Computer Specs, need help

[DarkSideMoon]

well, i figured i should probably get a new computer, and i found this for 450$
1 gig of ram
radeonx200 vid card, ( i will upgrade to something higher, like an x400)
2.6 mhz AMD athelon processor,
and a flatscreen display.


how well could this run BF2?

 

[KathyTX]

What's BF2?

 

[DarkSideMoon]

Battlefield 2 is the sequel to EA games Battlefield 1942. It is based on a fictional war in the future. You are a grunt for either the Chinese, Americans, or Saudis, you can fly airplanes, ride in tanks, and command battleships. It is very fun, and has a huge multiplayer following.
http://www.battlefield.ea.com/BF2MC/about/?lang=us

 

[bicker]

You'll need to up that to at least a Radeon X600, and even with that, you'll just barely satisfy the recommended specifications for the game (according a respected computing mag), so I think you're aiming too low. And even if you could get by with it for now, what about next year? Do you want to buy another computer next year?

 

[oogieboogie]

DH got the Radeon X800 for his just to play BF2. I agree with Bicker, you're going to have to go at least X600.

DS's computer got DH's old card (9800) and it works OK - not the greatest but OK for BF2.

Also, if you really want to have a good system, go for 2GB RAMs instead. That should take care of any future games too.

DH's config: 3.4GHz, 2GB ram, 160GB drive, radeon X800, Audigy 2.

DS's config: 3.0GHz, 2GB ram, 80GB drive, radeon 9800, Audigy 2.

 

[mtblujeans]

Why do you need a HD as big as 160GB? I always thought that a HD over 80 would slow everything down.

I need to buy a laptop for DS to take to college next year and he is an online gamer, too. I have no clue what to get for him....just that he needs a 'good' video card!

....DH's config: 3.4GHz, 2GB ram, 160GB drive, radeon X800, Audigy 2.

DS's config: 3.0GHz, 2GB ram, 80GB drive, radeon 9800, Audigy 2.

And....where did you find a computer with all those big goodies built in??

 

[oogieboogie]

a lot of these games use up quite a bit of space on the drive. He has a 7200 rpm IDE and I'm going to replace it with a Serial ATA one when I get the chance to do it.

I built both computers myself because I really didn't want all the useless doodads that pre-assembled ones come with and this way I know exactly what's in them. Building a computer really isn't that difficult. This is my 3rd built computer in 4 years, and I've only had to update a couple components in there.

Gaming laptops are really expensive. If he's into heavy online gaming like BF2, Call of Duty, Everquest, etc, I would go with a desktop because most laptops you'll find in the regular market will use integrated video cards which isn't really all that great for gaming because it uses part of the memory to run it. If you're serious about getting a laptop for gaming, then you need Alienware - www.alienware.com or Voodoo - www.voodoopc.com - Mind you, these will be expensive.

 

[mtblujeans]

I understand what you mean. He has to live on campus his first year so we thought he would want to leave his computer at home and prefer a lap top....but, what you say is true! I will never buy a computer of any type with integrated parts and we, also, end up deleting or not using some of what comes installed on national brand computers. He has a nice, locally made, computer now that could use some upgrading....hmmmm...what to do, what to do!

I had told him we needed to double the memory by upgrading and I was thinking of looking into a new video card for him. I don't remember what he has now but his computer is going on 2 years old.

 

[DarkSideMoon]

2 gigs is not nessicary, i have played BF2 online on every map on a computer with 512, not even the slightest slowdown. anyway, i really cant spend more then 500, so an alienware is out of the question. i will try to get a better vid card off of ebay, they get pretty cheap there. I reall cant afford to get much more. My current computer has a radeon 7000, 256 megs of ram, and an 80 gig hard drive. I can barely play BF:1942 so i figured i had better upgrade. If i had the money i would build the computer myself, but i get a better deal on packages from places like best buy, and i have little to no room in my budget.


but i agree, if your son likes gaming i would go with a desktop.

 

[mtblujeans]

I understand. DS has 512 and 80GB but I would have to go turn his computer on to see about the video card. He has to play with dial up service right now and he doesn't complain. I imagine I would never get him away from a game when we upgrade to DSL....which I am looking into doing this week or next.

I have not spoken to him about what computer to take with him next year. We both have locally made computers 'cause I did not want any parts integrated so we could upgrade instead of replace.....and the cases are quite large! That is my only concern, really, is that he have the room to take the thing with him!

Thanks, you guys!

 

[DarkSideMoon]

my advice- get upgrades for his current computer, and DSL... he will love you for DSL.

 

[mtblujeans]

my advice- get upgrades for his current computer, and DSL... he will love you for DSL.

Oh, I would imagine I would get a bear hug out of the DSL alone!! I'll double his memory and take a look at his video card. I have been leary of getting any computer components on ebay....but, you think that is an ok place to pick something up?

 

[DarkSideMoon]

it depends, look at the seller rating and get shipping and buyers protection just to be sure.

oh, and with DSL if he gave you a bear hug based on how happy he was, watch out, you might get your vital organs crushed.....

 

[oogieboogie]

I usually just buy my computer components from Newegg. It's peace of mind for me especially since I had some items that were defective before, I like knowing I can get an RMA and get a new one sent immediately.

I'm sure there are some great sellers on Ebay, I'm just one that's still leary of buying fragile computer items from there.

 

[ladycollector]

You might want to look through this link:

http://blackfriday.gottadeal.com/Sales/Category/computers

These are sales for Black Friday (Nov. 25). They usually have great deals but you have to get in line early to snag some of them. I don't know a lot about gaming computers but you might find something that interests you. There are 6 pages of computer stuff in the link. Good luck! If you have any questions (about BF and when to get in line..) let me know.

 

[DarkSideMoon]

I usually just buy my computer components from Newegg. It's peace of mind for me especially since I had some items that were defective before, I like knowing I can get an RMA and get a new one sent immediately.

I'm sure there are some great sellers on Ebay, I'm just one that's still leary of buying fragile computer items from there.

i totally get where you are coming from, i am a little leary also, but i think i will because thats the only way i will get the vid card in need.

 

[mtblujeans]

Interesting....thanks for the link! I'll take a look and see what they have listed!

I have heard of Newegg, I think. Or, was it Eggheads or somesuch thing!?? I will take at look at them, too!

Thanks everyone!

 

[mtblujeans]

....oh, and with DSL if he gave you a bear hug based on how happy he was, watch out, you might get your vital organs crushed.....

I missed this last night.....you are right, I'll have to watch out! He's alot bigger than me!!

 

[mtblujeans]

I usually just buy my computer components from Newegg. It's peace of mind for me especially since I had some items that were defective before, I like knowing I can get an RMA and get a new one sent immediately.

I'm sure there are some great sellers on Ebay, I'm just one that's still leary of buying fragile computer items from there.

Oh, I like the look of everything at Newegg....but, I have another question! This page with the video cards.....too many choices! I am confused as to what to put in there to come up with the right card option!!

 

[DarkSideMoon]

how much are you looking to spend? and what type of video card port does he have?