What is the best computer for me?

I am in the process of shopping for a desktop computer, but I am not too familiar with a lot of the technical aspects of computers.



First of all, I am shopping for a computer that isn't too expensive, but can handle recent games and programs without too much trouble.



Basically, I want a computer that can work for gaming, but without all the expenses of a gaming computer.



I don't know what to look for in a processor, I want to know whats the difference between Duo and Quad. Some tech requirements for games will say something like "2.4 Ghz Intel Pentium 4 or equivalent processor." If I had a duo or quad core, would I still need 2.4, or would I need less since it is duo or quad?



I just need some advice for choosing a computer, especially in the areas of processors and graphics cards. Thanks a TON for anyone who takes the time to read and answer this, it helps so much!What is the best computer for me?
I think it is a waste going with a dual core processor now that i7 has been released and XP is being phased out by Microsoft. You don't want to build that computer with has-been technology. So stick with a quad core.



If you are really limited on money, look at the AMD Phenom II based quad core computers. If you can afford better, go with a Q9XX processor like a Q9550, for example, from Intel, an LGA 775 motherboard, 6 - 8 gigs of RAM, a fairly decent GPU like an nVidia 9800 GTX+ overclocked card, at least a 1 teribyte hard disk, a 650 Watt PSU from Antec, Thermaltake or Corsair, a standard CD/DVD +/- reader writer, and a standard case like the Antec 900. You are probably looking at around $800 for a moderately good gaming computer but nothing too fancy. It will be important to just get a single PCIe X16 slot and not get an SLI or Crossfire motherboard to keep price down...its not needed unless you really want to have a more expensive full gamer computer. You should go with Vista in my opinion, since XP is being quickly phased out.What is the best computer for me?
(Edit: Did you say $700-$1000? Well guess what? You can pick up the below computer WITH a 26" HDTV for $800 including postage for both!!. - O, and for god's sakes! DO NOT BUY A DELL or any brand for that matter, follow the instructions below.)



Heres the link for the 26" HDTV that you can use as a Monitor:

http://cgi.ebay.com/WESTINGHOUSE-26-LCD-鈥?/a>



And the link for the computer:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Intel-Core-2-Quad-Q6鈥?/a>



Hi, well, don't believe in "You need a super $3000 computer" when it comes down to playing recent games. Let me give you an insight on how you can buy a very fast machine that will last you 4-5 years for around 拢300/$500.



OK, answering your question about Duo %26amp; Quad. Core2Duo has 2 cores. Which in your languge, basicly means it has 2 processors in one. A Quad core on the other hand has 4 cores so it has 4 proccessors in one.



To awnser your question about what you need to play a game. When on the back of a game it says "Pentium 4" this is talking about the old processors that they ended in 2005. Core2duo came out in 2006, so anything made after Pentium 4 will work. And also, Pentium 4 processors where only single cores. So when you see a "Pentium4 2.4ghz" and "Quad Core 2.4ghz" the quad core is infact 4 times faster. Making it 2.4ghz x4 as it has 4 cores. So think of it as "9.6ghz"



Below are the specs of a item of eBay, and the final product only costs around $499.



- Quad Core Q6600 3.2ghz Processor (x4)

- 4GB's of DDR2 800mhz Ram.

- 500GB Hard drive.

- Windows Vista Ultimate

- Speekers, Keyboard, Mouse, Memory Card Panal



http://cgi.ebay.com/Intel-Core-2-Quad-Q6鈥?/a>



If you live in the United Kingdom:



http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/QUAD-Q6600-9-6Ghz-鈥?/a>



The fact is, if you don't understand much about computers, just buy one of the above. Thease are really great gaming computers that you can use for years. Or you can hook them to your TV and use it as a multimedia machine, by putting all your movies on it.



I am currently building on of these. Don't go to stores that will charge you more then 拢300/$500 for the above specs, as they will be ripping you off by talking all fancy to you.



O yeah, and when you done with the purchase, I reccommend a decent but cheap graphics card called the "8800GT" this is a very good graphics card.



O, and another thing, DO NOT purchase Vista. (if it comes free with your computer, then no problem.) Vista is junk, and in a few moths the new operating system will come out that Microsoft are making called "Windows 7" so if you have the XP CD, I suggest you stick with XP intill Windows 7 comes out.



Hope this helps.