Page 1 of what spec pc needed?

I`m currently managing with a 3 year old pc that has a Duron 900 processor, 20gb hdd, 256mgb RAM, dvd rom and cdrw and a 32mb graphics card.

I want to upgrade to a new pc so i can fully utilise my mini DV camcorders capabilities, but won`t be using it for playing games. Main other uses are surfing, managing my website, kids schoolwork etc plus the usual word and excel functions.

I`m guessing I need a big hdd, plenty of RAM, and a dvd burner. Not sure about the graphics card. Anything else I`ve missed? What sort of prices can i expect to pay for this level of spec.
Thanks
John

Hi John
Depending on your IT skills you could build your own computer and use some of the parts from your old computer thus saving costs. If you don`t want to play elaborate games then a standard grx card should suffice, 512 mb ram is the least you would want these days but u may be able to use the 256 u got and slot it into the new motherboard, Id say all in all you could get a half decent home build computer with 80gb hard drive for about £200 prob cheaper(if you can use the parts u got)

If u look at www.ebuyer.co.uk (just 1 example)...u can see how much the different parts cost

As an alternative to taking bits out of your current PC, keep it intact and let your kids have it - then less arguing over who gets to use the PC etc.

Obviously then you`d need to buy a monitor, but hey, you`d have 2 PCs. :)

Definitely go for at least 512mb ram - the more the better with video stuff.

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TBH, you are best off with the best you can afford as you always regret scrimping later on. A 3000xp processor is a good start. Its not too expensive and is quick as buggery. As mentioned above, 512mb is the minimum you should aim for and a MOBO with a firewire port will kick off your mini DV editing.

And a cavernous Hard drive for all the raw footage. You can pick up an 80gig HD for 40 odd quid now, which should be your minimum. You`ll be shocked at how fast they fill up.

Thanks for the responses.

I reckon I`ll have about £500 max to spend. I`ve never built a pc before and have only done the basics i.e. install graphics cards, memory, floppy etc tough it does sound tempting to tailor a system exactly to my requirements.

ATC,

With the mods you listed above your not far from building a pc anyway. I found myself in a similiar position to yourself last month and decided to take the plunge and build my own pc, having only perviously installed a new graphics card,cd rewriter and extra memory. I used ebuyer to source the bits and took my time to read the motherboard booklet and the excellent 4 page step by step broucher that came with it. Whilst I was scared of breaking things I got there in the end and I`m well please with the finished results and myself.

Best wishes
Madgpol

John I was in the same position...I never built a PC b4 in my life..scared the Sh*t outta me when I got all the parts and suddenly thought right where does all this go....if u get a good instruction booklet with the motherboard(search on google) ...this is the most important purchase..the rest is relativly easy...altho puttin the heatsink on was a bit of a worry....it really aint that hard and once you done it the sense of achievment is a bit better than goin down to PC world and payin double the price for a outta the pack job. If ya go down the self build route and get stuck drop me an email and i`ll try to help..or if ya want any other questions answered...scoot1on1(no SPAM)@yahoo.com ..dont incl anything between the ( )