Custom Built Computer

[IbanezSamurai]

So I've decided to start saving up money for a brand spanking new gaming PC.
I went to this custom pc shop and the had a flyer with one of their new custom pcs.

The specs were the following:

Pentium 4 650, 3.4, 2M, 800FSB (socket 775) system include:
Intel 915GEVL motherboard supporting 800 FSB S775 CPU.
Integrated Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 900, Audio, 10/100 network interface, USB 2.0 Black Enlight Mid-tower P4-ATX case ww/350W U.L power supply with two front USB ports, Dual Channel 512 DDR2, 256Mhz, PC4200, Son 3.5" Floppy Drive, OEM windows XP Home SP2, SATA Western Digital Hard Drives, Sony 52X CD-ROM.

Just that would cost $894

Would this be a good gaming PC?

[CarnageFairy]

Integrated graphics in a gaming rig? I think not.

You need some sort of video card. Personally, I think you should build one yourself.

[IbanezSamurai]

Integrated graphics in a gaming rig? I think not.

You need some sort of video card. Personally, I think you should build one yourself.

Because if they had the top of the line graphics card, it would cost more, I will replace cards from my old PC.

[CarnageFairy]

Because if they had the top of the line graphics card, it would cost more, I will replace cards from my old PC.

What cards do you have? It doesn't have to be cutting edge, but I would suggest a 6600/9800 Pro or better.

[JohnnySixGuns]

That computer is too expensive for what you are getting. You are paying a lot for the processor and not getting enough of what you need for gaming. How big are the HD's?


EDIT: An out of the box computer with similar specs would cost you just about the same, give or take...

[REINER]

Not a good gaming rig.

You need a video card, minimum should be what Carn up there suggested.

Also AMD64's are better for gaming than Intels.

[JohnnySixGuns]

You need more RAM, a good video card, and a DVD drive/burner. Oh, and a more capable power supply.

[IbanezSamurai]

Right now I have Radeon 9800 PRO 128

Processor on my current pc is only running at 1.5 ghz, computer itself is about 5 years old so I dont think I can put +3.0 ghz processor in it.

Would swapping motherboard be much cheaper?

[CarnageFairy]

Right now I have Radeon 9800 PRO 128

Processor on my current pc is only running at 1.5 ghz, computer itself is about 5 years old so I dont think I can put +3.0 ghz processor in it.

Would swapping motherboard be much cheaper?

You might be able to switch the mobo for one that allows a newer CPU, but that often entails getting a new video card, RAM, etc...

If you try that make sure everything is compatible.

[ScotJay2]

With a processor like that there's going to be a huge bottleneck in performance.

I would also recommend an AMD64 and 2x 512MB RAM.

You're also definitely better off building your own system, it should work out to be a lot cheaper as well.

[GiB]

Integrated graphics SUCK! What is wrong with you?, for about $300 more you could get a REAL gaming pc.

:angry: :angry: :angry:

[even if they were canadian]

Are ATI video cards really that great? I've read that nVidia cards actually outperform ATIs of comparable specifications. I've also had bad experiences with ATIs, but I've never had a problem with nVidia.

[angry armadillo]

ATI are better off the shelf, but when nVidia release good drivers its about equal tbh

my decision between a 9800 pro or a 6600 was the fact the one i choose had a free copy of far cry with it

[trev913]

I'd go with an AMD in there. More RAM, too - 2x512. Also, why just a CD-ROM drive? If you're gonna go out, go all out - get a DVD burner in there.

I'd say you could do better for less.