Curse

Locust · Jul 25, 2009, 05:24 PM // 17:24

Hi guys,
I would like to get some advice and suggestions on a new computer, i don't know much about computers so building my own is out of the question.

Having a Dell previously i have been quite pleased with it but its time to upgrade.
I have been looking at the Dell XPS range and Alienware but i have been told these are too expensive for what they are.
So i need some advice on alternative companies which sell computers at good prices.
I have done a little research and got an idea on what kind of specs i want:
i7 processor (not sure which one), at least 6 GB RAM and at least GeForce GTX 275.
I'm not sure but by doing some research I think these are the main things that affect game speed, FPS and the Graphics. I'm intending to run games like GW of course along with Oblivion, Fallout 3, UT3 and hopefully Crisis.
Also i would like to get the Logitech G15 Keyboard G5 mouse cheap with the computer. Also how many year warranty do you think is needed?

Im not sure about getting a new monitor(s) or whether i should just stick with my 2 19" standard Dell Monitors, would it make a difference to the appearance of the game? If i were to get new monitors this would be on top of the price.

So Guys and Gals could i get some suggestions on some good computers to buy please.
Thanks Locust.

Improvavel · Jul 25, 2009, 08:58 PM // 20:58

Well I assume you are from uk and since you want the PC already setup - if you put it together yourself will be cheaper, I would look at www.overclockers.co.uk.

For example, the http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showpr...d=1444&subcat= is a special offer this week.

i7 920 overclocked to 3.4 GHZ, 6GB ram. The base price is £810, with no SO and 4850 as graphics card.

Getting Windows vista with upgrade voucher to windows 7 and a 4890 (likewise performance to the GTX 275) will cost you £1040 - although considering those games, maybe an nVidia card might be a better option (In this generation I prefer ATI cards due to a more favorable performance/cost ratio) - if you want a GTX 285 on that system, the price of the system will go up to £1120 inv VAT.

The tech forums have been talking of an increase in performance in crysis by the ATI cards with the july drivers, though. I'll take a look around

Then if you want better case or graphics card it will cost a bit more but will still left you enough for keyboard and mouse.

Bigger screens help of course.

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Now some thoughts.

The i7 920 is quite a powerful processor, but unless you are doing some activities like encoding and virtualization, for example, you wont notice any difference in games to the AMD Phenom II and Intel Core 2 Quad, unless you are using 2 graphics card setups.

Additionally, for a 19 inch screen, even a 4890 can be overkill.

Locust · Jul 25, 2009, 10:59 PM // 22:59

Thanks this site is great,
i have couple of questions though: whats the difference between the difference Geforce graphics card makes? i see ones like Asus, Gainward, Palit, XFX but i dont see Nvidia are these just different companies making the same graphics cards or do they differ?

Another question: what is the difference between a solid state drive and a normal one and why do they cost more for less storage?

Also whats the difference between the 32-Bit windows and the 64 Bit windows
Thanks.

Improvavel · Jul 25, 2009, 11:33 PM // 23:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by Locust

Thanks this site is great,
i have couple of questions though: whats the difference between the difference Geforce graphics card makes? i see ones like Asus, Gainward, Palit, XFX but i dont see Nvidia are these just different companies making the same graphics cards or do they differ?

nVidia sell their chips to partners like Asus, Gainward, XFX, etc. nVidia itself, nor ATI btw, sell their graphics cards to the consumers directly. The difference then reside on the warranties and stuff like coolers the companies use on their graphic cards.

I like XFX myself, but the difference isn't really that earth shaking.

Quote:

Another question: what is the difference between a solid state drive and a normal one and why do they cost more for less storage?

Solid State Drive (SSD) are drives that are much faster accessing the information. This can make substantial difference for games and windows and will make no difference to stuff like images and what not.

Generally, people (with loads of money) use SSD to install their games and windows and then use a normal HDD to store movies, pictures, etc.

If you have money, sure, go for one of those. Intel and OCZ have good SSD.

If not, well, it still is a developing technology. CPU and GPU are still more important.

Quote:

Also whats the difference between the 32-Bit windows and the 64 Bit windows
Thanks.

32bit and 64bit are in, a very simple way, related to how the OS stores and works the information. 64 bit allows for bigger chunks of data.

What is important for us, common users, is that 32bit windows can only handle ~3.5 GB ram. If you have more, and in this case you are going for 6 GB, you should use the 64bit version, or you will have unused RAM.