New Computer Help!

uruku_x

I've been without a PC for awhile and I'm looking to buy a new one. My price range isn't very big, but I found one I might like here. www.bestbuy.com/site//olspage.jsp



Now, I'm wondering if someone could tell me how well this thing will handle Second Life, CoH or any other newish MMo's.

CleffyII

Ant Online

Best Buy is expensive.  More expensive then Dell.  This was the best builder I can find on the web since I found out how bad cyber power PC is with thier customers (Also don't shop at Cyber Power PC).

If your looking to build a system for Second Life, then you will need atleast a 2.4 ghz processor (amd 2400+ equivalent), 1 GB ram, and a Nvidia 5 series or Radeon 9000 series card.

However, if your looking for a modern day PC game rig you probably want same processor, 2 GB ram, and a Direct X 10 compatible card.  Currently only the Nvidia 8 series is Direct X 10 compatible.  ATI should be releasing thier DX10 cards in April.

 

Remember to get what you need.  If you don't need a monitor or printer then take those off.  If you do then put them on.  Monitor quality hasn't changed since 2000 the only difference is monitors have gotten thinner.  Ohh ya, and Intel Core 2 is the best processor on the market right now.

uruku_x

Thanks for the info, I'll give Ant a look! I'm thinking Bestbuy just cause I could pick it up in store, but you did clear up some things for me!

mbblade

buying a computer at a store that isn't pre built in these days is more expensive, but i am not sure why really. All these puters from big named companies use the cheapest parts they can find

atkafighter

My advice to you is: don't buy pre-built, because they use low quality parts.  If you have some friends that have some computer know-how ask them to help you pick out some components to build a nice rig for cheap.



You might want to try a computer shop, but they usually charge alot too.



Order parts online, and together to save on shipping.

I would recommend a setup similar to this:



AMD processor 64 recommended

GForce 7600 GT (pretty nice price, and good preformance)

1 gig of RAM (highest price doesn't mean best, but try to get a name brand at least don't skimp on memory 2 gigs is recommended for heavy gaming)

100 gig HD (you might already have a HD, but we could all use more space right?)

Pretty case (or plain if you prefer XD)



You probably have the rest of the stuff (monitor, keyboard, mouse, speakers) so I'll leave that out.



This rig will only set you back about $500-600, and if done right will outpreform/outlast a pre-built namebrand.

Good luck, and happy gaming.

Ohaan

Originally posted by mbblade


buying a computer at a store that isn't pre built in these days is more expensive, but i am not sure why really. All these puters from big named companies use the cheapest parts they can find

That is because the big companies take advantage of the fact that the average computer user does not understand the inner workings of PCs. They cut corners in areas where consumers don't know where to look in order to bring the price down.



I can almost guarantee that an entry level/inexpensive brand name computer is just about the worst way to spend money for a gaming computer.  Most prebuilt PC's are built around the CPU since this is usually the most recognized selling feature. The thing is, a PC with a smoking fast processor and mediocre graphics chip with get you a mediocre gaming computer. If you want it done right you should really customize your PC around the graphics chip. Yes it takes some time to learn the products but do yourself a favor and make sure you get what you want for your money.