65 replies to this topic

[Fuel §]

So right now im using a

Dell Dimension 4700 with an
Intel Pentium 4 2.79 Ghz
512 mb RAM
70 Gig HDD
ATI Radeon x300 series video card

I'm pretty sure this won't support BF2 or BF2142, I would like to have a computer which could process these apps. I just need a pretty basic gaming computer for a low cost around $600 or under. I want a semi fast computer with semi good graphics that can support BF2/BF2142.
I've never constructed a computer before in my life and wouldn't know if I even could. If it's not to hard I would like to, (to save some cash). Or if it takes a lot of knowledge, which computer company I should go with (ex. Dell, HP, etc). Thanks!!!

-Fuel §

[Why Two Kay]

You need AT LEAST a Radeon x850xt to run BF2142, the x1800 would be better, because it has newer technologies used by newer/future games. BF2 you can get by with a simple x600.

[Fuel §]

im not just thinking of upgrading...up of possibly purchasing a new computer.

[AnonymousFlash]

I don't know about building computers because I haven't tried.(will soon though) However, I would advise against Dell. The only good thing about them is customer support. If your looking to buy a nice, cheap gaming computer, I would visit www.cyberpowerpc.com or www.ibuypower.com. They have VERY low prices for their PC's. Also, are you planning on using your old monitor? If you do the price will be significantly cheaper.
Edit:Went to cyberpower and configured this for 660:AMD Athlon 3800, NVIDIA Geforce 7600GT, 1gb of RAM.(no monitor) You're not going to get a very good computer under 600, I'm afraid, but for 660 that's a good deal.

Edit2:Wow Ryan, are you serious? Would a 6800 be able to run it?

Edited by AnonymousFlash, 08 August 2006 - 05:43 PM.

[Fuel §]

No, unforunately I would have to purchase a new monitor since im since going to be using my old computer (or at least the rest of my family).
Dell isn't too bad, nvr used customer service b4 since ive nvr had a problem. Also Dell computers have Flat screen monitors bundled in their computer packages. It's a nice feature.
Also im not STUCK with a $600 just anything around it.

[Why Two Kay]

Edit2:Wow Ryan, are you serious? Would a 6800 be able to run it?

I don't know the real requirements, but an x850xt should be able to run it on medium-high. Running all on low isn't really "playing" to me, it's more of just "making it go". I'm sure a 6800 will allow you to play, but mostly low probably.

[TheL3gend]

If you want to save money and make sure your comp is totally awesome, I say build it yourself. If your in the USA you can go to www.newegg.com and look around.

I was very worried when I built my first computer, but just look up alot of tutorials, infact I have a link to a pretty nice page that shows step-by-step things.

http://sysbuild.cors...aspx?id=2&sid=1

Just think about it a bit. If not, then Dell would be your best bet for cheap computer, but keep in mind, often with a cheap computer ($) comes cheap components.

[Fuel §]

Ok this is what I'm sorta looking at:

Dell Dimension E310
Processor: Intel® Pentium® 4 Processor 524 w/HT Technology (3.06GHz,533FSB)
Operating System: Genuine Windows® XP Home Edition
RAM: 1GB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 533MHz -2DIMMs (then buy another gig at newegg, Dell wants an extra $130 for 2 gigs)
HDD: 160GB Serial ATA 3Gb/s Hard Drive (7200RPM) w/ 8MB cache
CD/DVD Drive: Single Drive: 48x CD-RW / DVD-ROM Combo Drive
Monitor: 17 inch E177FP Analog Flat Panel
Video Card: Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator 900 (scrap that one then buy one at newegg for playing BF2/BF2142)
Sound: Integrated 2.0 Channel High Definition Audio

thats about it.
Any good???

[AnonymousFlash]

Processor's not very good, but it would probably be ok. Like I said though, check cyberpowerpc.com out. In my experience I have configured a computer 3 times as good as mine for the same cost there. BTW, unless you get the Intel Core 2 processor, AMD is better for gaming.

Edit: Looked at it at dell's site, and I strongly reccomend changing that processor to the Pentium 4 3ghz model. Less ghz, but a much faster Front Side bus.

Edited by AnonymousFlash, 08 August 2006 - 06:27 PM.

[Fuel §]

Yea unforunately Dell doesn't use AMD processors. And assembling a computer from scratch is probably out of my reach, i've nvr done it b4 and don't wanna mess up my nice parts. And unforunately I cant't upgrade the Processor to Duel Core. I don't need the top of the line. As long as it's sumwhat fastish and not too expensive. My computer right now is only Intel Pentium 4 2.79 so this one would be faster.

[AnonymousFlash]

If you really want to go with that setup, then I suggest this for the upgrades:

http://www.newegg.co...N82E16820145525
http://www.newegg.co...N82E16814130283

[Fuel §]

the vid card sounds a resonable price. Could the RAM be slight cheaper? or is that as low as it goes?

[AnonymousFlash]

http://www.newegg.co...N82E16820220115

Cheapest decent gig of DDR2 that I could find.

[Bomber Pilot]

ive got 1G of ram'

pentium 4 processor

2.80 GHz

an a Nividia GeForce uhh 6800 lol came standerd with my Dell XP may upgrade sometime soon


anyway fuel if your gonna get a computer..try to have your parents go in on it as well if needed lol

basically waht i am saying is get a nice computer that will last you about 4 yrs + so you wont have to

upgrade an all that stuff..liek get a high performence graphic card...(create your PC)

idk if that helped lol probably not

[FMFDOC2]

I'm running my own made computer and can play BF2 on high.

Intel P4 3.0 Ghz HT 800 FSB
2 gigs of Crucial PC3200 memory
BFG 6800 GT OC 256 DDR3 memory

[glennwood_quagmire]

So right now im using a

Dell Dimension 4700 with an
Intel Pentium 4 2.79 Ghz
512 mb RAM
70 Gig HDD
ATI Radeon x300 series video card

-Fuel §

Hmmm I wonder if you have a full blow P4 in there or a Celeron, also not knowing what kind of mobo you have is bad also. You will need a RAM upgrade and Vid Card upgrade just to start. I just picked up a X1600 Pro AGP(512mb) Vid Card off neweeg for 152 after rebate.

Have you ever had you the cover off your system to look at it's guts?

GQ

Ok this is what I'm sorta looking at:

Dell Dimension E310
Processor: Intel® Pentium® 4 Processor 524 w/HT Technology (3.06GHz,533FSB)
Operating System: Genuine Windows® XP Home Edition
RAM: 1GB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 533MHz -2DIMMs (then buy another gig at newegg, Dell wants an extra $130 for 2 gigs)
HDD: 160GB Serial ATA 3Gb/s Hard Drive (7200RPM) w/ 8MB cache
CD/DVD Drive: Single Drive: 48x CD-RW / DVD-ROM Combo Drive
Monitor: 17 inch E177FP Analog Flat Panel
Video Card: Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator 900 (scrap that one then buy one at newegg for playing BF2/BF2142)
Sound: Integrated 2.0 Channel High Definition Audio

thats about it.
Any good???

How much. Also Dell's "Upgrades" are bogus, alot of time you pay for the upgrade ram but then get 2GB or lower quality stuff, I saw a HD upgrade from 160GB 7200RPM to a 200GB 5200RPM go figure. Ever think about buiilding your own.

GQ

[DerRaucher]

omg, the gf 6800 gt and ultra can handle bf2 on high settings. the gs and xt cant do it. so dont say the gf 6800 serie cant handle it.

and Fuel, why should it be a new pc?, new graphic-card and more ram and you have a fast pc. Hell, i have an amd 64 3200 +, and haven´t any probs to play games with that.

[Fuel §]

So right now im using a

Dell Dimension 4700 with an
Intel Pentium 4 2.79 Ghz
512 mb RAM
70 Gig HDD
ATI Radeon x300 series video card

-Fuel §

Hmmm I wonder if you have a full blow P4 in there or a Celeron, also not knowing what kind of mobo you have is bad also. You will need a RAM upgrade and Vid Card upgrade just to start. I just picked up a X1600 Pro AGP(512mb) Vid Card off neweeg for 152 after rebate.

Have you ever had you the cover off your system to look at it's guts?

GQ

Ok this is what I'm sorta looking at:

Dell Dimension E310
Processor: Intel® Pentium® 4 Processor 524 w/HT Technology (3.06GHz,533FSB)
Operating System: Genuine Windows® XP Home Edition
RAM: 1GB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 533MHz -2DIMMs (then buy another gig at newegg, Dell wants an extra $130 for 2 gigs)
HDD: 160GB Serial ATA 3Gb/s Hard Drive (7200RPM) w/ 8MB cache
CD/DVD Drive: Single Drive: 48x CD-RW / DVD-ROM Combo Drive
Monitor: 17 inch E177FP Analog Flat Panel
Video Card: Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator 900 (scrap that one then buy one at newegg for playing BF2/BF2142)
Sound: Integrated 2.0 Channel High Definition Audio

thats about it.
Any good???

How much. Also Dell's "Upgrades" are bogus, alot of time you pay for the upgrade ram but then get 2GB or lower quality stuff, I saw a HD upgrade from 160GB 7200RPM to a 200GB 5200RPM go figure. Ever think about buiilding your own.

GQ

Its about $550-$600 without the vid card and RAM upgrades. Yes Dell's upgrades are the biggest ripoffs in the word. They wanted and extra $200 for a 2 inch bigger monitor, and the computer and 100 gigs less HDD


Hmmm I wonder if you have a full blow P4 in there or a Celeron, also not knowing what kind of mobo you have is bad also. You will need a RAM upgrade and Vid Card upgrade just to start. I just picked up a X1600 Pro AGP(512mb) Vid Card off neweeg for 152 after rebate.

"Have you ever had you the cover off your system to look at it's guts?"-GQ

no unforunately. I think my processor is a full P4. I've never opened up a computer b4..or built one.

[glennwood_quagmire]

I would just stick with what you have and up-grade the memory and vid card, here's what Corsair says you have;

Details
Max Memory » 4.0 GB
Expansion Slots » 4 sockets
CPU Socket » Intel Pentium 4
Details » 800MHz FSB, Intel 915G Chipset

2GB will set you back about $230.00 at newegg;

http://www.newegg.co...=&Go.x=0&Go.y=0

and the GF 6800XT is $120 right now after rebate;

http://www.newegg.co...N82E16814150157

Let us know what your planning.

GQ

[AnonymousFlash]

http://support.dell....s.htm#wp1052739

Looks like you've got a PCI express slot according to the manual. You also have DDR2, so I reccomend the RAM that GQ showed you. However, you can get a 7600GT for 140ish at newegg which is probably better than a 6800xt.

http://www.newegg.co...N82E16814130283

Or if you want ATI, i've heard the x1800gto is really great bang for the buck.

http://www.newegg.co...N82E16814142067