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New computer advice needed
Posted: 01 Nov 2005 06:54 AM |
One for the geeks.
I'm getting really desperate for a new computer, but funds are really tight so the usual sort of leeway where a few quid don't make much difference unfortunately doesn't apply. The essential requirements are 2gb ram and dual core processor, with an ok gfx card.
I've pretty much got most components nailed down, but the choice is as ever between an intel dual core CPU, or an AMD. Now of course I know the AMD one is MUCH faster, especially for games. But the question is will the intel ones do? I'm thinking of the D 820 chip. I'm never going to own something as fast as a 7800 series gfx card, but would the D 820 still be limiting when I'm looking at cards like the X800 XL or GTO? There is a 100 pound difference between the intel and AMD set up, which I'm not interested in paying for a few fps difference. If you think the intel cpu can cut it, how long do you think it would still be passable for games compared to the AMD?
The computer won't primarily be used for game playing, but more development (things like nwn toolset :p) hence the dual core requirement. However once that requirement's out of the way the thing most likely to affect lifespan of the computer is game use. I fully intend to upgrade the gfx card down the line, and even cpu later as well. But it seems both sockets have limited life in them (AMD are moving to M2, Intel only have presler to come on their socket).
Thanks,
kalniel |
For every complex problem there is a solution that's simple, neat and wrong. - Henry Louis Mencken |
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Re: New computer advice needed
Posted: 01 Nov 2005 11:02 AM |
| I wouldn't feel comfortable buying an Intel system. So much money for so little performance. BUt you do what you gotta do :) |
Nevron Tel
Malander
"If we are to survive, a new balance must be found. In normal times, evil would be fought by good. But in times like these, well, it should be fought by another kind of evil." - Chronicles of Riddick |
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Re: New computer advice needed
Posted: 01 Nov 2005 11:33 AM |
((and if anyone can save him any money so that some can go towards buying his girlfriend a Christmas present feel free )) |
Barnas: *coughs up a small gangster*
Barnas: ... I like pretty flowers.
Barnas: I'm not a transvestite! |
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Re: New computer advice needed
Posted: 01 Nov 2005 11:37 AM |
Now that's a hang over from the old days MSM and you know it :p
In the dual core world AMD are the expensive option, Intel are far cheaper :)
That said I'm considering a third tack - I often fall into the trap of trying to future proof my PC before I actually need it. Gamewise I've got all the games I want to play at the moment, and they run ok on my p3 with the 5700 card. What's killing me at the moment are non-game applications...
so I could just keep the 5700 (and slow hdd as well) from my current system and just buy a more barebones AMD setup. Non-gaming performance will leap, and gaming certainly won't be worse for the current games which I can already play. Then when oblivion, NWN2 etc all come out next year I can have a look at the gfx card options then, and I might have more money in the bank too :) |
For every complex problem there is a solution that's simple, neat and wrong. - Henry Louis Mencken |
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Re: New computer advice needed
Posted: 01 Nov 2005 11:40 AM |
((and if anyone can save him any money so that some can go towards buying his girlfriend a Christmas present feel free))
Hmm.. looks like I should go down the third route then and put off the gfx update ;) |
For every complex problem there is a solution that's simple, neat and wrong. - Henry Louis Mencken |
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Re: New computer advice needed
Posted: 01 Nov 2005 01:30 PM |
| Well of course, if something is useless you can't charge a lot of money for it :p |
Nevron Tel
Malander
"If we are to survive, a new balance must be found. In normal times, evil would be fought by good. But in times like these, well, it should be fought by another kind of evil." - Chronicles of Riddick |
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Re: New computer advice needed
Posted: 01 Nov 2005 02:00 PM |
((and if anyone can save him any money so that some can go towards buying his girlfriend a Christmas present feel free))
Hmm.. looks like I should go down the third route then and put off the gfx update ;)
Nah, offer her some hot burning love. The kind of thing that money can't buy. Then with the money you save on the present get a better video card.
See? two birds with one stone. |
Purpose in life: finding better ways of allowing players to kill themselves. Repeatedly.
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"...Cause he mixes it with love
And makes the world taste good."
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<@James42> Lawful good isn't in your vocabulary, it's on your menu.
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Re: New computer advice needed
Posted: 01 Nov 2005 02:08 PM |
| Hot burning love always goes better with jewelry.... |
Trishy
Macha Sparrowsong - Song is my life
Coretta Alandar - Cleric of Midoran
Dekla Debena - whatever
Not all people who wander are lost.
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Re: New computer advice needed
Posted: 01 Nov 2005 02:19 PM |
| Are you suggesting, pearls? |
Purpose in life: finding better ways of allowing players to kill themselves. Repeatedly.
--
"...Cause he mixes it with love
And makes the world taste good."
--
<@James42> Lawful good isn't in your vocabulary, it's on your menu.
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Re: New computer advice needed
Posted: 01 Nov 2005 02:23 PM |
ok, well now..this is way off topic.
Kal,
Memory 1st.
CPU speed is of secondary importance. the difference between a 3.6 and 3.8 cpu is seldom worth paying the huge difference in price for.
If it were me, I'd consider the intel chipsets for stability reasons. yes, I wont get the highest performance, but I will get stability.
In my past experience, the non intel chipsets tend to be less stable, less reliable more often than the intel chipsets.
If you are determined to go for the AMD, then choose a reliable motherboard manufacture to increase your chances that you will get a good board.
- Paul |
Purpose in life: finding better ways of allowing players to kill themselves. Repeatedly.
--
"...Cause he mixes it with love
And makes the world taste good."
--
<@James42> Lawful good isn't in your vocabulary, it's on your menu.
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