Another computer question

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Haynie

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My sons and I talked and we decided it would be fun to put a computer together from a kit. We are planning on getting this computer kit. After I add it to my cart it it says I need a graphics card. Do I need a dedicated graphics card?
 
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I did not see any mention of an onboard video monitor in the description. Most like will need a video card. The more memory on the video card, the less memory you'll have to share with the O/S and apps.
 
You will need a video card of some sort, you will need a CD/DVD drive and I would strongly recommend an additional 4 GB of memory.

Of course you will also need a monitor, keyboard and mouse. I also don't see wireless, so you may want a wireless adapter for it as well, depending on where you put it.
 
You don't need the video card. The A4 processor has built in graphics. Not sure if that low end 5450 video card will even truly crossfire and enhance your video experience.
 
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It has onboard video and those are the video cards that will truly line up with the processor to acellerate the video.

It has a gigabit LAN onboard.
 
No video card needed. It has integrated video called "AMD Radeon™ Graphics Technology; dishes out a stunning graphics performance", You will need a monitor or display though.

Joe
 
That fully depends on what are you going to do with that PC.
But one component that is missing is computer inclined friend. I heard of too much failures if assembled wrong. If you want to do it yourself, never use force to plug something in, check everything before connecting power, read assembling instructions at least 7 times. Or 10. Not less!

If you want to play games - external video card is a must. Built-in is only good for internet/office. If games are not for you - don't.

Moreover, if you want to listen music and have a good stereo or at least $10 phones - DO BUY decent sound card!

Sound quality of built-in soundcard is always horrible, with noices, hum and distortions even on silence time! Look at Creative Labs (best soundcards from beginning of 90s in consumer segment) or Asus at that site. They all would work nice with games or home cinema setup if needed, and should produce good quality audio for music and films. USB version can be better, cause you can unplug it anytime and plug into laptop for better sound of laptop.
But if you take sound more seriously (as I do) try to find something in Pro segment. They would not give you 3D effects, 99+1 channels and other consumer junk (sorry, no surround for home cinema), they just give crystal clear sound, always. Can get under $100 especially used on ebay. But it's a whole different story:)

I suppose CPU has installed heat sink and fan? I would call them and ask that.

You will need keyboard, mouse and monitor. Try to get IPS-type monitor. As big as you can afford. IPS monitors are much better to look at SOYP forums!!!:))) And are not much expencive than other types (but some of them can be expencive...). Buying monitor you should check if it has included HDMI cable, if not - buy it. You do not want to have nice modern PC with fancy new monitor connected by 30-years-old analog cable (which is always included:). And check that monitor has same HDMI input (DVI could be also good option, but your kit has only analog VGA and HDMI output, NO DVI).

Keyboard - Mitsumi, Mouse - logitech. Buy simple, cheap models but of those brands - you do not need "fancy", but you do not want to change them after one month - keyboard and mouse take A LOT of abuse, and they die fast if made buy unknown/new chinese brand. That site do not have something in keyb/mouse range I can recommend.

Also, would you be Skype-ing? Than some webcam and mic or headset. I would suggest cheap mic for Skype and good headphones:)

Also, on headphones - you can buy amazing sounding Koss KSC-75 for $15. It's nothing, belive me, and no other will give you that sound for the price. They sound almost like $50 Koss Porta Pro, an all-time classics. Though, my professional $100 Senheisers are better, but much bigger:)
 
The heck with it. I am just going to run Boot Camp on my Mac and let my son use it for his experience. As much as I would like to do a computer build it is just too confusing right now. 11 yr olds are not very patient. My son is getting pretty down about not being able to do play with the program he wants.
 
The heck with it. I am just going to run Boot Camp on my Mac and let my son use it for his experience. As much as I would like to do a computer build it is just too confusing right now. 11 yr olds are not very patient. My son is getting pretty down about not being able to do play with the program he wants.
Smart Decision - I am an engineer with years of working with computers that stopped 10 years ago and I found it difficult to do something as simple as add a cd player.
 
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