Ram Hardware Requirements Discuss Ram in the Installing and Upgrading Vista forums; Hello, I am getting a new computer soon because my old one basically died on me. I am low on money but I've seen a good emachines I can ...

[xsll319]

Hello,

I am getting a new computer soon because my old one basically died on me. I am low on money but I've seen a good emachines I can afford and it's similar to one of the one's I had before and it works well. All the requirements are right and it comes with Windows Home Basic. The RAM is only 512MB and I plan on adding 1gb to that. But I won't be able to do it right when I get the computer. I was wondering if it is really as terrible and as slow as some people say with only 512MB. - I don't mind not having all the Vista features not included in Home Basic. I don't see myself using half of it. Seeing as I only use Trillian, Itunes and have a few web pages open.

[xsll319]

Anyone?

[Snuffy]

First thing on your (new) eMachine... almost every one (90%) I have seen is very limited on the Power Supply (failure w/i or less than 1 yr) before you buy it is worth the extra $25 to $30 US to get a 550 to 600 watt... also make sure the MEMORY installed has the highest rating the Mobo allows...
Last but not least make sure the BIOS is FLASHED to the very latest...possible. 4 of 4 2yr old eMachines will not accept Vista Bios will not accept...eMachine stated avg Cost to Repair $85.00
and owner pays S&H & Insurance both ways...

This is simply my opinion...not to be construed that eMachine Computer(s) are not any good or that 9-N-10 have major problems in less than 1 yr..in South West Kansas.

[xsll319]

I've always had Emachines and haven't had much of a problem, but what do you mean by getting a 550 or 600 watt?

[Snuffy]

Upgrade your Power Supply to at least 550 watt to 600 watt recommended

[felix8406]

I currently use an eMachine and has worked well so far. The power supply that comes with the PC should have ample wattage unless you decide to upgrade your graphics card or add other components.

The 512MB, especially running Home Basic, will be sufficient. I'm running the Business Edition on my laptop with 512MB, and although is not a gamer by any means, it runs well enough for everyday computing. Keep in mind that my laptop is not a Vista Capable PC as the eMachine your are thinking to buy. Your eMachine should run Vista just fine. Later on when you have some cash you can opt for more RAM.

[Znod]

Originally Posted by xsll319

Hello,

I am getting a new computer soon because my old one basically died on me. I am low on money but I've seen a good emachines I can afford and it's similar to one of the one's I had before and it works well. All the requirements are right and it comes with Windows Home Basic. The RAM is only 512MB and I plan on adding 1gb to that. But I won't be able to do it right when I get the computer. I was wondering if it is really as terrible and as slow as some people say with only 512MB. - I don't mind not having all the Vista features not included in Home Basic. I don't see myself using half of it. Seeing as I only use Trillian, Itunes and have a few web pages open.

You might want to stretch and go for 1 GB from the factory. But, like felix, I think you can get by with 512 MB given your uses.

[xsll319]

Thanks for all the replies.


I've been happy with my Emachines in the past. I was however looking at some Compaqs but I haven't seen many positive reviews on them.

http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Compa...oductDetail.do

[felix8406]

I did have a bad experience with a Compact PC once, but that was many years ago. eMachines components are basically much more generic than PCs from other manufactures. This makes eMachines much more easier to upgrade. eMachines are usually less expensive as well; this allows you to buy more PC with your hard earned cash.

This however does not mean that buying an eMachine is your best option. There other things you must consider as well; support, durability, features, included software/applications, etc.

[Snuffy]

eMachines are cheap GateWay's

emachines.com

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Locally there are 5 eMachines, which are less than 2 yrs old, and will not accept the smallest version of Vista due to NO BIOS SUPPORT... and the largest PS I have seen in any of the 5 was 200 watts.