Curse

Aaronz0 · Aug 16, 2005, 09:02 PM // 21:02

What is the best computer for Gulid wars that cost $600 or less?

Billiard · Aug 16, 2005, 09:17 PM // 21:17

One with at least 64MB dedicated video ram and say at least 1 GB RAM and a 2Ghz processor - Better would be 256MB Vid Card with 2 GB Dual Channel Ram and a 3Ghz processor. Brand name is pretty irrelevant for the machine unless it meets the specs to play. Also a DSL or better connection to the Internet is preferred.

Allvah · Aug 18, 2005, 12:08 AM // 00:08

No offense, Billiard, but that's a little rediculous.

You don't at all need a system that powerful to run Guild Wars and have it look fantastic. I have a 64MB video card, 1.8ghz processor, and 512MB RAM and mine runs absolutely great. And he said under $600.

However, what you, sir, need, is this: (Talking to the original poster)
http://emachines.com/products/produc...Machines_T6520

1GB RAM, 2.4ghz processor, 200GB HD, 128MG Video, DVD Burner, 6-Channel Audio, and a bag of chips. $650, or $600 after rebates.

Old Dood · Aug 18, 2005, 12:26 PM // 12:26

If you would check out Dell's website from time to time they do have some decent deals. Also their refurbished computers are not bad either. (For the price that is)

I know if you look hard enough and take your time you can find a decent little box for your price range. Just make sure you have a dedicated video card slot.
For example if you got a Dell 4700 all stripped down. You could use the onboard video for now and add a decent video card later. (Even a cheapie video card still would be better then onboard video)

What ever you do, make sure you get at least 512 megs of ram to start. Hopefully they will put in one stick so you can add to that later as well. I believe the 4700's have 4 slots so if they put in 2 - 256 meg sticks you still can add more ram later.

You also can go to the "Brick & Mortar" Stores and check out their pre-builts. Just make sure you talk to the person that actually KNOWS something. Don't fall for the "Trainie". I would jot down all the SKU numbers there and then go online and read reviews on those systems, get full specs, and so on. Don't just get all fuzzy and buy the first thing you see.

Omega Complex · Aug 18, 2005, 01:37 PM // 13:37

The dell 2400's are really nice, a number of my friends have them and love them. And their cheap

Old Dood · Aug 18, 2005, 01:59 PM // 13:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by Omega Complex

The dell 2400's are really nice, a number of my friends have them and love them. And their cheap

The only real problem with those 2XXX & 3XXX series Dell's is that they do not have a dedicated video card slot. This will hamper you greatly down the road when you need a video card to speed up your system. The are simply Dell 4XXX series computer WITHOUT the video card slot.

I would stay away from those 2XXX & 3XXX systems.

ZennZero · Aug 18, 2005, 03:56 PM // 15:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by Omega Complex

The dell 2400's are really nice, a number of my friends have them and love them. And their cheap

Cheap? Yes. Nice? Not really. Your best bet at the < $600 pricepoint (besides being a manly-man and building your own!) would be something like this:

http://www.monarchcomputer.com/Merch...avaluedesktops

Add WinXP Home and upgrade it with the best video card you can afford (Geforce 6600GT has a decent bang for the buck at $160).

With the 6600 GT the total is about $650. You can get something a bit lower end, Radeon 9800se for example, and be under $600. In either case, you have a much better and more upgradable system than anything anyone else has mentioned so far. Also, if you ever have any problems, you won't be dealing with Dell's incompetent non-english speaking "support" staff.

Billiard · Aug 18, 2005, 05:07 PM // 17:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by Allvah

No offense, Billiard, but that's a little rediculous.

You don't at all need a system that powerful to run Guild Wars and have it look fantastic. I have a 64MB video card, 1.8ghz processor, and 512MB RAM and mine runs absolutely great. And he said under $600.

However, what you, sir, need, is this: (Talking to the original poster)
http://emachines.com/products/produc...Machines_T6520

1GB RAM, 2.4ghz processor, 200GB HD, 128MG Video, DVD Burner, 6-Channel Audio, and a bag of chips. $650, or $600 after rebates.

I guess I should have clarified - the 64MB card, 2Ghz proc and 1GB ram was what I considered would be a good system to run and cost you under $600 - to answer his question of what would be the best system under $600. The other items I mentioned would run you closer to $1000. But I build all my own machines though so pricing may vary for prebuilt systems.

ZennZero · Aug 18, 2005, 07:18 PM // 19:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by Billiard

I guess I should have clarified - the 64MB card, 2Ghz proc and 1GB ram was what I considered would be a good system to run and cost you under $600 - to answer his question of what would be the best system under $600. The other items I mentioned would run you closer to $1000. But I build all my own machines though so pricing may vary for prebuilt systems.

Also of note, the amount of memory on the video card is absolutely NOT and indicator of performance. You will often see cheapo cards with 256MB (even 512mb!) of memory that are essentially aimed at taking advantage of the "more must be better" crowd. Before you make a decision on a video card, EDUCATE YOURSELF! Search for benchmarks, etc. online. Once again, its a little more effort, but well worth it.

Billiard · Aug 18, 2005, 07:53 PM // 19:53

Yes there are some nice newer (6600GT) and older 5500, 5700, 9800 - cards out there, and there are also not as good SE or otherwise stripped down versions of cards. Its always good to look at different benchmarks for the specific card you have in mind to make sure you are actually getting a good value.