Buying a desktop

[nightwolf]

Right, well I need a desktop computer for university, it's game design, so it's gotta be pretty decent imo.

 

However, I'm not really sure what I should be looking for, I mean what graphics card should I need? Whats a good processor? Bare in mind I will need it for games/photoshop/internet/msn/fireworks etc oh and a ton of music.

 

Currently the only things I'm really aware of is getting 3/4gb of ram etc the basic things, but I'm abit unsure on graphics/processors etc that pc's from say comet/curries may have (unfortunetly my parents know less than I do).

 

I also need opinions on dell, my mum has been told they are ok to buy and is thinking of getting me one? Although people I have been talking to have said not to bother?

 

Any help would be fantastic so I can start looking properly.

[Wesley]

I bought a pretty decent setup a few months ago for my Games Design degree, too! *high five*

 

Considering 3D design apps will be used as well as what you listed - plus playing awesome games - a decent set-up is, in my opinion too, important.

 

Custom built though... you may wanna check out the old thread. Or are you only after a already built one? You'd save money building it yourself...

[nightwolf]

I don't actually want it custom built, I just want to know what to look out for when going to buy a pre-built one . I know it'd be cheaper for me to build it, but 1. I'm not that confident and 2. my parents are buying it, but will let me pick the one I wish to have.

[Shorty]

As processors go you want at least a Core 2 Duo or Quad. Check out http://www.pcspecialist.co.uk and http://www.oc.uk they both do very good bundes or build-your-own type things. I got my PC from pcspecialist and they're very good, only negative thing I have to say is the delivery speed (about 2 weeks IIRC)

 

Dell make good high end gaming PCs and laptops but otherwise they're far from the best these days.

 

What kind of games are you going to be playing? You can run photoshop/fireworks without a fancy card but if you might need to get a decent one for 3D design? Well it depends if you're going to want to play something like Crysis too... I don't know much about graphics cards (I'm still running on a 7600GT) but other people around here do

 

As you said you want 4GB of RAM, good RAM, like Corsair, too. If you use wireless, can I suggest you don't go for a budget wifi card, I made that mistake and it's annoying. Storage... when you're a designer you can use a lot of space so you might want a hefty-sized SATA2 Hard Disk in there. Cooling and power you don't have to worry about when you buy pre-built cos any decent place will make sure its enough.

[nightwolf]

Ah, ta shorty. I'll probably have to buy from comet/curries as stated unfortunetly, unless I can coax them to somewhere else.

 

It's good to know dell aren't that bad, considering.

 

Games wise it will more than likely be things similar to wow, crysis is probably the higher end, but I definately want it to run things similar to wow without too much trouble.

 

I know, with this laptop I can run both, but I have to close everything down, I just want both to run without having to wait half an hour for them to load :P.

[Wesley]

Looking at the recommended requirements for the 3D design programs will probably be a good guide because - in terms of processer and RAM - they'll probably be the most demanding things you'll be using.

[nightwolf]

Probably, any idea on graphics card guys?

 

I know intel 2 core was what my mum was looking at originally for processor and we both agreed on ram needing to be at least 3..

 

But ask us about graphics cards...zilch.

[MoogleViper]

I also need opinions on dell, my mum has been told they are ok to buy and is thinking of getting me one? Although people I have been talking to have said not to bother?

 

If you can get one really cheaply then they are ok. Two PCs of similar specs, one of them being Dell, then the Dell will probably be worse as they use cheap parts. But if it is a lot cheaper then they are ok.

 

But if you want to upgrade or overclock then steer clear of Dell. Better of getting a custom built for that.

 

You said you don't want a custom build but have you thought about getting a mobo pack?

[nightwolf]

You said you don't want a custom build but have you thought about getting a mobo pack?

 

I'm not the brightest crayon in the box, so you may have to explain that one to me.

 

[MoogleViper]

I'm not the brightest crayon in the box, so you may have to explain that one to me.

 

 

Well with a custom build you have to choose all of the parts yourself, and there may be compatibility issues, not to mention the time and effort of choosing the right parts. However a mobo pack has everything you would need for your computer, except it hasn't been built yet. Think of it as the IKEA of computers. You get all of the stuff in one bundle, and you know it will be compatible.

[nightwolf]

Well with a custom build you have to choose all of the parts yourself, and there may be compatibility issues, not to mention the time and effort of choosing the right parts. However a mobo pack has everything you would need for your computer, except it hasn't been built yet. Think of it as the IKEA of computers. You get all of the stuff in one bundle, and you know it will be compatible.

 

Sounds like a good idea, ideally I'd love to do something like that, but my parents just want to buy me a pre-built and that's the end of it.

 

I just want to know decent parts for things so I don't end up with a really bad pre-built pc, I can always change parts later on if needs be.

[MoogleViper]

Sounds like a good idea, ideally I'd love to do something like that, but my parents just want to buy me a pre-built and that's the end of it.

 

I just want to know decent parts for things so I don't end up with a really bad pre-built pc, I can always change parts later on if needs be.

 

Like I said about Dells they, and other mass produced pcs, don't upgrade well.

 

Have you thought about PC builders or whatever the name is? You choose the parts and then they custom build it themselves for you. It's usually a similar price to pre-builts but better quality.

 

And ask R_A about mobo packs if you want to know more. She knows a few good sites.

[nightwolf]

Like I said about Dells they, and other mass produced pcs, don't upgrade well.

 

Have you thought about PC builders or whatever the name is? You choose the parts and then they custom build it themselves for you. It's usually a similar price to pre-builts but better quality.

 

And ask R_A about mobo packs if you want to know more. She knows a few good sites.

 

 

The problem is which I will say again, is my parents are buying this thing, except I get to chose which one, it has to really be from somewhere like comet and curries for them to buy it me, as unfortunate as it is, I'd love to buy it all and build it, but that's not what my parents want me doing

 

I just want an idea of good graphics/processor etc, not how to build or what packs to buy. As much as I appreciate it, there's no use giving me advice that I can't really use.

 

[MoogleViper]

The problem is which I will say again, is my parents are buying this thing, except I get to chose which one, it has to really be from somewhere like comet and curries for them to buy it me, as unfortunate as it is, I'd love to buy it all and build it, but that's not what my parents want me doing

 

I just want an idea of good graphics/processor etc, not how to build or what packs to buy. As much as I appreciate it, there's no use giving me advice that I can't really use.

 

 

Okey dokey. Does it have to be one of those retailers or is somwhere like Ebuyer an option?

 

What is your budget anyway?

[nightwolf]

It has to be somewhere similar to comet ideally, I'm not after people looking for a pc for me, I just want to know what a good graphics etc is and whats bad. So when I personally go looking I know what to go and look for.

[MoogleViper]

For graphics cards maybe something like the Nvidia Geforce 8800GTX.

 

As for processors if you have lots of moolah to spend than a quad core. If not then a core 2 duo. Something like 2.4ghz or above.

[nightwolf]

Ah ^_^!, Ok that's a nice start, I was look at intel 2 core ones, silly question but dedicated graphics?

 

I was looking at it realised I had no idea what it meant..Bigger = better?

[Raining_again]

And ask R_A about mobo packs if you want to know more. She knows a few good sites.

 

That R_A gal knows her stuffs

 

As for recommended specs/models:

 

Processor - Intel dual cores (as mentioned before) are generally a-go. I have an e6750 (just over the hundred mark afaik) Its a really good chip. I would generally avoid AMD processors atm, last time I looked into it AMD's weren't as bang for buck as intels seems to be. If you can get quad go for it, dunno how pricey they are atm.

 

ram - tbh I think speed is more important than size. IE 2gb faster ram > 3gb of slower ram. Generally speaking you don't really get much of a choice with prebuilts in terms of ram speed. (but its a very easy thing to upgrade in the future if you take note of your motherboard.) So really 2/3 gb would be adequate. I'm assuming vista will be the OS, in which case I'd be leaning towards the 3gb.

 

Graphics can be a bit complicated.. I imagine the 8800 series has fallen a bit in the past while. What I would advise is to buy one without a graphics card and buy one off e-buyer or any online retailer (if you can convince the rentals ofc!) And i'm sure many people here can advise you with specific ones to buy.

 

HDD - SATA tends to be standard really. 500-1tb would be advisable. You can always buy a smaller one to start off and add another one for a lot cheaper again.

 

Any budget in particular? I see this one on Currys that looks pretty decent. The only thing is I can't seem to find any with decent graphics cards!

 

Oh and @ the dell thing, I have a dell laptop, and use dell PC's at work. I don't find them to be any better or worse than any other PC.

 

Ideally you should build it yourself, but I know how antsy parents can be about things they don't understand when it comes to paying money. Good luck with your search and hit me on msn if you need a hand, or more specifics.

 

 

/essay!

 

EDIT

Ah ^_^!, Ok that's a nice start, I was look at intel 2 core ones, silly question but dedicated graphics?

 

Integrated = fail, dedicated = win.

 

Integrated steals from the ram, dedicated cards have their own ram built in, basically.

[nightwolf]

R_A = legend, ^_^ this is exactly the kinda info I wanted!

 

The 3gb is the exact reason you stated, it'll have to have vista unless I take it off and later place xp on it. I'd rather not, not buy a graphics card as I'm abit wary about putting it in myself and want it there asap! Although it's definately something to think about!

 

The one at currys does look pretty damn good! For alot cheaper than I expect, bit iffy about the graphics card, I may just have to put up with buying a not so good one and find somebody to change it for me, the problem is even if I'm told what to do I'll probably break it or do it wrong..

 

Thanks for the advice ^_^, as well as to the rest of you

[Raining_again]

R_A = legend, ^_^ this is exactly the kinda info I wanted!

 

The 3gb is the exact reason you stated, it'll have to have vista unless I take it off and later place xp on it. I'd rather not, not buy a graphics card as I'm abit wary about putting it in myself and want it there asap! Although it's definately something to think about!

 

The one at currys does look pretty damn good! For alot cheaper than I expect, bit iffy about the graphics card, I may just have to put up with buying a not so good one and find somebody to change it for me, the problem is even if I'm told what to do I'll probably break it or do it wrong..

 

Thanks for the advice ^_^, as well as to the rest of you

 

 

get vista for the time being, you can always consider alternatives, dual booting or whatever later =D

 

I imagine all the new games are being programmed with vista in mind, so it will do the job.

[DCK]

Tough one really, it's a really demanding thing you're asking from your PC.

 

For the processor, you should go for a quad core. The Core 2 Quad Q9450 should do best, but you should go for a Q6600 if it's too expensive.

 

For RAM, you should get at least 4 GB. Make sure you get either DDR3 memory or 1066 MHz DDR2. Kind of depends what fits with your mainboard.

 

For game design, memory bandwidth matters a lot. Either buy a higher end Quadro or a GeForce GTX 260/280, or (cheaper) a Geforce 8800GTX like Moogle said. Maybe a Radeon HD 4870 will do nicely as well.

[Konfucius]

Graphics Card: I recommend either the ATi Radeon HD 4850 or 4870 at the moment. I don't have one myself but looking at recent reviews it seems you get more value for your money than with nVidia's cards and you have DirectX 10.1 too unlike nVidia.

 

However if you need physics then nVidia is the way to go or a dedicated physics card.

 

You might also want to consider a soundcard. It's quite superior to on-board sound.

 

 

However, if you can wait a few month do so, because the new Nahelem processors should be released by October/November and if the benchmarks are true these are going to be amazing.

[nightwolf]

If uni started in october then I would wait dear :P, which I said in the original post. Good suggestions though thankyou ^_^

[Guest Stefkov]

I just built my own only on Thursday.

The ATI 4850 is a really good card. I've not tried any demanding games on it yet, I've been hella busy the past few days.

I did try out Spore Creature Creations on it, I didn't even know that everything was on the Max settings but it was fast as hell.

I'm gonna be installing WoW on it soon and I might download the Crysis demo to see how it runs with those.

I'd recommend getting 64bit Vista. All of your 32bit drivers would work and from what I read you can only use all of the 4GB or more with 64 bit.

The E8400 is a good processor. I've read you can overclock it to your hearts content.

The Samsung Spinpoint F1 750GB HDD I got in my PC is really, really quiet and fast.

[McPhee]

Right, well I need a desktop computer for university, it's game design, so it's gotta be pretty decent imo.

 

However, I'm not really sure what I should be looking for, I mean what graphics card should I need? Whats a good processor? Bare in mind I will need it for games/photoshop/internet/msn/fireworks etc oh and a ton of music.

 

Currently the only things I'm really aware of is getting 3/4gb of ram etc the basic things, but I'm abit unsure on graphics/processors etc that pc's from say comet/curries may have (unfortunetly my parents know less than I do).

 

I also need opinions on dell, my mum has been told they are ok to buy and is thinking of getting me one? Although people I have been talking to have said not to bother?

 

Any help would be fantastic so I can start looking properly.

 

First thing to check - make sure the machine is running 64-bit Vista (it'll specify, probably saying 'Vista Home Premium x64' or some such thing). Regular Vista can only use a 3-ish GB RAM, 64 can use 4 and is faster if the program is written for it (a lot of design programs are). Even if you decide against 4GB RAM now you might still need it later, with normal Vista you'd then have to reinstall the OS.

 

4GB RAM is ideal, no worries about running out of memory no matter what you're doing

 

Processor-wise the Q6600 will do grand! It'd be a silly waste of money to go for anything higher and you will see benefits from running a quad-core system.

 

The ATi 3870 and 3850 are great graphics cards, well rounded and more than powerful enough for what you need.

 

Don't worry about hard drive size, they are relatively cheap and easy to install. 500GB will do you for a while, you just need to pop another one in around the time you hit the 300-350GB mark.

 

Had a quick look on Dell for you and an XPS machine that'll meet your needs will set you back about £900. I don't think that is 64-bit Vista though, you'd need to ring and ask.