OT: Need help translating computer specs

minh_han

minh_han

New member
Basically, I'd like a computer wiz to help clarify the differences in all the processors, RAM memory, video cards, etc that are out there.

Background:
On an impulse buy, I got the game The Witcher, but when I tried to install it on my fastest computer (Intel Pentium M processor 1.67 GHz, 504 MB RAM), it wasn't good enough, so the game wouldn't run. Well, I'd also like to get Fallout 3 when it comes out in the fall, but I think it's going to need even better hardware than The Witcher (min req Intel Pentium 4 2.4 GHz, 1 GB RAM, NVIDIA GeForce 6600 video)

So, I'm not a huge gamer, but I would like to try these two. I've been looking at the different desktops out there, and my head is spinning with all the different processor, RAM, and video card combinations, not to mention everything else.

Anyone care to give me some recommendations? Although I realize you kind of get what you pay for, I'm not willing to spend $2000+ on a desktop either.
 
 
or if you dont feel comfortable building it on your own, go with the XPS 420 from dell, just be sure to install windows XP and NOT vista :)
 
About 3 years ago I built my current PC - a 2.65GHZ P4. I did not go overboard, but I stayed away from the bottom shelf stuff. Then I found out the killer video card I had did not work in the new motherboard. Then I found out that I needed XP because of the processor speed. Once it was all said and done, I was into it for $750 for the hardware and XP, but not including the case or power supply, drive, or DVD.

And I could have gotten a similarly situated position by calling Dell and just buying it. For that same $750, but with a warranty. And all those other parts I did not buy.

I'm just saying to do some shopping around. Though for a gamer, a stock PC will likely not give you the performance you want. "Speed costs money. How fast can you afford to go?" Fedcopmike will find that humorous. :)

Also, be sure to include a good heatsink. I have a solid copper unit with a large fan and three heat riser tubes. I've run my CPU over 3GHz before hitting stability issues. I've backed down to 2.8GHz because I'm not a gamer, just a geek.
 
In the past I've built all my own systems, but now I don't bother with the hassle. Just use ibuypower.com, any machine you're gonna get there is more than likely gonna run your games just fine.

I just went and used almost all of the cheapest options, but upgraded to 4gb ram, and an 8500GT 1gb video card, without monitor the system would run you 700 even plus shipping. And an extra 199 would nab you a 20.1 inch widescreen LCD, not big enough for me personally but you might not require insane resolution like I do. :smokin:
 
Try Tiger Direct. com They have some good prices, Yuo need the bare min. of one gig of mem. and better if you have 2 or 3 gig. I would not buy from gatway,HP Dell ect they build good computers but most of the time you have to buy THEIR parts to upgrade or add-on. buy the most you can afford. a duel core or a quad core. also make sure the video is on a card not built on the mother board then you can buy a different card and just snap it in. most as I call generic computers have parts that can be upgraded very easy, and cheap. now you can buy memory for as little as 69.00 for a gig and it just snaps in. it would take you longer to take out the 2 screws to open the case than to put in the memory. I have built about 100 puters for friends and family. it is not as hard as you may think. hope this helps you out.
 
I agree with superfan...off the shelf systems are pretty cheap now and its not really worth it to try and save money by buying all of the components separate and putting them together yourself.

All you really need is something with a decent processor (like 2.8GHz and above) a good amount of RAM (2GB and above) and a nice sized hard drive. Then order a decent graphics card and install that yourself and you should be fine. You should be able to do it all for around $750...maybe a little more if you are getting a new monitor.

Also, Fallout rules.
 
i have a dell 1705 laptop it was the best purchase i ever did lap top is not stuck in one room i take it with me everyware think portable i have a desk top i had built it is great but after i hade it built add the monitor and softwear you want it ends up costing you more just my thought
 
Thanks for the advice. I'll let you guys know what I end up getting.

Is there a big difference btw a 8500, 8600, and 8800 video card?
 
My opinion:
I've heard that AMD Processors are the best when it comes down to gaming. A dell would be fine also. If you're not going to be huge into gaming then I wouldnt go crazy getting all these upgraded video cards... I'm sure you can find a great deal for a Desktop from dell.

Oh and i've heard about the AMD processor from kids at my school (I go (went) to a tech academy)
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12864103#post12864103 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by minh_han
Thanks for the advice. I'll let you guys know what I end up getting.

Is there a big difference btw a 8500, 8600, and 8800 video card?
Click to expand...

All depends on weather or no you want good or VERY good graphics, I use the GeForce GTX280, but like you said you dont wanna spend thousands :) Id recommend you to go with the 8800.
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3510472&Sku=B52-8806
 
Here is my 2 cents worth
I am an avid gamer of FPS (first person shooter) games like BF2 BF2142 let me give you some advise on machines

A great video card is nice, but don't waste your money that quickly.
If you put a 500+ Dollar video card into a computer that is 3-4 years old you could be disappointed by the results you get, why you ask! because other components in your system will be the bottleneck and slow your system down, and in turn your video card. It is so easy to see all these reviews about gaming cards but when reading them make sure to look at the test systems they are using to get their obscene numbers with.

I build my own machines for gaming, but to recommend one for someone I would look at products like

Alienware Area 51 (nice machine starting at $1100.00 http://www.alienware.com/products/a...SysCode=PC-AREA51-7500-R5&SubCode=SKU-DEFAULT


Falcon Northwest http://www.falcon-nw.com/

There are many others but Alienware was bought out by Dell a few years ago if I remember correctly.
If you are buying an entire new PC, Yes I would go with Vista (some will disagree, but new games are all being written to use DX10 for better graphics quality and that is a Vista only thing)
I also would get 4GB of Ram as one downside of vista is that it likes to hog resources.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12837241#post12837241 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by saltyfishy123
Hey, if I were you Id just build one,

Here Ill list everything that you should get, and ill try not to go over board with the price.
Case:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811121020
Video Card:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161209
Power Supply:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817189014
Motherboard:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131232
Processor:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115028
DVD/CD Drive:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827135156
Click to expand...

No Disrespect but don't do this
AGP video card in a PCIE Motherboard will not work
 
Ok, see, this is why I get confused. This is like asking, "So what's the best way to set up a tank?"

It seems I still have a lot more reading to do if I'm going to get the right computer for my needs (mostly audio/video storage, internet, word processing, but also some gaming).

SaltyFishy, why a 8800 rather than a 8700? The difference in price is several hundred dollars. What do I get for the money?

I do appreciate the feedback though. I can't ever learn too much.
 
Don't get a Dell or other major brand, a lot of components will be proprietary. Don't get an Alienware because you're just paying 500 bucks extra for a name on your case. Quality components make a quality machine, an overcharging company doesn't.
 
gt 8800 video card, Intel core 2 duo (even quads are getting cheap). is where you want to start. Build everything around that.

I personally would go with vista, especially if you are gaming (direct x 10). 4 Gigs of RAM is the sweet spot, but you can go way less if you turn off AERO.

People who say dont go with vista are the same people who tried to hang on to windows 98 for so long. Microsoft dictates what os you should be running, (ex. XP) Might as well get used to it now.

Being in IT I have a reason not to go Vista, but the avg. home user has no reason.

Good Luck.
 
I have an alienware Aurora 5500 for sale w/ LCD monitor and keyboard for 600$ Its a really nice gaming PC.

the reason im selling it so low is i built my own cpu and just want to get rid of the alienware its taking up space. It was freshly reformated and the LCD monitor came with the computer and i don't need it as well.
 
...Or you can just come over to the dark side and buy a Mac Book Pro. I was a big PC guys for year, but I'd never part with my Mac. They all use Intel chips now.

I used my sister's Dell laptop which is newer than my Mac and that thing is "special."

..and yes...I've done HEAVY real time online gaming with my Mac Book Pro- zero issues.
 
Ugh, you Mac guys make me sick. You treat your laptops like they're something you've fallen in love with. So lame. And you all say the same lines. It's cool though, I mean if you wanna have access to the good games 4 months after the initial launch.:fun2: And none of you realize you're proud of machines marketted for idiots. Bring it InsaneClownfish!
 
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