Low-end gaming build

[augustfirst]

Hi -- I'm a first-time builder, basically clueless about what I need. Mostly I'd like to build a computer that plays Cities in Motion, a game I have my eye on. Here are the system requirements:

Processor: 2 GHz Dual Core or higher
Memory: 2 GB RAM
Video card: NVIDIA GeForce 8800/ATI Radeon HD 3850 or higher 512 MB RAM, OpenGL 3.0

So, which build (out of the ones listed here at toms) do I need to run it at high settings?

 

[aznshinobi]

My 600$ would handle well for that game and run just fine.

What exactly is your budget. You could check out my siggy for more info.

 

[augustfirst]

600 would be great for me. As a matter of interest, can I substitute a geforce graphics card into your 600 build (I'm a nvidia fan)? And if so, which one?

 

[aznshinobi]

You could sub in the GTX 460 1GB (NOT THE ONES WITH THE SE ANNOTATION), however that'd be kind of meh, because you get worse performance for the same price.
http://www.anandtech.com/bench/Product/291?vs=313
Almost the same, but on avg the 6850 wins by 5%.

150$ AR w/ Promo
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102908&cm_re=6850-_-14-102-908-_-Product

160$ AR
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127551&cm_re=460_1gb-_-14-127-551-_-Product

 

[augustfirst]

So, does anyone have any suggestions for one of the builds listed here at toms? - http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/269162-31-recommended-builds-usage

 

[jedi940]

I would recommend this one. I haven't looked at aznshinobi's $600 build but I imagine it would be quite similar.

Budget: $662.91
CPU: AMD Athlon II X3 450 Rana 3.2GHz Socket AM3 95W Triple-Core Desktop Processor ADX450WFGMBOX
MOBO: ASRock 870 EXTREME3 AM3 AMD 870 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX AMD Motherboard
RAM: G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL7D-4GBRM
HSF: Sunbeam CR-CCTF 120 mm Core-Contact Freezer CPU Cooler W/TX-2 - Retail
HDD: Seagate Barracuda 7200.12 ST3500418AS 500GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive
PSU: Antec EarthWatts EA650 650W Continuous Power ATX12V Ver.2.2 / EPS12V version 2.91 SLI Certified CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified ...
GPU: XFX HD-685X-ZDFC Radeon HD 6850 1GB 256-bit DDR5 PCI Express 2.1 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card with Eyefinity
DVD: LITE-ON Black 24X DVD Writer Black SATA Model iHAS424-98 LightScribe Support - Retail
Case: COOLER MASTER RC-692-KKN3 CM690 II Basic Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
Thermal Compound: Comes with heatsink.

 

[augustfirst]

Thanks!

 

[aznshinobi]

My 600$ build is cheaper than that and you get a Phenom II X4 925 w/ a 6850.

However don't get me wrong that is a solid build nonetheless

In my build you could change out the PSU for future crossfire though.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817171036&cm_re=600w-_-17-171-036-_-Product

 

[augustfirst]

One more quick question -- and sorry if this is redundant but I want to make absolutely sure.

Can I substitute the graphics card on the $792 build -- GIGABYTE GV-N460OC-1GI GeForce GTX 460 -- in to the $662 build (Replacing the XFX HD-685X-ZDFC Radeon HD) or do I need to get the higher-end motherboard?

 

[aznshinobi]

You can, it'd be stupid though because you wouldn't be able to CF in the future as AMD chipset only supports Crossfire. Also Why would you do that when the 6850 performs better already?

 

[augustfirst]

wouldn't be able to CF

What's CF?

I'm trying to avoid radeon because a game I have my eye on has a problem with ATI graphics cards.

 

[aznshinobi]

CF = Crossfire

That's a bs reason not to buy AMD cards. Notice that all the other forum members dismiss that guys comment. The 6850 is 5% better than the 460 in single card or in dual card. Simple as that.

If they're the same price, why not go for the one that is better and that will allow you to future proof.

http://www.anandtech.com/bench/Product/291?vs=313

 

[augustfirst]

It's not quite as simple as all the other forumers dismissing that guy -- if you read the whole thread, some others had similar problems (mostly with 4000 and 5000 series, but I'd rather be sure).

Honestly, I don't care at all about a 5% speed difference. But you mentioned crossfire -- I have no idea what that is. Should I be concerned about the geforce's effect on crossfire for currently-out games?

 

[evotech]

Crossfire is AMD's SLI, aka connect two cards together so they work as one

more complicated then that ofc but you get the gist

 

[aznshinobi]

http://www.minecraftforum.net/viewtopic.php?f=17&t=199746

Crossfire is the dual card configuration for AMD cards. SLI is the dual card configuration for Nvidia cards. Crossfire and SLI would have a HUGE effect on current games if you ever chose to buy another (460 or 6850) card. Granted your only playing Cities in Motion ATM, but later on the CF/SLI would be beneficial.

As for the solution to the problems, upgraded drivers fixes the issue. As you can see in the link I posted above. If you really aren't sure though, just get an Nvidia card.

 

[augustfirst]

Alright, thanks.

 

[aznshinobi]

No problem, Good luck!

 

[augustfirst]

Best answer selected by augustfirst.