What are the things that make a PC run fast?...

[Astraea FGA Mk. I]

I would advise that you don't throw any more money at that computer, if you intend to keep using it improve it on the software side, there has been some good suggestions regarding that, switching to Linux etc.

If you can afford it get a macbook air 13" instead I don't know of anyone who has regretted getting one of these.

Personally I want a desktop PC with a large monitor as my primary computer but I love my macbook as a portable secondary computer.

[Lord of Pirates]

Reinstall, but be sure to only reinstall stuff you actually NEED, things you install that you don't actually use might still end up taking resources without telling you about it.

Get a SSD, it's a good investement you'll likely have use for even if you scrap the laptop.

Disagree. I'm running win7 on a Core 2 Duo with 2GB. The unresponsiveness of it is driving me nuts.

That should definitely not be unresponsive, something's wrong with your computer and it's not Windows 7.

If the PC has a factory default option you can use that and uninstall all the unneeded software, reinstalling XP will help however you do it. I have a C2D in my laptop and 7 runs fine for desktop and browsing use, though I do switch to XP for games most of the time.

At Astraea: If he's going to spend that kind of money I think he'd be better off with a solid desktop.

[dave4shmups]

BTW, my Dad is getting an iPad Air for Christmas this year. Since he's not that great with any electronics, is setting up an iPad a complicated process at all? AFIK, you just turn it on and start enjoying it, and everything's set in that regard, since we have a wireless router.

[Fudoh]

No, from an elderly perspective without any experience it's complicated. You need to setup the WLAN connection and create an account along with several additional settings. Take an hour or two to set it up for your dad. After that - and only after that - it's rather easy to use.

[dave4shmups]

No, from an elderly perspective without any experience it's complicated. You need to setup the WLAN connection and create an account along with several additional settings. Take an hour or two to set it up for your dad. After that - and only after that - it's rather easy to use.

OK thanks for that advice! We don't have any Apple software on our PC; will that be a problem? I know that you have install iTunes software if you want to use that, but I know my Dad doesn't care about downloading MP3 files.

Back to PCs-We have a Microcenter not to far from us, and I've heard that they have really good deals on pre-owned and refurbished PCs and laptops. (I've been in there before, and it looks a LOT better then CompUSA, which I never thought was that great.) Would it be better to get something new?

[kamiboy]

The iPad is now a completely PC free device. And it does not take hours to setup, more like minutes.

You turn it on, get it on the net via wifi, then follow a couple of easy steps and off you go, never have to connect it to anything. It backs itself up to iCloud and you can buy music and apps directly from the iPad.

[shadowkn55]

but what makes a PC fast?

Stickers. Lots and lots of stickers. Blue LED fans also help.

[Lord of Pirates]

but what makes a PC fast?

Stickers. Lots and lots of stickers. Blue LED fans also help.

Red LEDs and flame stickers make it go faster than stupid blue ones!

At Kami: You connect it to the internet and connect it to nothing at the same time ?

[kamiboy]

Physical Connection no. Actually no need to connect it to the internet either, but then you just bought a nice iCoaster.

[dave4shmups]

The one issue I have with Apple products-and it's not a minor one-is how high they're priced. The prices have always seemed insanely high, compared to non-Apple computing products. I work at Target, and even Apple's earphones seem way overpriced. I've been told that Apple computers are made with better parts (PCs supposedly being made with the same generic, crappy parts), and that Apple Care goes above and beyond the customer service that you get with any other brand.

Is ANY of this true? That's the question I have right now.

[Ed Oscuro]

When I have a problem with my PC I sort it out myself.

Kaching! There's the sound that doesn't happen at Apple because of me and my not needing their walled garden and specious claims of value-add.

[Lord of Pirates]

An extra 8GB of RAM for an iMac costs an additional $200 .

Sorry.

A more serious response: No, not really.

[kamiboy]

The one issue I have with Apple products-and it's not a minor one-is how high they're priced. The prices have always seemed insanely high, compared to non-Apple computing products. I work at Target, and even Apple's earphones seem way overpriced. I've been told that Apple computers are made with better parts (PCs supposedly being made with the same generic, crappy parts), and that Apple Care goes above and beyond the customer service that you get with any other brand.

Is ANY of this true? That's the question I have right now.

By and large you get what you pay for with Apple products.

[BuckoA51]

We're drifting off-topic here but I have to add. I went to shop for laptops with a friend recently, he wanted one for his mum, we considered tablets but dismissed them since she likes to write e-mails and the occasional letter. Anyway, the tablet that impressed me the most was those little machines running Atom processes and Windows 8.1. They don't feel sluggish at all and being able to run the odd desktop app (even if slowly) is a huge plus. Windows 8 works great on touch and is a way better OS than iOS (multiple accounts, better multitasking) it just needs more software.

[Lord of Pirates]

We're drifting off-topic here but I have to add. I went to shop for laptops with a friend recently, he wanted one for his mum, we considered tablets but dismissed them since she likes to write e-mails and the occasional letter. Anyway, the tablet that impressed me the most was those little machines running Atom processes and Windows 8.1. They don't feel sluggish at all and being able to run the odd desktop app (even if slowly) is a huge plus. Windows 8 works great on touch and is a way better OS than iOS (multiple accounts, better multitasking) it just needs more software.

How are the attachable keyboards they market for those things?

Dave: Bottom line, building a PC is your best choice if you want quality control and value per dollar, no matter what OS you're using.

[BuckoA51]

Not sure there's even a keyboard attachment for the one I saw, though it seems a bit of a missed opportunity if there isn't.

[dave4shmups]

We're drifting off-topic here but I have to add. I went to shop for laptops with a friend recently, he wanted one for his mum, we considered tablets but dismissed them since she likes to write e-mails and the occasional letter. Anyway, the tablet that impressed me the most was those little machines running Atom processes and Windows 8.1. They don't feel sluggish at all and being able to run the odd desktop app (even if slowly) is a huge plus. Windows 8 works great on touch and is a way better OS than iOS (multiple accounts, better multitasking) it just needs more software.

How are the attachable keyboards they market for those things?

Dave: Bottom line, building a PC is your best choice if you want quality control and value per dollar, no matter what OS you're using.

Yeah, I saw some videos on Newegg's Youtube site about how to build you're own PC, starting with this one: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lPIXAtNGGCw Really excellent video series!

[dave4shmups]

So, which PC manufacturer has the best customer service? Or are they all pretty much the same? My Dad got a Dell laptop ten years ago, and spend three hours on the phone with their horrible customer service, before sending it back. And yet, in every office I go into, I see Dell PCs.

[Lord of Pirates]

So, which PC manufacturer has the best customer service? Or are they all pretty much the same? My Dad got a Dell laptop ten years ago, and spend three hours on the phone with their horrible customer service, before sending it back. And yet, in every office I go into, I see Dell PCs.

My experience with HP was alright, though I imagine they're all around the same level, as long as it's in warranty you shouldn't have any trouble.

[dave4shmups]

I'm surprised that no one mentioned the Pentium IV CPU that's in the PC. I mean, it is pretty old and outdated compared to all the quad-core and eight-core CPUs out there today.

[ZellSF]

Most Sony Vaios are laptops, so replacing the CPU's not exactly easy (not that it's easy on a deskop either...).

[gray117]

What's the thread about now?

i) Fixing an old laptop

or buying a new:

ii) Laptop
iii) Tablet
iv) Desktop

Dell are fine - especially if you're a business and you pay a little more for their better kit. However, besides some of their monitors, I wouldn't be convinced they offer a whole lot of advantages (over many other competitors) to the average individual consumer.

Apple kit is all about the individual consumer, and there's a even higher mark up. It's been a long time since this translated into useful performance benefits, yet their quality, and out-of-the-box usability, still keeps them desirable for many in the business sector (think email, calenders and meetings, rather than pushing polys .

There are now many enthusiast pc suppliers out there; which you may find the most useful if you're looking for a particular spec pc.

Alternatively, yes, if your up for it - best value will be found with a DIY with desktops. It's easy to do, but if you just aren't the type for it then nevermind, pay a bit more for either a less specific setup or someone to put it together.

If you're looking to go either of the 2 last routes specifically concerning a desktop, I'm sure there's a lot of advice that we can laddle into this thread but it might be a bit all off topic if you're just after another reasonable laptop, or just tidying up your current one

[charlie chong]

dont go with h.p or dell or any of that crap(even if you cant build one yourself).. independant companies will build you a much better spec pc for cheaper(with the same kind of warranty) and if you already have monitor,keyboard etc you don't have to buy new ones for the sake of a "bundle"
i cant offer any recommendations of american companies cos i live in uk.

[BuckoA51]

Considering the economies of scale that companies like Dell have, I doubt that a small independant retailer could ever beat them on cost. Quality maybe, and also give you more choice but... Frankly if you have the cash there's nothing wrong with Dell/Alienware at all. Plus you have the piece of mind that if some component plays up you can just send the whole thing back, rather than have the ball-ache of pin-pointing the trouble yourself.

[nasty_wolverine]

Considering the economies of scale that companies like Dell have, I doubt that a small independant retailer could ever beat them on cost. Quality maybe, and also give you more choice but... Frankly if you have the cash there's nothing wrong with Dell/Alienware at all. Plus you have the piece of mind that if some component plays up you can just send the whole thing back, rather than have the ball-ache of pin-pointing the trouble yourself.

Umm, no. Branded computers are made of generic (meaning mostly crap) parts. the guarantee/warranty is on the whole. it has more to do with ease of putting together and selling for the company, ease of people who dont know how to properly use a computer. alienware and stuff like that are too expensive for the kind of performance they offer.

if you strictly go by bang per buck, and reliability, assembling a computer is always better. Provided the guy doing the assembly needs to know what he is doing well. things like knowing your CPU caches, FSB and that it should match the RAM, a MoBo with a good reliable chipset and a good number of extension slots, etc. by spending a little time and effort into putting together the right parts, you can get alienware performance from something that cost around the mid-end dell desktops. And each part has a warranty on it, and its not too difficult to figure out whats wrong in a computer, all you need is another comp, keep exchanging stuff till find whats broken. besides RAM, GPU, PSU, CPU errors are very easy to figure out.

I assembled my own computer about five years ago, still gives good performance (for the fact that its almost always powered up), the problems I have had is that the RAM and GPU blew up once. But thats more due to me not using a UPS for sometime. And thats all that has happened to it in those 5 long years.

So, my advice assemble your own computer, it will serve you better, and be light on your pocket.

EDIT: post a thread with your budget and what you want to get out of it, I am sure the techie guys on forum can build a beautiful spec that you just have to get it assembled from a shop or so.

[Ed Oscuro]

You can also find lots of recommendations by starting with a price figure, even with specific links to parts on a site like Newegg or whatever you like, that have been tested out by the community, and these "recommended builds" are available for different budgets. Tom's Hardware tries to set up systems for a starting price (say $1000) and then they test them. You can always get started like that.

There are some important (but not really exciting) areas where the Dells and HPs cut costs - like on thermal paste (and having people sufficiently skilled to apply it correctly) or even using thermal pads (ew), power supplies, and possibly a bit on brands of items. But it's stuff like having a terrible cooling design and not having paste applied correctly that will cause problems. They have no compunction throwing in parts whose performance might not be cutting edge when the consumer has no way of checking that (i.e. "7200 RPM hard drive!") but also many of these parts can be quite expensive for little benefit. Also, not all cases from the big manufacturers are actually terrible - though I think that the do-it-yourself cases, especially slim factor ones, have gotten much better in the last few years.

Supposedly somebody priced out the Mac Pro and found the parts didn't cost much less than what Apple was charging, but I dunno if this is actually true (plus it ignores Apple's volume discounts, I'm sure).

Personally, if I was looking seriously at a pre-built PC, I'd look seriously at what ASUS has on offer. They make a huge number of the components found in the typical PC, including the motherboard, so not only do you get some probable reliability and the convenience of having their support to be more likely able to fix a problem and be aware of fixes, but the price might be a little cheaper as well. That said, I don't know what their warranty periods are.

Companies like Falcon Northwest - seems OK if you just want an expensive case to show off to others. The stereotype holds that companies like this are more responsive to consumer needs and this shows in their careful design of systems, but I note that even so you have the same a la carte system builders that the big companies also have, so it's probably a wash. Dell would like to be seen as being responsive to both the HP and the Falcon Northwest consumer, but they probably don't offer anything special other than their special artistic skins and whatever.

Bottom line - building a machine is just fine, and these days it's not hard to figure out what's blowed up if something does. Mounting a Core i7 is a lot easier with the new hard mounting points on motherboards than it was just a few years ago where there were balancing-board clips and other messy stuff to deal with, though even then it was nothing a relatively handy person couldn't deal with. If something breaks, there's nothing too hard about just pulling out the card when you bought it and calling up the manufacturer. Speaking of which, I still need to RMA a fanless power supply from a year ago...

[Lord of Pirates]

You can also find lots of recommendations by starting with a price figure, even with specific links to parts on a site like Newegg or whatever you like, that have been tested out by the community, and these "recommended builds" are available for different budgets. Tom's Hardware tries to set up systems for a starting price (say $1000) and then they test them. You can always get started like that.

Supposedly somebody priced out the Mac Pro and found the parts didn't cost much less than what Apple was charging, but I dunno if this is actually true (plus it ignores Apple's volume discounts, I'm sure).

Bottom line - building a machine is just fine, and these days it's not hard to figure out what's blowed up if something does. Mounting a Core i7 is a lot easier with the new hard mounting points on motherboards than it was just a few years ago where there were balancing-board clips and other messy stuff to deal with, though even then it was nothing a relatively handy person couldn't deal with. If something breaks, there's nothing too hard about just pulling out the card when you bought it and calling up the manufacturer. Speaking of which, I still need to RMA a fanless power supply from a year ago...

Until someone wants to provide some info on the unnamed parts (of which there are a lot), I'm going to remain skeptical of the 'quality' of Apple hardware. The last time I looked at their store they didn't even tell you specific CPU models, just CPU X at Xghz.

Agreed on building, mounting a CPU cooler is about as hard as it gets, which isn't a hassle unless you're using non-stock, everything else is slotting or plugging things in. Routing cords can be a challenge if you're picky .

At Dave: You should consider calling local PC shops and asking if they assemble PCs and what their rates are.

[Ed Oscuro]

That's just about the Mac Pro - which may well be priced closer to their component cost if they don't see substantially large volumes. Anyway, my bringing that up isn't supposed to disagree with the overall story that these companies generally don't pass any "savings" on to the consumer. Not really personally excited about "value-adds" either; if I was interested in Mac OS I'd hopefully have the sense to be more interested in Linux instead.

[kamiboy]

Hah, sense and linux used in the same sentence. Linux is for people who rather work for their computer than have it the other way around.

I stress that computers for anything but serious work are an obsolete concept. Buy a tablet if all you do is surf the web, do social stuff and read emails.

[ZellSF]

From what I've seen, A beginner friendly Linux distro is easier to use than Windows. Sure, Android and iOS is more user friendly than both of those, but also have some more restrictions in what you can do with them.

I consider having one computer at the very minimum pretty essential. If for no other reason than more powerful backup/organization solutions for your Android/iOS content. Even average users also often need to write a document and print it, tasks tablets do not exactly excel at.