Member Avatar for Bobbysmile

I understand that this forum is the Motherboards, CPUs and RAM area, but my question is a bit more vague than that but these components are what matters most to me.

Im a teenager and I am looking to buy myself a computer or laptop (Preferably laptop) for me to use for C++ and for audio processing as well as some gaming, so here is my dilemma, I have around £300-£500 to spend, If you are thinking of writing back saying Agh I bet you don't really need a new computer then here are the specs of my current PC.

Time of this report: 8/25/2011, 19:05:02
Machine name: ----------
Operating System: Windows XP Professional (5.1, Build 2600) Service Pack 3 (2600.xpsp_sp3_gdr.080814-1236)
Language: English (Regional Setting: English)
System Manufacturer: Dell Computer Corporation
System Model: XPST500
BIOS: PhoenixBIOS 4.0 Release 6.0
Processor: Intel Pentium III, ~490MHz
Memory: 512MB RAM[*]Adobe Audition 3.0


Page File: 264MB used, 981MB available
Windows Dir: G:\WINDOWS
DirectX Version: DirectX 9.0c (4.09.0000.0904)
DX Setup Parameters: Not found
DxDiag Version: 5.03.2600.5512 32bit Unicode
DxDiag Previously: Crashed in Direct3D (stage 1) & DirectSound (stage 1) & DirectMusic (stage 1)

Info from DxDiag.

The programs I use the most are:


  • Microsoft Visual C++ Express 2010
  • Adobe audition 3.0
  • Power Tab
  • iTunes

Any help is much appreciated because at the moment Im pretty much stuffed

Any copyrighted or trademarked material and/or names are used purely for Identification purposes.

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by Bobbysmile

Dani AI

Generated

Quick, practical advice for based on the thread so far and 's suggestion: with development, audio work and some gaming the three things that make the biggest real-world difference are CPU responsiveness, RAM, and fast storage — not brand names or marketing blurbs. Pick a machine that you can realistically upgrade later (accessible RAM and a 2.5" drive bay or M.2 slot) so you can improve it without buying again.

Minimum/recommended targets to look for (timeless criteria):

  • A modern multi-core CPU with good single-thread speed (compiles and realtime audio dislike very slow single cores).
  • RAM: at least 4 GB for basic use; 8 GB or more if you want comfortable audio sessions or heavier IDE work.
  • Storage: an SSD for OS and projects — it will make the system feel years newer. Use a secondary HDD for big media/samples if needed.
  • I/O: at least one USB port you can use for an external audio interface. Integrated graphics are fine for casual gaming; a discrete GPU is worth it only if you play demanding titles.

Audio and workflow tips that save time and money:

  • Use a dedicated USB audio interface with proper drivers (ASIO) rather than relying on onboard sound for low-latency recording. If budget forces you to use integrated audio, ASIO4ALL can be a temporary workaround.
  • Configure the OS power plan to high performance, disable unneeded background services, and choose an audio buffer size that balances latency and stability.
  • Before buying used, try a short compile and run a small DAW session to check CPU spikes and audio glitches.

Buying strategy: on a tight budget, a refurbished business laptop or a compact desktop often gives better upgrade paths and value than a consumer laptop. Prioritize an SSD and RAM upgrade first — they deliver the biggest everyday improvement for coding, audio, and general responsiveness.

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Member Avatar for jak0b

I agree that it is time for a new pc, with those specs. :)

I would probably buy something like this pc, if it was for my self.
http://www.pcworld.co.uk/gbuk/lenovo-g570-15-6-laptop-black-10747085-pdt.html

What I think is important, is that you find a decent brand, and look for the processor model used.
Intel core i3 and i5 second generation series (like i3-"4 digit"M f.ex.), is currently my best advise. You get both low power, and good performance in that packet, and the embedded graphics is performing well enough for most purposes, as far as I have seen so far.
But you might want to ask a hardcore gamer for advise on the new intel-gpu, if you need to play gpu-intensive games. ;)

Edit:
I forgot to mention that intel 2nd. gen. core i# cpu's, have much better embedded GPU's than previous generations, so it is important to select one of those. Otherwise you might get disappointed.

Edited by jak0b because: n/a
Member Avatar for Bobbysmile

Many thanks.

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