I have decided to buy a new computer with simming in mind. This is what I think would fit my needs, but before I buy I would like some opinions. I am using FSK2 but may upgrade to 2004 later.
What I am looking at is:
Dell Pent 4  2.8Hz
512MD DDR SDRAM
128 ATI RADEON 98 Pro
Integrated 5.1 channel audio

Thanks,
Dave

Try the Dell site out for support.

See if you can find details on the hardware, particularly the mainboard and upgrade options, bios support etc.

A problem with pre made packages in the past has been that they are made with discontinued or "special" runs of hardware (it's cheaper), so a little research may help you to avoid regrets later.

A recent example is where the Compaq 6000 series of computers uses outdated mainboards that only support 4x AGP graphics standard.

Another consideration is the Operating System. Many (all?) Pre made PC's come with a system restore disk which restores the PC to the Propriety (Dell, Compaq) standard if the system has to be reinstalled.
While this is fine for those with little knowledge or care about how their system is put together, it is also very limiting for those who want to build a custom operating system.
The problem is that the hardware is sometimes specific to the propriety PC and the drivers are difficult to obtain as standalone items. (they are imbedded in the system restore disk)

Typically, A propriety branded PC is a little over priced for what it is. A first glance the specs look impressive, but when you start researching the hardware, you start seeing cost cutting measures and discontinued or budget hardware.

I'm not saying this is the case with your intended purchase, but please look under the hood before you buy. My nephew just based his buying decision on the great looking case...... open in up and find a mini ATX mainboard, a celeron and a stick of 256 el cheapo brand ram, it also came with a very old and heavy redundant monitor.

Buyer beware.

yeah i buily my baby myself and i was suprised when i turned it on first that it worked.. havent had a bother with it since

with self build systems your choice of hardware is endless....if you do not like something or needs upgrading rip it out and install new device....its great and its a lot cheaper

my system cost in total... erm lemme figure it out....£958 including monitor but bear in mind there is a £324 graphics card there so it wasnt bad... same pc at a pc store such as PCworld would have cost easily another £200 and you dont have the flexibility of upgrading etc with a pre packaged machine

but if you want to save the hassle of building it yourself looks like a very nice system there shouldnt cause too many problems but like congo said watch out for any cheap devices they wack in unoticed

Thanks guys, you have given me much food for thought !!

Dave