Curse

Tanith · Mar 26, 2007, 03:51 PM // 15:51

A series of increasingly frustrating issues with my two-year-old Emachines desktop is causing me to seriously consider just trading up and getting a new computer. One friend has pointed out that he's amazed that I was able to play GW at all on this thing. Well, I'm no longer able to, and I feel a new machine will be less expensive and aggravating than the upgrades I'm looking at.

I've got a nice tax refund coming soon, so I'm starting to shop around a bit. What I'll be interested in is a computer that can handle all three chapters plus GW:EN. A computer, I should add, without integrated video. That's been the bane of this computer. The only other game I play is Diablo II, and I'm not too worried about it. If the computer can handle GW, it should certainly be able to handle D2.

I'm having Dell recommended to me, and indeed their prices seem to be pretty reasonable. I certainly don't want another Emachines after this experience. Can anyone out there recommend brands/models? Anything I should be sure to get or be sure to steer clear of? (besides Emachines)

Thanks!

Tanith

*Darcy* · Mar 26, 2007, 04:23 PM // 16:23

There is a thread a few days older that discussed this http://www.guildwarsguru.com/forum/s...php?t=10134686

Even if your budget is less than mentioned there, the same suggestions apply. Stay away from the inexpensive lines (E-Machine, HP, Compaq, etc.) as besides cheap components, they have a lot of proprietary software that you can neither shutoff nor remove. These eat up your bandwidth (checking constantly on the internet) and processing.

Before shopping, write down the recommended specs as shown on guildwars.com and try to better that so your computer will have a longer gaming life.

makosi · Mar 26, 2007, 04:23 PM // 16:23

Guild Wars is not particularly demanding in terms of graphics although its still looks great.

I've ordered a system from Dell (due in a couple of days

) so I'll let you know if my particluar machine is satisfactory in terms of Guild Wars-playing and all the rest.

Would it be rude to ask your budget? And which country are you from?

Tanith · Mar 26, 2007, 06:08 PM // 18:08

Not at all. I live in the US, and want to stay under $1,000. I just got a $500 tax refund which will take the sting out of the cost somewhat.

Tanith

Age · Mar 26, 2007, 09:30 PM // 21:30

If I were you I would just hold on to it for a few more years utill you decide on whether or not you are going to play GW2 or atleast find out what it will reqiure.I would just get a graphics card instead of useing the onboard video this is what I did with my HP Machine when I started playing GW in beta.I was useing my onboard video for most of my gaming before that.I would just save up untill after Nightfall as I to will have to do the same.

makosi · Mar 26, 2007, 10:19 PM // 22:19

I think Tanith's at the desperation stage of needing a new PC

Being eurotrash, its hard for me to recommend a good PC for you across the pond, Tanith, but I can give you a few stats to aim for:

1024MB RAM (maybe a lil' more if you can)

Intel Core 2 Duo Processor 1.8GHz+ (they aren't expensive but they perform great.)

Hard Disk Drive: 80GB onwards (depends how much you require - store a lot of movies, videos and games?)

Graphics Card: Radeon 1600 pro or 1600xt or above. Great value and over sufficient for Guild Wars. Perhaps someone else could recommend an nVidia Geforce equivelant.

Mess around with Dell's PC cuztomization options and see if there's something you like. Sorry for being sketchy but I'm no expert myself. Good luck.

eggrolls · Mar 26, 2007, 10:56 PM // 22:56

I quickly looked at Dell's options, and they seem rather limited. The Dimension line offers up to Geforce 7300's or ATI x1300's (garbage), but the XPS line offers either 7300's/x1300's or 7900gs. The 7900gs is good, but it'd go over your budget a little. If you feel comfortable working inside a computer (or know someone that can do it), I'd definitely recommend buying a video card (and maybe even a new power supply) and adding them yourself. Upgrading from a 7300LE to a 7900GS costs $200, but the 7900GS could be bought for $110 (when on sale) to $150.

darkknightdominator · Mar 27, 2007, 05:17 AM // 05:17

Avoid the X1600 Pro radeon. its dire. Aim for the XT, or even just the 1600. Since its about 40ish less and almost as powerful anyway. But realistically a half decent dell would do you just fine. Just add the dedicated graphics card, rather than the default onboard.

Also to some extent ignore mr eggrolls. While he does have a point, you were asking about playing Guild wars. A 7300 is more than capable of running GW comfortably. Even the onboard can do it, but the 7300 wud do it much better. I wud know. My sister plays GW just fine on a three year old Radeon 9200. Thats LESS powerful than a X1300 or a 7300LE

moriz · Mar 27, 2007, 12:37 PM // 12:37

my pentium 3 (900mhz) can play GW just fine with a radeon 9200SE. but that's hardly the point. by investing in a little bit more money now, tanith will be better off later on. the new dx10 cards won't be catching on with game designers for quite a while to come, so investing in a good nvidia 7600 is probably a very good idea. it will be sufficient to play any game for the next year at least.

Dex · Mar 27, 2007, 04:45 PM // 16:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by moriz

my pentium 3 (900mhz) can play GW just fine with a radeon 9200SE. but that's hardly the point. by investing in a little bit more money now, tanith will be better off later on. the new dx10 cards won't be catching on with game designers for quite a while to come, so investing in a good nvidia 7600 is probably a very good idea. it will be sufficient to play any game for the next year at least.

I agree. If you're not interested in building your system and you'd like to buy a brand name, I'd suggest getting yourself a Dell with a Core 2 Duo (even the E6300 would be fine) and upgrading the video card to a 7600GT (it's a fantastic value...you can get an eVGA 7600GT at newegg.com right now for $99 after the rebate):

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814130062

Just make SURE that the system you purchase has a PCI-Express 16x slot that is suitable for a video card upgrade. Many of the budget Dells don't have upgradable video. It also wouldn't hurt to order your system on the phone, as specs like open expansion slots and PSU wattage aren't listed on the web site. If you speak to them on the phone and demand that you need the PCI-Express 16x slot and perhaps a PSU upgrade to a 500w or better they might work with you. A friend of mine was able to squeeze a non-standard configuration out of them over the phone and ended up with a nice system.

Honor · Mar 27, 2007, 06:07 PM // 18:07

If you know someone who can build or is comfortable with the inside of a computer you can build one a lot cheaper than buying stock and get what you want customized to you better than a stock. for additional information and links check the previous post as mentioned above

Dex · Mar 27, 2007, 08:03 PM // 20:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by Honor

If you know someone who can build or is comfortable with the inside of a computer you can build one a lot cheaper than buying stock and get what you want customized to you better than a stock. for additional information and links check the previous post as mentioned above

That's obviously the best way to go as far as getting exactly what you want for the best price. I personally never buy pre-made systems, but I never build systems for friends anymore. Why? I just don't have time to be their own personal tech support if they have a problem with something anymore. If you're going to have someone build a system for you, just keep these things in mind:

Make sure they actually know what they're doing. I've spoken to people in the past that have had beginners build systems for them, ran into problems they didn't know how to solve, and left them high and dry.
Make sure they buy good, brand-name parts and not off-brand junk.
Make sure they don't skimp on the power supply...the ones that come with many cases are garbage and can damage your system beyond the scope of your parts' warranties.
Since you'll have no contractual technical support or warranty beyond that of individual parts, it would be helpful to have a backup person that could help you with support in case the builder becomes unavailable.

I'm not trying to scare you, but I've heard horror stories about people that have had the neighbor kid build a system for them that was riddled with problems. Then again, perhaps you're tech saavy enough to take care of that yourself.

Age · Mar 27, 2007, 10:01 PM // 22:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dex

That's obviously the best way to go as far as getting exactly what you want for the best price. I personally never buy pre-made systems, but I never build systems for friends anymore. Why? I just don't have time to be their own personal tech support if they have a problem with something anymore. If you're going to have someone build a system for you, just keep these things in mind:

Make sure they actually know what they're doing. I've spoken to people in the past that have had beginners build systems for them, ran into problems they didn't know how to solve, and left them high and dry.
Make sure they buy good, brand-name parts and not off-brand junk.
Make sure they don't skimp on the power supply...the ones that come with many cases are garbage and can damage your system beyond the scope of your parts' warranties.
Since you'll have no contractual technical support or warranty beyond that of individual parts, it would be helpful to have a backup person that could help you with support in case the builder becomes unavailable.

I'm not trying to scare you, but I've heard horror stories about people that have had the neighbor kid build a system for them that was riddled with problems. Then again, perhaps you're tech saavy enough to take care of that yourself.

That is what I intend on doing as I going to have someone I know build it for me or a shop as to a no name system.If I was going for a labtop it would be a name brand machine as shops that build those.This is with you normal ATX case.

Tanith · Apr 07, 2007, 05:15 PM // 17:15

Been aiming to thank everyone for their input here for days...but I've been sidetracked by getting adjusted to a new job with new hours.

After a bit of looking around (and further confirmation that my Yugo of an Emachines computer will no longer run GW), I've decided to go with Dell. The system I'm looking at is a Dimension E520 with a pentium D dual processor and probably an Nvidia card. I'm still working out all the details of what I'll want as far as RAM and so forth is concerned.

One thing's for sure...NO more integrated video. Ever. Lesson learned.

Anyhoo, that's the update...and thanks again for any and all feedback. I'll keep y'all posted.

Tanith

easyg · Apr 07, 2007, 06:51 PM // 18:51

Just a friendly reminder.

Intel is slated to slash Core 2 Duo prices this month (4/22/07):

Core 2 Duo E6300 1.86 GHz 2 MiB 266 MHz QDR US$163
Core 2 Duo E6320 1.86 GHz 4 MiB 266 MHz QDR US$163
Core 2 Duo E6400 2.13 GHz 2 MiB 266 MHz QDR US$183
Core 2 Duo E6420 2.13 GHz 4 MiB 266 MHz QDR US$183
Core 2 Duo E6600 2.40 GHz 4 MiB 266 MHz QDR US$224
Core 2 Duo E6700 2.66 GHz 4 MiB 266 MHz QDR US$316

Prices will drop again circa June 07 when the E6X50 series processors come out.