Computer Advice

[xXBossHawgXx]

ok well im going to go ahead and get a new tower or possibly just pay somone to put in some new components, problem is i am computer illiterate i know how to install games and i know how to play games, that is about the extent of it lol so i need any of u major league gamers to help me out a lil here i need to know what components to buy or (preferebly) if i was going to get a whole new tower setup what would i want to go with? i have been told that alienware computers are good gaming computers but i want to be able to do other things with it like keep itunes and stuff for ipod and things like that without slowing it down, so whatta ya say? help me oput with some feedback

[Shadow]

Alienware builds great computers - they also have GREAT (meaning large) pricetags. I've actually been looking for a new machine also, and I've built quite a few in the past, but I stumbled across this one that looks pretty solid and should meet your gaming needs VERY well...

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883227054

Newegg is a well respected company within the "computer geek" community and everyone that I've talked to says that this "looks" like a helluva machine, with a reasonable pricetag.

Hope this helps some.

[DevilMan]

www.buyxg.com Ive bought my last 2 compuers from them, and they are super helpful. If you call them and tell them what you wanna do, they can even walk you through it and tell you what you will need and not need.

[xXBossHawgXx]

well it definatley looks like it could hang with some of the big ogs but all the stuff up there above the picture is jibberish to me so i guess i will just have to trust your judgement on this one lol and devil i tried to check your link out but it said it was not found

[nukrot8r_MCO]

I've been outta the loop for awhile on what computer stuff is good but the above computer looks nice. You can't go wrong with newegg, good site with cheap stuff. I've also found tomshardware.com can be helpful for finding performance charts and whatnot on the individual components (cpu, gpu, etc..)

[Allegedman]

I've been outta the loop for awhile on what computer stuff is good but the above computer looks nice. You can't go wrong with newegg, good site with cheap stuff. I've also found tomshardware.com can be helpful for finding performance charts and whatnot on the individual components (cpu, gpu, etc..)

me too... somewhat

[Mark112887]

I have a quad core system that I put together with a 512MB video card and 2GB of ram DVD Burner and combined 740GB of storage space.

I got my board and processor and ram for $470. I'd say just do that and reuse your hard drive cd or dvd drive and video card. If you really want some help, pm me and I'll really piece something together for you at a good price

[NotLaw]

well, all I can really say is the best way to put your $$ to use is to build it yourself
And heres the dirty little secret: these days, the actual assembly of a computer (with a little logic of course) is almost hard to get wrong. most of these parts only go in one place, in one way, and they then auto configure thanks to Plug 'N Play.
So, if you know what parts to get, and just *happen* to have a OS available (OS's are pretty simple to install to, put the CD in, and follow the instructions) then building your own PC is really not that difficult at all...


if ya need any help on what parts to get or assembly, etc, just post up, I'm sure that someone around here can help ya out hehe...
I stopped really caring about whats the best and newest a few years ago, but i still know enough to build up one hell of a PC hehe :D

[Shadow]

All of what you say is true, but...

There's always a but, isn't there?

For someone who is not computer savvy, buying a pre-built system is the way to go, imo. There are two reasons for this. If something does go wrong with a part, they may not know enough to know which part to pull and replace, and replacing a part that was purchased online can be a hassle, even under warranty. Secondly, pre-built systems are generally covered under a full warranty and they come with tech support. Tech support is ALWAYS the best option for those who cannot, for one reason or another, do their own.

Unless they happen to have a really good friend whom they can call, and call, and call, and call, and call..... :D




well, all I can really say is the best way to put your $$ to use is to build it yourself
And heres the dirty little secret: these days, the actual assembly of a computer (with a little logic of course) is almost hard to get wrong. most of these parts only go in one place, in one way, and they then auto configure thanks to Plug 'N Play.
So, if you know what parts to get, and just *happen* to have a OS available (OS's are pretty simple to install to, put the CD in, and follow the instructions) then building your own PC is really not that difficult at all...


if ya need any help on what parts to get or assembly, etc, just post up, I'm sure that someone around here can help ya out hehe...
I stopped really caring about whats the best and newest a few years ago, but i still know enough to build up one hell of a PC hehe :D

[xXBossHawgXx]

ya not law i realize u are a very wise man you have proven it enuff just by beeing on the dev team of a b-a out of pocket game but i on the other hand am not, lol i dont trust myself really to tear into a computer unless i have somone right there watching over my shoulder, and i do have one friend who is goin to a technical college in topeka but the prroblem there is im about 1hr 30mins from topeka in a rinkydink town called frankfort (in Kansas) so he has been staying there doin his school and wouldnt make the trip to help out a PC retarded friend lol

[roadweasel]

I think I'll give you guys a forum of your own for the computer questions. As we grow I'm sure there will be a lot of them. Geek Chat comin' up.

[Ayce]

I was going to suggest a forum for us geeks, but I never got to it. :alberteinstein:

I've been working OT this week to make extra $ so I can finish my rig. If I can afford it, I hope to get a G25 as well as the rest of the parts I need. Future Shop has them on sale right now for $239. They have Momo's as well for $129 here, but been there done that.


This would be cool as well, but kinda expensive.
http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/30/f...-racing-wheel/

[ZER]

I just built one for my first time ever, and I am a technology challenged person myself.

Here is what I did.

1)CPU- I decided on what CPU(processor) I wanted/could afford. [CPU's come packaged with a CPU fan, you do not have to buy one separately.... like I goofed and did.

2)MoBo- Look up a compatible mother board(MoBo) with the features I wanted and could afford.
A)Look at how many SATA, IDE, USB, Firewire, and other ports it has.
B)Look at the Front Side Buss {FSB}=the size of the "highway" the packets of information coming from the CPU, to the RAM and back to the CPU. [1333mhz RAM will not make a machine faster with out a FSB that can handle 1333mhz, match your RAM to the ability of the FSB on your motherboard.

3)RAM- check the MoBo's, CPU's, and FSB's capabilities, and MATCH it to all 3. [just because your CPU, and FSB are capable of 1333mhz, you do not HAVE to buy 1333mhz ram, 888mhz will work if that is all you can afford for the time being.

4)HARD DRIVE- Now a days, MoBos, only have 1 IDE port (OLD STYLE), on that you can only run 2drives. I recommend a Seagate 320gig SATA HD! Seagate SATA HD's come with some GREAT and EASY HD management software! ((((In order to install the MoBo's DRIVERS, you will need to keep one of your old IDE drives hooked up if you plan on installing a new HD, and MoBo at the same time!))))

5)PSU(power supply unit) I recommend CoolMaster, at least a 500watt!

6)Disk Drives, you can use your old IDE drives.

7)Sound & Video cards, just get the best you can afford, you can always upgrade when the prices drop. Some MoBo's now come with GREAT Hi Def Surround sound built in, My EVGA nForce 650i Ultra did, and it sounds AWESOME!!!

8)Case/Tower, If your computer is less than 3 years old, you most likely can use the same tower/case.

Fancy lights, and other gizmos are all up to you.

I built my new rig for about $800
CPU= Intell core 2 duo
MoBo= EVGA nForce 650i Ultra 1333mhz FSB,
Ram= Corsair 888mhz FSB
HD= Seagate 320gig
Vid Card= nvida G-Force 8500GT 521mb


Could probably buy it today for $500.... Built it 3 months or so ago :D

P.S. It runs Project Torque with ALL the settings at their HIGHEST, FLAWLESSLY!

[DevilMan]

Good thing about that 750i you chose, you can run 3 say SLi cards in the future. (if you got a lotta power)

[ZER]

Good thing about that 750i you chose, you can run 3 say SLi cards in the future. (if you got a lotta power)

I was going to correct myself today:redface: It is actually the 650i Ultra. Notice that today while looking for something.

[Ayce]

"Future Shop has them on sale right now for $239. They have Momo's as well for $129 here, but been there done that."

Whoops, just checked FS last night. The G25 they had is gone, and they're not getting any more in.:(
On a side note, the store I'm getting the parts from sells them for $245 regular price. (Wholesale) I may get one later on down the road. :D

[DevilMan]

I was going to correct myself today:redface: It is actually the 650i Ultra. Notice that today while looking for something.


Thats cool though, I went with the 650i as well because they are tried and true mobos. I mean who really needs 3 graphics cards anyways?? :dancing2: lol

[Bonez]

who needs 3 vid cards?? thats like asking who needs 680hp instead of 250hp.

[DevilMan]

hehehe, yeah I know. I was fooling around earlier on Vigor's website, and they offer whats called a Colossus gaming Rig.. now get this. It has 2 QX9775 CPUs, (thats 2 extreme quad core's) with the option to run 3 of the new 9800 GX2's (would be like running 6 regular graphics cards). Also gives you the option for up to 16MB of RAM, 4TB of hard drive space, and my other options all for just a smidge under 10 grand. If money was no option, one would be on the way. Instead Im trying to figure out how to scrape together 200 to get a different graphics card coming :)

[Ayce]

Got enough parts to start the rebuild.
Mobo: Abit IP35V
CPU: Intel E6750 Core Duo 2.66ghz
Mem: OCZ2N1066R2GK 2x1gb kit (need to set voltages and timings manualy)
Vid Card: Diamond ATI 2600 Pro 512
DVD: LG SATA Superdrive

Going to use my existing IDE 120gb and her empty 120gb hdd for now, getting a 250 gb SATA drive later. Also using my 450W PSU, just have to switch it over into the wifes old case and take her old rig apart. Then I have to put her old drive and PSU in my current box, put all my new parts in the case and hope it all works. :trytofly:

[Ayce]

IT'S ALIVE!!!!!!:D
Just got a couple of issues to sort out, like why is it, I have a 2.66ghz CPU, but CPU-Z says its running @ 2.000ghz?
Also, I was supposed to jack the voltage up to 2.1v and set the timings on the ram to 5-5-5-15 as per OCZ's specs, but then got a overvoltage warning from the abit mobo? I dropped the voltage down to 2.00v and I got rid of the warning, but not the mem is running @ 333, and showing up as PC2- 5300? Odd stuff going on here. Have to visit a few other boards and sort this out, methinks. :fight:

[Jake Ryan]

I just got an NVidia 9500 GT 1GB card for $124 at Frys electronics. This brings my rig to: Elitegroup 7050 M-M motherboard, 2 GB DDR2 800 RAM, AMD Dual core 5200+, and the NVidia 9500GT

[Wraith]

I just got an NVidia 9500 GT 1GB card for $124 at Frys electronics. This brings my rig to: Elitegroup 7050 M-M motherboard, 2 GB DDR2 800 RAM, AMD Dual core 5200+, and the NVidia 9500GT

See if you can return it. 124 is around 30-40 dollars more than you should have paid for it, and you should have gotten a 512mb GDDR3 version. The extra 512mb of ram on your model will not come into play until you hit very high resolutions in games which will not run well at those resolutions anyway. And at the lower resolutions which you should be using it will be slower than the GDDR3 version.

For 124, you should be looking for an 8800 GT 512MB.

[Jake Ryan]

My car stalled on the trip to get it. I dont want to go over to Frys again till I get my new monitor and Blu-ray drive. This card is running fine enough for me anyway. I can run the highest settings on City of Heroes, and never slows down.

[xXBossHawgXx]

lol im lost again with all the abbreviations

[Pepsibottle1]

I kinda need a opinion on my computer, could someone tell me if my setup is decent? I think my CPU's a bottleneck but can't replace it because my mobo doesent support dual core and I just bought 2gb Memory and video card, so Dad probably wont spend a lot of money (never does lol, but he doesnt like spending it for me to upgrade the computer which really needs it.) Any ideas for upgrade?

HP Media Center PC, bought in 2004. (* Came with PC)

Windows XP Media Center Edition *
2.8ghz Intel Pentium 4 Prescott
2.5gb PC3200 Memory
512mb (maybe a lil more i think) XFX XXX Alpha Dog Edition Nvidia 8800GT
ASUS Puffer Mobo *
150gb WD Caviar HD *
Intregated Realtec Sound *
Microsoft Sidewinder Precision wheel
22' Acer Monitor

[Wraith]

Any upgrades wouldn't be cost effective. As you said, the CPU is the bottleneck and overclocking or buying a faster prescott won't change much. It's fairly pointless to upgrade the video card, since that 8800GT is almost certainly already choked by the CPU.

If you are young (I would hope you are, since you are having your dad pay for this), then just appreciate what you have. If you enthusiastic about computers, you'd probably prefer to buy a new PC every 6 months, but do you actually need to (this isn't rhetoric -- I am asking to see if you just want a faster PC or if you actually do need it to play a game you like)?

Save whatever money you are given or earn (mow people's lawns, shovel snow in the winter, etc) and you could do something like 300 for a q6600 and a motherboard + 50 for 2gb of ddr2, 80 for a decent PSU, and use the gpu, hdd, etc from the old PC. That's about $430 for a very respectable PC that should play all current games. $430 might seem like a lot, but if you want it you should be able to earn enough doing various jobs around the neighborhood.

[Pepsibottle1]

Save whatever money you are given or earn (mow people's lawns, shovel snow in the winter, etc) and you could do something like 300 for a q6600 and a motherboard + 50 for 2gb of ddr2, 80 for a decent PSU, and use the gpu, hdd, etc from the old PC. That's about $430 for a very respectable PC that should play all current games. $430 might seem like a lot, but if you want it you should be able to earn enough doing various jobs around the neighborhood.

Thanx Wraith, I thank that's a good idea. thanx for the advice!

[Pepsibottle1]

Thanx Wraith, I thank that's a good idea. thanx for the advice!

Wow, I asked to neighbor if I could mow his grass and he said I could for $15! Yesterday, I got my 1st $15 dollars there, and then I helped pull weeds for mom for 10 bucks! So I have 25 bucks now! I thought iinstead of the CPU and mobo, I'm going to AutoZone instead after school today and buy some STP Gas and Oil treatment and some octane booster for my go-kart! I think that instead of the parts for my computer, I'll save up for some tires and a new muffler (I dont have one right now, lol.) I think I can run MWO fine as is. And giving my 5hp Briggs go-kart some TLC feels a lot better then having a faster computer anyways, anyday! :D:D:D:D:D Is there min. specs for MWO yet anyways?

[1969amx]

Rejoice Nvidia fans Sept 14th MSI will release a new mobo for AMD am2+ and am3 phenoms that supports ddr3 ram AND tri-sli
Part #NF980-G65
Highest praise to MSI