Choosing a computer

[MrsFlynn]

I was referring to looking into the cost through a computer shop or parts and compare the XPS for example to a build your own computer that's not from a manufacture like Dell or HP. As some of those types of computers can't be upgraded past a certain point. As Hubby and I have come to find. So we're looking into a BYO computer.

If you're not wanting to bother with building it yourself, you could go with the build it yourself option via whichever manufacture you choose. And then maybe compare that to what a local computer shop would charge to have one put together or may already have put together.

I second what Saltpastillen said. Very good advice!!

MrsFlynn

[Xion]

Seabody i don't know if you already know about this but i will give you my opinion anyways, i'm a tech system student and i think a 2000$ USD Mac isn't worthy if you're only going to play Sims 3 and other games, if you're going to save 2000$ i highly recomend you a mid/high end gaming PC, the parts that you have already in mind are great, actually that's what i'll buy for me in the incoming months, but you have to have in mind that you will (maybe) need another motherboard for that CPU and RAM if your actual one is old, before buying it check the kind of slot it has and check if the CPU slot matches with the one that your motherboard has, if the CPU and motherboard have different slots it will not work and you will have to look up for a new motherboard or a new CPU that matches the slot you have in your motherboard, (I know bit confusing and hard to explain since english isn't my native language). And about RAM you have to check that your actual or upcoming new motherboard supports DDR3 channels and check if it supports 8GB or more memory because if your motherboard doesn't support that or more you will waste your money and the memory left. and i really recomend you to buy a SSD disk to improve system and game loading times but they're bit expensive (At least they're here in my country) and a GPU/graphics card to improve FPS and games speed. Hope it helps

[Seabody]

Yep, knowing me I'd end up frying one of the components, so I think I'd best leave it to the professionals.

I went ahead and asked a local place who build custom gaming rigs. They gave me two quotes, an OK one and a higher end one. The specs were:

OK:
I3 CPU
500GB HDD
4GB RAM
GT620 graphics card

I5 CPU
1TB HDD
8GB RAM
GT630 graphics card

All things considered, I'm thinking of going with the higher end model, perhaps supplementing it with an SSD depending on price, then maybe looking at a better CPU? saltpastillen mentioned that an I5 is still viable, and somewhat better than an I7,  but I'm wondering if it's worth going a little extra? I'm probably going to spend a little extra and get a 23" monitor, which would bring the total (sans modifications) to about $1400 (windows included).

[MrsFlynn]

Hi Seabody,

It'd be worth looking into an I7 CPU. It's a newer processor and will work better than the I5 CPU.

Getting a SSD and a better graphics card is really worth it!! Look at Amazon to compare prices - For example Amazon vs your local shop. Talk to your local shop. See if they'll say, take the parts you buy from Amazon (If Amazon is cheaper) or will price match and put them together for you.

MrsFlynn

[Seabody]

*eurrrgh* zombie topic...

I realize this topic is incredibly old, but since I bought my new PC the other week, I feel I should mention what it is. It's an Alienware x51 (i3 processor). I haven't installed Sims yet (been so busy), but I've managed to installed Minecraft and it peaks at 600 FPS, settling down to about 220 during normal gameplay (even on very intensive worlds like Amplified terrain, for those who play MC).