About new computers

[jetxl]

Hi there.

It's been years since I bought a new computer and this one is waning so I'm thinking about buying a new one.
Usually I buy one in the price class of low to mid range, but since I use the same computer for years and years I was thinking to go all out this time, so I'll be up to date for a decenia.
However, as I page through the hardware reviews I don't really see a big difference. It's all 100 bucks extra for just a few bits more power.
Speaking of power, my room is already +5 °C hotter than any other room in the house because the pc is on (and that when I'm just browsing the internet). Will two gforce 200 series + quad core + huge ass monitor + power adaptors turn my room into a rocked exaust pipe with the sound level to boot? And will the electric bill be so high that the cops think I'm growing pot in the attic? ...Which I'm not.

So to summarize: what's the best hardware that money can buy a.t.m. (or at least can dispay all the enemies there are on screen in, say Fallout 3, with no frame drop) but also keeps heat-noise-power level down to a minimum.

[DoorKnobHandle]

First of all, can't help you with temperatures (never been an issue for me, thanks cold Germany) - although I don't believe it's gonna be such a problem, with my new computer I don't notice it being any warmer etc. When it comes to monitors, it probably depends on technology (ie. LED, plasma etc).

For me, a modern computer/gaming system is mostly defined by four properties: processor, graphics card, RAM and - yes - monitor.

Processor: don't be fooled, a 2.5 GHz Quad core is NOT better than a 3.16 Ghz Dual core, hardly any games use four cores (Crysis being one that does, IIRC) and speed is more important than four cores. The Intel Core i7 920 has four 3.5GHz cores for example, that's top of the line of course.

Graphics card: I'm an NVidia fan and I can only help you with these cards, go for the GTX series, GTX260, 285, 295 etc. are all amazing new cards with enough power for even the newest titles.

RAM: Don't go for less than 4GB, I personally chose 4 and then room for later upgrades. This also means that only an OS running at 64-bit will be able to use all that RAM, so if you go with Windows, you're optimal options would be XP 64-bit (rare and hard to get, only English version available IIRC), Vista 64-bit or the new Windows 7 64-bit. Educate yourself on the 64-bit technology a bit. I use Vista 64-bit and it's not half as bad problematic as most people make it to be. It even plays Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2 without emulation, which is over 10 years old and definitely not written for 64-bit processors. 32-bit applications will run in emulation mode and will be a little bit slower but I have yet to notice that because anything that old will always run so incredibly fast anyways.

Monitor: A lot of people underestimate the simple power of the monitor. They spend upwards of 1000€/$ on a kickass computer and then play games with a 17". I have an Acer 24" widescreen and it's wonderful. Makes playing games SOO much more believable, it's really incredible, I would never go back. Even 24" are not that expensive anymore (got mine a while ago new for less than 250€). I'd say 22" or 24" would be my recommendation. Also makes using big programs easier, Photoshop, etc. Heck, even coding with AGS is nicer with lots of space.

Power usage (and electric bill) will depend on your power adapter of course, I have a 400W one for a dual core and GTX260. You should find out what you use right now. This new technology does need a little bit more power, of course, you should ask the shop where you buy it whether that's enough.

[Layabout]

Hi there.

It's been years since I bought a new computer and this one is waning so I'm thinking about buying a new one.
Usually I buy one in the price class of low to mid range, but since I use the same computer for years and years I was thinking to go all out this time, so I'll be up to date for a decenia.
However, as I page through the hardware reviews I don't really see a big difference. It's all 100 bucks extra for just a few bits more power.
Speaking of power, my room is already +5 °C hotter than any other room in the house because the pc is on (and that when I'm just browsing the internet). Will two gforce 200 series + quad core + huge ass monitor + power adaptors turn my room into a rocked exaust pipe with the sound level to boot? And will the electric bill be so high that the cops think I'm growing pot in the attic? ...Which I'm not.

So to summarize: what's the best hardware that money can buy a.t.m. (or at least can dispay all the enemies there are on screen in, say Fallout 3, with no frame drop) but also keeps heat-noise-power level down to a minimum.

Sure you aren't growing pot in the attic Jet, sure you aren't. Hehe.

Anyway, I don't really know that much to be honest, but I concur on going 4GB and above and using a 64-bit os. I'd recommend just getting Windows 7 Beta (if it's still available) 64-bit. It's gratis til Mar 2010. If you can get 64-bit progs they run fantastic. If you get 32-bit programs, they run fantastic. I've had no incompatiblilties. AGS (both editior and games) run fine in Windows 7.

If you want to avoid all heat issues, you could go down the water cooling route. Although that will probably eat up a bit of power.

And yes, anything sub 22 inch is a waste of money monitor wise. And to make it better, get 2 of them! Dual monitors is awesome. Code AGS and watch porn whilst smoking a joint and eating a bucket of fried chicken. Life does not get much better.

[jetxl]

Hmm, 2 monitors. I haven't thought of that myself but me likey.
Water cooling uses more power but makes less noise and heat. An easy choice.

[Arboris]

Hmm, 2 monitors. I haven't thought of that myself but me likey.
Water cooling uses more power but makes less noise and heat. An easy choice.

the water is usually still cooled by fans. But the temp is indeed way lower. If you're going water cooling dont be cheap on a decent case for it. It does take quite some space.

[Oliwerko]

I may recommend an all-aluminum case. It maybe sounds stupidly naive, but believe it or not, while some of my friends with similar hardware have serious cooling issues, me with my ThermalTake Shark run smoothly on 45°C on idle. No water, just two 12cm fans, not that noisy anyway.

Dual monitors is awesome. Code AGS and watch porn whilst smoking a joint and eating a bucket of fried chicken. Life does not get much better.

That just made it to my quotation collection, perfect! 

[Jakerpot]

Well my PC has:

2 Core 2 Duo E4500 @ 2.20 GHz
2Gb RAM
250Gb HD
Nvidia GeForce 9600 GT
and a 19" monitor

My Pc isn't a TOP one, but i run ALL games that i want in high quality (not highest, but high) and i didn't spent a lot of money on it. 24" monitor??? My god, you are a happy one! In my opinion this is a waste of money (at least, here in Brazil a 24" monitor would be in the range of 500 dollars, wich isn't necessary), mine 19 is good for me.

I play Crysis in high quality and Warhead on mid-high, "older" games like Bioshock and more older like oblivion i play at full graphical mode. My pc doesn't make ANY sound or noize, because i can change the power of the cooler to low or high, wich makes more noise.
i reccomend at least

2GB RAM
200Gb HD
I would like to have a 9800 GTX
Core 2 Duo 3.20 Ghz
an a 19" screen

this is a good computer.
You can get older versions of the graphic cards like 8800 GT, they are cheaper and don't have a lot of diference between 8800 GT and 9600 GT.

[Oliwerko]

Yeah, the difference is not between 8800 and 9800, but rather between GT, GTS and GTX.