Building/Upgrading a PC for TS2
songsmith:
*Computer Illiterate Alert*
We were going to wait until Vista came out, but it looks like our video card on our Del lDimension 4600 is dying. Rather than just replace that, we decided to buy the new machine now. Problem is, we've had this one since 2000 and I am way out of the loop for what's needed. We upgraded the Dell to 2 Gig RAM, but we're running on an old Sound Blaster 5.1 Live Audio card and an NVidia GEForce FX 5200. Ancient, huh? I need to come out of the stone age, but I don't know where to start. I read the previous posts, but most of it is completely over my head (see first line above).
Obviously, I want my machine to play the Sims. We also picked up Oblivion. This antiquated machine has never been able to run it, so we definitely want a new machine to do so!
I want to stay away from Dell and Gateway if at all possible. Problem is, I'm not sure what manufacturers are out there that are good. I thought maybe HP? We lack the know-how to put a machine together on our own, so we need to rely on a manufacturer. Is there a place that will build a machine for you if I ordered a motherboard and everything else separately? Did I even say that right?
Thanks in advance.
KatEnigma:
We like HP here, for pre-fab machines. They are also less expensive than Dell for anything other than your absolutely basic machine, which you don't want anyway. You can either order on-line or buy from Circuit City, Best Buy, etc. Circuit City always has some good deals going on HP's.
Since you can't choose things like your motherboard or case on a computer like that, your 3 main concerns need to be Processor, RAM, and Video Card. Especially since all new machines come with 100+ GB Hard Drives.
For a processor, I prefer a dual core, that means either an Intel Core 2 Duo or an AMD X2. I like AMD's, but it's not like Intel processors are bad, it's just personal preference. If you can only afford a single core, just remember to avoid an AMD Sempron or an Intel Celeron processor like the plague. ;D
For RAM, well you already know that at least 2 GB is best. LOL
For video cards, most pre-fab machines come with integrated ones but the new machines usually have PCI-E slots. What I would do is get one with the fastest processor and most RAM I could find, never mind about the stock card, and then replace it with an ATI Radeon X1-something. Although, if you order from HP.Com, you can customize the d4650e to include an X1600 XT. I only suggest ATI over Nvidia because there have been soooooo many problems with TS2 and Nvidia drivers over the last year. Given a fresh choice, save yourself headaches and go with ATI.
If you want to have one built, it's easy enough to have done. CompUsa, for instance, will build it for free if you buy all the parts from them. Monarchcomputers.com charges a flat fee for it, which isn't overly expensive. If you go that route, I highly suggest paying the extra money for a Raptor 10,000 RPM Hard Drive. They are small, but you can always add a huge regular 7200 one for cheap, for storing data. The faster hard drive has made a world of difference in how quickly my game loads or Sims change clothes or buy clothes, change appearances, etc. Especially with my zillion downloads. If you go that route, I'd also suggest going to someplace like CompUsa, where you can talk to live people who can help you make the decisions. The only extra thing you'd need to insist on is at least a 450w power supply. I use the 520w OCZ power supply, and the design on it alone has lowered my system temperature by 10ºC. OCZ also makes the least expensive RAM AND the RAM with the lowest latencies (so it reacts faster, making for a smoother gameplay) and their customer service is spectacular, so don't think you have to stick with Crucial or someone else expensive just to get RAM you can rely on.
Hegelian:
Yes, HP/Compaq is a reliable manufacturer, and competitively priced at the moment. You can customize a PC on their Web site or buy a pre-configured system from a place like Newegg. Or you could try one of the boutique builders—Falcon Northwest has some interesting options.
Buying components at retail and then paying someone to assemble the machine will not be cost-effective. Few of the parts in your current machine would be useable if you buy a new motherboard. However, there are independent local PC builders in many towns, and since they use the same standard parts you would buy yourself from Newegg, they aren't really a risk, although they might not be able to match the prices of a big operation like HP which buys components in enormous quantities at a substantial discount.
Quote from: katenigma on 2006 September 29, 01:41:47
For a processor, I prefer a dual core, that means either an Intel Core 2 Duo or an AMD X2. I like AMD's, but it's not like Intel processors are bad, it's just personal preference. If you can only afford a single core, just remember to avoid an AMD Sempron or an Intel Celeron processor like the plague. ;D
To date, the new Core 2 CPUs are outperforming by a wide margin anything from AMD in any given price category. This may change over the next 12 months, but for now Intel is once again the big dog in town.
KatEnigma:
Quote from: Hegelian on 2006 September 29, 01:47:27
Quote from: katenigma on 2006 September 29, 01:41:47
For a processor, I prefer a dual core, that means either an Intel Core 2 Duo or an AMD X2. I like AMD's, but it's not like Intel processors are bad, it's just personal preference. If you can only afford a single core, just remember to avoid an AMD Sempron or an Intel Celeron processor like the plague. ;D
To date, the new Core 2 CPUs are outperforming by a wide margin anything from AMD in any given price category. This may change over the next 12 months, but for now Intel is once again the big dog in town.
I'm still brand loyal. Easy to be, I suppose, when I'm not personally in the market for a processor, except maybe to replace my socket 939 3800 with the 4800 while I can find one ;) AMD was good to me for too many years to abandom them as soon as Intel finally figures out how to produce a fast processor at a reasonable price. :D
DrBeast:
Quote from: SpaceDoll on 2006 September 27, 11:51:30
Now that my card and memory are in, the Sims is beautiful! It is truly amazing how fast everything is now. The Neighborhood screen, in particular, is whiplash inducing. I hit the arrows and whoosh, zoom, there it all was. And in the house there is no more freezing, even with everything on high, even smoothing. I never could adjust smoothing before. And there is no pause when changing floors, which before I hadn't even really noticed. Thanks Hegelian, Dr. Beast, KittKitt and everyone else for all your help! :D
Heh, if you're this surprised (and pleased) with the results of this (mediocre, truth be told) upgrade, wait till you get to play the game on your new rig! ;)
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