henke on 9/12/2009 at 17:05
My current computer is getting somewhat out-dated. It can run Just Cause at about 15fps on the lowest settings if that tells you anything. I've stuck to X-Boxes over the past few years because I just can't be bothered with all this PC tweaking and bugfixing and figuring out what graphicscards fit with what mobos and so forth. But I've finally decided to bite the bullet and get a new computer.
The site my more computer-knowledgeable friends have recommended me is (
http://www.multitronic.fi/) multitronic.fi and they have (
http://www.multitronic.fi/main.php?id=multipc) a few different base-models that you get to customize a bit before sending in an order. The model I got my eye on is the "AMD Gamer" (click the wrench-button to see full specs).
MOBO: ASUS M4A77TD PRO
PROCESSOR: AMD Phenom II X4 955 Black Edition
RAM: 6 GB DDR3 1333 mhz
GRAPHICS: ASUS GTS250 PCIE 512MB DDR3 2XDVI/HDMI (this is apparently another name for Geforce 250 GTS)
From what I've read the processor should be rather good but I'm not so sure about the graphicscard. Is it any good? I would hate it if the power of the processor and ram got bottlenecked because I didn't pick a good enough graphicscard. I'd like something that can at least run Crysis on high graphics settings. I'm not a huge videophile but if I can play new games on at least medium/high settings over the next few years I'll be glad. Also it will need to run 3DS MAX and Adobe Premiere well(but I guess this has more to do with RAM). And Windows 7, natch. Should I get 32 bit or 64 bit Win7 btw?
And the HDD is a
SEAGATE BARRACUDA 7200.12 1TB SATA2 32MB. But a
SEAGATE MOMENTUS 7200.4 500GB SATA2 16MB GFO costs 24 bucks more despite being only half the size? Is the SATA2 one faster or what? I already have a 1TB external HDD so I might want to get a smaller but faster in-computer HDD if that is the case.
And does the Geforce 250 GTS support TV-out? I thought that was pretty much supposed to be standard in graphicscards these days but (
http://www.nvidia.co.uk/object/product_geforce_gts_250_uk.html) the specifications on nVIDIA's site makes me uncertain. Or is it all just HDMI these days? Am I and my CRT TV left out in the cold? Or can I plug in my old(current) GeForce 6600 into my new computer and use that for TV-output while using my new card for PC somehow?
I suppose my crt monitor won't cut it any more either, will need a new one. Any suggestions? Is Benq or Acer better?
the questions... they keep piling up... I have half a mind to just forget about it all and go play some xbox instead but NO! I WILL SEE THIS THROUGH TO THE HOPEFULLY-NOT-SO-BITTER END!
bikerdude on 9/12/2009 at 17:55
Quote Posted by henke
MOBO: ASUS M4A77TD PRO
PROCESSOR: AMD Phenom II X4 955 Black Edition
RAM: 6 GB DDR3 1333 mhz
GRAPHICS: ASUS GTS250 PCIE 512MB DDR3 2XDVI/HDMI (this is apparently another name for Geforce 250 GTS)
tw?
SEAGATE BARRACUDA 7200.12 1TB SATA2 32MB.
And does the Geforce 250 GTS support TV-out?
I suppose my crt monitor won't cut it any more either, will need a new one. Any suggestions? Is Benq or Acer better?
Thats a very good spec, although the 6GB of Ram is odd, because the phenom II only has a dual channel controller, so Im guessing its (2GBx2+1GBx2) which is ok as long as the memory is the same maker & matched and your running a x64 based version of windows.
Dont bother with the 7200.4 500GB drive as it much slower than the 7200.12 and do you really need 1TB of space? - do you have a big enough backup drive for all the space etc..? For the same money as the 1TB I would suggest 2x 320GB (ST3320418AS) One main and the second for games and backup.
And the GTS250 for the money is a very good little card if we follow nVidia devious marketing... GTS250 is a overclocked 9800GTX which is an overclocked 8800GTX and yes it should come with a TV out socket, but research the model before buying...
Benq do very good 23" IPS based monitors, but I forget which models were the ips ones, and Benq are better than Acer...
henke on 9/12/2009 at 19:51
Thanks for tips. :) I've done some further research myself and turns out that the GTS250 card on the site does not have tv-out. But they also have a GTX 260 card which does, albeit for 45 bucks more. Think I'll go with that one.
bikerdude on 9/12/2009 at 20:54
Quote Posted by henke
But they also have a GTX 260 card which does, albeit for 45 bucks more. Think I'll go with that one.
If you prefer the nVidia camp then get a GTX260-216 as these have 216 cores rather than 200 like the plain GTX260 and run cooler and quieter. But for the same money you can get a HD4890 which will give you working fog in T2 and is as fast/faster than a GTX275, (
http://www.anandtech.com/video/showdoc.aspx?i=3539&p=17) see review - (the 4890 even beats the GTX285 in some games)
FYi If you can stretch to 269 euros you can get you a HD5850 which also has working fog but is noticeably faster than a GTX285 in most games, while costing 80 euros less and has a 3yr warranty ooh and its a DX11 card....sorted!... :cheeky:
ps. I run a HD5870 myself and its awesome, played some games I completed on my old GTX285 and ive been able to up the eye candy and they still run smoother than they did on the 285.
henke on 10/12/2009 at 19:13
Yes thank you again. Ended up going with the 260GTX. Also bought a Benq 23.5" monitor. Should arrive at the start of next week! :D :D :D
bikerdude on 10/12/2009 at 20:31
Quote Posted by henke
Yes thank you again. Ended up going with the 260GTX. Also bought a Benq 23.5" monitor. Should arrive at the start of next week! :D :D :D
whiuch GTX260 did you get and what model benq did you get..?
dj_ivocha on 11/12/2009 at 16:58
Quote Posted by henke
And the HDD is a
SEAGATE BARRACUDA 7200.12 1TB SATA2 32MB. But a
SEAGATE MOMENTUS 7200.4 500GB SATA2 16MB GFO costs 24 bucks more despite being only half the size? Is the SATA2 one faster or what? I already have a 1TB external HDD so I might want to get a smaller but faster in-computer HDD if that is the case.
The Momentus HDDs are 2.5", that's why they are more expensive, not because they are faster (which they aren't by far).
henke on 13/12/2009 at 19:40
Ah, I see.
