|
PC
Jul 25, 2013 7:03:18 GMT -5
via mobile
Post by Soap on Jul 25, 2013 7:03:18 GMT -5
My computer knowledge for hardware is very slim now. Once upon a time I was all knowing, but the speed progress left me way back in 2000.
So, what's the point I'm getting at? Well, I'm thinking of getting a new system. And I want your know-what's to advise me.
What's good value now? What's future proof? I want a games machine and be able to run the latest games top spec (battlefield 4), and I'm considering running 3 monitors.
So, do I go Alienware? Or do you know of somewhere else that's cheaper but same power? UK shopper don't forget kids. Budget unknown as of yet, but I'm thinking maybe £1000 as a max.
|
|
|
PC
Jul 25, 2013 7:42:38 GMT -5
Post by BG. Foster on Jul 25, 2013 7:42:38 GMT -5
Alienware is a good way to go. Although if you know what you're doing building your own would be best.
|
|
|
PC
Jul 25, 2013 12:34:13 GMT -5
via mobile
Post by Soap on Jul 25, 2013 12:34:13 GMT -5
Which Alienware model would you recommend? I'm thinking about going with three monitors and would like it very quiet running.
|
|
|
PC
Jul 25, 2013 12:54:31 GMT -5
Post by BG. Foster on Jul 25, 2013 12:54:31 GMT -5
Don't Alienware still do custom builds? You should be able to send them your requirements and they'll put a machine together for you.
Edit: When did Dell take over Alienware?
|
|
|
Post by Adkenpachi on Jul 25, 2013 17:42:43 GMT -5
Alienware are like Apple, 50% of the cost is the badge. You'll want like quad 4ghz, 16gb ram, spend the most on your graphics card that'll get you three monitors
|
|
|
PC
Jul 28, 2013 2:59:00 GMT -5
Post by Soap on Jul 28, 2013 2:59:00 GMT -5
Correct me if I'm wrong, but a SSD (solid state drive) is best used for the computers operating system. Is they much benefit of having one of these and is it worth having?
|
|
|
PC
Jul 28, 2013 3:01:37 GMT -5
Post by BG. Foster on Jul 28, 2013 3:01:37 GMT -5
It depends on the difference in price. In general they run faster than a standard hard drive and since they have no moving parts dropping them won't kill them which is what makes them perfect for use in laptops.
|
|
|
PC
Jul 28, 2013 4:31:57 GMT -5
Post by treadiculous on Jul 28, 2013 4:31:57 GMT -5
I know a guy that makes up computers to awesome spec really cheap... I paid £350 and my computer tells me it is:
IntelR core i5-3450 CPU @3.10Ghz 3.50Ghz 8Gb RAM
On the scoring it has:
Procesor 7.5 Memory 7.7 Graphics 4.9 Gaming Graphics 6.4 Disk Data Transfer Rate 5.9
What this all means is that its super quick and can run a load of heavy programmes at once (fruityloops, blender, photoshop, and a game or 2) without slowing. I am intending to get a graphics card as it lacks a bit in that department but he'll get meone of those at cost.
He's basically an old retired techie who likes to tinker and keep up to date.. he charges a few quid the first time he makes a machine for you then after that its all done at wholesale cost with no mark up.. and since he has massive in-depth knowledge of whats what he pulls out the best bits for each price range.
Not sure how much postage will cost though... still - should get you a really decent machine for £350 - £450.
PM me if you want... I can then ask him to knock something up and give a quote.
|
|
|
Post by Adkenpachi on Jul 28, 2013 6:34:58 GMT -5
Get a Radeon 7770 sapphire tread, £80 for mine and it runs everything. I got almost the same setup as you for 320 making it 400 altogether (no monitor but it did come with mouse and two keyboards)
|
|
|
PC
Jul 28, 2013 11:57:38 GMT -5
Post by Soap on Jul 28, 2013 11:57:38 GMT -5
Tread pm sent!
|
|
|
PC
Aug 16, 2013 0:57:53 GMT -5
via mobile
Post by Soap on Aug 16, 2013 0:57:53 GMT -5
So, I got my funds for teh new PC. Iv desided to just order the parts and build it myself. Ill post the specs when I order!
|
|
|
PC
Aug 16, 2013 3:01:37 GMT -5
Post by 3ff3ct on Aug 16, 2013 3:01:37 GMT -5
Sounds cool, I think I'll be doing thart when I upgrade in a year or so. I went down the same route as Treds and got a friend of a friend to do mine, it's still awesome after 3 years
|
|
|
Post by Adkenpachi on Aug 16, 2013 4:01:44 GMT -5
Make sure you get a decent PSU, most over looked item and very important. Get an 850 if you can then it won't need upgrading for ever mines 450 and can't power certain graphics cards
|
|
|
PC
Aug 16, 2013 7:36:13 GMT -5
via mobile
Post by Soap on Aug 16, 2013 7:36:13 GMT -5
So far I can confirm 4ghz 8-core AMD with 32gig Ram. Still plotting what else to put in it!
|
|
|
PC
Aug 16, 2013 18:20:51 GMT -5
Post by Soap on Aug 16, 2013 18:20:51 GMT -5
Well, due to stock availability things have changed. Ordered PC spec as follows:
Midi Tower - black with neon blue lights 4ghz 8-core AMD Compatable motherboard 600w gaming power supply 8gig RAM (was going to get 32 but due to cost dropped to 16gig, then realised they only had 1 stick in stock) 120gig SSD 3Tb Hard drive 2gig 660 Ti EX Over clocked edition Blu Ray writer Windows 8 (will be duel booted with Linux)
Fasted £882 spent in a long time!
|
|
|
PC
Aug 17, 2013 1:24:19 GMT -5
Post by ElegaicRequiem on Aug 17, 2013 1:24:19 GMT -5
Duel sounds about right.
Major hassle for new computers is getting something that's not Win8 on it. Retailers know that's what people want, so the price on Win7 didn't drop much at all. That, and they keep saying, "Limited quantity."
|
|
|
PC
Aug 17, 2013 2:11:20 GMT -5
Post by Soap on Aug 17, 2013 2:11:20 GMT -5
|
|
|
Post by Adkenpachi on Aug 17, 2013 3:44:35 GMT -5
Decent graphics card dude, 8gb will be enough ram for a while yet... those octocore processors will last years and years too
|
|
|
PC
Aug 29, 2013 1:15:20 GMT -5
Post by Soap on Aug 29, 2013 1:15:20 GMT -5
So, I built my PC and installed windows 8 and counter strike last night. I shat my pants twice.
First time was the windows rating of 7.5 (everything is 7.9 except the primary hd). Highest rating iv seen.
E second time was playing CS. Normally I get about 30/50 FPS. Now I get 295 FPS. Can't wait to see it handle some sexy stuff like AirLand battle, civ5, BF4... Ohhh this computer is my new love...
|
|
|
Post by Adkenpachi on Aug 29, 2013 2:44:39 GMT -5
It's the greatest feeling ay? I love it.. think I need a new os or something in mine, possibly a stronger psu.
|
|
|
PC
Aug 29, 2013 7:45:42 GMT -5
Post by ElegaicRequiem on Aug 29, 2013 7:45:42 GMT -5
I don't think the rating means much. I have a near-stock $500 mATX desktop that I just put a gpu and more RAM into it, and it's 7.3 and 7.4 for everything but HDD transfer rate. It still won't play DoW2 without turning all the settings to minimum and letting the fps drop to around 15 or even 10 on occasion.
|
|
|
PC
Aug 29, 2013 8:52:08 GMT -5
via mobile
Post by Soap on Aug 29, 2013 8:52:08 GMT -5
I think the ratings where ment to be used as a guide for buying software instead of following system specs. Can't wait to get some proper gaming time in. Still can't believe the fps on cs. Amazing :-) Love the 16 seconds boot time as well!
|
|
|
Post by Adkenpachi on Aug 29, 2013 15:42:26 GMT -5
Don't be too blown by cs, my old 2.2 dual core with a rubbish gfx card and 2 gig of ram ran it smooth as hell
|
|
|
PC
Aug 30, 2013 4:13:28 GMT -5
via mobile
Post by Soap on Aug 30, 2013 4:13:28 GMT -5
Well on the PC iv just replaced cs ran jerky as hell on 30fps with all settings on low.
|
|
|
PC
Sept 12, 2013 14:30:24 GMT -5
Post by 3ff3ct on Sept 12, 2013 14:30:24 GMT -5
Love the 16 seconds boot time as well! That's exactly why PCs should run fast. When i want to waste some stuff, I don't want to wait!
|
|