Time for new COMPUTER! Suggestions???

[guttboy]

Hi everyone.....

I have tested and tweaked but have come to the conclusion that my MOBO/CPU are my limiting factors on my computer when attempting to get useable frame rates in a dogfite or while jabo'ing a base.

MY QUESTION TO ALL OF YA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Looking at putting a new computer together SOLEY for the purpose of playing AH2 and perhaps an occassional round of Half Life (2).

Requirements...

1) Must have FR's in the mid 30's on up STABLE!  I cant afford the drops into the teens when doing a JABO run or big furball as is what is happening to me now.

2) I would like to use my ATI Radeon 9800XT/256ram  as the graphics card as I shelled out $490 for that thing when it came out!

3) I want to keep this as inexpensive as possible but still be able to crank AH2....System does not need to be portable or look like an alien mothership. (aka it can look like a brown box if needed).

I would need to know min specs etc but does not need to be the top o the line machine with a refrigeration system..LOL.

Looking to purchase the beast this week so any suggestions are greatly appreciated....does NOT need to be from a vendor (dell, gateway:eek: , or main brands) just needs to run the game well.

Thanks in advance and Im looking forward to your responses!!!!!:aok



I am sure that there are others out there in my boat as well.

Regards:)

[Siaf__csf]

If you want to do it cheap the mobile Athlons are something to consider.

I was amazed how good they overclocked when I bought one for my 3-year old sons gaming rig. I was able to push the fsb 30Mhz higher than what was possible with my old 1900+ using the same motherboard and same ram.

The mobile athlons therefore overclock easy to 3000+ levels and make a quite attractive choice for a limited budget. The A64 still blows it away, though but with additional cost.

For example with DFI infinity revB board paired with a mobile athlon and quality ram, you can blast your fsb easy to 3000+ range and still get away with around 400 bucks.

I'd invest also to a quiet powersupply and HSF. A fast computer gets irritating even faster if it sounds like a vacuum cleaner next to your desk.

[Adjuster]

Want improved frame rates for free ??

Just turn off AA and AF and see the Frame rate climb at no cost at all !

I got AMD 2400+ ie 2.0ghz and a GF4 4800se 128mb with 512meg pc2100 ram and I get 75fps (max refresh on crt) down to 50s in smoke,furball @ 1600x1200 sliders 3/4 left visible set at 3miles max

So your rig without FSAA and AF should run better with that card !


Adjuster

[guttboy]

Adjuster...guess what buddy...that does NOTHING to the frame rates in the game...LOL...seriously...it does not improve anything in the base environments jabo...exactly the same across the board.

[Adjuster]

Do it and check Vid mem usage.

Mine with FSAA and AF max`s out vid mem at 124.8meg but leaves 50-60mb free without hence the massive drop in FR.

Mine goes from 75 down to 20s

Got to make sure you have it knocked off or u see no effect.




Adjuster

[guttboy]

Adjuster....vid mem stays pretty much constant....I have 256 avail and never gets above 110.  Turning those settings does nothing for my FR's....I do a restart after each test.

[Jag34]

Hey Guttboy,

Here is a system that a member of our squad just bought from Tiger Direct.

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=775609&Sku=B450-4112%20B://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=775609&Sku=B450-4112%20B

Price is $349.99 and with rebate of -$90.00 makes it  $259.99.
If you need to find out more about how this system handle's just ask our Squad member name Snoopy


Jag34
Tiger Squad

P.S.

Hey, Haven't I seen you some where before? Oh, wait. Our Squad members have talk about shooting down a guy by your handle. They say it was an easy Kill.

[guttboy]

HAHAHAHAH JAG.....by the way CHECK 6!:rofl

[Jag34]

Hey Just Kidding:D
Did you check out the Tiger Direct site? They have a lot of barebone system that are very good, and the price's are good also.

Jag34
Tiger Squad

[nopoop]

Tigerdirect kinda pricey and has a restricted inventory. If your buildin, I recommend newegg.com.

[Halo]

If you have a good local computer store, recommend you consider having a computer built to your own needs and specifications.  

Even if you're building your own system, it's great to confirm what components work best together for the results you want over the next four years or so.  

After using various off the shelf computers such as Gateway, it was a huge treat to talk with local experts and have my first custom machine built just for me. The cost apparently was about the same as getting some of the best deals from Dell or Gateway.

If you don't have a good local computer store, I'd probably go with Dell, but talking first in detail with the most knowledgeable people I could find there for optimum customization.  

Sorry if this is stuff you already know.  I'm just so impressed with a customized computer with local expert input that I think it's a worthwhile reminder for everyone during inevitable periodic computer upgrading.

[guttboy]

Halo thanks for the inputs....

Again...I am looking for a machine such as I posted in the first post....

I have a buddy of mine working on pricing me one...I NEED SUGGESTIONS FOR SYSTEMS guys...

I am not going with Dell, Gateway, etc....

Please,

... thanks alot

[guttboy]

Hey Jag34......GET THE HELL OUT OF THE SQUADRON!!!!!!!!


LOL....

Only kidding.....

Well with much consultation from various sources.....

I am working with some knowledgable folks to create a pretty nice system that, if anything will KICK BUTT in Half Life lol, will fare me pretty well.

I am going with the theory of attacking this with a sledge hammer.

I will keep you posted when the system arrives in its final configuration......

Regards,

[jay1988]

I love tigerdirect. Its a very good website, not really used to newegg.com