Is this a good computer?

[larasfrend]

Hi guys,

I'm planning on buying a new computer soon and I basically want something powerful, that can handle the latest games well. (Read: play TR:U on max. graphics).
I was sent a list of specifications, however, I really don't know much about computers let alone what the latest games/graphics require. I was hoping someone could maybe tell me if the list is appropriate/good enough.

Thanks in advance to anyone willing to help!

Here it is:

Coolermaster Elite 330
ASUS P5E,s775
Intel Quadcore Q6600
Corsair 4096MB, DDR (2x 2 GB)
WD 1TB GP SATA II
DVD-RW SATA
ASUS EN8800GTS/HTDP, 512 MB
Windows XP PRO

(And is it advisable to opt for windows xp or vista?)

Thanks once again!

[TRF]

What is the graphics card showed in this thread???
I can't find it...

Or is it the "Inter Quadcore Q6600????

[spikejones]

ASUS P5E (http://www.asus.com/products.aspx?l1=3&l2=11&l3=572&l4=0&model=1873&modelmenu=1) <--- what you are looking at

ASUS P5N32-E SLI (http://www.asus.com/products.aspx?l1=3&l2=11&l3=397&l4=0&model=1459&modelmenu=1)

BTW, intel Q6600 is the processor! Quad-core @ 2.4GHz per core...
ASUS EN8800GTS/HTDP, 512 MB is the video card. Its the ASUS name for the Nvidia GeForce 8800GTS

If you want gaming performance, stick with XP.

I find it odd that they are giving you an Nvidia gaphics card for a mother board which supports AMD/ATI cross fire technology. If you were to go with that setup and wanted dual graphics cards, you'd need to buy two new ATI crossfire capable cards. On the other hand, the second board that I linked supports the Nvidia SLI configuration. Depends on what way you want to go with your graphics...

[larasfrend]

ASUS P5E (http://www.asus.com/products.aspx?l1=3&l2=11&l3=572&l4=0&model=1873&modelmenu=1) <--- what you are looking at

ASUS P5N32-E SLI (http://www.asus.com/products.aspx?l1=3&l2=11&l3=397&l4=0&model=1459&modelmenu=1)

BTW, intel Q6600 is the processor! Quad-core @ 2.4GHz per core...
ASUS EN8800GTS/HTDP, 512 MB is the video card. Its the ASUS name for the Nvidia GeForce 8800GTS

If you want gaming performance, stick with XP.

I find it odd that they are giving you an Nvidia gaphics card for a mother board which supports AMD/ATI cross fire technology. If you were to go with that setup and wanted dual graphics cards, you'd need to buy two new ATI crossfire capable cards. On the other hand, the second board that I linked supports the Nvidia SLI configuration. Depends on what way you want to go with your graphics...

I'm so sorry, but what do you mean with 'what way you want to go with your graphics'?
So you're saying I should replace what I have with the second option? Will it not perform well?

[spikejones]

the board you are getting is a damn good one in terms of FSB speed, CPU support, and memory speed supported. It can be over-clocked above normal specs as well. You will be fine using a single video card of your choosing. What I was stating is that if you ever decide you want to go with a multi GPU setup, the board you talk about getting uses the ATI crossfire setup for dual GPU's, which will only work with ATI cards. BUT, you are getting an Nvidia card:confused:

So, what I meant was which way do you want to go with your graphics:
>single card
>dual ATI cards
>dual Nvidia cards


Edit: it would also be nice to know some more specs on the memory you are getting. What speed are they?

[EscondeR]

My advice will be: from that config you have posted change the HDD to Seagate one.

[larasfrend]

I'm afraid what I've posted is the extent of information they've given me and if it wasn't apparent already, my knowledge of computers is somewhat limited. :p What do YOU think is the best option out of the three?

>single card
>dual ATI cards
>dual Nvidia cards

Is what I listed a 'single card'?

Is 'seagate' a lot more efficient than sata?

My most sincere apologies on my tiresome lack of knowledge on this front... Please bear with me, I don't mean to try your patience.

[EscondeR]

1. The one you posted is a single card.
"Best" choice is 2 NVidia cards if you really need SLI, but in your case better buy NVidia 9800GTX card (almost the same price).

2. Seagate is the brand name :p not data transferring standard (Seagate has SATA and PATA HDDs, but IMO they are much better than Western Digital (WD)).

[larasfrend]

OK thank you :p I'll get on the phone to my computer people on Monday with the updated specs!

I know this isn't really possible to say, but do you think it'll be powerful enough to play TR:U with its graphics on full? And I assume I can play Legend with its Next Gen graphics on full...

[raiderfun]

Sure, sure , your PC config is powerful and will probably let you play TRU at full settings :tmb: But If you want to enjoy more performances, you can always take a pair of 8800 GTS 512 in SLI, thus performances will be better than a single 9800 GX2 :)

[EscondeR]

Don't know about SLI support in TRU yet, but to be totally honest with you: if you go for SLI pair, prepare to have/fight some glitches in older games.

[larasfrend]

OK so am I right in understanding that raiderfun is recommending a pair of 8800 GTS 512 in SLI and EscondeR is advising against it, saying I should go for the one Nvidia 9800 GX2?

Which option is better, cos it now seems I have two conflicting recommendations... :p

[EscondeR]

If you're not supposed to run older games often, then go for a SLI pair as Raiderfun recommends. But if you want to be able to run most of older games glitchless go for 9800GTX instead.

BTW, my personal opinion, while gaming you won't notice a considerable performance increase with a SLI pair over 9800GTX :rolleyes: