SRL Archive - Gaming

Hey everyone, I'm buying a new computer soon but I want to be able to handle games like L4d or Tf2. My budget is around $500 but I'm still deciding on whether to get a laptop or a desktop. DEFINITELY GETTING A DESKTOP NOW
Would be a huge help if anyone can help me out!

EDIT: I'm going to buy one of these desktops now for sure. THIS model looks awesome http://www.officemax.com/technology/computers/refurbished-computers/product-prod2330165 Quad Core ftw!
Triple core just as good… http://www.officemax.com/technology/computers/refurbished-computers/product-prod2500002

And now the dual core http://www.officemax.com/technology/computers/refurbished-computers/product-prod1950006

I just need to know what upgrades will be needed. High end graphics aren't a priority, but recommended graphics would be the best. What I need to know is what computer can actually handle games, If I need to upgrade the Gcard, then I will probably buy a dual core.

Desktop, for 500 bucks now a days you can get a pretty nice pc.

my desktop is only 439 and it kicks the shit outta that one :).

if its for power then desktop
if its for portability then laptop

~shut

You could just say screw the 500 bucks and get this one?

http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4465397&CatId=3512

Only 4050 dollars (mind you, it is Canadian, so really worth approx. 50 cents.)

I'm starting to lean towards a desktop now. I figure that a desktop will definitely outlast a laptop and it can be upgraded.

Any for around $500?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883229091 ~ $499
# Recommended Usage: Gaming
# Processor: AMD Athlon X2 7750(2.7GHz)
# Processor Main Features: 64 bit Dual Core Processor
# Memory: 4GB (2x2GB) DDR2 800
# Hard Drive: 500GB SATA-II 3.0Gb/s 7200RPM HDD
# Optical Drive 1: 22X DVD±R/±RW Dual Layer Drive
# Graphics: ATI Radeon HD 4550 512MB PCI Express Video Card
# Audio: Sound card - Integrated
# Model #: Gamer Ultra 7206

Only 200mhz faster then mines^^^
:(


http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883229100 $539
# Recommended Usage: Gaming
# Processor: AMD Athlon X2 7850(2.8GHz)
# Processor Main Features: 64 bit Dual Core Processor
# Cache Per Processor: 2 x 512KB L2 Cache
# Memory: 4GB (2x2GB) DDR2 800
# Hard Drive: 500GB SATA-II 3.0Gb/s 7200RPM HDD
# Optical Drive 1: 22X DVD±R/±RW Dual Layer Drive
# Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce 9500GT 1GB PCI Express Video Card
# Model #: Gamer Ultra 7208

Here's the one I will probably buy.

http://www.shopping.hp.com/product/computers/desktops/p6110t_series/rts/4/storefronts/NY428AA%2523ABA

This one gives me a free upgrade to Windows 7! And I found it at Office Depot for $430. Also, the graphics shouldn't be a problem since I'm going to upgrade.

Nowadays, laptops can play pretty decent games :p.

Most are better than my other desktop lol.

Its a single core processor, you may want to say away from that…

I'd recommend one of the newegg ones Buckley suggested, they are much better deals.

And just some advice as a technician, don't go HP. I have personally worked with that exact model and I am not impressed. And if you were to upgrade they graphics you would also need to upgrade the PSU so there is ~$100 + cost of graphics card.

From: HP Store
Power supply N/A

Says N/A cause they don't want you to know its only 300W and is bare minimum to run the system. If you try upping the GFX without a new PSU you'll fry the one in there lol.

From: Da 0wner
Nowadays, laptops can play pretty decent games :p.

Most are better than my other desktop lol.

No one is disputing that fact. It's just that getting a laptop costs a lot more than getting a desktop with comparable specs.

Edit: Anyway, I agree with Hobbit. The computer you posted really isn't what you want, seeing as it's only a single core. I'd say get the second one that Buckley posted, the $539 one with the NVIDIA graphics card.

http://www.tech-forums.net/pc/

Go to this website. They have helped me build my perfect computer at a good price. Hope everything goes well.

From: Ejjman1
http://www.tech-forums.net/pc/

Go to this website. They have helped me build my perfect computer at a good price. Hope everything goes well.

Your budget is nearly 3x his ;)

Hobbit: How come you were not impressed?

From: noidea
Your budget is nearly 3x his ;)

No no, they are budget friendly. They'll tell you straight the best you can get at your budget! I was surprised, but ya, it would not hurt to give them a shot.

More opinions = better FTW.

Personally I have L4D and have played TF2, you don't need a brilliant PC to play them smoothly,
obviously 1k gbp > $5000 (my pc), but I think if you 'haggle' your way to a deal, then you'll get a good pc for that $500

Desktop.

Laptops are not made for games if you want to buy one then games will run very slow

Buddy did you saw this on your prefered desktop?
Monitor Not Included. Keep an eye on that ;).

From: Hermen
Buddy did you saw this on your prefered desktop?
Monitor Not Included. Keep an eye on that ;).

I have a monitor, its k.

From: noidea
Your budget is nearly 3x his ;)

Hobbit: How come you were not impressed?

For what's in it, its very over priced….

Not to mention the quality of the parts in it….

Would you feel comfortable building your own pc? All those computers are pretty yegh compared to what you could build on the same budget.

+1. For example:
http://www.maximumpc.com/article/features/build_a_500_pc_play_crysis_40fps

Also, if budget is an issue, you can go cheaper on some parts now, and then upgrade later.

Here are some guidelines. (lifted off purepwnage.com)





Hobo Tier

Case: Rosewill R115-P Black
Power Supply: FSP ATX350-PA 350W
Motherboard: ZOTAC GF6100-C-E
Processor: AMD Athlon X2 5400+
Video Card: HD 4670 512MB
Memory: G.Skill 4GB DDR2 800Mhz
Hard Drive: Western Digital Caviar SE 160GB
Optical Drive: LG DVD Burner

($350 US)

Low Tier

Case: Antec 300
Power Supply: OCZ StealthXtreme 400W
Motherboard: GA-G31M-ES2L
Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo E5200
Video Card: HD 4830 512MB
Memory: Kingston 4GB DDR2 800
Hard Drive: Samsung Spinpoint F1 750GB
Optical Drive: LG DVD Burner

($500 US)

Mid Tier

Case: CoolerMaster RC690
Power Supply: OCZ ModXStream Pro 500W
Motherboard: GigaByte EP45-UD3L
Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo E8400
Video Card: HD4870 512MB
Memory: G.Skill 4GB DDR2 1000
Hard Drive: Samsung Spinpoint F1 750GB
Optical Drive: Samsung CD/DVD rewriter
Heatsink + Fan: Xigmatek HDT-RS1283

($800 US)