Decent computer?

[Tinkles]

Me and my Boss looked up a computer, but I didn't get a good look at the picture. He is a partner to the website so he gets a discount, and only those with certain credentials get in (I don't meet them   ). But I still have the specs, but no idea if the case is big enough for the graphics card I have.

Specs are as follows

Asus Essentro Desktop PC

3rd Gen i5 3.0 GHz Processor
8 GB Ram
1 TB Hard Drive
Windows 7 Pro 64 Bit

$615-$625 USD including tax and shipping.

Does anyone know the size of the case that comes with this? Would it be big enough to hold a Nvidia GT8800?

 I seen this other computer, (link below) just browsing and wanted to know if it would be good enough / upgradeable.



http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/searchtools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=2546170&csid=


Is it good for skyrim/Farcry 3 on high settings?  What components stand out to you as being good/bad etc.  And (for both computers) what graphics card do you recommend me upgrade to from the Nvidia GT8800?


I just wanted to get some advice from the tech gurus of these forums, since the time is looming ever closer for me to get my computer .  

Edit: 

Or would it be better for me to get this one?

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=8182698&csid=_61

[morfiend]

 first,


 this would be better than either you posted!

  http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=8433453&Sku=I455-G1318



  If you hurry it's even cheaper than the second machine which has a next to useless 24GB ssd,wont even hold the OS.....


  As for the first unit,yes you can fit a 8800 in it but why would you do that?  It also has only a 500 watt PSU of suspect quality that will limit any upgrades in the future.


   Check my link,for 850$$ that a smoking fast machine!


   

[Tinkles]

first,


 this would be better than either you posted!

  http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=8433453&Sku=I455-G1318



  If you hurry it's even cheaper than the second machine which has a next to useless 24GB ssd,wont even hold the OS.....


  As for the first unit,yes you can fit a 8800 in it but why would you do that?  It also has only a 500 watt PSU of suspect quality that will limit any upgrades in the future.


   Check my link,for 850$$ that a smoking fast machine!


   

Confused on the mail in rebate PC trade in thing. Other than that it looks great.

[morfiend]

 Tink,I just did a quick search on the second link you supplied!   I didnt look at all the details,just the machine spects and the cost after rebate.

  I saw a 899$ price on the second machine you linked and thought if you're willing to spend that much I would see if anything in that price range would be better and the machine I linked to seems to have most the right stuff!

  I still think if you select the parts you want and have it assembled you can build a great machine for 800 bucks or so!


   

[Bizman]

Those brand name computers, be they aimed for gaming or less demanding purposes, always seem to be built to be used "as-is". By that I mean that the components are highly optimized to the build in question and almost any upgrading would mean changing more than just one component. They also may contain parts that are next to useless like the 24 GB SSD. I must admit that is a genial way to get rid of old hardware for a good price!

That said, you'd really save money by building or letting someone build a gaming computer from scratch, using selected components to ensure easy and affordable upgrading in the future.

[MrRiplEy[H]]

Those brand name computers, be they aimed for gaming or less demanding purposes, always seem to be built to be used "as-is". By that I mean that the components are highly optimized to the build in question and almost any upgrading would mean changing more than just one component. They also may contain parts that are next to useless like the 24 GB SSD. I must admit that is a genial way to get rid of old hardware for a good price!

That said, you'd really save money by building or letting someone build a gaming computer from scratch, using selected components to ensure easy and affordable upgrading in the future.

The 24gb SSD may be just a cache.

[Bizman]

The 24gb SSD may be just a cache.

You can call it what you want. I'd call it a gimmick. I may be wrong, but I think that equipping a mediocre computer with a small ssd for caching is simply a way to fool ignorant people who have heard about the ultimate speed of the ssd technology. But as I said, I may be wrong (again).

[MrRiplEy[H]]

You can call it what you want. I'd call it a gimmick. I may be wrong, but I think that equipping a mediocre computer with a small ssd for caching is simply a way to fool ignorant people who have heard about the ultimate speed of the ssd technology. But as I said, I may be wrong (again).

No, the SSD read/write cache can improve the average throughput of a regular HDD by a large margin. They sell hybrid hdds for laptops that have 1Tb 5400rpm hdd and 8-16gb of ssd and there is a clear difference in performance for relatively low price.

The basic idea behind the cache is that usually people do not need to read/write more than a portion of their drive commonly. The caching algorithm analyses the use of the drive and stores the commonly used files on the ssd for fast access. It's completely transparent to the user so the only thing the user sees is faster access times regularly but normal speed when something out of the ordinary is done.

I mean, it's not going to be as fast as a real SSD solution but it's going to be somewhat better than no cache.

[Bizman]

Now that you mentioned the hybrid hdd's: For what I've read, they really can make a difference, but only if you always use the same programs and files. I also can't help wondering what would happen if the ssd part broke down. Would the data on the platter be inaccessible?

[MrRiplEy[H]]

Now that you mentioned the hybrid hdd's: For what I've read, they really can make a difference, but only if you always use the same programs and files. I also can't help wondering what would happen if the ssd part broke down. Would the data on the platter be inaccessible?

On a hybrid drive, possibly. On a software based caching like whats possible in the OPs case he will just lose the cache. I have a hybrid 1Tb drive in my older Macbook pro and a full SSD in the new one.

The reality is that most people continue using same files over and over again when they use the computer. People boot up -> boot files, people browse the internet -> browser files. People play -> game files. People do hobby (photo edit, music etc) -> application files. All that can fit in 24Gb if and when randomly accessed files such as photos, movies etc. are stored outside cache.

[Tinkles]

*Gets in-between non-aggressive purse fight*

Just wanted to know if which of these two do you guys recommend?

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=8939091&CatId=114

or

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=8939090&CatId=114

*ding ding*

BEGIN!
 

 

[Bizman]

Tough question, Tink, but here's what I think about those two:

The latter has a better video card especially thinking about the update we'll be getting in two weeks. BUT:

The former has a better breathing case which may double the life span of all of the components inside.

Does Tigerdirect allow modifications to get the best of both? There were some more tempting alternatives in the $849-899 price range, but then again they were all Windows 8 equipped...

[Tinkles]

Tough question, Tink, but here's what I think about those two:

The latter has a better video card especially thinking about the update we'll be getting in two weeks. BUT:

The former has a better breathing case which may double the life span of all of the components inside.

Does Tigerdirect allow modifications to get the best of both? There were some more tempting alternatives in the $849-899 price range, but then again they were all Windows 8 equipped...

I know, that's the annoying thing. I loathe windows 8/8.1 with a passion. I would greatly prefer windows 7 over windows 8.

What computers caught your eye, even with windows 8/8.1  ?

[Bizman]

If you don't really care if it's GeForce equipped, this one has the fastest processor: http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=8927527&CatId=1886
With a more powerful GeForce than what you suggested, this: http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=8433453&CatId=1886
Or this: http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=8529719&CatId=1886

I looked at the other brands Tigerdirect offers, but it looks like Ibuypower would give the best bang for the buck there. Anyway, I'd look for something equipped with a video card something like GeForce GTX 750 or higher with at least 2 GB of memory, and an Intel i5 @ 3 GHz or higher. Building it yourself or getting one built would give you more alternatives concerning operating system and other features within a given price range. You're on the right track with your suggestions, both price and quality wise for a longlife rig.  

Oh, and if you aren't in a hurry, you might want to wait until the big update arrives. Although it is being coded and tested with quite low level equipment, the actual release will show what will be needed for smooth and solid fps with most eye candy. On the other hand, if you find a killer bargain for an ultimate rig you might as well take it now and enjoy the current game while waiting for the update, since you'll never know how long this two week waiting time will last. A good enough rig will certainly be satisfactory even after the update and the ones we've been discussing look like they would do the job.

[Tinkles]

Thanks for the response Bizman, nice rigs.

I am confused though on the mail in rebate deal, how does that work exactly? And it says "requires PC TRADE IN", what does that mean?

Just need clarification.