Thoughts on a new computer.

[ima_from_America]

If you haven't already seen my system specifications, my computer SUCKS. I can't run many games made after 2002, and it's going to kick the bucket pretty soon.
I'm looking for a good rig that's within my price range ($0-$900), and so far the one I'm looking at is the custom-made Gamer Paladin 515-SLI with the lowest configurations. Any suggestions would be nice.

Link: http://www.ibuypower.com/ibp/store/configurator.aspx?mid=97

[InnerGoat]

2 1GB 8600GT? Go put a single 9600GT or 8800GT 512 in there.

[Mr Buckshot]

Don't buy from stores like iBuypower. Although it's cheaper than most retailers, it's still more expensive than building your own PC. Plus, I've heard horror stories about iBuypower's customer service - let's just say that if you order a PC and something isn't right, you'll lose your sanity over trying to get in touch with their nonexistent customer service to resolve the issue.

Dual SLI'ed Geforce 8600GT's are NOT ideal. They have pretty good gaming performance, but their performance-to-price ratio is tiny. Go with ONE 8600, not two, if you want a budget rig. Two cards won't improve performance by more than 40%.

For the equivalent of $950 USD, a little over your budget, I could build a PC with a Geforce 9600 GT. I live in Canada so I am unable to use many of the American online PC parts retailers (notice I said parts, not entire PCs), but even over here building a PC saves money.

Delete that iBuypower profile and go to www.newegg.com for a spin.

[Random]

Build a new one, my comp can run crysis well on high and any other game out and I cost 1000 dollars. That was a year ago so things have already changed greatly. Its possible, just do your homework and people here or at gearbox will help you (They showed me a cheaper and faster processor of the same make, core 2 duo E6750 instead of a E6600)

[Mr Buckshot]

Yeah, if you need help with improving your tech knowledge, we're all happy to respond. Don't be afraid to ask - just quit any ideas of buying from iBuypower and start building. Feel free to make a thread specifically for building advice if you wish.

[InnerGoat]

Dual SLI'ed Geforce 8600GT's are NOT ideal. They have pretty good gaming performance, but their performance-to-price ratio is tiny. Go with ONE 8600, not two, if you want a budget rig. Two cards won't improve performance by more than 40%.

For the equivalent of $950 USD, a little over your budget, I could build a PC with a Geforce 9600 GT. I live in Canada so I am unable to use many of the American online PC parts retailers (notice I said parts, not entire PCs), but even over here building a PC saves money.

Delete that iBuypower profile and go to www.newegg.com for a spin.
selecting the 9600GT 512 takes 20 off the price actually, but yes building it yourself from newegg or other places will get you a better rig.

[ima_from_America]

Sorry about the bump, but I've been searching on Newegg and found this:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883229003

I've looked at the reviews, and the only issue seems to be that the audio connections can be a bit iffy. Overall, people say it's pretty good for running semi-new to older games, which is pretty much what I'll be using it for anyway.

[Amit]

It looks somewhat decent but you're going to need to upgrade that 8600GT by the end of the year.

[paladin]

Decent but I agree with buckshot. Newegg all the way.

[Warsaw]

It looks somewhat decent but you're going to need to upgrade that 8600GT by the end of the year month.

Fixed.

The rest of that PC looks decent, though that CPU might hold you back a little bit. Also, a sound card would be a good idea. Massive difference over integrated.

[Amit]

Fixed.

The rest of that PC looks decent, though that CPU might hold you back a little bit. Also, a sound card would be a good idea. Massive difference over integrated.

I was going to use the word month but I don't think that the new generation of video cards will render his card obsolete. There aren't many games coming out just yet that will, literally, require him to upgrade.

[ima_from_America]

Hence me saying:

Overall, people say it's pretty good for running semi-new to older games, which is pretty much what I'll be using it for anyway.

[ima_from_America]

Sorry about the bump, but I've been searching on Newegg and found this:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883229003

I've looked at the reviews, and the only issue seems to be that the audio connections can be a bit iffy. Overall, people say it's pretty good for running semi-new to older games, which is pretty much what I'll be using it for anyway.

*bump*

Alright, since I've been saving up for a while, and they've discontinued that item, I've found another pre-built computer from the same company on Newegg.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883229012R

Since I'm partially deaf, integrated audio is fine with me.

[StankBacon]

thats an open box item.

The pictures shown are from the NEW version of this item. If you purchase this Open box product you will receive an OEM BAREBONE, meaning it is just the item itself. Accessory items are NOT INCLUDED with Open box products. Accessories are shown in the pictures so that customers will know what is missing from the item.

if you insist on getting a pre built comp, don't buy and open box.

[Dwood]

*bump*


http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883229012R



I know this goes against everything you've been told but since you've had time to save purchase the following:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814143071

Why?

because the Vast majority of cheap 8600's are simply downgraded versions of the above. Why would you want something that's been out for 2 "series/generations"? Because it is higher quality and ready for newer physical interfaces with the motherboards of today than those 8600s are.

In fact, it uses features in older games which have been removed from the 8x and 9x series (see:Halo blood (whatever you call that)) While still providing the same and yet more power and possibility.

(If I remember right, the 7950 has very good price to performance ratio in SLI)

Just comment to us and I bet we could get you good parts at a decent price lol.

Also, don't forget to find some brick and mortar stores near you! You never know what they hold in store for you!

[ima_from_America]

Uh, It's an 8800 GT. Not an 8600.
Also, I'm not trying to melt my PC.