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New to computers: Need help? |
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Alex614 
AVADirect Noob 
Joined: 24 Jul 2012 Location: MD Posts: 10 |
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 Topic: New to computers: Need help?Posted: 02 Aug 2012 at 3:13am |
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So I am new to computers and I know almost nothing about them. I want to get a good gaming computer for around 900 USD. Is that manageable? I'm looking for a gaming computer that will run games like fallout and skyrim. Basically, a computer system that will run some of the more advanced or demanding games. I am sorry if I am posting in the wrong forum. Anyhow, what kind of parts and setup would I need to run the higher end games such as Skyrim or battlefield? I'm not looking for high quality, I was hoping for medium at least. Anyway, thanks in advance for anyone willing to help the new guy!
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Jmundy
AVADirect Staff 
AVADirect Sales Joined: 08 Apr 2008 Location: AVADirect HQ Posts: 1357 |
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Posted: 02 Aug 2012 at 4:03pm |
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Hello Alex614 and welcome to AVAForums, glad to have you!
Keeping your budget in mind, I have put together a custom configuration for you to consider.
I used the new Intel Ivy Bridge generation since the price difference is minimal compared to the previous Sandy Bridge generation. The graphics card will limit you to playing some games at medium settings, maybe even some on high depending on the title. At this point, whatever additional you're willing to invest in this configuration would go straight to your graphics card choice, only serving to assist you in your mission to have the best graphics card performance possible. If I were in your position, I would save up as much as you can to increase the graphics card; perhaps a GTX 560 Ti, or even (if you're REALLY willing to wait and save) a GTX 670 for some awesome-tastic gaming performance. Feel free to post any questions you may have! |
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Joseph Mundy
Assistant Sales Manager 1-216-503-6361 joseph.mundy@avadirect.com |
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Alex614
AVADirect Noob
Joined: 24 Jul 2012 Location: MD Posts: 10 |
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Posted: 05 Aug 2012 at 12:23am |
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Actually, Mr. Mundy, my budget has changed. I am looking at 900 USD NOT including the cost of the windows 7 installation. (With installation, that would be about 1000 USD, yes?) Is there any updated information you can offer with the change of budget? Thank you for responding so quickly by the way!
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Jmundy
AVADirect Staff
AVADirect Sales Joined: 08 Apr 2008 Location: AVADirect HQ Posts: 1357 |
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Posted: 06 Aug 2012 at 11:52pm |
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Hello Alex614,
Definitely! The best thing you can do in this situation is invest the additional funds into the graphics card. Since this custom desktop system is going to be focused on gaming, you will want to make sure that you get the best out of it by choosing the best graphics card you can afford; either an EVGA GTX 560 Ti, or if you prefer AMD, the Radeon 7950. Between those two cards you cannot go wrong. I still stand on my previous recommendation, which would be to wait, save a little more, and look into the GTX 670 graphics card. It's about $100 more than the previous ttwotoo cards I recommend, and will provide close to double the performance than those two cards. It will allow you to keep up with current games longer, and not have to think about upgrading to a better graphics card in the short future. |
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Joseph Mundy
Assistant Sales Manager 1-216-503-6361 joseph.mundy@avadirect.com |
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Alex614
AVADirect Noob
Joined: 24 Jul 2012 Location: MD Posts: 10 |
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Posted: 08 Aug 2012 at 1:05pm |
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Well, since this is a christmas present, I don't think the GTX 670 is possible. However, how is the performance on the other graphics cards you suggested? Will they still run current games and everything properly? Will I be able to simply purchase the GTX 670 and upgrade the old card at a later date if need be?
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Alex614
AVADirect Noob
Joined: 24 Jul 2012 Location: MD Posts: 10 |
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Posted: 08 Aug 2012 at 8:19pm |
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Another update for you! It sounds like the GTX 670 might be possible. Given the time between now and roughly oct. I should have some extra money to put towards the computer. Anyhow, are there any other things I should be concerned about, other than components?
Edited by Alex614 - 09 Aug 2012 at 1:47am |
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vikonic
AVADirect Admins 
Joined: 11 Nov 2011 Posts: 364 |
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Posted: 10 Aug 2012 at 10:11am |
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Alex614,
Welcome to the AVA Forums! If you get the GTX 670, you will be OK with the rest of your components. Your power supply will be able to handle it, although it won't hurt to bump it up to maybe 650W, depending on the budget constraints. Depending on the games you play, even a 560ti may be enough. This could save you about $100 or so allowing for a possible solid state drive, which will really improve the speed of your system. So basically, when you have a limited budget you have to play the game of balancing a little bit. Since you mentioned you want to play games such as Skyrim and Battlefield, then the 670 would be the most recommended choice. 560ti will handle it as well, but you may need to dial down a few settings. I personally have the 6950 which is the 560ti AMD counterpart, albeit a bit faster. I play BF3 on 1920x1200 resolution without any problem with a few settings dialed down which don't really change the gaming experience for me.
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Vedran Ikonic
Technical Support Manager 216-503-6374 Option 4 support@avadirect.com How To Guides - FREE Troubleshooting Help from AVADirect Problems with your Computer? - Post HERE |
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Alex614
AVADirect Noob
Joined: 24 Jul 2012 Location: MD Posts: 10 |
Quote Reply
Posted: 12 Aug 2012 at 3:50am |
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I thank you both very much and if I have any further questions I will let you know. Most likely I will not place an order until closer to christmas, I'm just trying to get all my research done. You both have been a phenomenal help!
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Jmundy
AVADirect Staff
AVADirect Sales Joined: 08 Apr 2008 Location: AVADirect HQ Posts: 1357 |
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Posted: 14 Aug 2012 at 12:48pm |
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You're very welcome, Alex614, it's what we're here for!
Feel free to post questions in the meantime. :-)
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Joseph Mundy
Assistant Sales Manager 1-216-503-6361 joseph.mundy@avadirect.com |
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Alex614
AVADirect Noob
Joined: 24 Jul 2012 Location: MD Posts: 10 |
Quote Reply
Posted: 01 Sep 2012 at 2:05pm |
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So, I posted here a while ago about a possible setup. Well, I have a question about the warranty. Does the 3 year warranty cover software and hardware? Or just hardware?
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Jmundy
AVADirect Staff
AVADirect Sales Joined: 08 Apr 2008 Location: AVADirect HQ Posts: 1357 |
Quote Reply
Posted: 04 Sep 2012 at 5:13pm |
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Hello Alex614,
Our three-year warranty covers parts for one year and labor for three years, should you ever need anything upgraded, repaired, or adjusted within that three year period it's covered by AVADirect. Even though we only covers parts for one year, we used name-brand, new, sealed-in-the-box parts that all maintain the manufacturer warranty. So, if you purchase a Crucial M4 SSD, or Corsair power supply, they both provide three year standard warranties for their products, so you can go through them directly for any replacement after the first year of your AVADirect warranty. There are also some manufacturers that will offer lifetime limited parts warranties. EVGA is well known for their ability to warranty certain graphics cards for a lifetime, which is important for anyone making an investment in a high-end graphics card. Feel free to post additional questions, regarding our warranties! Our notebooks offer a one year warranty by standard, with the option of upgrading the notebook barebone warranty for up to three years; this is all done through Clevo directly. |
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Joseph Mundy
Assistant Sales Manager 1-216-503-6361 joseph.mundy@avadirect.com |
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eddieg501
AVADirect Noob
Joined: 02 Jun 2012 Posts: 10 |
Quote Reply
Posted: 06 Sep 2012 at 5:05pm |
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wahoo , my computer has been shipped, very excited about getting it, little worried about the "expanded foam" do I have to open up the case to get that out?
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vikonic
AVADirect Admins
Joined: 11 Nov 2011 Posts: 364 |
Quote Reply
Posted: 07 Sep 2012 at 12:02pm |
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eddieg501,
The expanding foam is custom fitted for your system. It should be relatively easy to get out. Sometimes certain bits can get stuck behind heatsinks, but you can still remove it slowly and carefully. You will need to remove 2 screws that hold the left side panel in place, and remove the side panel. Foam should be pulled straight out of the system. Try not to put any angle on it, just slowly work it's way out and if it's stuck behind any components, use your hands to stretch it in the opposite direction and get around them. Let us know if you have any issues. |
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Vedran Ikonic
Technical Support Manager 216-503-6374 Option 4 support@avadirect.com How To Guides - FREE Troubleshooting Help from AVADirect Problems with your Computer? - Post HERE |
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Alex614
AVADirect Noob
Joined: 24 Jul 2012 Location: MD Posts: 10 |
Quote Reply
Posted: 09 Sep 2012 at 3:50am |
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One last point I want to make about the warranty. What about things such as viruses? Am I covered against those as well?
As for the other question, will this computer be capable of extending the picture to a monitor-capable tv using a cable such as HDMI? |
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Jmundy
AVADirect Staff
AVADirect Sales Joined: 08 Apr 2008 Location: AVADirect HQ Posts: 1357 |
Quote Reply
Posted: 12 Sep 2012 at 8:39pm |
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Hello Alex614,
Our warranties are extended to whatever is purchased from us, naturally, just as any other company would provide. Whatever hardware you purchase from us, covered for one year (standard) against defects. If you purchase software from us, Technical Support will cover any issues you have using said software. Viruses are not covered under the software warranty, unfortunately. If you're doing standard tasks within Windows, you will not catch a virus for any reason. Viruses are usually caught from downloading questionable files, or visiting questionable websites. Considering that, that's now something we can technically "cover". However, since you purchased Windows from us we can advise you to run certain applications, or even explain how to reload the operating system if that's something you want to pursue. We'll always advise you to the best solution we feel fit, in any given situation. Yes, if the graphics card out video output has a DVI connection, or HDMI, you can extend the picture to the TV if it supports two or more monitors. |
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Joseph Mundy
Assistant Sales Manager 1-216-503-6361 joseph.mundy@avadirect.com |
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Alex614
AVADirect Noob
Joined: 24 Jul 2012 Location: MD Posts: 10 |
Quote Reply
Posted: 13 Sep 2012 at 7:16pm |
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I had assumed that viruses were not covered. I'm usually very, very safe with my computers anyway. So it shouldn't be a problem.
I'm pleased to hear that the computer could be HDMI capable. I do not have a moniter, but I have a capable TV, so that was the plan. Again, thank you for your help |
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Alex614
AVADirect Noob
Joined: 24 Jul 2012 Location: MD Posts: 10 |
Quote Reply
Posted: 14 Sep 2012 at 7:51am |
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I know that I mentioned being safe with my computers, and I am. However, let's say, hypothetically, that I did get a virus. Is that something that you would be able to repair, for a fee? Or perhaps, is it something that I could use a recovery disc for in order to factory reset my computer?
Again, I'm speaking hypothetically, I just want to have a contingency, so I'm not out 1000 bucks in the off chance that I do receive a virus |
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vikonic
AVADirect Admins
Joined: 11 Nov 2011 Posts: 364 |
Quote Reply
Posted: 14 Sep 2012 at 10:31am |
Alex614, Safety and backup is a never ending game. You can invest 50$ or hundreds of dollars into these systems. We cannot gurantee that the system will not become infected after use. However we are here to assist you and either trying to get it removed or follow the steps of complete system re-install. This is mostly going to depend on how you use your system and how important your files are to you. Before we can discuss approach to infected systems, it is important to note that having a backup system in place is the most important thing you can do with your computer. Notice I use the phrase Backup System. This doesn't mean to save your files once and call it a day. A (good) backup system is the one that is frequently completed, along with checks and balances and verification. Some people run backups every day, deleting the previous ones. If you catch a virus or malware and it ends up in your backup, well then that's a waste. Having a backup is not adequate enough. You must have a good backup system in mind so in worst case scenario you can be up and running in just minutes. It all comes down how important your data is to you. When it comes to removing viruses, we can point you to different programs that are known to remove these issues. Most of these programs are free and are available online under GPL license. You can only try so much, to remove an infection that after which point it is no longer feasible to keep trying and simply reload the OS. A wise computer technician once said, if you want to keep your system safe, unplug it.
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Vedran Ikonic
Technical Support Manager 216-503-6374 Option 4 support@avadirect.com How To Guides - FREE Troubleshooting Help from AVADirect Problems with your Computer? - Post HERE |
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Alex614
AVADirect Noob
Joined: 24 Jul 2012 Location: MD Posts: 10 |
Quote Reply
Posted: 25 Oct 2012 at 6:50pm |
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Ok, so I'm looking at ordering here shortly. How would I go about ordering? What is the most efficient method of ordering. Also, the whole list (with the GTX670 card included) would cost how much in total?
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vikonic
AVADirect Admins
Joined: 11 Nov 2011 Posts: 364 |
Quote Reply
Posted: 26 Oct 2012 at 11:26am |
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Alex614,
Best way of ordering is through our online ordering system that takes advantage of the configurator and the quote system. Should you have any special requests, they can be made through the message system or simple contacting our sales department by phone. As far as the total cost of your system, you can find that out when you complete the configurator build and you come up with your first quote. Once your order is placed it will go through our verification process to make sure anything you picked doesn't interfere with other parts in any way. We do this prior to ordering as well but the TOV process afterwards is a lot more detailed and makes sure that your system has flawless specs before the ordering of parts begins. Should we find any discrepeancies, you will be contacted and notified, along with possible choices and ways to overcome them.
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Vedran Ikonic
Technical Support Manager 216-503-6374 Option 4 support@avadirect.com How To Guides - FREE Troubleshooting Help from AVADirect Problems with your Computer? - Post HERE |
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