new computer hardware spec recomendations?

[psychlone]

My college laptop isn't cutting it for games anymore, I think this season is when it gets truly obsolete. So... new computer time.

I'm gettin windows xp pro for sure, probably an HP, cuz... I've just always got computers from them. I have a general understanding about computer hardware, but I know there's more knowledgable people out there. So my question to everybody is, what would be best?

I'm not a hardcore gamer, and don't really care to have everything in the highest, fastest setting, but I want something that'll play well and keep up with new games.

So any advice about brand (if it makes any real difference), processor speed, RAM amount and type and graphics card would be appreciated.

Like I said, I don't want the biggest, baddest, most expensive thing, but I want good performance and longevity. (on a 0-10 scale, I'd say I'm looking for a 7 or 8 ).

EDIT: also, what's the deal with 64-bit processors? Are those compatible with the majority of things? There's some new technology I'm not up to speed on.

Thanks for any help you guys can provide.

[Tasselfoot]

RE: new computer hardware spec recomendations?

If you're looking for another laptop, you just can't get the higher end gaming hardware. Decent stuff, but not higher end. Only on a desktop.

Well... I'm sure if you wanted to spend 4-5 grand you could get higher end stuff for a laptop.

[chickendude]

RE: new computer hardware spec recomendations?

Here's my suggestion

keep the laptop

get a desktop for games

desktops are much better for games, and in many cases are cheaper too
you can keep your lappy for non-game related things

[psychlone]

RE: new computer hardware spec recomendations?

my mistake, I meant I was getting a new desktop. Sorry.

Also, What's this "Dual Core Technology"? 2 processors? Does that work with things?

[JurseyRider734]

RE: new computer hardware spec recomendations?

Dell has the XPS Desktops and Laptops out...they're both gaming computers, but with a pricetag. Also, the Dell Inspiron 9300 is pretty good for that stuff, too. It's about 2k.

[tnyhwk900]

RE: new computer hardware spec recomendations?

To answer your last question first, the current Windows XP is a 32 bit operating system. The 64 bit processors run at 32 bits on a 32 bit operating system, but when they run on a 64 bit operating system their performance GREATLY improves. Since you want XP Pro, don't worry about this.

I would suggest against buying an HP. HPs come with so much shit factory installed that it cuts about $100 off of what you paid for performance.

I found a comp on TigerDirect and tweaked it a bit:

http://www.tigerdirect.com/cgi-bin/configInfo.asp?EdpNo=1480771&LineGroup=1

I would get that. It's exactly what you're looking for. This doesn't include anything besides a computer and mouse+keyboard, so look at the page and add monitor, antivirus, etc as you please.

EDIT: Ouch, I just noticed it only has a 350W PSU. You'll want to get a more powerful one if you're planning on gaming. Buy a 450W or better seperately and install it/have it installed, in place of the stock one.

EDIT2: Don't listen to Jurs, Dell's high-end PCs are about $1000 overpriced.

EDIT3(lol): Dual-core processors, being a fairly new technology, are ridiculously expensive and not needed in your case.

[JurseyRider734]

RE: new computer hardware spec recomendations?

tny, that computer is ugly.

Dells are pretty.

[Desert_Eagle]

RE: new computer hardware spec recomendations?

dont you have the time to customize ur own compy? its much better to fit ur needs by adjusting the stuff in ur desktop... unless u dont hav a desktop, nor do u no what to do? im just saying this...

---Desert_Eagle

[tnyhwk900]

RE: new computer hardware spec recomendations?

desert_eagle, shut up.

jurs, go ahead. I personally am not fond of blowing a grand for a pretty case and lesser performance. You could just take the stuff out of the case, buy an INCREDIBLE case for a hundred, and save yourself $900.

[JurseyRider734]

RE: new computer hardware spec recomendations?

Okay, it's not like the stuff is THAT bad...

[Vamps]

RE: new computer hardware spec recomendations?

As soon as i talk to my boyfriend i can get you some brands and stuff if u just want parts for your computer, which i suggest doing. Just get new parts, upgrade, its alot better than buying a whole new computer, you can make it to your own custom specs and everything. Which i need to do desperately because i cant run battlefield 2 or swat 4 --_--. i'll be able to get u the specs in a couple of hours when he gets home from skool and gets on the net

[ramonesfan]

RE: new computer hardware spec recomendations?

I have an XPS woot woot

[psychlone]

RE: new computer hardware spec recomendations?

thanks tnyhwk, you've given me some good info there.

And to clarify again, I currently have an old HP notebook, so I can't just upgrade the graphics card. So that is why I'm getting a new desktop.

It'd help to hear about some brands/parts. Should I go with Nvidia or ATI? What specific card would suit me well, and handle future game graphics better?

Again thanks to everybody to pitches in, peer reviews from people in the know are the most helpful pieces of information.

[Benny1]

RE: new computer hardware spec recomendations?

I've stopped hating dell so much, because it turns out my friend is the reason his computer is litterally dying. He turns it off without letting it save anything, and so many other bad things for it, and he wonders why ie gives him the blue screen of death, he makes it sound like an actual problem he didn't cause, he just blames it on aol and dell.

Get some cheap but decent dell, those are good enough

[tnyhwk900]

Re: RE: new computer hardware spec recomendations?

Get some cheap but decent dell, those are good enough

Goddamnit, I'm going to have to take one out of Anti's book here and say, DON'T TALK IF YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU'RE TALKING ABOUT. A "cheap but decent dell" is NOT GOOD ENOUGH FOR HIM. He wants a 7 or 8, not a 3 or 4. Not a single Dell under two thousand dollars is above a six.

psychlone, I used to think ATI was better but I'm starting to realize it's just too close to call. Either one performs great for what you pay. I'm running a 9600 Pro I got for under 80 bucks, and it handles 3D games like a dream. The one I selected for you in that setup is much better than my card, and it will handle any game on the market today easily. It's PCI Express, the newest interface for video cards, so if you want to upgrade it in a couple of years it will be easy.