Improvements/alternatives on this please

[mautal]

Hello everyone. I'm new here and wonder if you could you help please.

I want a faster computer for browsing or videos or iPlayer and future TV PC-able channels - not gaming at all, and am fed up with buffering time on my ancient rig. Trying to drag myself into the 20th Century

With a TV card, could I attach a Freeview+ tuner box to the PC so the monitor works like a live aerial TV? My spec wouldn’t let me add the “best” TV card, but not really sure what TV cards do...

Could this spec translate to a relatively portable laptop or AIO? (After unplugging peripherals like printer, keyboard, mouse, speakers.) I get the impression that AIOs are more for gaming?

I’m worried that the motherboard wouldn’t let me add a soundcard (I like to listen to music) but maybe I don’t need one if using speakers or I need a more-slot motherboard if I want to dispense with the speakers? (Lost on this.)

Spec is:
Case STYLISH PIANO BLACK ENIGMA MICRO-ATX CASE + 2 FRONT USB [I didn't seem to get any options
Processor (CPU) AMD A4-3400 Dual Core APU (2.7GHz) & Radeon™ HD 6410D Graphics
Motherboard ASUS® F1A55-M LK R2.0: FM1 A-SERIES, SATA 3.0GB/s, Windows 8 Ready!
Memory (RAM) 2GB SAMSUNG DUAL-DDR3 1333MHz (1 x 2GB)
Graphics Card Integrated AMD Radeon HD 6000 Series Graphics
Memory - 1st Hard Disk 500GB 3.5" SATA-III 6GB/s HDD 7200RPM 16MB CACHE
1st DVD/BLU-RAY Drive 24x DUAL LAYER DVD WRITER ±R/±RW/RAM
Memory Card Reader INTERNAL 52 IN 1 CARD READER (XD, MS, CF, SD, etc) + 1 x USB 2.0 PORT
Power Supply 350W Dual Rail PSU + 120mm Case Fan
Processor Cooling STANDARD AMD CPU COOLER
Sound Card ONBOARD 8 CHANNEL (7.1) HIGH DEF AUDIO (AS STANDARD)
Network Facilities 10/100/1000 GIGABIT LAN PORT - AS STANDARD ON ALL PCs
USB Options 2 PORT USB 3.0 INTERNAL PCI-EX CARD + STANDARD USB PORTS
Modem NONE, I WILL BE USING BROADBAND
TV Card HAUPPAUGE HI-DEF SATELITTE DVB-S2 TV RECIEVER
(WinTV-NOVA-HD-S2)
Operating System Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium 64 Bit w/SP1 - inc DVD & Licence (£79)
Office Software FREE 30 Day Trial of Microsoft® Office® 365
Anti-Virus NO ANTI-VIRUS SOFTWARE
Monitor ACER 21.5" G226HQLBbid LED - 5ms, 1920 x 1080, DVI, HDMI
Surge Protection 6 Socket Compact 2M UFO Surge Protector (£9)

£532 inc VAT (inc £5+ VAT optional extra on warranty)
Price OK give or take.

The spec says it's compatible with itself; am I forgetting anything or under/over providing? Not sure about modem as I have a Virgin Media modem for broadband.

Also should I swap the O/S for Windows 8 instead and a touchscreen so as to drag myself into today? Don’t need it as don’t “do” PC Aps but maybe I would if I could. It seems to be the way of the future generally and I don't want to be playing catch up with upgrades that I could have at initial install.

Any pointers would be much appreciated.
Thank you.

 

[vanthus]

A TV card allows you to watch either freeview or freesat depending on the card you select,no need to use a tuner box the card is a TV tuner/receiver.
DVB-T for freeview which needs to be connected to an aerial,an amplified indoor aerial might work depending on the signal strength in your area.
Satellite DVB-S2 for freesat which needs to be connected to a satellite dish.

 

[johcla958]

Tv card won't speed up the buffering issue neither will a new computer really get virgin media broadband

 

[vanthus]

Tv card won't speed up the buffering issue neither will a new computer really get virgin media broadband

There is no buffering involved using a TV card,it's nothing to do with downloading from the internet,it's a straight signal through an aerial or satellite dish,just the same as a TV.

 

[mautal]

A TV card allows you to watch either freeview or freesat depending on the card you select,no need to use a tuner box the card is a TV tuner/receiver.
DVB-T for freeview which needs to be connected to an aerial,an amplified indoor aerial might work depending on the signal strength in your area.
Satellite DVB-S2 for freesat which needs to be connected to a satellite dish.

I've definitely entered the wrong TV card in my spec then so many thanks for the info. My freeview tuner on TV works fine from an indoor aerial as I'm close to a major transmitter, so the DVB-T seems favourite + another indoor aerial. Not sure what I'd plug that into yet as aerials are jacks rather than USB connectors.

I take the point of difference, thank you others, between TV card/signal and internet download now. Virgin just replaced my modem with a shiny new one as my old one was playing up, which is, er, nice of them given they've been telling me for ages about increased speed (and charges) that seemingly the old one could never ever achieve, but hopefully the new modem is one more less to worry about. I'm assuming I don't need an inbuilt modem as well so can cross it off my query list, as least if stays desktop rather than portable laptop.

Do the replies suggest I should stick with desktop rather than laptop? Still not sure about possible swap to O/S W.8 and touchscreen.

I'm incredibly grateful that you're taking time to respond.

 

[Boozad]

If you've been furnished with the Virgin Super Hub you should be OK, I've had one for ages and it works like a treat. Wireless connections all over the house are great.

Personal opinions here but you do as you see fit; I'd stick to the desktop (I hate laptops) and Windows 7.

 

[vanthus]

A TV card such as the the HAUPPAUGE WinTV-NOVA-TD-500 card will have an ordinary aerial socket,same as a TV has that you plug the aerial into,USB is not involved.
Choosing Windows 7 or Windows 8 is a personal thing really,and personally I don't like Windows 8,but that doesn't mean to say you wouldn't.Best way to find out would be to have a try at windows 8 on someone elses PC if possible.
Choosing between a desktop or laptop is also a personal choice,I would only get a laptop if you need the mobility or you don't have room for a desktop.

 

[mautal]

Yay, new recent modem furnished is indeed a Virgin Super Hub with wireless capability.

Thanks very much for TV card & socket info.

I think I'm getting there... Thanks for now and good night all.

 

[mautal]

Looking at reasons why I'd like a new computer and digesting replies from yesterday, ta, can you help further please:

1. If I have say four internet windows open on the screen which are the sort that refresh every 30 seconds or so, the reloading at each refresh is slow. Will my new Virgin Super Hub help with that? Will my faster-spec new computer help? Don't know what is responsible...

2. Desk clutter.

a) I group my speakers in this. Do I need speakers with my soundcard, or could I disconnect speakers except when "good" sound is important but otherwise still get sound without them?

b) What are the case dimensions please? Also could I have a matt case rather than shiny piano?

Edit: I've just deleted item 3 as I found the 7 vs 8 thread.

I hope you are all enjoying sunshine on your Bank Holiday today or a hug if you are working

 

[Boozad]

1. If I have say four internet windows open on the screen which are the sort that refresh every 30 seconds or so, the reloading at each refresh is slow. Will my new Virgin Super Hub help with that? Will my faster-spec new computer help?

What broadband speed do you have? Page refreshing should be quick using broadband.

2. Desk clutter.

a) I group my speakers in this. Do I need speakers with my soundcard, or could I disconnect speakers except when "good" sound is important but otherwise still get sound without them?

No you won't get sound if you unplug your speakers.

b) What are the case dimensions please? Also could I have a matt case rather than shiny piano?

350mm x 168mm x 360mm. You should be able to change the case to any one you want.

3. Trying to be up to date. Much harder as you get older because things are deemed "good enough for what you want", rather disparagingly, so bypassing exciting things I could have if only I knew what they were.

Thus, I can't decide on Windows 7 or 8 O/S. Is it feasible to have both (& get a touchscreen monitor) and switch between them. Or to get 8 but use it as if it were 7, with touchscreen available for using it as 8, if all that makes sense?

As a ramble, I probably learned more about the quirks of O/S when I got a new WinME-loaded computer and don't fancy going through a fiasco like that again. I'm currently on XP Pro.

I hope you are all enjoying sunshine on your Bank Holiday today or a hug if you are working

If you're used to XP and just want a newer 'freshened up' version go for 7. My limited experience of 8 tells me it was designed for tablets and phones and the like and isn't conducive to desktops at all. Others would argue that it's perfectly fine for desktops. Try and have a play with both operating systems on other PCs if you can and choose which one you like best.

 

[mautal]

Thank you so much.

Multiple windows displayed: My recent new Virgin modem, the engineer said was delivering 20 at point of installation (20 is what I'm paying for unless I upgrade that) so speed will be optimistic I reckon at busy times. I read from this that problem is modem speed rather than my computer, so outside my new computer spec considerations, yes?

Speaker question: Thank you

Windows 7 vs 8: I reckon I'll be better off with 7.

Cases:

I've read today a thread on here about carpeted and dusty areas re laptops. Are some tower cases more resilient to dust than others?

Also a thread about minimising constant hum. Mine used to be quiet but its parts are probably on their last legs. Would any cases minimise hum better than the standard case without increasing my spec price disproportionately? (I assume it's my fan I can hear.)

Thank you.

 

[Boozad]

Multiple windows displayed: My recent new Virgin modem, the engineer said was delivering 20 at point of installation (20 is what I'm paying for unless I upgrade that) so speed will be optimistic I reckon at busy times. I read from this that problem is modem speed rather than my computer, so outside my new computer spec considerations, yes?

The PC spec should be fine for what you want to use it for, although I'd recommend upgrading your RAM to 4GB. A 20MB broadband connection should be fine for streaming TV too really. It may be worth looking at Virgin's fair usage policy to be honest.

Windows 7 vs 8: I reckon I'll be better off with 7.

You'll be comfortable with it.

Cases:

I've read today a thread on here about carpeted and dusty areas re laptops. Are some tower cases more resilient to dust than others?

Some come with dust filters but you'd be looking at higher end gaming/performance cases. All cases will pull in dust, just make it good practice to clean your PC once every six months or so and you'll be fine. A can of compressed air and a small soft brush will do the trick.

Also a thread about minimising constant hum. Mine used to be quiet but its parts are probably on their last legs. Would any cases minimise hum better than the standard case without increasing my spec price disproportionately? (I assume it's my fan I can hear.)

You'd have been good with the CoolerMaster Sileo 500 but it looks like PCS have removed it from their line now. How much can you stretch to for a case?

 

[mautal]

Thank you Boozad.

In order your post:
1) Will change to 4GB RAM. (Virgin will do what they want but I'll check out their fair usage policy, ta.)

2) Windows 7 it will be.

3) Compressed air: Brand names? So as to buy. I only know of things like Inhibisol but that is lubricant as well so probably not what you mean.

4) Hard to answer about case cost choice:

Buying a better case would presumably remove the cost for the standard case, but I don't know how much cost is currently included so I don't know how much the extra would be.
Visual aesthetics of a case aren't a priority - minimising mind-numbing-constant-hum is.
What options could I consider please?

Assuming my new desktop will last a while in years, £-extra now to achieve minimal (hopefully near zero) humming could be money well spent for me.

Regards

 

[Boozad]

Any compressed air will do mate, there are tons of options on eBay. You only really need it to blow the dust out of your rig when there's a fair build up of it. Remember never to use a vacuum cleaner to get dust out of it!

As for the case the CoolerMaster Sileo 550 will keep the noise down, that would cost £65 which is about £50 over the base case in the configurator.

 

[mautal]

@ Boozad: Both paragraphs noted with many thanks

It's getting a bit late now so I'll wish you goodnight.

 

[mautal]

Hello. A new day and new questions I'm afraid. Where would I be without you all?

1. Assuming I can opt for the CoolerMaster Sileo 550 case, it seems its power supply is greater 550W and has more than one fan.
In my quotation I have: "Power Supply 350W Dual Rail PSU + 120mm Case Fan".
Should I be changing this to suit please? Ditto "Standard AMD CPU Cooler".
I intend to increase memory from 2GB to 4GB as recommended above if that is relevant,

2. My monitor: ACER 21.5" G226HQLBbid LED 1920 x 1080 5ms DVI, HDMI.

a) Do I need to buy also an HDMI cable?
b) Does the Sileo 550 case come with a port to accept it?
c) Can I assume it's plug 'n play with the Freeview TV card recommended HAUPPAUGE WinTV-NOVA-TD-500,
or does it come with set-up instructions?

Thank you again.

 

[steaky360]

1. The sileo case will come with whatever PSU you request from PCS - if you need a 550W you will be 'warned' in the configurator. If you have no need to use a larger PSU nor any desire to add more components in the future (extra graphics card etc.) you may have no need to upgrade the PSU. As for the cooler, unless you want to overclock you wouldn't need to upgrade the cooler, but the triple copper heatpipe is a popular upgrade and would be a better cooler.

2.
a. The monitor doesn't seem to come with any cables as standard so I think you would need to get a DVI cable for it not a HDMI.
b. Your motherboard does not have a HDMI so you would need to use DVI.
c. The TV card will come with a manual but as it is PCI I imagine its very simple to set up and the software which will be provided with it should explain how to set it up correctly.

Hope this helps

 

[mautal]

Many thanks steaky360.

1. I guess if I'd need a better graphics card for TV than the AMD Radeon HD6000 someone would tell me, so hopefully OK to stick with 350W.

Triple copper heatpipe would give me peace of mind given an insulated case so thank you for recommending it.
A previous computer notorious for overheating is something not to be revisited.

2) Monitor.
Thank you - I'll get a DVI cable. It's daft things like this that drive a person barmy once it's all arrived.
I'm OK at following/understanding disk instructions so I should be fine.
---

New question:

I assume the tower and monitor will come with power leads.

If I buy a DVI lead, is that the only lead to the computer I'll need for the monitor (if it doesn't come with any)?
I.e. Do I need a general one for desktop use as well as a DVI for TV use or just the one?

Ta

 

[steaky360]

No problem,

Both the PSU and monitor will come with power leads so your ok there and the DVI will be the only lead required for your PC to connect to the monitor

 

[mautal]

I think I'm in a position to revamp my original quotation now (well by tomorrow) and hopefully I can get ye all to cast an eye over it then.

All help much appreciated. Bye for now.