I will now try to find a JIB shop, my nearest cities are Nakhon Sawan and Phitsanulok, I tried to google with no success.

[mania]

Thanks mate, I will now try to find a JIB shop, my nearest cities are Nakhon Sawan and Phitsanulok, I tried to google with no success.

This is their web page & they are in most malls & also Pantip type computer malls

https://www.jib.co.th/web/

They are also on FB if you do that?

https://www.facebook.com/jibcomputergroup

Also I have never used these guys but have always read good things about them

Also I think they are western/English speakers so you may want to look at their site too.

http://www.invadeit.co.th/

Good Luck

PS: Oh by the way here is my recent thread about the build.

I was given some great advice by JSixPack in it as well as others.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/741652-another-gaming-rig-suggestions-question/#entry8081581

Edited September 4, 2014 by mania

[guzzi850m2]

Go for Win8.1 64 bit, it's faster and safer than Win7.

My next desk top will be that or 9?

Admittedly Win8 was a flop when they launched it, they thought that everybody was gonna use a touch screen based platform.

Well as long as I can buy a desk top pc I gonna keep buying them and I am not the only one.

[JSixpack]

I want to browes, stream video and audio, download tv shows, films, music, play games, so that will be a 64 bit, windows 7 or 8, so I should just get a new tower, which is the best make?

For a number of good reasons, you shouldn't get a "make," that is, a pre-built by a manufacturer. Rather, build it yourself or get a shop to build it for you for nominal charge or even for free. Invadit, among other vendors, will build & test (well, nominally) your custom computer and send it to you, no need to visit any shop.

"Playing games" opens up a can o' worms, unless you're just playing pong. How deep are your pockets?

There was a thread late last year re: a gaming build: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/681773-building-a-gaming-pc/

You could do worse than start with the builds here:

http://elitegamingcomputers.com/good-cheap-gaming-computers/

Take a look here:

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/budget-gaming-pc,3854.html

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/build-your-own-budget-gaming-pc,3780.html

http://www.reddit.com/r/BuildaPC

Beware of overkill and diminishing returns. There's stats and then there's actual perception. It's well to keep in mind this article:

Can a £300 gaming PC compare to a £3,000 one?

Meanwhile, we've long known that the most expensive CPUs are overkill for games. What we didn't anticipate was how little difference a high-end GPU makes. At this point we've little choice but to reveal the overall result.

Most of the time, most of our subjects literally could not tell the difference. In fact, it was worse than that. It wasn't just a case of putting hands up in the air and declaring it a dead heat. Frequently, our testers actually got it the wrong way round, declaring the low-end rig to be rendering with greater fidelity or actually running faster.

--http://www.techradar.com/news/computing/pc/can-a-300-gaming-pc-compare-to-a-3000-one-1071338/1#articleContent

Edited September 4, 2014 by JSixpack

[DogNo1]

Microsoft will stop supporting Windows 7 on January 13, 2015. Get Windows 8.1. Then you can upgrade to Windows 9 next year. It is said that Windows 9 will be designed more with desktop users in mind.

[bino]

For a number of good reasons, you shouldn't get a "make," that is, a pre-built by a manufacturer.

Whilst I agree with you for the most part,I am computer savvy enough to understand my way around the hardware.

For someone who is not computer savvy, a name brand computer that is ready to plug and play from the box could be a better way to go. Most Hewlett Packard products sold currently have a full three year parts / labour / onsite serviice warranty, which is quite compelling for those who aren't techno-geeks and like some peace of mind.

Something like this would be ample for the OP's needs.

[JSixpack]

Whilst I agree with you for the most part,I am computer savvy enough to understand my way around the hardware.

For someone who is not computer savvy, a name brand computer that is ready to plug and play from the box could be a better way to go.

Yep. But everyone I've known who changed from a name brand to a build has been happy w/ the decision.

If OP had done that, he'd be thinking more about upgrading his current machine rather than buying a new one, and saving money, I think.

Most Hewlett Packard products sold currently have a full three year parts / labour / onsite serviice warranty, which is quite compelling for those who aren't techno-geeks and like some peace of mind.

True. But HP recoups the cost of the warranty via cheaper parts, selling proprietary replacement/upgrade parts, and charging considerably for service when it can.

The quality parts in a build also have warranties, and you can get them repaired (and upgraded w/ quality parts at competitive prices) at any shop, not just a manufacturer's service center.

Something like this would be ample for the OP's needs.

Gag. (Sorry, just my first reaction as one who's had to open up and repair a few HPs.) Not if he wants to play games, which he said was one of his goals.

[Turkleton]

Microsoft will stop supporting Windows 7 on January 13, 2015. Get Windows 8.1....

Nonsense, the extended support for W7 SP1 ends Jan. 2020....no reason to panic.

Even Vista is supported until Apr. 2017.

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/lifecycle

But for a new machine, I would go for W8.1 (not 8.0) too.

Edited September 5, 2014 by Turkleton

[dddave]

You can get a machine with Win. 8.1 and easily (even I did it successfully) install "CLASSIC SHELL" which emulates the easier Win. 7 environment.

May I ask why a desktop? The price/feature aspect of laptops pretty much equals desktop units now with the added convenience of portability. If you prefer the monitor you use, you can usually still use it with the laptop.

There are also a number of "Stand Alone" units for sale now...basically, the CPU integrated with the monitor with a separate keyboard. The monitors usually run in the 19" to 24" range...nice for viewing movies and TV. Prices start at around B15,000.

Edited September 5, 2014 by dddave

[StefanBBK]

I prefer built over ready made. The ready made ones usually have some component that are inferior.

Suggest a 256 solid state drive for OS and Programms and Western digital "black caviar" HDD 1TB to store movies etc. High end CPU, 16 GB RAM etc.

My choice would be win 7/ 64

With an i7 CPU you might not need separate graphic card.

Edited September 5, 2014 by StefanBBK

[kekalot]

I prefer built over ready made. The ready made ones usually have some component that are inferior.

Suggest a 256 solid state drive for OS and Programms and Western digital "black caviar" HDD 1TB to store movies etc. High end CPU, 16 GB RAM etc.

My choice would be win 7/ 64

With an i7 CPU you might not need separate graphic card.

meh, while I do agree with the 1TB WD Black.. I am a gamer AND power user and 120gb SSD is plenty, so is 8gb and the i7 is not needed

OP is better saving from getting "too much" to get at least a proper video card

[NoshowJones]

Microsoft will stop supporting Windows 7 on January 13, 2015. Get Windows 8.1. Then you can upgrade to Windows 9 next year. It is said that Windows 9 will be designed more with desktop users in mind.

Thanks for telling me that, windows 8 had a bad reputation when it came out, but I understand it is ok now.

[NoshowJones]

If I were you I would go to someone like JIB Computer

They have branches in all major towns & have one built.

It will likely be considerably less price/higher spec than an off the shelf model..

I just had one done for 14k & it is a screamer

Also included a Solid State Hard drive which makes loading windows 7 64bit so fast the

intro screen at start up cannot even draw the windows logo before bang your on your desktop

I will look into that Mania, the last poster also advised that, it seems it's the way to go. So you would also say I should go for windows 7? I had already decided about the 64bit.

I went for W7 -64bit

I have been around long enough to know many times when a new Windows comes out it is better to

let it breathe a few years & get sorted. Unless of course W8 has something you really want/need

7 is fine for me though

Windows will stop supporting W7 soon, so I think I will go for windows 8.

[NoshowJones]

For a number of good reasons, you shouldn't get a "make," that is, a pre-built by a manufacturer.

Whilst I agree with you for the most part,I am computer savvy enough to understand my way around the hardware.

For someone who is not computer savvy, a name brand computer that is ready to plug and play from the box could be a better way to go. Most Hewlett Packard products sold currently have a full three year parts / labour / onsite serviice warranty, which is quite compelling for those who aren't techno-geeks and like some peace of mind.

Something like this would be ample for the OP's needs.

I have looked at it, thanks Bino, but I have found out there is a JiB computers in Nakhon Sawan, I think that's the way to go.

[NoshowJones]

Whilst I agree with you for the most part,I am computer savvy enough to understand my way around the hardware.

For someone who is not computer savvy, a name brand computer that is ready to plug and play from the box could be a better way to go.

Yep. But everyone I've known who changed from a name brand to a build has been happy w/ the decision.

If OP had done that, he'd be thinking more about upgrading his current machine rather than buying a new one, and saving money, I think.

Most Hewlett Packard products sold currently have a full three year parts / labour / onsite serviice warranty, which is quite compelling for those who aren't techno-geeks and like some peace of mind.

True. But HP recoups the cost of the warranty via cheaper parts, selling proprietary replacement/upgrade parts, and charging considerably for service when it can.

The quality parts in a build also have warranties, and you can get them repaired (and upgraded w/ quality parts at competitive prices) at any shop, not just a manufacturer's service center.

Something like this would be ample for the OP's needs.

Gag. (Sorry, just my first reaction as one who's had to open up and repair a few HPs.) Not if he wants to play games, which he said was one of his goals.

Yes, I said that, but I will be happy if I can play the sniper games, I understand any computer can play them. I enjoy these games although they have their faults especially Sniper 2, a couple of the targets are not even on the screen, if you can't see them you can't shoot them, the other things I mentioned are far more important than the games.

[NoshowJones]

Microsoft will stop supporting Windows 7 on January 13, 2015. Get Windows 8.1....

Nonsense, the extended support for W7 SP1 ends Jan. 2020....no reason to panic.

Even Vista is supported until Apr. 2017.

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/lifecycle

But for a new machine, I would go for W8.1 (not 8.0) too.

8.1, OK. Thanks for telling me.

[mania]

Windows will stop supporting W7 soon, so I think I will go for windows 8.

That kind of stuff never worries me & I was probably on Windows NT longer than most

I think most were on 98 by then

I do not use windows updates & tend to my own computer

But that aside I would not worry too much about OS support

but I am sure you will be fine with whichever OS you choose

[WhizBang]

If I were you I would go to someone like JIB Computer

They have branches in all major towns & have one built.

It will likely be considerably less price/higher spec than an off the shelf model..

I just had one done for 14k & it is a screamer

Also included a Solid State Hard drive which makes loading windows 7 64bit so fast the

intro screen at start up cannot even draw the windows logo before bang your on your desktop

LOL. I just built a hi-end gaming computer. I won't tell you what the final price was, but the MB alone cost over 12K baht.

It has dual hi-end graphics cards, a 250GB SSD and 2TB HD, Intel i7 4770 CPU, 32GB memory, a liquid CPU cooler and a 4K monitor (I will never go back to anything less now). Plus a 1500 Watt power supply.

Talk about fast, and the 4K monitor is soooooo liberating.

Edited September 5, 2014 by WhizBang

[mania]

LOL. I just built a hi-end gaming computer. I won't tell you what the final price was, but the MB alone cost over 12K baht.

It has dual hi-end graphics cards, a 250GB SSD and 2TB HD, Intel 4770 CPU, 32GB memory, a liquid CPU cooler and a 4K monitor (I will never go back to anything less now). Plus a 1500 Watt power supply.

Talk about fast, and the 4K monitor is soooooo liberating.

heheh sounds great!

In my case I was building specifically to drive a F1 sim

so that was my "needs" list

Although I do see some of the requirements for First person shooter games etc are very high

I also have seen some killer gfx cards like you mention & yes they are pricey...But render beautifully

what they do

Mine was quite simple but drives the F1 sim easily at 60fps full details like mirrors render full detail etc on

Sense of speed/movement at 300kph simulated is great

CPU INTEL 1150 PENTIUM G3420 3.2 GHz ฿2,250.00

MainBoard 1150 MSI H81M-E33 ฿1,560.00

Ram 4 GB RAM COMPUTER PC DDR3/1600 G.SKILL Aegis ฿1,450.00

Was going to just try 4GB 1st & add more if needed but really do not need it for this sim.

HardDrive 120GB Kingston Hyperx Fury ฿2,680.00

Display Card MSI GT730-2gb DDR3 ฿2,390.00

Case CASE COUGAR SOLUTION BLACK - 1202392108 ฿1,450.00

Power CORSAIR 500W (CX500M) 80+ BRONZE ฿2,390.00

DVD Drive Samsung 24x ฿530.00

Total ฿14,700.00

Edited September 5, 2014 by mania

[WhizBang]

Microsoft will stop supporting Windows 7 on January 13, 2015. Get Windows 8.1. Then you can upgrade to Windows 9 next year. It is said that Windows 9 will be designed more with desktop users in mind.

Windows 8/8.1 is horrible (even with classic shell, which does make it useable... almost).

I just wish M$ would address real useability issues and also not just keep changing things, just to change them, and then call it new.

[WhizBang]

LOL. I just built a hi-end gaming computer. I won't tell you what the final price was, but the MB alone cost over 12K baht.

It has dual hi-end graphics cards, a 250GB SSD and 2TB HD, Intel 4770 CPU, 32GB memory, a liquid CPU cooler and a 4K monitor (I will never go back to anything less now). Plus a 1500 Watt power supply.

Talk about fast, and the 4K monitor is soooooo liberating.

heheh sounds great!

In my case I was building specifically to drive a F1 sim

so that was my "needs" list

Although I do see some of the requirements for First person shooter games etc are very high

I also have seen some killer gfx cards like you mention & yes they are pricey...But render beautifully

what they do

Mine was quite simple but drives the F1 sim easily at 60fps full details like mirrors render full detail etc on

Sense of speed/movement at 300kph simulated is great

CPU INTEL 1150 PENTIUM G3420 3.2 GHz ฿2,250.00

MainBoard 1150 MSI H81M-E33 ฿1,560.00

Ram 4 GB RAM COMPUTER PC DDR3/1600 G.SKILL Aegis ฿1,450.00

Was going to just try 4GB 1st & add more if needed but really do not need it for this sim.

HardDrive 120GB Kingston Hyperx Fury ฿2,680.00

Display Card MSI GT730-2gb DDR3 ฿2,390.00

Case CASE COUGAR SOLUTION BLACK - 1202392108 ฿1,450.00

Power CORSAIR 500W (CX500M) 80+ BRONZE ฿2,390.00

DVD Drive Samsung 24x ฿530.00

Total ฿14,700.00

I figure that this might be one of the last computers I build/own, so I decided to go for broke. Uncle Sam paid for it anyway (social security).

Bought everything through InvadeIT.co.th. Very helpfull and very good service. 10 Thumbs (fingers and toes) up to them.

[StefanBBK]

I prefer built over ready made. The ready made ones usually have some component that are inferior.

Suggest a 256 solid state drive for OS and Programms and Western digital "black caviar" HDD 1TB to store movies etc. High end CPU, 16 GB RAM etc.

My choice would be win 7/ 64

With an i7 CPU you might not need separate graphic card.

meh, while I do agree with the 1TB WD Black.. I am a gamer AND power user and 120gb SSD is plenty, so is 8gb and the i7 is not needed

OP is better saving from getting "too much" to get at least a proper video card

I don't disagree. Reason I am for the larger SSD is that the libraries are by default on the same drive as the OS. I know this can be changed, but might be a bit of hassle.

I agree that i7 is a bit overkill if a proper video card is installed. I am just a casual gamer and the i7 / 16Gb ram combination works very well for me.

All depends how heavy of a gamer the OP is.

[JSixpack]

I will be happy if I can play the sniper games, I understand any computer can play them. I enjoy these games although they have their faults especially Sniper 2, a couple of the targets are not even on the screen, if you can't see them you can't shoot them, the other things I mentioned are far more important than the games.

Well, you can go quite low budget then. See mania's build above, from Jib, for some nice headroom & speed w/ SSD. Or the cheapest build on the Elite Gaming Computers would do.

http://www.amazon.com/lm/R2SLEVOSQPWO71/?_encoding=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&linkCode=ur2&lm_bb=&tag=gcgctest-20

Jib has AMD APUs; here's the one mentioned at Elite:

http://www.jib.co.th/web/index.php/product/readProduct/11858/3/CPU-AMD-FM2-A10-6800K-4.1-GHz

Problems w/ the above build: 1. you shouldn't skimp on the power supply. Get an 80+ Bronze certified. Jib has a great one here:

http://www.jib.co.th/web/index.php/product/readProduct/11460/6/POWER-SUPPLY-CORSAIR-500W--CX500M--80--BRONZE

2. The hard drive is really small. You'll be downloading vids, so get a 1 TB at least.

http://www.jib.co.th/web/index.php/product/listCategory/2/1101/0/index.php

And I'd get a good case as a good one will last forever, through many builds. I had a Cooler Master Praetorian that lasted me, oh, 8 years at least and probably would have been cremated with me except I just got bored with it. Cheap Charlie friends sneered at me for paying as much as I did for it--and then went thru 3 cheap crappy cases over the years.

Jib has Corsair and Thermaltake among brands I know. This one is offered at a very competitive price:

http://www.jib.co.th/web/index.php/product/readProduct/7442/27/CASE-THERMALTAKE-V3--BLACK-

And you'll see it gets plenty of love at newegg:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811133094

Edited September 6, 2014 by JSixpack