Aces High Bulletin Board
General Forums => Hardware and Software => Topic started by: angelsandair on August 13, 2008, 06:31:28 AM
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Found this on newegg :rock
We've always used Compaq which always seemed to have givin us good quality computers :aok Never had 1 problem with a Compaq except for age.
General Spec
Brand HP Compaq
Model DX2450(KA574UT#ABA)
Recommended Usage Business Desktops & Workstations
Form Factor Micro Tower
Processor AMD Athlon X2 4450B(2.3GHz)
Processor Main Features 64 bit Dual Core Processor
Cache Per Processor 2 x 512KB L2 Cache
Memory 2GB DDR2 800
Hard Drive 80GB 7200RPM SATA 3.0 Gb/s NCQ
Optical Drive 1 DVD/CD-RW combo
Graphics Integrated NVIDIA GeForce 6150SE
Audio RealTek ALC888S High Definition Audio Codec
Ethernet 10/100/1000 NIC
Power Supply 300W
Keyboard PS/2 standard keyboard
Mouse USB 2-button optical scroll mouse
Operating System Windows Vista Business / XP Professional downgrade
Motherboard
Chipset NVIDIA nForce 430 Chipset
CPU
CPU Type Athlon X2
Installed Qty 1
CPU Speed 4450B(2.3GHz)
L2 Cache Per CPU 2 x 512KB
CPU Main Features 64 bit Dual Core Processor
Graphics
GPU/VPU Type NVIDIA GeForce 6150 SE
Graphics Interface Integrated video
Memory
Memory Capacity 2GB DDR2
Memory Speed DDR2 800
Form Factor DIMM 240-pin
Memory Spec 1GB x 2
Memory Slots (Available/Total) 2/4
Maximum Memory Supported 4GB
Hard Drive
HD Capacity 80GB
HD Interface SATA
HD RPM 7200rpm
HD Spec SATA 3.0 Gb/s NCQ
Optical Drive
Optical Drive Type DVD/CD-RW Combo
Optical Drive Spec SATA DVD/CD-RW combo
Audio
Audio Chipset Realtek ALC888S
Communications
LAN Chipset Integrated
LAN Speed 10/100/1000Mbps
Front Panel Ports
Front USB 3 USB (1 in the Card Reader)
Front Audio Ports 2
Card Reader 16-in-1 3.5" Media Card Reader
Back Panel Ports
PS/2 2
Video Ports 1 VGA
Rear USB 4
RJ45 1 port
Rear Audio Ports 3 ports
Expansion
PCI Slots (Available/Total) 1 full-height PCI 2.3
2 full-height PCIe x1
1 full-height PCIe x16
Mouse
Mouse Type USB 2-button optical scroll mouse
Keyboard
Keyboard Type PS/2 standard keyboard
Physical Spec
Dimensions 14.69" x 14.38" x 6.50"
Weight 22.4 lbs.
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It's an integrated Geforce 6150 video card. Not designed for gaming. Maybe a little better than your current ATI x200 computer, but you're still in the same boat.
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oh rgr, Well, I'm still looking on Newegg, there's quite a big selection for cheap computers. I'm looking right now in the 300-400$$ range.
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If it's in the price range, you'll want to stay away from integrated cards. Which may be tough.
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Alot will depend if you can put in your own video card etc...otherwise you need to buy something turn key...
This is the cheapest "gaming rig" I saw that actually had a non integrated VC...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883229028 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883229028) $500
What you can do is take the box you picked out and add a VC to it...
There a bunch of 8400, 8500 and 8600 cards on new egg for $60 or less...I'd suggest an 8600GT of some flavor...
Here is the cheapest one I found from an OK outfit, for $10-15 more you can get a better name on the card...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814500049 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814500049)
So you can buy your compaq and add a VC and get away for about 400 or so...
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Really, all I'm looking for is something that can run AHII at more than 8 FPS when I'm on the deck, shoot, I sometimes have 8FPS while climbing out, I've never had 60. So I'm thinking that just about anything new would work well.
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Find out what the specs of your friend's $300 computer and lets see what he has that runs 60 FPS. I can only imagine he isn't running a very high resolution. Probably 1024x768 or lower. Probably one of the lower texture packs and no AA turned on.
There are guys that run slower computers than yours that sound like they have been FPS than you. I don't remember how fast your processor is.
Honestly, my opinion is are you really going to plop $300+ for one game? Is AH the only game you play are are going say going to play it for the next 2 years straight? What if Combat Tour comes out (lol?) and the system requirements to run it are increased and you're stuck wanting another upgrade because you bought a low end computer. A new computer is also going to have Vista on it which is a 10-30% performance drop in gaming for the most part.
I would rather you stick $50-$75 in a new video card than stick $300+ on a new PC.
I only recommend sub-$500 computer to people that email, surf the web, and other minor stuff. Gaming? Never.
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As mentioned if this is really the only game you play and are willing to put much money on a PC, the best way i can see it happening is so. Keep your HDD, DVD drive, case, anc other all-around parts and replace the Motherboard, CPU, PSU, GPU. If you want to keep some money than just replace the PSU and GPU (assuming you current Motherboard can't support a PCI-E). Simply find some good cheaper part and replace the old ones. This way you can save some money but upgrade.
There is no point in going and getting a new PC just to get more parts you have.
A $50-70 Motherboard, $50-60 CPU, $100-150 GPU, $30-60 PSU (although i would recommend a better durability than a cheap one). This should work, but only if you are comfortable replacing parts, and assuming your case can handle it all.
If you get a new Motherboard be sure to get the right form factor, Micro-ATX, ATX, E-ATX, BTX.
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As mentioned if this is really the only game you play and are willing to put much money on a PC, the best way i can see it happening is so. Keep your HDD, DVD drive, case, anc other all-around parts and replace the Motherboard, CPU, PSU, GPU. If you want to keep some money than just replace the PSU and GPU (assuming you current Motherboard can't support a PCI-E). Simply find some good cheaper part and replace the old ones. This way you can save some money but upgrade.
There is no point in going and getting a new PC just to get more parts you have.
A $50-70 Motherboard, $50-60 CPU, $100-150 GPU, $30-60 PSU (although i would recommend a better durability than a cheap one). This should work, but only if you are comfortable replacing parts, and assuming your case can handle it all.
If you get a new Motherboard be sure to get the right form factor, Micro-ATX, ATX, E-ATX, BTX.
Ideadlly this would work, but he's a greenhorn and has never built/upgraded anything before.
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Ideadlly this would work, but he's a greenhorn and has never built/upgraded anything before.
We all were at one point. My first replace was of a PSU, that alone was bad enough. About a week after that i replaced a Motherboard, and never had anything to tell me how, just trial and error :)
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I have an AMD 64 Athlon processor. So it's not out of date. I do think I gotta change some video settings, maybe it will help. Before I got my new 19'' monitor, it was a lot worse. And running it on 1400X900 really sped it up :aok
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Don't buy too cheap. I've been watching this thread with interest and thought I'd go to newegg to see just how cheaply I could assemble a bottom end, but reasonable computer. This is what I came up with without a monitor, speakers, mouse or keyboard:
Update HEC 6K28BB8F Black 0.8mm SECC Steel MicroATX Mini Tower Computer Case - Retail
Model #:6K28BB8F
Item #:N82E16811121003
Return Policy:Standard Return Policy
In Stock
$44.99 -$10.00 Instant $34.99
Update GIGABYTE GA-945GCM-S2C LGA 775 Intel 945GC Micro ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
Model #:GA-945GCM-S2C
Item #:N82E16813128076
Return Policy:Limited 30-Day Return Policy
In Stock
$49.99 -$2.00 Instant $47.99
Update EVGA 512-P3-N860-TR GeForce 9600 GT 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Retail
Model #:512-P3-N860-TR
Item #:N82E16814130360
Return Policy:Limited 30-Day Return Policy
In Stock
Mail-in Rebate
$119.99 -$10.00 Instant $109.99
Update Rosewill RP550V2-D-SL 550W SLI Ready-ATX12V V2.01 Dual Fans Power Supply - Retail
Model #:RP550V2-D-SL
Item #:N82E16817182030
Return Policy:Standard Return Policy
In Stock
$74.99 -$15.00 Instant $59.99
Update Intel Core 2 Duo E7200 Wolfdale 2.53GHz LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor Model BX80571E7200 - Retail
Model #:BX80571E7200
Item #:N82E16819115052
Return Policy:Processors (CPUs) Return Policy
In Stock
$119.99 $119.99
Update OCZ Gold Series 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 667 (PC2 5400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model OCZ26672048ELGEGXT-K - Retail
Model #:OCZ26672048ELGEGXT-K
Item #:N82E16820227078
Return Policy:Memory (Modules, USB) Return Policy
In Stock
$44.99 -$5.00 Instant $39.99
Update Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 ST380815AS 80GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM
Model #:ST380815AS
Item #:N82E16822148231
Return Policy:Limited 30-Day Return Policy
In Stock
$39.99 $39.99
Update Pioneer 20X DVD±R DVD Burner Black IDE Model DVR-115DBK - OEM
Model #:DVR-115DBK
Item #:N82E16827129018
Return Policy:Standard Return Policy
In Stock
$29.99 $29.99
Update Creative Sound Blaster SB0570 Audigy SE 7.1 Channels PCI Interface Sound Card - OEM
Model #:30SB057000000
Item #:N82E16829102003
Return Policy:Standard Return Policy
In Stock
$27.99 $27.99
Subtotal: $510.91
I did this in only a few minutes so with some tweaking it could be better but it will at least give you an idea as to where I would set a minimum. It might be worth saving your money for a while until you have a little more, or just get the minimum that you need now to upgrade performance in your current rig.
[EDIT] Oops, I noticed I forgot the OS. Adding the system builders edition of Windows XP Home plus a mouse and keyboard adds about $100.
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http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811233039
GIGABYTE GZ-X5BPD-500 Black SECC Steel / ABS ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
$32.99 - $10 rebate.
I just bought this case to do a new build for my parent's computer. For $33, it's a nice case. I highly recommend it for those on the cheap.
But I'm getting off track.
The question we should be asking angelsandair is:
Would you want to try and do a build?
Otherwise, I'm sticking with my add a new Video card recommendation.
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oh rgr, Well, I'm still looking on Newegg, there's quite a big selection for cheap computers. I'm looking right now in the 300-400$$ range.
You can build one for that price that will do very well in AH.
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Don't buy too cheap. I've been watching this thread with interest and thought I'd go to newegg to see just how cheaply I could assemble a bottom end, but reasonable computer. This is what I came up with without a monitor, speakers, mouse or keyboard:
Update HEC 6K28BB8F Black 0.8mm SECC Steel MicroATX Mini Tower Computer Case - Retail
Model #:6K28BB8F
Item #:N82E16811121003
Return Policy:Standard Return Policy
In Stock
$44.99 -$10.00 Instant $34.99
Update GIGABYTE GA-945GCM-S2C LGA 775 Intel 945GC Micro ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
Model #:GA-945GCM-S2C
Item #:N82E16813128076
Return Policy:Limited 30-Day Return Policy
In Stock
$49.99 -$2.00 Instant $47.99
Update EVGA 512-P3-N860-TR GeForce 9600 GT 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Retail
Model #:512-P3-N860-TR
Item #:N82E16814130360
Return Policy:Limited 30-Day Return Policy
In Stock
Mail-in Rebate
$119.99 -$10.00 Instant $109.99
Update Rosewill RP550V2-D-SL 550W SLI Ready-ATX12V V2.01 Dual Fans Power Supply - Retail
Model #:RP550V2-D-SL
Item #:N82E16817182030
Return Policy:Standard Return Policy
In Stock
$74.99 -$15.00 Instant $59.99
Update Intel Core 2 Duo E7200 Wolfdale 2.53GHz LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor Model BX80571E7200 - Retail
Model #:BX80571E7200
Item #:N82E16819115052
Return Policy:Processors (CPUs) Return Policy
In Stock
$119.99 $119.99
Update OCZ Gold Series 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 667 (PC2 5400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model OCZ26672048ELGEGXT-K - Retail
Model #:OCZ26672048ELGEGXT-K
Item #:N82E16820227078
Return Policy:Memory (Modules, USB) Return Policy
In Stock
$44.99 -$5.00 Instant $39.99
Update Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 ST380815AS 80GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM
Model #:ST380815AS
Item #:N82E16822148231
Return Policy:Limited 30-Day Return Policy
In Stock
$39.99 $39.99
Update Pioneer 20X DVD±R DVD Burner Black IDE Model DVR-115DBK - OEM
Model #:DVR-115DBK
Item #:N82E16827129018
Return Policy:Standard Return Policy
In Stock
$29.99 $29.99
Update Creative Sound Blaster SB0570 Audigy SE 7.1 Channels PCI Interface Sound Card - OEM
Model #:30SB057000000
Item #:N82E16829102003
Return Policy:Standard Return Policy
In Stock
$27.99 $27.99
Subtotal: $510.91
I did this in only a few minutes so with some tweaking it could be better but it will at least give you an idea as to where I would set a minimum. It might be worth saving your money for a while until you have a little more, or just get the minimum that you need now to upgrade performance in your current rig.
[EDIT] Oops, I noticed I forgot the OS. Adding the system builders edition of Windows XP Home plus a mouse and keyboard adds about $100.
you can save about 60$ on the VC and $45 on the CPU (sticking with a core duo)...but thats about it. Actually a nice build for the bucks..
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People keep saying or thinking like Tim Taylor on "Tool Time" ( Home Improvement sitcom TV show )
I have used for last 3 or 4+ years a partially hand me down computer ( will list what was New )
(new ) Asus MB Ane-X Deluexe AMD AthlonXP processor type ( Socket A )
used AMD Athlon XP 2800 Processor
used 1 gig of Memory PC3200
used video card ATI 9800pro 128 meg AGP slot
used fan and heqat sink for processor
used SOYO case with 2 80 mm fans
used antec TruPower II power supply 550 watt
onboard sound
(new) (2) hitachi SATA I 120 gig HD's set up in RAID 1 configuration
(new) ASUS DVD Rom drive IDE type
(new) ASUS DVD DL RW IDE type
with these parts, I was able to maintain a constant 55 to 65 FPS using 1024 High res texture pack and preloading textures running the screen res at 1024 x768 ......this thing would dip down into the high 40's in FPS in heavy combat areas ( think 30 + icons & fire & smoke etc.)
after upping the video card to an Ati X850 256 meg DDR3 AGP slot vidcard , adding a dedicated soundcard strictly for the gameport ( SB PCI512 )adding 2nd Gig of Ram.....( well even before the 2nd gig added )
and installing another Antec 650 watt truPower II PSU ( which in my opinion the TruPower II series was the last of the best made Antec line )
I improved the screen rez & refresh to 1280 x 1024 using high res 1024 textures and 95+ % of the time hold constant 69/70 fps......
it really is more in how you setup and combine your computer parts, set up your OS & set what processes you want/have runing, more so than buying top elite high priced computer parts.........
also, this may just be an opinion or personal train of thought of mine, but I always self set the page file of my computers to remain constant......either at 2gigs ( well 2,000 mb's ) or 4 gigs ( well 4,000 mb's ) for both the min and the max.......( on my laptop it is set to 6,000 mb's ) instead of letting Windows OS systems managing it for me.........it may just be me, but it has always seemed to be a small improvement verses letting windows handle it......
so my old measely little 2.0 ghz of ancient by todays standards PC seems to keep up with and sometimes even outperform many of the other AH flyers computers .....and I also had an AUdiophile soundcard with a multitude of input connectors for my digi design stuff & controllers installed, as well as a motherload of music editing software/recording software
my apologies for rambling.......but pick the right parts, pick the right theory in setting up the OS and the Bios settings etc... and then you truely will not need to spend money on those super duper parts ........
only reason I built the new PC was this one had lighting run in on the ROuter patch cable/cable modem/router and knocked out a Lan Port........so I wanted to be ready when it finally dies off.......
( I think the used parts when I received them were at least 2 or 3 years old and had been used thrashingly in Aces High , when my squaddie Whels donated them to me )
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Don't buy too cheap. I've been watching this thread with interest and thought I'd go to newegg to see just how cheaply I could assemble a bottom end, but reasonable computer. This is what I came up with without a monitor, speakers, mouse or keyboard:
Update HEC 6K28BB8F Black 0.8mm SECC Steel MicroATX Mini Tower Computer Case - Retail
Model #:6K28BB8F
Item #:N82E16811121003
Return Policy:Standard Return Policy
In Stock
$44.99 -$10.00 Instant $34.99
Update GIGABYTE GA-945GCM-S2C LGA 775 Intel 945GC Micro ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
Model #:GA-945GCM-S2C
Item #:N82E16813128076
Return Policy:Limited 30-Day Return Policy
In Stock
$49.99 -$2.00 Instant $47.99
Update EVGA 512-P3-N860-TR GeForce 9600 GT 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Retail
Model #:512-P3-N860-TR
Item #:N82E16814130360
Return Policy:Limited 30-Day Return Policy
In Stock
Mail-in Rebate
$119.99 -$10.00 Instant $109.99
Update Rosewill RP550V2-D-SL 550W SLI Ready-ATX12V V2.01 Dual Fans Power Supply - Retail
Model #:RP550V2-D-SL
Item #:N82E16817182030
Return Policy:Standard Return Policy
In Stock
$74.99 -$15.00 Instant $59.99
Update Intel Core 2 Duo E7200 Wolfdale 2.53GHz LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor Model BX80571E7200 - Retail
Model #:BX80571E7200
Item #:N82E16819115052
Return Policy:Processors (CPUs) Return Policy
In Stock
$119.99 $119.99
Update OCZ Gold Series 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 667 (PC2 5400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model OCZ26672048ELGEGXT-K - Retail
Model #:OCZ26672048ELGEGXT-K
Item #:N82E16820227078
Return Policy:Memory (Modules, USB) Return Policy
In Stock
$44.99 -$5.00 Instant $39.99
Update Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 ST380815AS 80GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM
Model #:ST380815AS
Item #:N82E16822148231
Return Policy:Limited 30-Day Return Policy
In Stock
$39.99 $39.99
Update Pioneer 20X DVD±R DVD Burner Black IDE Model DVR-115DBK - OEM
Model #:DVR-115DBK
Item #:N82E16827129018
Return Policy:Standard Return Policy
In Stock
$29.99 $29.99
Update Creative Sound Blaster SB0570 Audigy SE 7.1 Channels PCI Interface Sound Card - OEM
Model #:30SB057000000
Item #:N82E16829102003
Return Policy:Standard Return Policy
In Stock
$27.99 $27.99
Subtotal: $510.91
I did this in only a few minutes so with some tweaking it could be better but it will at least give you an idea as to where I would set a minimum. It might be worth saving your money for a while until you have a little more, or just get the minimum that you need now to upgrade performance in your current rig.
[EDIT] Oops, I noticed I forgot the OS. Adding the system builders edition of Windows XP Home plus a mouse and keyboard adds about $100.
He could assuming he is already using these parts anyway use his current Hard Drive, sound Card and CD Rom drive.
That would save him around $100 until he could afford to buy newer ones