Computer for gamming

[Net]

i don't have much money. i just want to be able to play the current games.

i have a geforce 8600 gt

thinking about getting this:


Acer Aspire AM1641-U1521A

Intel Pentium Dual Core E2180
? 320GB hard drive
? 2GB of DDR2 memory
? NVIDIA GeForce 7050
? Burns DVDs and CDs
? Windows Vista Home Premium

$379.99

what are your thoughts?

 

[OCfreakley]

I don't know how you feel about refurbs but here is almost exactly the same as what your looking at for less.
Link=$308 shipped to my zip

That config will be able to play most of the newer games but not at high resolutions and high detail.

 

[Net]

nice deal! :thumbsup:

how much of a step up is it from my

AMD 64 4000+
1gb pc3200

running windows xp professional?

 

[Flammable]

Originally posted by: net
nice deal! :thumbsup:

how much of a step up is it from my

AMD 64 4000+
1gb pc3200

running windows xp professional?

big step up seeing as it's dual core. ALso you would need to buy a gfx card. an 8800gt is going for 85-90$ at frys with MIR.

 

[Net]

ALso you would need to buy a gfx card

i have a evga geforce 8600gt 256mb. how's my setup with that?

 

[mb]

Originally posted by: net

ALso you would need to buy a gfx card

i have a evga geforce 8600gt 256mb. how's my setup with that?

It might run current games at 1024x768 in a mix of low/medium settings.

 

[mAdMaLuDaWg]

Originally posted by: net
nice deal! :thumbsup:

how much of a step up is it from my

AMD 64 4000+
1gb pc3200

running windows xp professional?

Why not just get 1 more GB of ram and possibly upgrade your video card? That should be better than buying a new pc under a budget

 

[Cabages]

That CPU overclocks really well. If your up to it, I would definitely suggest that.

 

[DefDC]

I was surprised how much life I was able to get out of my 8600GT. I was able play Bioshock with decent stuff turned on.

However, it wouldn't play STALKER worth a damn. I finally pulled the trigger and got an open box ASUS 8800GT OC from NewEgg for $109. Works like a charm! (Keep an eye out for NewEgg open boxes. Usually the vid cards are fine and you'll score an after rebate price without the hassle)

 

[mb]

If you want to upgrade the video card, don't forget about the PSU in these low end machines. From what I can tell from a quick google search (slow ass connection at work), the AM1641 only has a 250watt power supply. It might struggle with an 8800gt, especially if you want to overclock anything.

Honestly, you might as well get an Xbox 360 if you aren't willing to save up and spend some more. Put $500 to $600 building your own machine and you'll be able to play current games OK. You're just wasting your time with the Acer.

 

[FuryofFive]

to be honest... get a 512mb there not that much.. be more future proof get ursellf a 9600GT there roughly 150 or less

 

[mb]

Case + PSU $55
Motherboard $94 (could do well for less than $75)
RAM $62 after MIR (Could get 2GB for a little cheaper)
64bit Vista home premium $100 (Student? Get it from school for free or dirt cheap)
$26 DVD burner (I'm sure they have some for a few bucks less that would work just as well)
$120 Core Duo CPU E7200 (could go with a lower model to shave $20-30)
$90 640GB hdd - fast and quiet

=$547 (appx ~$592 if newegg charges tax to CA, I do not know) using your 8600gt. And I assume you already have a mouse and keyboard.

or with 8800GT 512MB for $110
= $657 or ~$711 with CA tax.

And if they charge CA sales tax, I'm sure you can find similar prices without sales tax from other websites.

 

[Eeezee]

Nice deal on a pretty decent computer! You'll definitely need a graphics card upgrade. I haven't purchased a new one in awhile, so I can't help you there.

I've heard that Vista is pretty good for gaming, but I still prefer XP

 

[FuryofFive]

if he upgrades the gpu.. theres always the possiblity he'll have to upgrade the PSU though. u dont want just any PSU.. remember it may not seem that way... the PSU is one of the most imp. pieces in the computer...having a bad psu could possibly do damage to ur system. spend the extra money and get a halfway decent PSU