Is this Dell set up good for gaming?

[e-coli]

Here's the specs:
Model: Dell XPS8500
Graphics: Nvida GT640
Processor: Intel i7 3770 3.4 GHZ
1 TB SSD

What do you think?

-e-coli

 

[C12Friedman]

I think there are other XPS8500 models that would serve better for gaming - Core i5 processor, better graphics than the GT640 (a GTX card minimum IMO).
What price range are you looking at?
Have you considered building it yourself? We can help there.

 

[e-coli]

Actually yes, I am considering choosing all the parts myself but I think I will only focus on the graphics card for now. BTW my budget for the graphics card alone is $180.
Also to my understanding $180 is more than enough to buy a GTX card but is there any AMD graphics cards you could recommend to me that are the same performance and also about $180.

 

[C12Friedman]

Honestly, my knowledge of graphics cards, especially comparisons and most notably, mid range cards is very limited to say the least. Fortunately, Tom's already has us covered here: http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/gaming-graphics-card-review,3107-7.html
That should help some in deciding which way to go

 

[e-coli]

Thank you again for yet another useful sticky Friedman.

 

[C12Friedman]

Same - nevermind

 

[e-coli]

I think I have pretty much have my heart set on the GTX 640.
Do you happen to have a good knowledge on CPUs, if so could you please give me a bit of your personal advice about it.

 

[C12Friedman]

Cpu's, I can help. Why I say the i5 is preferable for gaming is probably what you are wondering. Here's why - first let me clarify that the i5 is not a better processor but the advantage the i7 brings is through a process called hyper-threading (I will not go into what that does but in a nutshell it allows for more data processing). Gaming (currently) does not take advantage of hyper-threading so, in essence you are paying extra for a technology that won't be used. That's it, one simple difference and a price difference. It just comes down to value, an i7 can be used but... why?

 

[rayner428]

VRAM ? How many gbs?