Looking for a New Desktop, need some help.
ajc2123
Ok I am happy with my laptop and all, and GW looks GORGEOUS on it, but....it heats up like CRAZY and I'm afraid it will burn out so I need to get a new desktop.
What I'm wondering is, is it possible to buy a reliable computer for playing GW, GW2, and Oblivion for under 600? I mean buy it made, I am confident with upgrading the graphics card, but that's it. I don't plan on playing many computer games, and I think Oblivion will be the most demanding of them all (I doubt GW2 will require as much).
I just need the desktop, already have a screen and stuff. Hopefully that will save some money.
So what should I look for? Is it possible for under 600? I don't need crazy good alien-ware, just good enough to make oblivion look good.
*edit* No dells, but HP, Compaq, Lenovo are all ok with me. Im not sure about other brands.
What I'm wondering is, is it possible to buy a reliable computer for playing GW, GW2, and Oblivion for under 600? I mean buy it made, I am confident with upgrading the graphics card, but that's it. I don't plan on playing many computer games, and I think Oblivion will be the most demanding of them all (I doubt GW2 will require as much).
I just need the desktop, already have a screen and stuff. Hopefully that will save some money.
So what should I look for? Is it possible for under 600? I don't need crazy good alien-ware, just good enough to make oblivion look good.
*edit* No dells, but HP, Compaq, Lenovo are all ok with me. Im not sure about other brands.
rb.widow
Firstly i gotta ask, are you in Europe or USA, cause 600 Euro/Pound is alot more than $600,
Secondly, do you have any preference as to Intel or AMD....
Secondly, do you have any preference as to Intel or AMD....
Quaker
Yes, it's possible to find what you want. One good way to go would be to check places like Newegg for pre-assembled "bare bones" setups which have no monitor, keyboard, OS etc. Most likely you'd be looking at an AMD based system.
But first we need to know, as above, dollars(CDN, US, AUS), pounds, euros?
But first we need to know, as above, dollars(CDN, US, AUS), pounds, euros?
ajc2123
Sorry I keep forgetting the world doesn't revolve around America XD
Yeah its USA money.
Yeah its USA money.
Zomgyogi
Best I could do.
The case is usually $50, atleast it was this weekend.
AMD Phenom II X3 720 2.8GHz + G.Skill 4GB DDR3 1333
XFX 4770
OCZ StealthX 500w + Western Digital Caviar Black 500GB
ASUS M4A785TD-V EVO AM3 AMD 785G
Antec 300 case
DVD Burner
If you like lights this Combo will save you $15. Its the same mobo and case, but the case comes with LED fans.
The case is usually $50, atleast it was this weekend.
AMD Phenom II X3 720 2.8GHz + G.Skill 4GB DDR3 1333
XFX 4770
OCZ StealthX 500w + Western Digital Caviar Black 500GB
ASUS M4A785TD-V EVO AM3 AMD 785G
Antec 300 case
DVD Burner
If you like lights this Combo will save you $15. Its the same mobo and case, but the case comes with LED fans.
Elder III
Zom - the OP seems to be reluctant to build for himself - which most likely means he/she will not get much of a gaming computer for $600...... :/
ajc2123
I saw this Acer at BestBuy for 499 that looked fine. All it would need was a graphics card.
Wish I could remember the stats
Actually it was an Asus....not Acer.....ugh silly me.
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Asus+-+E...&skuId=9541766
That Desktop + a certain graphics card. Wouldn't that play Oblivion just fine?
Once it plays Oblivion It will play everything else I have. I don't play crysis or anything like that.
I forgot the graphics card but an employee at Best buy said he makes computers for his friend and he plays oblivion so this should work....but I'm always not really trusting about employees.
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Galaxy+-...&skuId=9539671
I think that was the graphics card but I wasn't sure.
Wish I could remember the stats
Actually it was an Asus....not Acer.....ugh silly me.
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Asus+-+E...&skuId=9541766
That Desktop + a certain graphics card. Wouldn't that play Oblivion just fine?
Once it plays Oblivion It will play everything else I have. I don't play crysis or anything like that.
I forgot the graphics card but an employee at Best buy said he makes computers for his friend and he plays oblivion so this should work....but I'm always not really trusting about employees.
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Galaxy+-...&skuId=9539671
I think that was the graphics card but I wasn't sure.
Madeentje
The desktop is pretty damn good for just 500$...Only the onboard GPU sucks badly, but good RAM, good CPU. But watch out for overheating with it...It hasn't got much cooling I noticed...
I think if you'd buy a seperate GPU for about 100$ you'd be able to run Oblivion with that PC, although not on too high graphics....
So all in all, I think for its price this is a very good PC, although I'm not sure about what's really in the inside (most of the time it's of the cheapest hardware in these kind of PC's...) and watch out for overheating.
I think if you'd buy a seperate GPU for about 100$ you'd be able to run Oblivion with that PC, although not on too high graphics....
So all in all, I think for its price this is a very good PC, although I'm not sure about what's really in the inside (most of the time it's of the cheapest hardware in these kind of PC's...) and watch out for overheating.
ajc2123
Quote:
The desktop is pretty damn good for just 500$...Only the onboard GPU sucks badly, but good RAM, good CPU. But watch out for overheating with it...It hasn't got much cooling I noticed...
I think if you'd buy a seperate GPU for about 100$ you'd be able to run Oblivion with that PC, although not on too high graphics.... So all in all, I think for its price this is a very good PC, although I'm not sure about what's really in the inside (most of the time it's of the cheapest hardware in these kind of PC's...) and watch out for overheating. |
Well I could 1) see if there are fan upgrades I could buy or 2) keep the case open and just blow a silent fan on it constantly XD
Madeentje
Haha, well for 600$ you'll never really have a perfect gaming machine :/, you'll always have issues. I've just built my own computer for just 1250€, that doubles your price ofcourse, but I never have issues running any game, it can handle Crysis on highest graphics with an FPS of 40 (which is damn high for that game), and I also never have overheating (I've got 6 fans in my case only already :P).
I don't know the reason why you only want to invest 600$ in your computer, but if I were you I'd spend a bit more, and then you won't have issues running most games, and no overheating.. Then you'd be looking in the ranger of 800-900$ I think. Including OS, no monitor, mouse,...
I don't know the reason why you only want to invest 600$ in your computer, but if I were you I'd spend a bit more, and then you won't have issues running most games, and no overheating.. Then you'd be looking in the ranger of 800-900$ I think. Including OS, no monitor, mouse,...
ajc2123
Quote:
Haha, well for 600$ you'll never really have a perfect gaming machine :/, you'll always have issues. I've just built my own computer for just 1250€, that doubles your price ofcourse, but I never have issues running any game, it can handle Crysis on highest graphics with an FPS of 40 (which is damn high for that game), and I also never have overheating (I've got 6 fans in my case only already :P).
I don't know the reason why you only want to invest 600$ in your computer, but if I were you I'd spend a bit more, and then you won't have issues running most games, and no overheating.. Then you'd be looking in the ranger of 800-900$ I think. Including OS, no monitor, mouse,... |
....maybe team fortress 2 also....but I think Oblivion is higher req than that. If anything, I love a lot of the older games a lot more then the newer ones, so I have no reason to get the best gaming computer. I play my Wii a lot more anyways.
Madeentje
Well then I guess you could go for the desktop you suggested, but don't expect it to run Oblivion very well, midrange graphics orso..
And get another GPU. These days you have excellent GPU's for lower prices (I love the HD4890, which only costs 190€).
And get another GPU. These days you have excellent GPU's for lower prices (I love the HD4890, which only costs 190€).
Elder III
to play Oblivion on high settings with good FPS you only need a single HD 4850 or a 9800 GT - that's at a resolution of 1680 x 1050 or lower without AA - but the game will run very well and look very good on either of those GPUs and they both can be had for under $100 online now.
ajc2123
So if it ends up I have cooling issues, do I buy another fan or something? Is there an effective remedy for it?
Elder III
The best remedy for overheating is to avoid it - do so by having a roomy case with fans placed to provide optimal airflow - draw cool air in and push hot air out (experimentation is the key since every setup is different); proper application of thermal paste on the CPU is essential as well, if you tend to do more than mild overclocking with AMD you should get an aftermarket cooler, if Intel get any aftermarket for any overclocking - if you don't overclock you don't need to worry about it.
Showtime
Unfortunately you said no dells when your best bang for the buck is usually a dell.
Check fatwallet.com or slickdeals.net and go to hot deals forums. You can find deals on all brands of computers but most of the components are basically the same. If I were you, I'd grab a dell or lenovo desktop for $2xx-$500 and add a nice video card and some ram. Dell deals also sometimes come with 20" widescreen monitors which is why I recommend them over others. THERE WILL BE TONS OF DEALS OVER THE NEXT COUPLE OF MONTHS. Make sure to get it loaded with Windows 7.
I used to build computers and know all the basics to how oc and all that junk. IMO, just get a reliable dual core @ 2.4+ ghz and add the ram and vid card. Or you could build one for under $600 without monitor and add a decent on for under $175. Check those deal sites cuz it will help you with a lot of purchases.
Check fatwallet.com or slickdeals.net and go to hot deals forums. You can find deals on all brands of computers but most of the components are basically the same. If I were you, I'd grab a dell or lenovo desktop for $2xx-$500 and add a nice video card and some ram. Dell deals also sometimes come with 20" widescreen monitors which is why I recommend them over others. THERE WILL BE TONS OF DEALS OVER THE NEXT COUPLE OF MONTHS. Make sure to get it loaded with Windows 7.
I used to build computers and know all the basics to how oc and all that junk. IMO, just get a reliable dual core @ 2.4+ ghz and add the ram and vid card. Or you could build one for under $600 without monitor and add a decent on for under $175. Check those deal sites cuz it will help you with a lot of purchases.
ajc2123
Ok, so this blackfriday ima camp out at best buy and hopefully that desktop will be discounted. If not I'll buy it at a later date sometime.
BUT since Black Friday will be utter chaos and I wont have time to think, and I suck at knowing one graphics card from another, which one or ones should i keep an eye out for to upgrade it to play oblivion? I know 2 were mentioned here, but some cards are labeled differently or something and I can't tell if they are worse/better/same as the ones mentioned.
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Video-Gr...at182300050008
These are all the PCI E ones at best buy so....which ones without getting into the 100s
For instance, how do you feel about VisionTek - ATI RADEON HD 4350 512MB DDR2 PCI Express Graphics Card?
Or the PNY - NVIDIA GeForce 210 512MB DDR2 PCI Express Graphics Card
BUT since Black Friday will be utter chaos and I wont have time to think, and I suck at knowing one graphics card from another, which one or ones should i keep an eye out for to upgrade it to play oblivion? I know 2 were mentioned here, but some cards are labeled differently or something and I can't tell if they are worse/better/same as the ones mentioned.
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Video-Gr...at182300050008
These are all the PCI E ones at best buy so....which ones without getting into the 100s
For instance, how do you feel about VisionTek - ATI RADEON HD 4350 512MB DDR2 PCI Express Graphics Card?
Or the PNY - NVIDIA GeForce 210 512MB DDR2 PCI Express Graphics Card
Lord Sojar
Ok, you need to order the graphics card from Newegg... period. Those graphics cards are so hideously overpriced that I... uh... /vomit.
Or just order this:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16883227200
And be done with it. (PS> iBuyPower is a great company, period, end of story)
Or just order this:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16883227200
And be done with it. (PS> iBuyPower is a great company, period, end of story)
ajc2123
While I'm happy you are helping me with price, it still doesn't say exactly which I should get lol.
So I did some youtube searches to see how oblivion looked on several cards, and I figured an HD 4650 was enough for me. Problem is, on newegg, there are several different kinds and Im not sure which I should get.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...ue&Order=PRICE
do some have fans? Are the fans louder on others then some? Do some preform better? Or should I just get the cheapest hd 4650
So I did some youtube searches to see how oblivion looked on several cards, and I figured an HD 4650 was enough for me. Problem is, on newegg, there are several different kinds and Im not sure which I should get.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...ue&Order=PRICE
do some have fans? Are the fans louder on others then some? Do some preform better? Or should I just get the cheapest hd 4650
subarucar
They are all pretty similiar.
The MSI one's have a slightly high memory clock and further down the page there are versions with 1GB memory. 1GB memory wouldn't make a huge amount of difference with such a low spec card. I'm also not sure if the difference between 800mhz and 1000mhz would be worth the cost.
Cheapest: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-178-_-Product
Slightly high mem clock: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-417-_-Product
Cheapest 1GB version: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-340-_-Product
I'm not sure how the cash-back rebates work in the US and how reliable they are, but if they work that 1GB Asus version would be the best bang for buck, as it has slightly improved performance and is the same price as the cheapest card there.
They all have fan's, they should sit at around the same volume, but I would ask somewhere/someone else to be sure.
The MSI one's have a slightly high memory clock and further down the page there are versions with 1GB memory. 1GB memory wouldn't make a huge amount of difference with such a low spec card. I'm also not sure if the difference between 800mhz and 1000mhz would be worth the cost.
Cheapest: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-178-_-Product
Slightly high mem clock: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-417-_-Product
Cheapest 1GB version: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-340-_-Product
I'm not sure how the cash-back rebates work in the US and how reliable they are, but if they work that 1GB Asus version would be the best bang for buck, as it has slightly improved performance and is the same price as the cheapest card there.
They all have fan's, they should sit at around the same volume, but I would ask somewhere/someone else to be sure.
gone
I'd let the warranty be the decision maker for the models you have opted to elect as the possible winners. With that said, either xfx cards on that page would be fine and dandy.
(that being, because they offer a lifetime warranty on those cards)
-if you get a card with a lifetime warranty, make sure you register it with providers.
(that being, because they offer a lifetime warranty on those cards)
-if you get a card with a lifetime warranty, make sure you register it with providers.
ajc2123
Quote:
I'd let the warranty be the decision maker for the models you have opted to elect as the possible winners. With that said, either xfx cards on that page would be fine and dandy.
(that being, because they offer a lifetime warranty on those cards) -if you get a card with a lifetime warranty, make sure you register it with providers. |
Also thanks for the info
*edit* ITS A BRAND NAME YOU IDIOT
Ugh I am NOT on the ball today.
Nevermind that question lol.
gone
Quote:
xfx?
Also thanks for the info *edit* ITS A BRAND NAME YOU IDIOT Ugh I am NOT on the ball today. Nevermind that question lol. |
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814150396
^taken from your original page.
/edit
no worries chap ;-]
now if you're like me, you'll play the waiting game with newegg. meaning, you'll wait for them to put free shipping on either of those cards. happens to me every time. I will wait for weeks, hoover over something...get sick of waiting...make purchase...
within 2-3 days of making purchase, Item will go on sale, get free shipping etc. etc. etc. then I just lol.
also, if you can hold out, wait till after christmas/new year to make purchase.
ajc2123
Quote:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814150393
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814150396 ^taken from your original page. /edit no worries chap ;-] now if you're like me, you'll play the waiting game with newegg. meaning, you'll wait for them to put free shipping on either of those cards. happens to me every time. I will wait for weeks, hoover over something...get sick of waiting...make purchase... within 2-3 days of making purchase, Item will go on sale, get free shipping etc. etc. etc. then I just lol. also, if you can hold out, wait till after christmas/new year to make purchase. |
But then again there's a chance I won't get the desktop....and hopefully next year there will be better models for the same price....but that Asus is REALLY looking good to me lol.
Do you like XfX better than other brands?
gone
subarucar
I personally like XFX, Saphhire and EVGA. Gigabyte and Asus do some good deals aswell. Havn't experienced other brands much.
Asus seems to have some good cash-back deals. The 4650's big brother is also available
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-329-_-Product
I would only recommend them if the cash-back sysetm is any good in the US, if it's anything like what we have in NZ, it's not worth the bother.
Here it can take months for you to receive your money, if at all. It is often tricky to fix problems relating to cash-back as well, as it often involves contacting people overseas. If the US cash-back system works, go for it. Otherwise get the one that comes cheapest before cash-back.
Asus seems to have some good cash-back deals. The 4650's big brother is also available
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-329-_-Product
I would only recommend them if the cash-back sysetm is any good in the US, if it's anything like what we have in NZ, it's not worth the bother.
Here it can take months for you to receive your money, if at all. It is often tricky to fix problems relating to cash-back as well, as it often involves contacting people overseas. If the US cash-back system works, go for it. Otherwise get the one that comes cheapest before cash-back.
Lord Sojar
EVGA, BFG, XFX, Sapphire, and HIS are the best companies, hands down. MSI and ASUS are also decent. I've heard good things about Zotac, but no personal experience.
Just order the PC I linked ajc. It will suit your needs, and the price is very good. It also comes with Windows 7, which is a huge plus.
You can click the Specifications and see the hardware. It has a 4670 card in it.
Just order the PC I linked ajc. It will suit your needs, and the price is very good. It also comes with Windows 7, which is a huge plus.
You can click the Specifications and see the hardware. It has a 4670 card in it.
subarucar
I had a quick look at the cost to build the PC Rahja linked to. It would be around $550US, with the exclusion of Windows 7. With 7 being worth around $180US this $600 PC becomes a good deal.
ajc2123
Quote:
EVGA, BFG, XFX, Sapphire, and HIS are the best companies, hands down. MSI and ASUS are also decent. I've heard good things about Zotac, but no personal experience.
Just order the PC I linked ajc. It will suit your needs, and the price is very good. It also comes with Windows 7, which is a huge plus. You can click the Specifications and see the hardware. It has a 4670 card in it. |
subarucar
Quote:
I'll have a extremely less powerful card, but that's all I know.
|
If you buy the Bestbuy one you will definately need to buy a graphics card for it if you want to play anything better than Purble Place. The only problem being, is that it doesnt tell you what PSU it has. This means you have no idea how powerful a card you can upgrade to. The processors are different, the Newegg one is Quadcore whereas the Bestbuy one is Dualcore.
ajc2123
Quote:
Fixed that for you. Shared graphics cards are not for gamers, make sure you get a dedicated.
If you buy the Bestbuy one you will definately need to buy a graphics card for it if you want to play anything better than Purble Place. The only problem being, is that it doesnt tell you what PSU it has. This means you have no idea how powerful a card you can upgrade to. The processors are different, the Newegg one is Quadcore whereas the Bestbuy one is Dualcore. |
subarucar
I would still have concern over the PSU. If you can find what type of PSU the BestBuy one is then you could be better informed, but at the moment I would guess it is a 350W, which is standard with most lower end PC's. With the 4650's recommended requirment of 400W it might not even work, it also leaves no room to upgrade in the future if you wish to do so. Whereas the Newegg one was a 620W which will power most current high end cards (5870, GTX285, etc).
While you may think "Oh I'll be fine, I don't need a high spec graphics card", eventually you will and you'll hit yourself for not paying a few dollars extra when you purchased the PC that would mean you wouldn't need to buy a whole new PSU when you upgrade.
If the BestBuy one had a decent PSU, then it will probably be the better buy, but without confirmation it's safer to go with the one from Newegg.
While you may think "Oh I'll be fine, I don't need a high spec graphics card", eventually you will and you'll hit yourself for not paying a few dollars extra when you purchased the PC that would mean you wouldn't need to buy a whole new PSU when you upgrade.
If the BestBuy one had a decent PSU, then it will probably be the better buy, but without confirmation it's safer to go with the one from Newegg.
ajc2123
Quote:
I would still have concern over the PSU. If you can find what type of PSU the BestBuy one is then you could be better informed, but at the moment I would guess it is a 350W, which is standard with most lower end PC's. With the 4650's recommended requirment of 400W it might not even work, it also leaves no room to upgrade in the future if you wish to do so. Whereas the Newegg one was a 620W which will power most current high end cards (5870, GTX285, etc).
While you may think "Oh I'll be fine, I don't need a high spec graphics card", eventually you will and you'll hit yourself for not paying a few dollars extra when you purchased the PC that would mean you wouldn't need to buy a whole new PSU when you upgrade. If the BestBuy one had a decent PSU, then it will probably be the better buy, but without confirmation it's safer to go with the one from Newegg. |
ajc2123
DUUUUUUDE the Newegg one JUST dropped 40 bucks....I wonder how much lower it will go before they stop selling it....
subarucar
Quote:
DUUUUUUDE the Newegg one JUST dropped 40 bucks....I wonder how much lower it will go before they stop selling it....
|
Try waiting till monday and see what happens, I read in another thread that they do some "Cyber Monday" sale.
Lord Sojar
Order the newegg one... it's a great deal, I'm dead serious. It has everything you need right out of the box. Best Buy is the biggest rip off in the universe for computers and computer parts.
ajc2123
I plan to now, thank you. I am just wondering if I should wait a tad longer to see if another price drop happens or not.
Lord Sojar
Quote:
I plan to now, thank you. I am just wondering if I should wait a tad longer to see if another price drop happens or not.
|
The early bird gets the worm. The bird who waits for the fat worm goes hungry.
Elder III
Rahjah is right - that one on newegg is a good price, you could hardly build it for that yourself. Good reputation too for that company.
ajc2123
Ok ok, Thank you for sticking with me and I just have ONe more question.
I totally forgot that I want a card reader for my comp. I'm guessing the ibuypower has expansion slots in front for such a thing. If so, how is this http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820223103 and is it easy to install?
Or is there a USB one i should just buy?
I totally forgot that I want a card reader for my comp. I'm guessing the ibuypower has expansion slots in front for such a thing. If so, how is this http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820223103 and is it easy to install?
Or is there a USB one i should just buy?