What one is better for WoW question

[jaywarren]

I am looking at two computers now. All I want from computer is to play WoW well.

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=15261867&findingMethod=rr

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883229243

What one is the better bang for your buck? Thanks for help!

 

[hunter315]

Neither one is going to play WoW well, they are both running 5450s, but the Walmart one has a slightly stronger CPU but not a ton stronger, certainly not worth the additional $100 they want to charge for it.

 

[jaywarren]

Could I add a better graphics card to ether to make it play well?

 

[WR2]

Yes you could. It's a shame to have to replace the HD 5450 though.
You can always use it to test just how well it runs WoW and make a decision then to see how much of an upgrade you feel you want.

 

[WR2]

Both those system will probably have a low power PSU so that will be the limitation on how powerful a video card you can add without also upgrading the PSU.

 

[WR2]

What size monitor do you have?
I'm guessing you're getting ready for WoW:Cataclysm?

 

[jaywarren]

Yep playing Cataclysm now, I have a 17" that I am using. But my Gateway DX with vista keeps cashing.

 

[jaywarren]

The newegg one has a 500W, will that be ok?

 

[WR2]

Yes, the 500W PSU is larger than I expected. Should support a HD 5770 or similar type video card easily.

Not sure why your Gateway is crashing? Overheating? Been cleaned lately?

 

[jaywarren]

On the gate. One stick of 2GB went bad or so I was told. ordered two new 2GB sticks and put then in, it would not boot up. Took one stick out and it works. Call computer lady and she told me the bank where the RAM goes is bad. So I am playing with only 2BG with now.

 

[WR2]

2GB should work 'OK'. What video card do you have?

 

[jaywarren]

I am not sure its been long time since I got it. I know its 512. The game will cash and tells me it had a memory error. But its only in big out door zones in WoW whit lots of background stuff. I will see if I can find what card it is now.

 

[WR2]

Is that 'out of memory' error video memory or system memory?

 

[jaywarren]

Not sure will run now and read error and let you. Thanks for your time and help on this! Be right back.

 

[jaywarren]

Ok,

error #132 (ox85100084) fatal exception

the memory could not be "read"

access violation at 0023:1027 cec1

if that helps?

 

[ScrewySqrl]

you can usually do better if you build your own. a newegg kit is $301 for a qud core, 4 GB RAM,
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.591512

AMD Athlon II X4 640 Propus 3.0GHz Socket AM3 95W Quad-Core
MSI 880GM-E41 AM3 AMD 880G HDMI Micro ATX AMD Motherboard
G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Desktop Memory Model F3-10666CL9D-4GBRL
Rosewill R519-BK Black Computer Case w/ 500W Power Supply
Seagate Barracuda 7200.12 1TB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Hard drive

Add a SATA DVD Drive for $16.

You have enough left to get an HD5770 for the cost of the PC from Newegg:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814131330

or a HD 6870, for the cost the the PC from Wal-Mart:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102913

although the 6870 runs close to the edge of what that PSU can candle (28A used out of 30 on the 12v Rail), so 'd reccommend a $180 6850
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127548

 

[jaywarren]

I know the best deal is to build one bot I just dont want to take the risk of messing something up and being out the cash. Just dont have the confidence to do it.

All I want is a low cost computer to play Wow. I am ok with add a better card if needed I have done that a few times.

 

[ScrewySqrl]

if you've changed memory or a video card, thats halfway to building your own

 

[jaywarren]

I know you are right, what scares me is installing a OS.I dont know I thing about that.

 

[WR2]

It's really not much different than installing any other software program.
Stick the DVD into the drive and answer a few questions and it starts doing the rest automatically.

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2354687,00.asp

http://www.techtalkz.com/windows-7/514412-windows-7-installation-guide-tutorial.html

http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/11/how-to-install-windows-7-and-live-to-tell-about-it/

 

[jaywarren]

I just ordered the one from newegg. Will try WoW and see if it runs and if I need a better graphics card. If I do and knowing the computer has a 500W power supply am I limited in a better upgrade cards? Thanks again, Jared

 

[WR2]

There are video cards that would need a bigger PSU but those are mostly video cards above $250 or so.