Nice computer for 400$, NR

[4od]

http://www.buy.com/retail/product.asp?sku=206892876&adid=17654&dcaid=17654

HP Pavilion A6157C Desktop Intel Core 2 Duo 2.0GHz, 2GB DDR2, 320GB HD, High-Definition TV Tuner with remote control, video recorder, FM tuners, Dual-layer SuperMulti LightScribe DVD±RW, 15-in-1 reader, Windows Vista Home Premium -recertified - GG056AA - Wireless keyboard, wireless mouse & Remote Control!

[JamesXP]

Is a nice deal.

[Omsion]

Half the cost is Vista, lol.

If building (assuming no killer deals like proc/mobo bundles, etc)...
~140 for E4400
~100 for mobo w/integrated graphics
~80 for HD
~50 for RAM
~50 for case
~30 for DVD drive
-----
~450 total with no OS

Good deal here.

[WonderingSoul]

Wow, very nice deal.

[omega pwned]

no rebate, FREE SHIPPING? thats a gimme for anybody that doesnt already have an HTPC. throw in a 3850 and you got a 550 dollar beast.

[bryan_d]

no rebate, FREE SHIPPING? thats a gimme for anybody that doesnt already have an HTPC. throw in a 3850 and you got a 550 dollar beast.

Would be even beastlier with a Pad Mod making the CPU 2.66GHz. This thing could easily handle *CoD4 at 720P I bet. Nice deal.

[Slimmy]

This is very tempting for my 50 inch hdtv.:drool:

Wish those rebate checks were here.:bang head

[Krogen]

Would make a nice HTPC if not for the case. (TV Tuner with remote control, video recorder, FM tuners)

[Remove]

Have not investigated so asking here...does the mobo have a Pci-e slot?

[telexen]

Ugh. Very hard to lay off this.

Anyone have experience with trying to play H264 encoded video files at at 1080p resolution on a C2D E4400 like is in this system?

[g0dM@n]

Anyone have experience with trying to play H264 encoded video files at at 1080p resolution on a C2D E4400 like is in this system?

What's the mean? You got me potentially interested in whatever you're doing, lol.

And... this is def a very nice deal!! My friend wants me to build him a computer and I couldn't even beat this freakin' price for him... I almost feel bad not telling him to get this, but he's wanted me to build him a godlike machine for YEARS now and finally is ready to dump a grand on one.

[BigJk-47]

Have not investigated so asking here...does the mobo have a Pci-e slot?

2 according to description.

Not a bad deal,its tempting.

[bryan_d]

2 according to description.

Not a bad deal,its tempting.

I wonder how tight it is though, considering that both PCI slots have already been occupied. Hopefully the 16X slot is higher than the 1X slot, so that a future video card can breath a little.

[telexen]

What's the mean? You got me potentially interested in whatever you're doing, lol.

I want an HTPC that is capable of decoding H.264 (or x264) video files at a 1920x1080 resolution. My current HTPC's CPU power just doesn't quite cut it for content of this quality. It takes a pretty powerful CPU if you're not using Windows and a video card that supports hardware H264 (nVidia's PureVideo HD (http://www.nvidia.com/page/purevideo_hd.html)) to do so.

I'm not sure if the E4400 is up to the challenge...but I have no C2D experience to compare to.

[Power5]

Problem with the OEM systems that use the cheapie e4000 series is that you can not OC them easily. Mine is very capable of doing just about anything, but its running 85%.

[wa77ss]

"Refurb" Just so you know.

[doublejack]

I want an HTPC that is capable of decoding H.264 (or x264) video files at a 1920x1080 resolution. My current HTPC's CPU power just doesn't quite cut it for content of this quality. It takes a pretty powerful CPU if you're not using Windows and a video card that supports hardware H264 (nVidia's PureVideo HD (http://www.nvidia.com/page/purevideo_hd.html)) to do so.

I'm not sure if the E4400 is up to the challenge...but I have no C2D experience to compare to.

That's the cost effective way to decode. I'm about to upgrade my HTPC for HD. The CPU will be an E6300 at stock, which my testing has shown is not enough by itself for 1080p. So I'd assume this E4400 is the same, it would have to have help from the GPU. However, ATI just released a $50 passively cooled card that pretty much offloads the whole decoding process. It's the 3450. That card seems to be the equipment of choice for HD HTPC's.

[g0dM@n]

That's the cost effective way to decode. I'm about to upgrade my HTPC for HD. The CPU will be an E6300 at stock, which my testing has shown is not enough by itself for 1080p. So I'd assume this E4400 is the same, it would have to have help from the GPU. However, ATI just released a $50 passively cooled card that pretty much offloads the whole decoding process. It's the 3450. That card seems to be the equipment of choice for HD HTPC's.

A $50 card is the solution? If that's the case... then why even get a core2? :D

[doublejack]

A $50 card is the solution? If that's the case... then why even get a core2? :D

Because I upgraded my main rig from the E6300 to an E8400, making the E6300 a spare part :beer: I also had a spare P5B (regular) laying around. I honestly was never really happy with the AM2 system that currently is my HTPC. The socket 754 system I use for Ubuntu is faster. I think the core2 will use less energy and make less heat, always a plus for HTPC, and be way much faster.

[nyker]

I recently built the following for my parent:
IP35E - $75AR
E2140 retail - $75
CM Hyper TX2 - $5AR
BFG MX4400 PCI - $7AR
4x1GB HP DDR667 - $15AR
Antec Earthwatts 500W - $35AR
P182 Gun Metal - $45AR
Seagate 320 SATA II - $65
DVD burner - $25
=====
total : $350
parts bought over a 3 months period.
RAM is Micron D9s so ran DDR800@1.8v, clocked this E2140 to 8x400FSB=3.2Ghz at 1.36v.
=====
I say built your own and save some cash.

[WonderingSoul]

I recently built the following for my parent:
IP35E - $75AR
E2140 retail - $75
CM Hyper TX2 - $5AR
BFG MX4400 PCI - $7AR
4x1GB HP DDR667 - $15AR
Antec Earthwatts 500W - $35AR
P182 Gun Metal - $45AR
Seagate 320 SATA II - $65
DVD burner - $25
=====
total : $350
parts bought over a 3 months period.
RAM is Micron D9s so ran DDR800@1.8v, clocked this E2140 to 8x400FSB=3.2Ghz at 1.36v.
=====
I say built your own and save some cash.


But it is very hard for the modern buyer to justify overclocking :p

[jason4207]

I recently built the following for my parent:
IP35E - $75AR
E2140 retail - $75
CM Hyper TX2 - $5AR
BFG MX4400 PCI - $7AR
4x1GB HP DDR667 - $15AR
Antec Earthwatts 500W - $35AR
P182 Gun Metal - $45AR
Seagate 320 SATA II - $65
DVD burner - $25
=====
total : $350
parts bought over a 3 months period.
RAM is Micron D9s so ran DDR800@1.8v, clocked this E2140 to 8x400FSB=3.2Ghz at 1.36v.
=====
I say built your own and save some cash.

Nice deals!

:beer:

I built my mom an ~$420 rig, but I don't remember the cost break down.

690 Cooler Master case
500W EarthWatts
e4400 @ 3GHz (9x333)
Large Copper stock Intel HS
2400pro
2x1GB DDR2-800 Ballistix
P5K-E
250GB 410AS Seagate HDD
DVD burner

[g0dM@n]

I recently built the following for my parent:
IP35E - $75AR
E2140 retail - $75
CM Hyper TX2 - $5AR
BFG MX4400 PCI - $7AR
4x1GB HP DDR667 - $15AR
Antec Earthwatts 500W - $35AR
P182 Gun Metal - $45AR
Seagate 320 SATA II - $65
DVD burner - $25
=====
total : $350
parts bought over a 3 months period.
RAM is Micron D9s so ran DDR800@1.8v, clocked this E2140 to 8x400FSB=3.2Ghz at 1.36v.
=====
I say built your own and save some cash.

Those are AFTER REBATE prices, which is work when you think about it. I've gotten similar deals to what you have and ended up building my gf a dual core rig and upgraded her from a P4 2.53 Dell.

In the end, it cost her $100 for the upgrade, but it took a LOT of work on my part.

Her old machine:
Dell Dimension
P4 2.53
768mb ram
CD Burner
GF2 MX AGP
60GB IDE

New machine:
Antec 900 Case
Coolermaster eXtreme 550W PSU
Athlon X2 4000+ Brisbane @ 3ghz
Arctic Cooling Hyper X HSF
2gb OCZ Plat 4-4-4-15 DDR2-800 @ 430mhz 4-4-4
Radeon X1900XT @ XTX and climbing
Dual Layer NEC DVD Burner
250GB Sata

I bought a TON of stuff from somewhere and then sold a bunch of the stuff to end up with the X1900XT card for practically FREE. I got the ram, the cpu, the case, and the HSF cooler for a sick deal all after rebates, and the 250gb sata for $40 hunting around and bargaining on forums.

The amount of work I put into the PC is worth much more than the sick deal I got for her, but that was all in fun and she gains the benefits.

I work in IT. In all honesty, if I was offered OT at my job, or hell even at standard pay, the time alone put into her system would have net me at least $500 and upwards to $1000.

I'm sure your machine rocks and you feel great about it, just as I do for what I did for my gf... remember, the upgrade cost her $100 literally (check the comparisons of the machines), but it was a ton of work to get that deal.

This machine in this thread is a buy it and you're all set to go. Heck, not only is the hardware pre-built, but you don't even have to go installing windows and software!!

It's still a great deal.

[Omsion]

I recently built the following for my parent:
IP35E - $75AR
E2140 retail - $75
CM Hyper TX2 - $5AR
BFG MX4400 PCI - $7AR
4x1GB HP DDR667 - $15AR
Antec Earthwatts 500W - $35AR
P182 Gun Metal - $45AR
Seagate 320 SATA II - $65
DVD burner - $25
=====
total : $350
parts bought over a 3 months period.
RAM is Micron D9s so ran DDR800@1.8v, clocked this E2140 to 8x400FSB=3.2Ghz at 1.36v.
=====
I say built your own and save some cash.Where's the OS? Tack on another 100-200 there. Also...how much do you value your time? If self-building, those are really important considerations. We all can build for cheap given time to buy...but again, that takes time, and at this price, it's pretty much equal to you built.

EDIT: Ninja-ed by god.

[SteveLord]

Where's the OS? Tack on another 100-200 there. Also...how much do you value your time? If self-building, those are really important considerations.

EDIT: Ninja-ed by god.

OS, monitor, keyboard, mouse, speakers?

[g0dM@n]

EDIT: Ninja-ed by god.

LOL... took me a second to figure that out. I was trying to be nice, though. :) I'm a friendly guy (I think)!!!

[Nathan0490]

Good Deal $390 for someone that hasn't made a GCO acct yet. Slick.

[nyker]

Where's the OS? Tack on another 100-200 there. Also...how much do you value your time? If self-building, those are really important considerations. We all can build for cheap given time to buy...but again, that takes time, and at this price, it's pretty much equal to you built.

EDIT: Ninja-ed by god.

I just build as a hobby so time spent here isn't an issue. But I agree if you short on time or no interest in building yourself get a Dell. But I like this IP35E based system better than Dell since it allows me to OC quite a bit and supports penryn for the future. Also when I built it myself with some quality items, it also lowers my future upgrade costs.

[jason4207]

It's still a great deal.

+1

I just build as a hobby so time spent here isn't an issue. But I agree if you short on time or no interest in building yourself get a Dell. But I like this IP35E based system better than Dell since it allows me to OC quite a bit and supports penryn for the future. Also when I built it myself with some quality items, it also lowers my future upgrade costs.

+1

I see it both ways. :beer:

[g0dM@n]

Jason, I was waiting for him to say that... b/c I woulda responded the same way.

So basically, nyker, it's a matter of choice and who the build is for. I think of this deal as a good deal if it's for a friend or something, or acquaintance, or even family...

I wouldn't hesitate to tell a good friend to jump on this since Vista alone costs 30-50% of the machine. I'd rather do that then spent hours preparing and building, installing, and potentially having that person come to me in the future b/c the machine doesn't boot or something.

In more ways than one, this is a good deal, and in more ways than one, building your own machine is the better choice.

It's a matter of preference, but it still remains a good deal!!!:mad::mad::mad:

Z100 is todays best music... Now give me my money!!!

[Omsion]

...
Z100 is todays best music... Now give me my money!!!Now I'm confused :confused:
:p

[Hazaro]

Half the cost is Vista, lol.

If building (assuming no killer deals like proc/mobo bundles, etc)...
~140 for E4400
~100 for mobo w/integrated graphics
~80 for HD
~50 for RAM
~50 for case
~30 for DVD drive
-----
~450 total with no OS

Good deal here.

• Software: Roxio® Creator, Roxio My DVD Basic, HP Photosmart Essential, muvee autoProducer, RealPlayer, Microsoft® Works 8, Microsoft Office Home and Student 2007 (60-day trial version), Adobe® Reader 7.0, HP® Total Care Advisor and Norton Internet Security 2007™ (60 days of complimentary live updates)
• Includes Internet sign-up offers for AOL Basic Dial-Up, AOL Dial-Up Advantage, AOL High Speed, MSN Dial-Up, NetZero Dial-Up, NetZero Accelerated Dial-Up, EarthLink dial-up, EarthLink High Speed and High Speed Internet Services Comparison Shopping

And there's where the savings come from ;)
Plus it being a refurb you know...

Still not bad for a deal, but Dell deals beat the crap out of these things...

Intel Core 2 Quad Processor Q6600 (8MB L2 cache,2.4GHz,1066FSB)
Genuine Windows Vista® Home Basic - English
1GB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 667MHz- 2DIMMs
250GB Serial ATA Hard Drive (7200RPM) w/DataBurst Cache™
16X DVD+/-RW Drive
Integrated Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 3100
Integrated 7.1 Channel Audio
Dell USB Keyboard and Dell Optical USB Mouse
56K PCI Data Fax Modem
Trend Micro Internet Security 36-months
Microsoft Works 8. DOES NOT INCLUDE MS WORD
3Yr In-Home Service, Parts + Labor, 24x7 Phone Support
Included 3 GB DataSafe Online Backup for 1Yr

$450

SlickDeals yay

[hung]

Now the Q6600 alone looks a lot better than the list of specs from the other tower from Buy.com.

[g0dM@n]

Now the Q6600 alone looks a lot better than the list of specs from the other tower from Buy.com.

It is... I just DO NOT UNDERSTAND how Dell could price that... it makes no sense to me how they still make a profit or not even lose money.

[theELVISCERATOR]

Refurb is always a deal breaker for me....

But thats me...Why does HP pack so much crap onto such a weak system though..

[Burninate]

It is... I just DO NOT UNDERSTAND how Dell could price that... it makes no sense to me how they still make a profit or not even lose money.

Pushing you to finance zero interest for 6 months. But, when that 6 months is up and you've totally forgot that you haven't paid for it yet, they tack on that first 6 months of interest at 29.9%. On the lower end machines they tend to push the financing/extended service contracts/monitor upgrades/etc. You get the idea. Not too different from a car dealer selling 3 cars $4,000 below MSRP every weekend and still managing to stay profitable by selling extended warranties, paint protectants, and financing to just about anyone that will walk through the doors at 14.9% for 6 years.

[ps2cho]

Dang thats a nice deal!!

I would just part it all out. Throw the HDD, CPU, RAM and Dual Layer Burner into my Celeron Rig then sell the mobo, case and PSU and come out nice!!

[Omsion]

...
<Insert crazy dell deal>

$450

SlickDeals yayYeah, saw that one too. Went wtf? at it.

[telexen]

It is... I just DO NOT UNDERSTAND how Dell could price that... it makes no sense to me how they still make a profit or not even lose money.

Simple, actually. They design these systems so they will fail after the warranty is up, then charge an outrageous amount of money on replacement parts.