G
Guest
Guest
Hi everyone,
I've spent all day reading the posts on this forum and trying to get back up to speed with what's out there at the moment.
I'm in a dilemma...the last PC I built was in 2006 and is now too outdated to run most modern games.
From memory, the PC I built back then used a KN1 SLI extreme mobo, GeForce 6600GT graphics, and an AMD Athlon 3600 64+ processor. It runs Windows Vista Ultimate.
I've noticed the graphics problems creeping up for the past couple of years...it won't run GTA4, nevermind Bioshock etc. The case fan is now squeeling at me everytime I switch the thing on, so I think it's time to spend a bit of dosh and get a chance to play the newer games that are out there.
I have 2 routes I'd like to explore. Either upgrade as fewer parts of my existing PC as possible and get to play the modern games with the minimum of spend (if you think that is possible) or build an entire new PC with some HTPC capabilities thrown in, hook it up to a 32" LCD TV in the second lounge, and leave the exisiting PC for general office computing.
So here we go:
APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: This week
BUDGET RANGE: £500 After Rebates for a new PC, or £250 After Rebates to upgrade the one I have.
SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: Play 3D games (GTA series, Half Life series, Just Cause 2 etc.) as well as the games coming out over the next 2 years, Watch TV online, Downloading, Internet Browsing.
PARTS NOT REQUIRED: (if upgrading) keyboard, mouse, SATA drive, optical drives, monitor, (would like a new case)
PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: Google shopping http://www.google.co.uk/prdhp?hl=en&tab=wf
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: UK
PARTS PREFERENCES: I'd like to use an AMD CPU and motherboard, and a Radeon graphics card.
OVERCLOCKING: No. I think I might break my computer if I do.
SLI OR CROSSFIRE: No. I already have that on my current Mobo and never used it. I like to just pop the game in and play it.
MONITOR RESOLUTION: 1024 x 768, or whatever a 32" LCD TV needs if I build a HTPC.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: I just want to be able to play the more modern games if I am honest. I enjoy playing games on my Wii such as Mario Galaxy downstairs on the TV, but my PC is still stuck in the days of GTA San Andreas and Sid Meir's Railroads.
So far, from reading on this site, I have narrowed down a few possibilities for the processor, mobo and graphics. I need advice on these, as well as the best advice on what to do going forward.
Processor: Athlon ii X3 445 - £57.30 or Phenom ii X4 945 £100.
Is the Phenom really worth almost double the price for my needs?
Mobo: Gigabyte MA790FXT-UD5P £64.48 or Gigabyte GA-770T-USB3 £80.
I won't lie, I picked the last one because it can use DDR3 memory and also has USB3. Whilst I have no USB3 devices, I do use loads of USB pens and USB hardrives. My thinking is that USB3 versions of these items will appear in shops and I'd like to be able to use them when they do. I get bored waiting too long for data transfer.
Graphics: Asus Radeon HD 5750 £91.06 or Asus Radeon HD 5770 £109.79.
I'm not really sure what the major difference is between the 2 apart from almost £20?
I'm open to all suggestions guys. As you can probably tell, although I enjoy playing games on my PC, I am not a serious gamer who needs SLI or overclocking...I just need my PC to be able to run the games at a decent enough speed that I can enjoy them. Anything else is a bonus.
Thanks so much for all your help and advice on this.
Regards,
Chris
I've spent all day reading the posts on this forum and trying to get back up to speed with what's out there at the moment.
I'm in a dilemma...the last PC I built was in 2006 and is now too outdated to run most modern games.
From memory, the PC I built back then used a KN1 SLI extreme mobo, GeForce 6600GT graphics, and an AMD Athlon 3600 64+ processor. It runs Windows Vista Ultimate.
I've noticed the graphics problems creeping up for the past couple of years...it won't run GTA4, nevermind Bioshock etc. The case fan is now squeeling at me everytime I switch the thing on, so I think it's time to spend a bit of dosh and get a chance to play the newer games that are out there.
I have 2 routes I'd like to explore. Either upgrade as fewer parts of my existing PC as possible and get to play the modern games with the minimum of spend (if you think that is possible) or build an entire new PC with some HTPC capabilities thrown in, hook it up to a 32" LCD TV in the second lounge, and leave the exisiting PC for general office computing.
So here we go:
APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: This week
BUDGET RANGE: £500 After Rebates for a new PC, or £250 After Rebates to upgrade the one I have.
SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: Play 3D games (GTA series, Half Life series, Just Cause 2 etc.) as well as the games coming out over the next 2 years, Watch TV online, Downloading, Internet Browsing.
PARTS NOT REQUIRED: (if upgrading) keyboard, mouse, SATA drive, optical drives, monitor, (would like a new case)
PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: Google shopping http://www.google.co.uk/prdhp?hl=en&tab=wf
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: UK
PARTS PREFERENCES: I'd like to use an AMD CPU and motherboard, and a Radeon graphics card.
OVERCLOCKING: No. I think I might break my computer if I do.
SLI OR CROSSFIRE: No. I already have that on my current Mobo and never used it. I like to just pop the game in and play it.
MONITOR RESOLUTION: 1024 x 768, or whatever a 32" LCD TV needs if I build a HTPC.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: I just want to be able to play the more modern games if I am honest. I enjoy playing games on my Wii such as Mario Galaxy downstairs on the TV, but my PC is still stuck in the days of GTA San Andreas and Sid Meir's Railroads.
So far, from reading on this site, I have narrowed down a few possibilities for the processor, mobo and graphics. I need advice on these, as well as the best advice on what to do going forward.
Processor: Athlon ii X3 445 - £57.30 or Phenom ii X4 945 £100.
Is the Phenom really worth almost double the price for my needs?
Mobo: Gigabyte MA790FXT-UD5P £64.48 or Gigabyte GA-770T-USB3 £80.
I won't lie, I picked the last one because it can use DDR3 memory and also has USB3. Whilst I have no USB3 devices, I do use loads of USB pens and USB hardrives. My thinking is that USB3 versions of these items will appear in shops and I'd like to be able to use them when they do. I get bored waiting too long for data transfer.
Graphics: Asus Radeon HD 5750 £91.06 or Asus Radeon HD 5770 £109.79.
I'm not really sure what the major difference is between the 2 apart from almost £20?
I'm open to all suggestions guys. As you can probably tell, although I enjoy playing games on my PC, I am not a serious gamer who needs SLI or overclocking...I just need my PC to be able to run the games at a decent enough speed that I can enjoy them. Anything else is a bonus.
Thanks so much for all your help and advice on this.
Regards,
Chris