Off the Shelf PC = is this any good

[shiv]

Any kind souls have an opinion whether this will work well with AH?  Or should I go the build route?  I'm fairly clueless when it comes to hardware, so I'd appreciate any feedback.  I have cable Internet if that's an issue.

(The only other thing I'm going to use this for is for work - just need MS Office, which I have a copy of, and also planing to make a 100GB Linux partition and run Ubuntu on it, but I don't think that's going to be a problem.)

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4546382&sku=V133-76600
>>>>
Athlon 64 X2 Dual Core
WidowPC WGMA-1PCC10 AMD Gaming PC - AMD Athlon X2 4200+, 4GB DDR2-800, 500GB, DVDRW, 9400GT, 585W, Vista Home Premium 64
WidowPC AMD X2 NVIDIA 9400GT Gaming PC
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Price:      $609.99
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    * AMD64 X2 4200+ Dual Core Processor
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    * nVidia 9400GT 512MB Video Card
    * PhysX Ready
    * RAID 0/1/0+1 Capable
    * Integrated 10/100 LAN
    * 4 x USB 2.0 Ports (Expandable to 8)
    * (1) x16 PCI-e / (1) x1 PCI-e / (2) PCI
    * 5.1 Channel High Definition Audio
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    * Keyboard & Mouse Included
    * Logitech 2pc Speakers
    * 8.5” x 19.7” x 21.5”
    * Vista Home Premium 64-bit
<<<<

Thanks a lot for any opinions.

<<S>>

Shiv

[The Fugitive]

AMD cores have had problems with the game, forcing some people to shut down one of the cores to play the game. Some say the new one don't have the problem, but its up to you.

If I were you I'd call TilDeath and ask him what he could do for you. It might cost a bit more (not sure what your budget is) but he has done a great job with everyone else who plays and has bought a computer from him.  Can't hurt to ask him.

[BaldEagl]

I'd stay away from the AMD dual core CPUs.  That's also a very weak video card for any sort of gaming.

You can do much better for that price.  I'm not sure TilDeath likes to deal with lower end systems but ask him.  If you're on a budget and he won't touch the price point PM me and I'll see what I can whip up for you.  I've already got a parts list for a base system that I could add a video card to and bump the PSU and get it to you for the same price or, if you're willing to build it yourself I'll just send you the parts list.

[TheZohan]

the none phenom core X2's have a bug in them in the game

for that amount of money you can build your own with a a better CPU and video card easy

i spent about  400.00 on this

foxconn A74K-K AM2+  50.00
X2 7750 Kuma BE (theres a new X2 7850 BE out now)  50.00
2GB PC6400 DDR2  30.00
DVD-RW DL w/ Lightscribe 20.00
ATI 4850 512 MB with HMDI out (<--- same as 9800 GTX+ speedwise) 130.00 also needs a 6 pin on PSU to use
160 GB HD - SATA 50.00
430 watt PSU  40.00
3rd party heatsink (OCZ Vendetta) 30.00

i have a VLK windows XP Pro so you'd have to figure in  a copy of windows
case was a old ATX case i had laying around

[alskahawk]

  I have never had any problem with a AMD chip in AH. Not a lot of difference. To me the biggest difference is the price. ( The AMD x2 3.2Ghz $99, Intel 3.0 Ghz E8400 $168)

 Now having said that, $700 bux for a AMD x2 4200(2.2GHZ?) system is silly, ridiculous, outright st...d and that's before we pick apart the video card or the other cheap hardware the off the shelf builder puts in the system. For $700 you can build a pretty good gaming system. AH isn't a power hog. There are a lot of guys here that can make up a build list for you at a lot less than $700.(609+shipping)

 I would recommend you either build your own, go to your local /reputable builder. Never buy a gaming computer off the shelf. You pay more and get less!
 

[shiv]

Thanks guys, <<S>>

[TequilaChaser]

For the Correct Information you might be seeking regarding "Dual Core AMD Processors : Athlon 64 X2, Turion X2, Dual Core Opterons etc"
... you can read what Skuzzy has recommended and what the AMD Dual Core CPU users results have been in the folowing link ( btw this link/thread is STICKY'ed to the top of this forum )
http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/index.php/topic,181720.0.html

here is another STICKY'ed Thread by Skuzzy from the Technical Support Forum:
http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/index.php/topic,199451.0.html


me personally, have no issues or bugs in my AMD Athlon64  6400 X2 3.2ghz Dual Core Processor...... 
using Windows XP Pro 32bit, 4 gigs ram,  512meg vidcard...  framerate is maxed at 70fps   ( monitor screen res ) using 1024 textures, preloaded skins, textures and all detail maxed out........using 1280x1024 res ..........

not sure about the newer phenom processors  ( quad or triple core processors ).........

but there is nothing wrong with  AMD dual core CPU if you are trying to save money or are on a budget..........

and we all have our own experiences and opinions.......Good Luck........( some people build their own, some people buy off the shelf, some people have custom PC's built for them........it's what ever flavor you desire.........but that tigerdirect you listed/questioned would seem like a waste..too much for what it contains parts wise...but it does come with everything needed.......warranty?  except a monitor or speakers...again my opinion .....take up others advice on contacting TilDeath or BaldEagle)

[Brooke]

I've always had good luck with Dells, and they are cheap.  If I were buying a computer today, I'd probably go with a $500-ish Inspiron or Vostro desktop (maybe with a Core 2 Quad Q8200 or something like that), then add a $100 graphics card from newegg.com.

[save]

An the amd's :

The only problems i've come across is on westwood series commander and conquer (out of syncs), and if you use nvidias nforce motherboards you dont want to any virtualbox VM.

[skullman]

I had a dell inspiron quad core.It ran the game till I got this new system.I  had good luck with it

[Anodizer]

If only people would understand how simple and cost saving it is to build your own system.........

Motherboard
Processor
Fan/Heatsink
RAM
Video Card
Power Supply
Sound Card (if you don't like onboard like myself)
NIC (if one isn't already on the board)
Hard-Drive
cd\dvd\blu-ray\etc
Case
Case Fans
Phillips-Head screwdriver
Fancy Lights or whatever/etc

What did I miss?

Seriously....That's like almost a complete parts list.....?  Most guys on here seem pretty handy..  I'll a majority probably do build their own..
There's gotta be a way to get the guys who can't/won't build see the Light!!

[druski85]

Anod I built my last system with just a couple minor issues.  I enjoy the process, but the only thing that makes me nervous is compatability.  Knowing how all your components will like one another is the most nerve-wracking part, imo.  Unfortunately, I'm probably going to need to get a laptop as my next system, since life hasn't kept me in any one place for too long lately.  I've got no clue how to play with the squishy inards of a laptop...so it will probably be a straight out -- overpriced -- purchase. 

[BaldEagl]

Anod I built my last system with just a couple minor issues.  I enjoy the process, but the only thing that makes me nervous is compatability.  Knowing how all your components will like one another is the most nerve-wracking part, imo.  Unfortunately, I'm probably going to need to get a laptop as my next system, since life hasn't kept me in any one place for too long lately.  I've got no clue how to play with the squishy inards of a laptop...so it will probably be a straight out -- overpriced -- purchase. 

There isn't really that much that you can do with a laptop to affect performance anyway due to the design process to keep weight and power consumption down.

You might be able to upgrade RAM, put in a bigger HD, add a second battery or replace the optical drive but that's about where the upgrade path ends.  Anything beyond that is an external peripheral.

[Brooke]

I don't think there's all that much cost saving in building your own system compared to buying a Dell, especially if you factor in any cost to your time for shopping and assembling.

[TilDeath]

I don't think there's all that much cost saving in building your own system compared to buying a Dell, especially if you factor in any cost to your time for shopping and assembling.

Reasons to NOT buy a Dell

1) All the pre-loaded un-needed system resource hog software.
2) Power Supplies with less then 500watts
3) The $1.95 motherboards
4) Proprietary components (cases for sure, no so good for updates)
5) About 50% less bang for your buc

A specked out a system that I would sell in the 1400.00 range Dell wanted over $3,000.00 for.  Here are a few links with pricing of various systems.  Look at what you get for the price.  The parts are listed.

http://computers.toptenreviews.com/gaming/
http://gaming-pc-review.toptenreviews.com/