Korean Job Discussion Forums

Confused Canadian · Joined: 21 Jan 2003

My wife's desktop is +8 years old, and it's starting to make some alarming noises. I'm guessing hard drive failure is imminent. As such, it looks like it's time to replace this dinosaur.

She uses it for work, which mainly includes word processing and watching video (not editing). Obviously, we don't need a terribly powerful machine, but on the other hand, since we bought a fairly decent machine last time, it has lasted us well (replaced mainboard once, upgraded HDD once). So, we'd like to buy another decent computer that'll last us a while, but don't want to overspend on unnecessary specs.

Here's what I know we want:

500 GB HDD (want to use it as another place to back up files)
DVD/CD ROM
2GB RAM
Dual Monitor ready (have one monitor now, want to switch to a dual monitor setup)
Will be purchasing a BASIC 19� monitor, nothing fancy.
Windows 7 Home Premium

So, any recommendations on what parts / specs would suit us would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance...

ttompatz · Joined: 05 Sep 2005 Location: Kwangju, South Korea

Confused Canadian · Joined: 21 Jan 2003

Thanks...that's pretty much what I was thinking, but wanted to double check.

When you say 'extra video card', I guessing that's something I'll have to explicitly request?

I ask, because my new work computer was a package computer, but I've got it running dual monitors (one through a VGA cable, and the other through DVI??).

Will most 'off the shelf' computers have this set up, or will I have to double check?

Thanks again for the advice.

ttompatz · Joined: 05 Sep 2005 Location: Kwangju, South Korea

excaza · Joined: 27 Aug 2010

An integrated card should be able to drive 2 displays. I can't think of any off the top of my head that aren't able to. Even if the one you end up with doesn't, there are plenty of very cheap PCIe cards ($50-$75) that can do it.

There's no reason you're going to need 2 PCIe cards.

I'm assuming you're going to buy a pre-built system. Is building your own system an option?

Confused Canadian · Joined: 21 Jan 2003

excaza · Joined: 27 Aug 2010

Happy to help Smile

From the requirements you listed, you're not going to have a problem finding an inexpensive machine to do what you're looking for. TBH, I would recommend getting at least 4GB of RAM, it'll future proof you a bit more, plus RAM is really cheap.

Do you have any sources you know of that offer prebuilt systems? I'm just curious about pricing in Korea, my only experience is with things in the US (Newegg/Dell)