Gaming Computer Suggestions

A

alex

Member
Without going into debit big time can some recommend the what I should be looking for in a gaming computer? I know that Alienware is supposed to be the best but I can not bring myself to spend $3000 for a comptuer to play games on. So I am looking for suggestions on what components a computer should have i.e., size hard drive, amount of ram, type of video card, etc.

The computer is for my husband who perfers computer games like Age of Mythology over Playstation or Xbox type games.

Thanks in advance.
 
FromTexas

FromTexas

This Space for Rent
Gaming? At least 1 gig of good memory, you can keep the hd at 40-60 gigs if all you do is game (since you well delete what you aren't playing anymore), a good sound card but doesn't have to be fantastic (middle of the road - don't completely skimp), video card is your money sink along with the ram, a slower computer with even more ram works better than a faster computer with less ram, and this is my endless run on sentence that is not grammatically correct. ...

Here... A Dell Dimension 9100 with the new Pentium D Processor 820 with Dual Core Technology (2.8 ghz with 800mhz front side bus), Windows, 1 GB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM (533 Mhz), FREE UPGRADE currently to 17 inch flat panel, 256 meg Nvidia GeForce 6800, 160 gig serial ATA HD (smallest available with that machine), no floppy, ethernet plus 56k modem, 16x dvd rom, +48x cdrw, Soundblaster Live 24 ADVANCED HD audio, 5.1 100 watt surround computer speakers, no security subscription (mcafee and norton suck.. get something offline for free or get a better product such as Trend Micro's PC-Cillin), free color inkject printer with current offer, and free shipping.

With Dell's current specials... that comes out to $1,692 and is not a shabby gaming computer. I would go for 2 gigs of RAM personally, but that is more than adequate.

Also, this won't run the latest games on high end settings... it will run them on standard (mid-range settings). With 2 gigs, you will start to capture some of the upper end settings.
 
FromTexas

FromTexas

This Space for Rent
Schizo said:
Dell XPS... keep your eye on www.slickdeals.net, they will have information on Dell deals prior to Dell posting them on Thursday mornings. You can usually save around $750 on the computer (about $250 more than current pricing).
http://www1.us.dell.com/content/products/productdetails.aspx/dimen_xps5?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs
Click to expand...

To outfit the XPS appropriately, you won't spend less than $2000. I bought an XPS, had 30% off (from internet coupon -- he needs to check for them for all dell systems, too), plus a bunch of freebies, and a $100 discount from Dell and it still cost me $2500-$2600 but it was loaded.
 
HiddenOne

HiddenOne

New Member
FromTexas said:
To outfit the XPS appropriately, you won't spend less than $2000. I bought an XPS, had 30% off (from internet coupon -- he needs to check for them for all dell systems, too), plus a bunch of freebies, and a $100 discount from Dell and it still cost me $2500-$2600 but it was loaded.
Click to expand...

Dell sux, you're better off having it built from scratch.... that's what I did with mine....
 
FromTexas

FromTexas

This Space for Rent
HiddenOne said:
Dell sux, you're better off having it built from scratch.... that's what I did with mine....
Click to expand...

Since Dell started using appropriate power supplies, their systems for gaming are great. Gamers know this. Advocating someone who is not familiar with the complexities of building their own gaming system to build their own is just asking for them to spend a lot of money and have a sucky computer. In the end, building a comparable computer to the one above, you will spend about the same about but have the heartache of it not working well because you went for spending less on parts to price match, it won't configure well, and he won't have any support.
 
HiddenOne

HiddenOne

New Member
FromTexas said:
Since Dell started using appropriate power supplies, their systems for gaming are great. Gamers know this. Advocating someone who is not familiar with the complexities of building their own gaming system to build their own is just asking for them to spend a lot of money and have a sucky computer. In the end, building a comparable computer to the one above, you will spend about the same about but have the heartache of it not working well because you went for spending less on parts to price match, it won't configure well, and he won't have any support.
Click to expand...

Dell's power supplies aren't their only problems however. Actually all of those "premade" comapnies, Dell, Gateway, etc. They're like the friggin tourist traps of computers.... Granted, it might be easier for a rookie to go with something from one of them, most often they're more trouble than they're worth... especially from the fact that only their parts can be used in the machine (somewhat) so fixing a problem'll drive ya nuts :lol:
 
HiddenOne

HiddenOne

New Member
although some of their higher-end notebooks aren't too bad.... but for gaming I'd probably more apt to go with an Alienware notebook just for their reliablity... although why anyone would want a notebook for gaming is beyond me :lmao: they just can't compare to a full desktop rig
 
FromTexas

FromTexas

This Space for Rent
HiddenOne said:
Dell's power supplies aren't their only problems however. Actually all of those "premade" comapnies, Dell, Gateway, etc. They're like the friggin tourist traps of computers.... Granted, it might be easier for a rookie to go with something from one of them, most often they're more trouble than they're worth... especially from the fact that only their parts can be used in the machine (somewhat) so fixing a problem'll drive ya nuts :lol:
Click to expand...

You don't understand shopping for computers much, do you? If you are getting OEM equipment, your statement would be true. If you buy Packard Bell, HP, or one of those Best Buy brands, that is pretty much all you are getting. You will have sound wired into the board, etc...

However, some OEM stuff is not bad in the least. You don't need top line audio, so an OEM version (Soundblaster Live! Value, etc..) is going to contain more audio/surround than you should ever need with the audio capability of most games. In addition, I have replaced many of the parts in Dell's I have had if you aren't buying a value box. A value box will be all board integrated and yes, then you can't do anything. I guess if you are one to shop in the cheap range ($600-$700 for a system) then you have that to worry about.

Now, if you aren't careful you might get an OEM version of the same Video Card you want, which usually is mostly comparable to the real thing, just cheaper and slightly downgraded for mass use. However, if you read what you buy then you will notice the coding that signifies if it is OEM version or not.

Yet, performance and system tests have more than proven the capability of Dell and especially of Alienware (the premium brand) again and again. If you were more informed a buyer, you would know this.

So, keep building your own. Enjoy having the ability to replace your parts easily on a system that is not performance aligned... after all, you do have to replace those parts a bit more frequently and so you need that ease to do it. Putting all those high end items together surely made it run faster and better for you, didn't it? Oh. It does, doesn't it?

Lets not forget you can put all the highest end parts together and it won't run as well as a mid-range machine if you also don't know how to make sure the architecture is performance compatible with each other. Got 4 megs of memory? Oh, wait. Its held up by that FSB, memory speed, etc... no performance gain. Got the fastest processor out there? Oh, wait. It can't get at all that information because while getting a compatible board, it does not allow the same performance as every other board in the class. In fact, each board is a bit different.

Just by your post here and the way you treat those systems shows you are one of the rookies who has gotten to know enough to be dangerous and somewhat functional. You are throwing around the garbage that gets tossed around like technological crap in the "i'm a 1337 gamer community" without any real factual merit to support your claims. I am still waiting for the NVIDIA or ATI sux0rz comment. :peace:
 
A

alex

Member
Thanks for the insight. I know that Cnet.com recommended the XPS for gamers and their reviews are usually spot on. But a friend of his recommened going to CompUSA and having them build it for him. I have had some problems with CompUSA so I am not too keen on going that route.

Since I will be the first line of support on any computer he buys I figured I better just research and buy it for him. All he wants to do is put the game in and play. Any little message that pops up and he calls me. It is sooooooo fustrating. He can learn how the game works but not the computer. UGH!

I knew the video card would be the biggest expense. I wasn't too sure how much RAM to buy. I know that he will want to play these games at the best settings so if I understand the post from FROM TEXAS I need to make sure I have as much RAM as I can afford, the best video card I can afford and the faster processor I can afford - right?
 
ylexot

ylexot

Super Genius
I guess I'll be the one to say that the suggestions you are getting are way more than you need. You said your husband likes games like Age of Mythology, so I assume you mean more strategic types of games (I like the same kinds of games). These games are not very "computer intensive". For example, the system requirements for Age of Mythology:
* Microsoft® Windows® 98/Me/XP/2000
* PC with 450 MHz equivalent or higher processor
* 128 MB of system RAM
* 1.5 GB available hard disk space
* 32x speed or faster CD-ROM drive
* 16 MB video card required
* Sound card, speakers or headphones required for audio
* Microsoft Mouse or compatible pointing device
* 56.6 Kbps or better modem for online play

:yawn: I haven't had a computer that weak in years! I doubt that any of the newer ones need massive computing either, but I haven't bought a new game in a long time. Look at the requirements for the games he is interested in and get a bit more than required to give yourself some compatibility for the future. When you say "gaming computer", the computers are geared toward fast action, high graphics games and are probably overkill for your needs. I'd say just get a decent, inexpensive computer and don't buy the top-of-the-line systems. You pay a premium for the latest and greatest computer system.
 
HiddenOne

HiddenOne

New Member
ylexot said:
I guess I'll be the one to say that the suggestions you are getting are way more than you need. You said your husband likes games like Age of Mythology, so I assume you mean more strategic types of games (I like the same kinds of games). These games are not very "computer intensive". For example, the system requirements for Age of Mythology:
* Microsoft® Windows® 98/Me/XP/2000
* PC with 450 MHz equivalent or higher processor
* 128 MB of system RAM
* 1.5 GB available hard disk space
* 32x speed or faster CD-ROM drive
* 16 MB video card required
* Sound card, speakers or headphones required for audio
* Microsoft Mouse or compatible pointing device
* 56.6 Kbps or better modem for online play

:yawn: I haven't had a computer that weak in years! I doubt that any of the newer ones need massive computing either, but I haven't bought a new game in a long time. Look at the requirements for the games he is interested in and get a bit more than required to give yourself some compatibility for the future. When you say "gaming computer", the computers are geared toward fast action, high graphics games and are probably overkill for your needs. I'd say just get a decent, inexpensive computer and don't buy the top-of-the-line systems. You pay a premium for the latest and greatest computer system.
Click to expand...

:lol: Yeah that is a bit of a weak computer :wink: I'd recommend 1G of dual channel memory, there is nothing out there that needs more (and nothing in the immediate future that will need more) Processor is kind of a touchy subject with some people, some swear by Intel, others swear AMD is the way to go for gamers, personally, I'd recommend AMD if you can get it, but I'm not sure if Dell supports them since I believe they have a contract with Intel. Hard Drive I'd recommend 160Gig tops, but more likely maybe a 60-80Gig
 
S

Schizo

Guest
How about a notebook... this can be had for about $1300 if you wait for the right Dell deal. Doesn't look like the games your husband plays requires that much power. This system should be able to handle even Half-Life 2 (though not at the max resolution).

Oh, this is configured for media center pc (can watch TV, DVR, etc.) if you forgo this maybe $1150 or so.


Inspiron 6000D Intel® Pentium® M Processor 730 (1.60 GHz/2MB Cache/533MHz FSB)
Operating System Microsoft® Windows® XP Media Center Edition 2005
Display 15.4 inch WXGA LCD Panel
Memory 1GB DDR2 SDRAM 2 Dimms
Video Card 128MB DDR ATI's MOBILITY™ RADEON X300 PCI Express x16 Graphics
Hard Drive 60GB Hard Drive
Network Card Integrated 10/100 Network Card and Modem
Adobe Software Adobe® Acrobat® Reader 6.0
Combo/DVD+RW Drives 8x CD/DVD burner (DVD+/-RW) with double-layer write capability
Wireless Networking Card FREE Intel® PRO/Wireless 2915 Internal Wireless (802.11 a/b/g, 54Mbps)
Office Productivity Software (Pre-Installed) No productivity suite - Corel WordPerfect word processor only
Security Software New! Norton Internet Security 2005 AntiSpyware Edition 15-months
Digital Music Musicmatch® Jukebox Basic
Battery 9-cell Lithium Ion Battery (80 WHr)
Limited Warranty, Services and Support Options 1Yr Ltd Warranty, 1Yr At-Home Service, and 1Yr Technical Support
Dial-Up Internet Access 6 Months America Online Internet Access Included
Digital Imaging Photo Album™ SE Basic
Miscellaneous Award Winning Service & Support
Financial Software No QuickBooks package selected- Includes limited use trial
Media Center Enhancements TV Tuner w/ Remote Control


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dell 720 Color Printer Qty 1
Free Dell Color Printer 720 Unit Price $0.00
Catalog Number: 29
Module Description Show Details
Dell Color Printer 720 Free Dell Color Printer 720
Hardware Support Services 1Yr Ltd. Warranty- Advance Exchange

TOTAL:$1,857.00
 
A

alex

Member
Thanks for help. But I never trust the system requirements on the game box. Bought Empire Earth and our present PC exceeds all of the system requirements on the box (even if it is 5 yrs old - I upgrade a lot myself) but the game still won't run. Tech Support from the manufacturer is a joke. So that was $$ down the tubes.

As for what games he wants - he hasn't a clue. He just wants to know that if he buys a game it will run on the comptuer. Of course the 3 games he plays now only run on my MAC. I would buy him a new MAC in a second but he also plays D&D with college buddies over the internet and they use a product called TeamSpeak that doesn't run on MACs.

He is driving me crazy about this and I just want my laptop back!! I am tired of the little boy sulking when I need to use MY laptop and he wants to play games on it.
 
S

Schizo

Guest
FromTexas said:
I am still waiting for the NVIDIA or ATI sux0rz comment. :peace:
Click to expand...

ATI sux
NVIDIA sux

Intel IGP all the way :lmao:
































I have a 128Mb ATI Radeon 9600 Pro Turbo on my Dell i8600 notebook and it rocks!
 
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itsbob

itsbob

I bowl overhand
Alienware, if you are buying out of the box..

Personally I build my own, and have never used NEWEGG.. can't remember the site I use. but it lists all components by price, THEN you go figure out who is selling it.. you just need to know what components you want first.
 
ylexot

ylexot

Super Genius
itsbob said:
Alienware, if you are buying out of the box..

Personally I build my own, and have never used NEWEGG.. can't remember the site I use. but it lists all components by price, THEN you go figure out who is selling it.. you just need to know what components you want first.
Click to expand...
CNet also does price comparisons and newegg is typically one of the best priced places. Also, their shipping is usually free or very inexpensive and is very fast (I got my order the next day).

Oh, and another company I recommend for parts is www.tigerdirect.com
 
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