Dell VS DinoPC
Dell computers are value for money but I just do not like the motherboard supplied and motherboard is one of the parts that have no other selections. On the other hand, DinoPC has offered a slightly better but basic motherboard. The prices from both Dell and DinoPC are more or less the same but the hardware and software are what separates them. For the price of slightly less than £300, I get a Vista Home Edition license on a Dell PC. With DinoPC custom built computer at roughly the same price as Dell, I get a better power supply, better RAM, better casing and better motherboard in exchange for a Vista Home Edition license. I think it is worth the price.
Specifications
Processor: Intel Pentium Dual Core E5200
Motherboard: Asus P5KPL-AM
RAM: 2GB Corsair XMS2 800MHz
Hard Drive: 500GB (8MB Cache)
Casing: Antec 300
Power Supply: 700W EZCool Tornado
The Processor
Looking at the specification, you may be surprised as it was totally different from what I had listed out previously. DinoPC does not allow me to customise the graphic card if an AMD system was selected. The computer is only for day to day usage and I am not that keen on gaming anymore. Hence, a graphic card with extra cost does not appeal me.
Having said that, Intel Pentium Dual Core E5200 has the same architecture as Intel Core 2 Duo which I believe it will still perform. It may not be as good as AMD Athlon X2 7750 but the difference is not great either.
Motherboard
Asus P5KPL-AM is a budget motherboard and it is without HDMI support like the Asus M3N78-EM. But I do not really care about the HDMI though and I can always add a HDMI card or change the motherboard in the future. Asus P5KPL-AM is able to support Intel Quad Core processor and overclock to 1600MHz front speed bus but overclocking with this motherboard is not recommended.
Random Access Memory (RAM) and Hard Drive
RAM, the more the better. I still chose 2GB as I do not intend to use a 64-bit operating system. Corsair has a good reputation in making computer memory and thumb drive. Its XMS2 PC-6400 also has good reviews with almost no cons at all. I believe the money is well spent here. The difference between a 250GB and a 500GB hard drive is only £9 and for that, I chose a 500GB hard drive.
Casing and Power Supply
Antec 300 casing is an entry-level gaming casing. I have been looking at Antec casing for sometime; reading reviews and checking the prices. Thus, I am quite determined to get an Antec casing for the new computer. The previously suggested Antec NSK-2480 houses a 380W power supply and the best deal I could get at that time was from Amazon, selling at around £60. However, the best deal I can get now is about £90. On second thought, Antec NSK-2480 is a desktop casing and the 380W may not be enough if I were to add a graphic card and a secondary hard drive in the future.
EZCool Tornado operates at 700W which I believe is more than enough. In fact, it will do its works effortlessly.
Conclusion
I am looking forward for the arrival of the new computer. It will look cool and definitely satisfy Mee and I in terms of our day to day computer usage. I can also imagine the noise it produces will be at minimum even though I have chosen the standard CPU heatsink and fan. However, I am not too concern about the noise that might emitted from the CPU fan as I will not be overclocking the system.
