Another 'How Should I Spec My New PC?' Thread...

[Kilps]

Introduction

I need a new computer to replace my ancient, now apparently dead, Advent 3216. If I remember correctly, the only differences to the original spec are that the RAM has been doubled, another 80GB HDD has been installed and I installed an NVidia graphics card (not sure of exact model off hand) so that I could run dual screens.

 

So basically I'm after advice from all you people here who have knowledge of computers

 

I'm open to either an off-the-shelf computer, or a home build. I've never built a computer myself before, but I'm open to giving it a go if I could get a better/more suited spec computer for less money than an off-the-shelf model. I'm confident I could put all the pieces together once they're here (I'd probably need a little help with component/fan positioning for best cooling), I just need to know what bits to buy.

 

Requirements / Use

I often run several applications simultaneously. I will almost always have a music player (iTunes or a web browser) open and the largest 'single' use of storage will be for music. Other applications I use include: Web browsers (often several together), Photoshop, MS Office applications, Visual Basic (or any other programming software I learn about), possibly some video editing software in future, low end games (SimCity is about as advanced as it gets, nothing like Crysis)... I'll add more as I think of them.

 

Music will be played through a home cinema system. I'm not sure if I will need a fancy soundcard to make best use of the home cinema surround sound, or whether this would not make any difference as music isn't split up any more than stereo (I don't think). I probably won't play films off the computer.

The other thing to consider is that the home cinema system has wireless capabilities, so I (think I) can stream music (and films if I ever feel the need) wirelessly to the cinema system anyway... if I go down this route, does this omit the need for a standalone soundcard altogether?

 

I would like reasonably decent graphics capabilities, for image editing and low end gaming. I currently run dual screens (both 19" LG Flatron L1942PM with DVI-I connectors) which I plan to continue using. I also have a 32" TV (with VGA and a spare HDMI input) which I would like to use as a third screen occasionally, if possible at reasonable costs (it will be on the opposite side of the room and only used for the odd YouTube video or other random stuff). I would like scope to expand to a third desktop screen (so four including the TV) in future; again, only if this is possible at reasonable costs.

 

I would like the case to be as physically small as possible, although I realise cooling needs to be catered for. I don't want a fancy case with flashing lights, windows and the rest, just something that looks smart and tidy (I realise this is entirely opinion-based, but suggestions are welcome).

 

Budget

Budget I guess is preferably around £600, although I could comfortably push to £800. £1000 is the absolute maximum, but I'd rather not spend that much and I don't really think I need to for what I need.

 

Preferences

I have a habit of picking 'the best' just because it's 'the best', so I tend to end up way over budget. I built up an off-the-shelf computer on Dell's website (don't worry, I've read people's opinions on their motherboards and the like now!) and come up with the following preferences, if possible within my budget:

- Intel i7 Processor

- MS Windows 7 Home Premium (I don't think I need any of the extra features of the other two)

- MS Office 2010 Home & Student (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, OneNote)

- MS Access (bought independently - not necessarily included in budget)

- 500GB HDD (I don't think I'll need much more)

- 8GB RAM (this might be a 'because it's the best I can afford' selection...)

- Optical Drive - DVD/CD Read/Write

(I know very little about motherboards, power supplies and whatever other magical things there are in there that you don't get a choice of with an off-the-shelf model.)

 

Thank you for reading...

I think that's quite long enough... if you've got this far you must have been really bored, but thank you for reading. I've tried to include as much information as I can, but that has made for a long and boring post, for which I apologise! If I've missed any information that'd help, let me know.

 

Thank you in advance