This post is mainly aimed at the people on my friendslist who are computer geeks of a much higher caliber than I am, who can weigh in on good system specs
( Read more... )
In quasi-reverse order: ibuypower.com has a purely Flash interface, so NoScript stopped it for me. I'm going to count that as a blessing, because purely Flash interfaces rile me somethin' awful. Not a good sign, IMO.
As a general rule, moar RAM is a fantastic thing; XP can definitely use it, and Vista will eat it all and ask for more. But if I'm building a system, I just keep in mind that it's easiest to upgrade RAM, less easy to upgrade a video card -- so I tend to max out the available CPU, then trickle down from there.
Fantastically, RAM's cheaper than ever, so I'd splurge.
As it turns out, you can build some really powerful machines for not too much cash anymore (granted those links are "some assembly required," but they should give you a good idea about specs). And I'd keep an eye not only on Sims 2, but Sims 3 is right around the corner, ya rly.
My first recommendation, though -- your computer should be able to run WoW at frame rates higher than the interactive-slideshow you're experiencing now. A 3.2 GHz processor is
( ... )
For gaming, a powerful graphics card is more important than a top-end CPU, and dollar for dollar, more ram is also better than a top-end CPU. I mostly get about 40 FPS in WoW on my new computer. It has...
As you've already all said, RAM has a lot more impact in terms of computer speed then the CPU. I get by on a 1.80GHz CPU (Dual Core) with 3GB of RAM, which is what makes me able to run WoW on its absolute best settings. But for RAM, the best place to find out what kind of RAM you need is easily this site:
It tells you exactly what type of RAM you need, how much it's safe it install; all the technical stuff you could ever want. And since you're US, you get buy the RAM direct from them as well. Thanks,
Oh dear holy cow. I just checked RDRAM prices for the first time in years, and...well, if your computer needs RDRAM, by all means, get a different computer. Seriously. A gig of RDRAM will put you back anywhere between $250-500, and SDRAM is a fifth to almost a tenth that much. Which puts the kibosh on my upgrade path.
Let me recommend poking around NewEgg's site and finding out what kind of memory you need. If it's RDRAM, punt now. If it's SDRAM, though, I recommend looking into upgrading it first (you should be able to put it in relatively easily, even if you're not uber-l33t-techie-lol), as much as you can fit into your case and checkbook. I expect a squee.
Comments 7
As a general rule, moar RAM is a fantastic thing; XP can definitely use it, and Vista will eat it all and ask for more. But if I'm building a system, I just keep in mind that it's easiest to upgrade RAM, less easy to upgrade a video card -- so I tend to max out the available CPU, then trickle down from there.
Fantastically, RAM's cheaper than ever, so I'd splurge.
As it turns out, you can build some really powerful machines for not too much cash anymore (granted those links are "some assembly required," but they should give you a good idea about specs). And I'd keep an eye not only on Sims 2, but Sims 3 is right around the corner, ya rly.
My first recommendation, though -- your computer should be able to run WoW at frame rates higher than the interactive-slideshow you're experiencing now. A 3.2 GHz processor is ( ... )
Reply
If you play your cards right, he might build you one. If you promise to be Arghon's slave forever. Or something.
Reply
Intel 2.66ghz dual core processor
3GB ram (I bought 2 gig for $50 ! )
8800 GT graphics card.
Onboard sound & networking.
Note on video cards - the 8800 GTX's take up two slots, and yet are not as good as 8800 GT's.
As for buying complete systems, I don't have good leads. For parts, Newegg.com is awesomesocks.
Reply
http://www.memorystock.com/
It tells you exactly what type of RAM you need, how much it's safe it install; all the technical stuff you could ever want. And since you're US, you get buy the RAM direct from them as well.
Thanks,
Scarum
Reply
Let me recommend poking around NewEgg's site and finding out what kind of memory you need. If it's RDRAM, punt now. If it's SDRAM, though, I recommend looking into upgrading it first (you should be able to put it in relatively easily, even if you're not uber-l33t-techie-lol), as much as you can fit into your case and checkbook. I expect a squee.
Reply
Also, is that an old Mac in your icon???
Reply
Reply
Leave a comment