Comp upgrades anyone?

[Eburk]

Hey everyone, just wondering if I was the only one getting a computer upgrade just for Vanguard. Seems like technology falls out of date so fast nowadays...just got my laptop two years ago and it's craptastic as can be.

I'm getting an Area-51 7500 Alienware computer coming in to around 2,200 dollars (in that range.) I'm getting it on Christmas and I'm extremely excited about it :)

You think I'm spoiled, my dad's getting a flatscreen. I think it's safe to say my mom's gonna be broke after Christmas this year :)

So anyone else upgrading for this up-and-coming MMO?

[Fozzik]

I think lots of people are either going to be upgrading, building, or buying new computers for Vanguard... All us eye candy lovers who want to see this beautiful game in all it's glory.

I scooted your thread down to the hardware forum... check out some of the other threads, and let me know if there's anything I can help with. :D

[Eburk]

One thing I definately want from upgrading to the Alienware is the video card and the LCD monitor. Can't wait.

Thanks for the move, btw. Looked for a tech forum but didn't really think it'd have a wierd name (no offense :P)

[Fozzik]

Oh yeah... the "Fozzik's" part throws a lot of people off. It's that second word that really is the clue... :D

Just giving you a hard time. No big deal.

So what's going to be under the hood of the new rig?

[Eburk]

Here are the tech specs as shown on the website:

Processor: Intel® Pentium® Processor 830 w/ Dual Core Technology 3.0GHz 800MHz FSB
Operating System: Microsoft® Windows® XP Home Edition with Service Pack 2
Warranty: 90-Day AlienCare Toll-Free 24/7 Phone Support
Power Supply: Alienware® Approved 650 Watt ATX 2.0 Power Supply with Active PFC
Chassis: Alienware® Full-Tower Case - Conspiracy Blue
Chassis Upgrades: Standard Cooling
Motherboard: Alienware® nForce™4 SLI™ Intel Edition Chipset Motherboard PCI Express SLI
Graphics Processor: NVIDIA® GeForce™ 6800 GT PCI-E 256MB DDR3
Memory: 1GB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 667MHz - 2 x 512MB
System Drive: High Performance - Serial ATA - 160GB Serial ATA 7,200 RPM w/8MB Cache
Primary CD ROM/DVD ROM: 16x DVD-ROM Drive with Software DVD Decoder
Sound Card: Integrated High-Performance 7.1 Surround Sound with S/PDIF and Coaxial Digital Outputs
Floppy Drive: 3.5" 1.44 MB Floppy Disk Drive - Black
Network Connection: Integrated High Performance Gigabit Ethernet
Monitor: 15" 25ms LCD Display - Black
Keyboard: Microsoft® Multimedia Keyboard - Conspiracy Blue
Mouse: Microsoft® IntelliMouse Explorer 4.0 - USB - Conspiracy Blue
Speakers: Creative Inspire® T3000 2.1 29-Watt Speakers
Alienware Exclusive Offers: Gamespot Complete - Free 90-day Trial (a $20.85 value)
Alienware Exclusive Offers: 10% off your next EB Games online purchase
Cable Management: Alienware® Cable Management System
Free Alienware Mousepad: Free Alienware® Mousepad
Desktop Enhancements: Exclusive AlienGUIse Theme Manager
AlienInspection: AlienInspection - Exclusive Integration and Inspection - $99.99 Value - FREE!
AlienWiring: AlienWiring - Exclusive Internal Wire Management - $99.99 Value - FREE!

EDIT: I found the specs customized to my machine. There they are :)

The only extras I plan to purchase are speakers, a keyboard, and a 15" LCD monitor. For an additional $46 I could get a 17", but I don't think those 2" are worth it.

[Fozzik]

whoops, you edited... so I'll edit. =)

[Fozzik]

You have Windows XP Home edition listed, with a dual-core processor.

Although XP Home should work and recognize the dual-core, you will miss out on a lot of the benefits of dual-core going forward because XP Home does not support multi-threading of individual applications. In other words, programs in the future which are written to take advantage of the two cores won't see any performance increase on that system... they will run as if on a single-core processor.

XP Professional is probably a better way to go, to fully utilize the hardware.

Alienware overcharges quite a bit for monitors... I would say it might be better to buy a monitor separately. If you don't have the budget for a larger flat panel, a 19" CRT will give you great quality and doesn't cost too much (although flat panels are getting pretty darn cheap on the open market these days).

A 15" display is really only something you should look at for a laptop... on a desktop that's just plain small. The native resolution on a 15" flat panel is going to be pretty low, and that video card is basically going to go to waste. Sure, you would be able to crank up the anti-aliasing and game settings A LOT at low res, but I don't think you are going to be very happy with the experience over the long haul. Your video card will shine much better at higher resolutions... and I don't think you would have to spend much more money than you are buying that little thing from Alienware.

Other than that, I would say you might want to read through some of the other threads in this forum, I think it might help you get more performance for the money you're spending.

[Eburk]

Ah...see, I'm not very computer savvy at all. Pretty much like a foreign language to me :). I'm only 15, and haven't too much opportunity to really learn about comps :P

Any additional advice you could offer would really help. So far I see:

-Upgrade to XP Pro
-Bigger monitor (19" CRT maybe? I want a flat panel simply to conserve the limited space I have, but I guess I can make that work.)

I'm off to bed for tonight, but anything you could tell me would be great!

EDIT: Looking at Circuit City's website I'm seeing a few CRT's with 17" at most...they would save me roughly 8 bucks I guess, but I can't find any 19".

[Fozzik]

As far as monitors go, it is going to be harder to find CRTs these days. Like I said, a 19" flat panel shouldn't really cost that much more if you buy it somewhere other than Alienware. I honestly don't know what they are charging for their 17" monitors, and I don't really know how much money would be too much for you or your parents to spend. If you have a Best Buy or CompUSA somewhere near you, check out their websites and see what kind of prices the monitors are running.

As for other advice, if I tried to repeat everything that's been said elsewhere in this forum, this would be a REALLY long post. ;) Browse through and read as much as possible, if you'd like to learn even more I can suggest some other websites to check out. It really just depends on how much you want to get into computer stuff. Like most things in life, there's almost an infinite amount of information available if you really want to learn.

I will say that you should check out AMD processors. Although the Intel dual-core chip that you picked out should work fine, AMD processors are currently MUCH better when it comes to playing games. I'm not sure about Alienware's prices, but you might actually save some money going with an AMD system, and I think the performance could be considerably better. I'll go take a look at Alienware and see what I can scare up.

[Eburk]

Thanks a ton Foz, I appreciate your input :)

EDIT: After messing around on the Alienware site, I checked out two AMD machines. One was significantly more expensive then the other. After going through some upgrades of the other, I realized I could save around 200-400 dollars.

Here are the specs on both:

Cheaper one-
Processor: AMD Athlon™ 64 4000+ with HyperTransport Technology
Operating System: Microsoft® Windows® XP Professional with Service Pack 2
Warranty: 90-Day AlienCare Toll-Free 24/7 Phone Support
Power Supply: Alienware® 460 Watt Max Power Supply
Chassis: Alienware® Full-Tower Case - Conspiracy Blue
Chassis Upgrades: Standard Cooling
Motherboard: Alienware® motherboard based on VIA K8T800 Pro chipset
Graphics Processor: NVIDIA® GeForce™ 6800 GT 256MB DDR3
Memory: 512MB Single Channel Low-Latency DDR PC-3200 at 400MHz - 1 x 512MB
System Drive: High Performance - Serial ATA - 80GB Serial ATA 7,200 RPM w/8MB Cache
Primary CD ROM/DVD ROM: 16x DVD-ROM Drive with Software DVD Decoder
Sound Card: Integrated 5.1 High-Performance Audio with Digital Out
Floppy Drive: 3.5" 1.44 MB Floppy Disk Drive - Black
Network Connection: Integrated High Performance Gigabit Ethernet
Monitor: 19" 12ms LCD Display - Black
Keyboard: Microsoft® Multimedia Keyboard - Conspiracy Blue
Mouse: Microsoft® Basic Optical Mouse Black
Speakers: Logitech® Z-3e 2.1 40-Watt Speakers
Free Alienware Mousepad: Free Alienware® Mousepad
Desktop Enhancements: Exclusive AlienGUIse Theme Manager
AlienInspection: AlienInspection - Exclusive Integration and Inspection - $99.99 Value - FREE!
AlienWiring: AlienWiring - Exclusive Internal Wire Management - $99.99 Value - FREE!

Expensive one-
Processor: AMD Athlon™ 64 X2 3800+ with HyperTransport and Dual Core Technology
Operating System: Microsoft® Windows® XP Professional with Service Pack 2
Warranty: 1-Year AlienCare Toll-Free 24/7 Phone Support with Onsite Service
Power Supply: Alienware® Approved 650 Watt ATX 2.0 Power Supply with Active PFC
Chassis: Alienware® Full-Tower Case - Space Black
Chassis Upgrades: Standard Cooling
Motherboard: Alienware® nForce™4 SLI™ Chipset Motherboard PCI Express
Graphics Processor: NVIDIA® GeForce™ 6800 Ultra PCI-E 256MB DDR3
Memory: 1GB Low-Latency Dual Channel DDR PC-3200 at 400MHz - 2 x 512MB
System Drive: High Performance - Serial ATA - 160GB Serial ATA 7,200 RPM w/8MB Cache
Primary CD ROM/DVD ROM: 16x DVD-ROM Drive with Software DVD Decoder
Secondary CD ROM/DVD ROM: 52x32x52x CD-RW Drive
Sound Card: Creative Sound Blaster® Audigy® 2 ZS High Definition 7.1 Surround Firewire (IEEE® 1394)
Floppy Drive: 3.5" 1.44 MB Floppy Disk Drive - Black
Network Connection: Integrated High Performance Gigabit Ethernet
Monitor: No Monitor
Keyboard: Microsoft® Multimedia Keyboard - Conspiracy Blue
Mouse: Microsoft® IntelliMouse Explorer 4.0 - USB - Conspiracy Blue
Speakers: Creative Inspire® T3000 2.1 29-Watt Speakers
Alienware Exclusive Offers: Gamespot Complete - Free 90-day Trial (a $20.85 value)
Alienware Exclusive Offers: 10% off your next EB Games online purchase
Cable Management: Alienware® Cable Management System
Free Alienware Mousepad: Free Alienware® Mousepad
Desktop Enhancements: Exclusive AlienGUIse Theme Manager
AlienInspection: AlienInspection - Exclusive Integration and Inspection - $99.99 Value - FREE!
AlienWiring: AlienWiring - Exclusive Internal Wire Management - $99.99 Value - FREE!

Both of these are AMD and I was wondering if I'd be better off purchasing either of them? The first listed is included with a 19" monitor.

[Fozzik]

Just looking around for a few minutes, I came up with this...

[1] Aurora™ 7500

Processor: AMD Athlon™ 64 X2 3800+ with HyperTransport and Dual Core Technology
Operating System: Microsoft® Windows® XP Professional with Service Pack 2
Warranty: 1-Year AlienCare Toll-Free 24/7 Phone Support with Onsite Service
Power Supply: Alienware® Approved 650 Watt ATX 2.0 Power Supply with Active PFC
Chassis: Alienware® Full-Tower Case - Space Black
Chassis Upgrades: Standard Cooling
Motherboard: Alienware® nForce™4 SLI™ Chipset Motherboard PCI Express
Graphics Processor: NVIDIA® GeForce™ 7800 GT PCI-E 256MB DDR3
Memory: 1GB Low-Latency Dual Channel DDR PC-3200 at 400MHz - 2 x 512MB
System Drive: High Performance - Serial ATA - 160GB Serial ATA 7,200 RPM w/8MB Cache
Primary CD ROM/DVD ROM: 16x DVD-ROM Drive with Software DVD Decoder
Secondary CD ROM/DVD ROM: 52x32x52x CD-RW Drive
Sound Card: Integrated High-Performance 7.1 Surround Sound with S/PDIF and Coaxial Digital Outputs
Floppy Drive: 3.5" 1.44 MB Floppy Disk Drive - Black
Network Connection: Integrated High Performance Gigabit Ethernet
Monitor: No Monitor
Keyboard: Microsoft® Basic Keyboard Black
Mouse: Microsoft® Basic Optical Mouse Black
Alienware Exclusive Offers: Gamespot Complete - Free 90-day Trial (a $20.85 value)
Alienware Exclusive Offers: 10% off your next EB Games online purchase
Cable Management: Alienware® Cable Management System
Free Alienware Mousepad: Free Alienware® Mousepad
Desktop Enhancements: Exclusive AlienGUIse Theme Manager
AlienInspection: AlienInspection - Exclusive Integration and Inspection - $99.99 Value - FREE!
AlienWiring: AlienWiring - Exclusive Internal Wire Management - $99.99 Value - FREE!

You'll notice it's got a new-gen video card, which will give you some very nice performance in current and future games, along with an AMD dual-core processor, which should really help out with gaming performance now and in the future, while still offerring all the same multi-tasking and other benefits of the chip you picked out. This system came to $2,180 without a monitor.

Over at newegg... you can get a very nice 19" flat panel for about $300. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16824001192

That brings the total cost to about $2,480 before shipping/taxes or whatever. If that's too much, you could drop back to the 6800GT on the video card and save some more. You would lose a bit of performance, especially in future games, but the computer would still be great even with the 6800GT in it.

[Fozzik]

So it looks like you save about $26 by buying the same monitor at newegg (I just saw your new post :D ). I guess Alienware's prices aren't as inflated as I thought they were on some things. :cool:

[Fozzik]

Triple post! :eek: Well, the forum does have my name on it... hehe.

Out of the two systems you configured, the main difference I see is the processor (although we could get into details of sound and optical drives and all that stuff). An Athlon 64 4000+ is a fantastic gaming processor, and will give slightly better game performance right now than the dual core chip (the X2 3800+). They would be very close to each other, though...and I think the benefits of dual-core, especially in the future when games start to be written to take advantage of it, make it the better choice. I'd say go with the Athlon X2 3800+ if you can. Like I said, the 4000+ single-core would not be bad though.

[Eburk]

Haha, okay thanks :)

I'll take your recommendation into serious thought (which means I'll probably buy it :P). I'm going to check out what the price of the 6800GT is, just to see how much the savings really are. If they aren't really significant I'll stick with what you said, and if it's quite significant then I may drop back, not sure. I don't really wanna lose quality, as I want to be able to use this machine for a while now and only have to upgrade instead of buying a brand new computer.

Now it's only a matter of waiting 3 more months to get it >_<

[Fozzik]

Log into AIM if you want to talk more details. :D

I think that system will make you very happy... and honestly, I'm impressed with it. The price is still somewhat reasonable considering what you are getting, and considering they put it together, test it, and give you a warranty.

[Xenvu]

In light of 2 great games coming out soon(Vanguard and Quake 4), I decided to let myself go into debt for a little bit so that I can enjoy these games to the fullest. Here is my custom built system:

Case:Lian-Li PC75b with a blowhole up top for a 120mm fan
Cpu: Amd Athlon64 San Diego 3700+
Ram: OCZ dual channel 1gb pc3200
Mobo: Asus A8N-SLI premium
HD: Seagate 250gb sata 150
Video: Asus Geforce 7800 GTX Top limited ed. (my baby)
Sound: audigy 2
O/S: Windows XP Pro
Monitor: NEC 19' CRT
PSU: PC Power and Cooling 510SLI

This computer runs like a dream and I recently cranked the fear multiplayer demo to max and it runs without a hiccup. I am right now trying to pay off my debt and save for a 2nd video card at the same time. I also found out after I bought my card that it was a limited edition. :( Newegg and Zipzoomfly are both back ordered and monarch wants $600 for it. I think i'm out of luck.

As far as the cost, it set me back a nice $2500 for all this in addition to the software and minor things like floppy/fan controller/fans, etc. One final note, for anyone thinking about getting a 7800gtx but takes one look at the price and says "ouch" do not worry. My brother has a 6800 GT that he paid $350 for and my card was $525. We ran 3dmark and I got a score of 8713 whereas he got 5893. So an extra $200 can give you a 3k point increase in 3dmark. Also in fear, he has some chopping issues if he runs the same settings I use. I really think Vanguard will push the limits of the video cards available today. If you can afford to get the 7800Gtx, I recommend it. Nothing can stop it and I can't wait to get a 2nd one in the near future.