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-   Video Games (https://www.graalians.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=16)
-   -   Don't buy a gaming computer (https://www.graalians.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1388)

Skill 10-12-2011 12:59 AM
Don't buy a gaming computer
 
Build it yourself. Saves you a lot of money and learning how can prove very useful as you might learn how to fix it yourself.

A common misconception is that building a computer requires years of training and only super nerds can. To be honest, it's just like putting together a color coded puzzle. You buy the parts(gpu, cpu,memory,motherboard,case,cooler, harddrive, etc) and put it together.

The hardest part is choosing the right parts for your budget. The good thing is you can just look at websites for info on what parts are good.

here's a good site:
http://www.build-gaming-computers.com/

callimuc 10-12-2011 01:04 AM
Seems nice ^_^

Cat612 10-12-2011 02:21 AM
I've never actually considered building one, but now that I think about it, it must be a lot cheaper

Shaun 10-12-2011 02:25 AM
Alienware FTW

Dusty 10-12-2011 02:52 AM
Quote:
Posted by Shaun (Post 21418)
Alienware is horribly overpriced.
Fixed.

I built my PC for $300. It's not exactly a gaming PC, but it could still play most games when I built it, including L4D1&2 on full settings. Granted, it was just $300 and I wasn't aiming for a gaming PC, so I ended up being able to do way more than I actually was expecting.

fp4 10-12-2011 02:57 AM
It's a great learning experience.

All you really need is:

1. A Phillips head screwdriver
2. Ability to use Google to solve your problems

I would recommend purchasing a DIY Kit from Newegg:
http://www.newegg.com/Store/MasterCo...=DIY-PC-Combos

A kit like ($300~) this:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboB...752468-_-Combo

Pair it with a $100~ Graphics card of your choice and you've got a pretty decent gaming computer on a budget. Even without the graphics card if you're currently running a 5~ year old OEM computer you'll notice a significant speed difference.

Use alternative means to obtain windows or install a Linux distro (Ubuntu, Fedora, Arch, etc.). Some University/College/Schools might provide MSDNAA access to free and/or cheap Microsoft software as well.

Astram 10-12-2011 04:00 AM
Why not just by a mac, its not the cheapest decision but if you want to play online games, stop being cheap, online gaming is expensive.

Cat612 10-12-2011 04:14 AM
Quote:
Posted by Toad
Why not just by a mac, its not the cheapest decision but if you want to play online games, stop being cheap, online gaming is expensive.
I love Macs

Rexx 10-12-2011 04:24 AM
Quote:
Posted by Toad (Post 21483)
Why not just by a mac, its not the cheapest decision but if you want to play online games, stop being cheap, online gaming is expensive.
A Mac...for gaming?

you're a pretty funny guy

Skill 10-12-2011 04:27 AM
Quote:
Posted by Toad (Post 21483)
Why not just by a mac, its not the cheapest decision but if you want to play online games, stop being cheap, online gaming is expensive.
Macs are the most overpriced computers. Just from buying a windows pc you get the same power for 1/2 the price or better. Not to mention most games don't support macs. Only good thing about macs is they can be more user friendly to people who don't like using computers(more immune to viruses, shiny, different interface)
My $400 laptop handles graphics better than my friends $1500 mac, and mines only like 1 year newer.
@fp4 does that kit even have a cooler O_o

Haro 10-12-2011 04:46 AM
i bought a ****in Acer 4 years ago and stuck in a baller video card. still a scream machine to this day.

funny story about macs. My sister bought one of those imacs with the computer build into the lcd display against my advice a few years back. after about 1 year the thing started getting so loud because of the dust buildup inside. Of course you cant open them up. It eventually overheated and melted down.

fp4 10-12-2011 04:54 AM
Quote:
Posted by Toad (Post 21483)
Why not just by a mac, its not the cheapest decision but if you want to play online games, stop being cheap, online gaming is expensive.
You _can_ be cheap if you want to play online games. A $400 build can play a lot of recent games at playable frame-rates.

If you compare cost of a build you can put together yourself and the cost of a Mac you quickly realize how much more (and limited) Macs really are.

Personally I can't justify the price of a Mac to that of a computer I can buy the parts for and put together myself.

The aesthetics and simplicity of Mac OS, and synergy with other Apple devices are why Mac can charge what they do for their computers.

Although my black Silverstone FT02 case will always be more beautiful in my eyes than any Mac.

Quote:
Posted by Skill (Post 21498)
@fp4 does that kit even have a cooler O_o
Retail processors come with stock cooler/heatsink/fans, unless you're into over-clocking or are obsessed with silence (I am) the stock offering will do fine.

Maikeru 10-12-2011 04:57 AM
Alienware is sh*t compared to most computers...

Buy yourself a regular computer and a copy of norton Internet security.. That's it..

I have a IBM laptop and a copy of norton security... And it works amazing on sonic heroes and typing of the dead..

And building a pc... Really? You sure you wanna take the time to build one.. Rather than purchasing a laptop for 300-700 dollars? Oh and btw, where exactly are you gonna take your so called build pc if you had a vacation?

Laptops ftw suckers!

Haro 10-12-2011 05:09 AM
Quote:
Posted by Maikeru (Post 21515)
Alienware is sh*t compared to most computers...

Buy yourself a regular computer and a copy of norton Internet security.. That's it..

I have a IBM laptop and a copy of norton security... And it works amazing on sonic heroes and typing of the dead..
Ive heard Norton is really bloated and can be a system resource hog. I use AVG.

Quote:
And building a pc... Really? You sure you wanna take the time to build one.. Rather than purchasing a laptop for 300-700 dollars? Oh and btw, where exactly are you gonna take your so called build pc if you had a vacation?

Laptops ftw suckers!
if im on vacation its usually to escape anything technology related anyway.

Jazz 10-12-2011 06:11 AM
OK, i was typing out a response to the mac/laptop stuff in here, but then I noticed Maikeru actually recommended Norton...

With all respect,
http://t.qkme.me/352z5c.jpg

Crono 10-12-2011 04:08 PM
Good site = newegg.com
Not sure about Canadians.

If you're Swedish (which I know no one here but me is) then dustin.se is the way to go if you're a student. Otherwise komplett.se usually has what you need.

Jake 10-12-2011 05:25 PM
Quote:
Posted by Crono (Post 21602)
Good site = newegg.com
Not sure about Canadians.

If you're Swedish (which I know no one here but me is) then dustin.se is the way to go if you're a student. Otherwise komplett.se usually has what you need.
Canadians tend to use NCIX.

The only difficult part of putting my computer together was applying thermal paste, but once you do it once, it's easy. They also make new things that are like little squares that you burn in through regular usage to your computer. They are way more expensive though.

Also, when you buy a computer in parts, you might be unlucky and get a DOA product, remember to always check reviews. My motherboard came DOA. Had to wait two weeks for the replacement.

Dusty 10-12-2011 06:04 PM
Quote:
Posted by Maikeru (Post 21515)
copy of norton Internet security.. That's it..
No. Either use Microsoft Security Essentials and some common sense, or get Avast! Stay the **** away from Norton, McAfee, or any other crappy antivirus trying to milk you for your money and take over your PC at the same time.

Twinny 10-12-2011 06:08 PM
Quote:
Posted by Jake (Post 21614)
The only difficult part of putting my computer together was applying thermal paste, but once you do it once, it's easy. They also make new things that are like little squares that you burn in through regular usage to your computer. They are way more expensive though..
I only had to reapply thermal paste twice. Had some uneven core temperatures but awesome now. All my desktops are custom built with individually selected parts.

I thought this was going to be a thread about the trend for game developers to prioritize consoles over PC and the issues developing for the sheer number of possible combinations of hardware/software from custom rigs (http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news...form-for-Games)

Chaotic 10-12-2011 07:25 PM
Quote:
Posted by Dusty (Post 21427)
Fixed.

I built my PC for $300. It's not exactly a gaming PC, but it could still play most games when I built it, including L4D1&2 on full settings. Granted, it was just $300 and I wasn't aiming for a gaming PC, so I ended up being able to do way more than I actually was expecting.
Can you post a picture of your homemade pc? Want to see what it looks likes.

Jake 10-12-2011 08:03 PM
Quote:
Posted by Twinny (Post 21619)
I only had to reapply thermal paste twice. Had some uneven core temperatures but awesome now. All my desktops are custom built with individually selected parts.

I thought this was going to be a thread about the trend for game developers to prioritize consoles over PC and the issues developing for the sheer number of possible combinations of hardware/software from custom rigs (http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news...form-for-Games)
I haven't had to re-apply it yet.

Note, this was my first time ever attempting to build one. I only had to initially apply it.

Dusty 10-12-2011 08:10 PM
Quote:
Posted by Chaotic (Post 21634)
Can you post a picture of your homemade pc? Want to see what it looks likes.
Dunno why you'd want to see my computer lol. It was a budget build so it's not really gonna be a very appealing case.

http://i.imgur.com/S0MBT.jpg

No pics of the inside because that means I'd have to pull it out, which is kind of a pain with short wires. But if you want that I could go ahead and do it.

TAKACHI 10-12-2011 08:37 PM
i have a part custom built pc (vista) but i mainly play games on my macbook

imp 10-12-2011 09:24 PM
Bilding urown is the way to go.
 
2 Attachment(s)
This is my one, only just bilt it a week ago now. over all you get more for your money if u do it this way. :) i would know i got a Alienware laptop.

MattKan 10-12-2011 09:30 PM
Why is norton so bad?

Dusty 10-12-2011 09:43 PM
Quote:
Posted by MattKan (Post 21663)
Why is norton so bad?
It's not free, it does a horribly crappy job compared to free alternatives, it's a terrible resource hog, it's invasive and takes over your system, and most importantly, a pain to fully remove.

All it takes is to get an OEM computer with Norton on it and you might not be able to install any other virus protection without a headache.

BboyEatsbacon 10-12-2011 10:17 PM
Quote:
Posted by fp4 (Post 21514)
You _can_ be cheap if you want to play online games. A $400 build can play a lot of recent games at playable frame-rates.

If you compare cost of a build you can put together yourself and the cost of a Mac you quickly realize how much more (and limited) Macs really are.

Personally I can't justify the price of a Mac to that of a computer I can buy the parts for and put together myself.

The aesthetics and simplicity of Mac OS, and synergy with other Apple devices are why Mac can charge what they do for their computers.

Although my black Silverstone FT02 case will always be more beautiful in my eyes than any Mac.



Retail processors come with stock cooler/heatsink/fans, unless you're into over-clocking or are obsessed with silence (I am) the stock offering will do fine.
You can always build a Hackintosh. :)

Quote:
Posted by Dusty (Post 21618)
No. Either use Microsoft Security Essentials and some common sense, or get Avast! Stay the **** away from Norton, McAfee, or any other crappy antivirus trying to milk you for your money and take over your PC at the same time.
I think Kaspersky is pretty nice. :o

Jake 10-12-2011 10:38 PM
Common sense as an anti virus master race reporting in.

Rexx 10-13-2011 12:04 AM
Sorry off-topic, but there is no paid anti-virus software that is any better than free software I have downloaded.

I use Avast+ Advanced System Care 4 to keep my laptop tip-top shape

Honestly if you just use common sense, dont click random links or images you should be fine..plus most browsers will sometimes have warnings if you're about to enter a shady site, or at least firefox does.

Crono 10-13-2011 12:07 AM
Quote:
Posted by Jake (Post 21691)
Common sense as an anti virus master race reporting in.
This, for real though. I don't use a virus scanner or any kind of anti virus/spyware/whatever. Every, like, 2-3 months I might pop out MalwareBytes (best program out there) and it'll come up with 0 results.

Dusty 10-13-2011 02:22 AM
Quote:
Posted by Crono (Post 21767)
it'll come up with 0 results.
Lies. There are always "tracing cookies!"

Aeko 10-13-2011 07:58 AM
1 Attachment(s)
since we're posting pictures of rigs too....

AEKOS RIG >:O

<3 it.

On the topic of virus stuff.... norton is awful.

Use Microsoft security essentials for protection, and also use Malwarebytes (schedule it for once a month).
7zip for zipping...poweriso for mounting...imgburn for burning...

And if you play lots of online games, occasionally check to see that you don't have pando media booster running in your processes. If it is, uninstall it :P It eats internet speeds.

Pauli 10-13-2011 03:19 PM
when i would bould my pc by my self than it would take more time, more money...

Pauli 10-13-2011 03:42 PM
Lol i have too the GTX 570
i dont saw if it was a i7 2600k cpu xD

Crono 10-13-2011 04:13 PM
ive had my [email protected] and gtx275 combo for like 2 years now @ 1920x1080 and still dont have a reason to upgrade o.o

Jake 10-13-2011 04:16 PM
Quote:
Posted by P.i (Post 21993)
Lol i have too the GTX 570
i dont saw if it was a i7 2600k cpu xD
i7 980.

i7 2600k can't support triple channel memory

Pauli 10-13-2011 04:16 PM
i have bought a new pc for Battelfield 3 than i will play in the Electronic Sports League :D

Aeko 10-13-2011 05:42 PM
It's to bad bf3 turned out sorta bad compared to 2.

Dusty 10-13-2011 07:24 PM
So many large images... dude, not cool! Next time use the forums attachment option, with [attach] tags, it'll thumbnail them.

Jake 10-14-2011 03:39 AM
Quote:
Posted by Dusty (Post 22036)
So many large images... dude, not cool! Next time use the forums attachment option, with [attach] tags, it'll thumbnail them.
Or these forums could have a proper auto image resize. These forums are vbulletin. The resources for this are readily available.

Just saying.

I only assumed these forums had this feature already, like most do. I was proven wrong though. Oh well.

EDIT:

It would be a good idea to implement this. Now that I know that the forums don't auto resize images, I personally won't post any oversized images, but some stupid person could come and post a ridiculously large image that would cause people to have to scroll down endlessly until an admin/moderator was here to delete it.

Skill 10-14-2011 03:51 AM
my laptop(not built but its what I use most):
2.0ghz dual core
intel hd graphics 3000
4gb memory
surprisingly it has run every game I ever downloaded at a steady framerate, and some even maxed out settings!

Dusty 10-14-2011 05:27 AM
Quote:
Posted by Jake (Post 22252)
Or these forums could have a proper auto image resize. These forums are vbulletin. The resources for this are readily available.

Just saying.

I only assumed these forums had this feature already, like most do. I was proven wrong though. Oh well.

EDIT:

It would be a good idea to implement this. Now that I know that the forums don't auto resize images, I personally won't post any oversized images, but some stupid person could come and post a ridiculously large image that would cause people to have to scroll down endlessly until an admin/moderator was here to delete it.
I just hate how it messes up the layout. Even if it did have an autoresizer, it doesn't actually resize the images. It just zooms them out when they're finished loading. They'd still be large files. Not saying I don't want an autoresizer, but the attachment is there and does all that for you, and makes small thumbnails so we can pick if we want to zoom in(while retaining your large files).

Dusty 10-14-2011 05:29 AM
Quote:
Posted by Skill (Post 22261)
my laptop(not built but its what I use most):
2.0ghz dual core
intel hd graphics 3000
4gb memory
surprisingly it has run every game I ever downloaded at a steady framerate, and some even maxed out settings!
http://i.imgur.com/9uQUTl.jpg

Cat612 10-14-2011 05:29 AM
Quote:
Posted by Skill
my laptop(not built but its what I use most):
2.0ghz dual core
intel hd graphics 3000
4gb memory
surprisingly it has run every game I ever downloaded at a steady framerate, and some even maxed out settings!
What is that orb thing ?

Chaotic 10-14-2011 05:33 AM
A fan

Tricxta 10-14-2011 05:41 AM
Quote:
Posted by Dusty (Post 22281)
nice cooling system lol

Cat612 10-14-2011 05:51 AM
Haha

Maikeru 10-14-2011 05:55 AM
Quote:
Posted by Dusty (Post 22281)
*Turns up the fan. Computer flies up and smashes into ceiling, breaking into a hundred pieces*

Shall we play another round of building blocks sir?

Dusty 10-14-2011 05:58 AM
Quote:
Posted by Tricxta (Post 22290)
nice cooling system lol
Not mines O.o I don't have a laptop.

fp4 10-14-2011 06:05 AM
1 Attachment(s)
This is where I work (and sleep) out of! Computer's that need work/fixing get to sit where the routers are.

Case: Silverstone FT02B.
CPU: E8400 @ Stock 3.0GHz
RAM: 8GB DDR2
Video: Radeon 4870 1 GB w/ Custom Cooler (Looks like this)
OS: Win 7 loaded onto my 120GB SSD

My next upgrade probably won't be for a while but I'm really hoping to get at least a quad monitor setup.


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