Is this PC Any good?

[Archonaut]

A friend of mine is selling his pc, no special price for me or anything he sells it to everyone who is interested in it for 250,- euros.. It looked like there was something wrong with it because the price is incredibly low for this computer, 19 inch flatscreen and a really high tech keyboard + mouse. The only downside is that it's a selfbuild pc with no OS on it. Can anyone tellme if it;s any good?

Selfmade PC, 4 years old.
Componenten:

Motherboard: ASUS M2N4 SLI
Processor: AMD Athlon 64 X2 6000+ (3.01 GHZ)
Memory : 4 GB
Grafical card: 2x XFX Geforce 8600 GTS XXX ( in SLI, so 2 installed grafical cards in it )
Cooler: Watercooling, with extra liquidcooling
PC closet/housing: Thermaltake Armor Jr. (very nice blue colored closet/housing).
HDD: 500GB

Flatscreen: Packard Bell 19" Flatscreen
Keyboard: Logitech G15 with LCD screen
Mouse: Logitech Laser mouse
Caution: This pc has no OS installed, considering it's a selfbuild pc. I do have all ioriginal CD's with drivers for the components.

Askingprice: € 250,-

So do you guys think I should buy it? Would I have some nice FPS numbers playing RO? Or is it just not worth it...

I really hope someone can help me ;p

Edit; I think Ive should've posted this in the inn? Sorry..

[Torcida]

Yeah you should post it in the inn nobody will read it here anyway

[Archonaut]

Lol hope not ;p

[Psynocide]

Pricing seems fair considering it is secondhand, perhaps a bit lower than I would've expected.

The CPU is decent but slightly outdated, I can't say for the RAM (What MHz per stick?), I've not heard of that exact graphics card model before but I'm guessing it's going to be substandard by todays standards but having two of them is an improvement at the cost of a higher PSU usage and lastly the HDD isn't exactly huge and I'm guessing it has standard 5400rpm or 7200rpm at most.

Overall it seems a good deal for that price range, of course if you're looking for a new computer I'd suggest buying new as you can easily get better if you have the budget.

[Archonaut]

Pricing seems fair considering it is secondhand, perhaps a bit lower than I would've expected.

The CPU is decent but slightly outdated, I can't say for the RAM (What MHz per stick?), I've not heard of that exact graphics card model before but I'm guessing it's going to be substandard by todays standards but having two of them is an improvement at the cost of a higher PSU usage and lastly the HDD isn't exactly huge and I'm guessing it has standard 5400rpm or 7200rpm at most.

Overall it seems a good deal for that price range, of course if you're looking for a new computer I'd suggest buying new as you can easily get better if you have the budget.

He didn't give any info about the RAM tbh so I can't answer that question.

But if I undestand you right, you're saying this PC is decent, and I will get decent FPS numbers but if I want a really nice gaming pc I should look further?

[Psynocide]

He didn't give any info about the RAM tbh so I can't answer that question.

But if I undestand you right, you're saying this PC is decent, and I will get decent FPS numbers but if I want a really nice gaming pc I should look further?

Then I will assume it's the standard 1333MHz per stick, in which case the RAM is meh.

Yes, if you're looking to spend money on a good computer and don't find the prospect of upgrading constantly appealing, grab an extra few hundred euros and look elsewhere.
Preferably find a good site to custom-build your own.

[Archonaut]

Then I will assume it's the standard 1333MHz per stick, in which case the RAM is meh.

Yes, if you're looking to spend money on a good computer and don't find the prospect of upgrading constantly appealing, grab an extra few hundred euros and look elsewhere.

Preferably find a good site to custom-build your own.

Well indeed I don't really would like to keep upgrading my pc constantly, and putting my own custom-build pc is what I would like to do in the future if I have enough money to test things on, for now I want a nice Game PC/School pc, well we all know a pc doesn't have to be a beast to help for school. Gaming is a nother story though, and what's 'and extra few hundred euros' ? Around 500 euros? Or around 1000 ;p ?

[Psynocide]

Well indeed I don't really would like to keep upgrading my pc constantly, and putting my own custom-build pc is what I would like to do in the future if I have enough money to test things on, for now I want a nice Game PC/School pc, well we all know a pc doesn't have to be a beast to help for school. Gaming is a nother story though, and what's 'and extra few hundred euros' ? Around 500 euros? Or around 1000 ;p ?

Of course, if you're looking for a temporary computer that you don't intend to use intensively then this second hand one fits the bill magnificently.

It depends, go for the best you can get for your budget but 750+ will get you a desktop to be proud of at least for a few years.
I do know a very helpful site you can build your own computer and order from but I'm not sure whether they cater outside of the UK.

[Archonaut]

Of course, if you're looking for a temporary computer that you don't intend to use intensively then this second hand one fits the bill magnificently.

It depends, go for the best you can get for your budget but 750+ will get you a desktop to be proud of at least for a few years.
I do know a very helpful site you can build your own computer and order from but I'm not sure whether they cater outside of the UK.

I just want to play RO on at least shader model 3 with nice graphics and around 40 FPS in a 30vs30 war, for the rest there's not much I would really like to do with it (except for school of course but then again school projects don't really need a magnificent computer) would I get that much FPS with the computer I showed in the first post?

And would you mind giving me that website? Would like to have a look myself ;p

[Psynocide]

I just want to play RO on at least shader model 3 with nice graphics and around 40 FPS in a 30vs30 war, for the rest there's not much I would really like to do with it (except for school of course but then again school projects don't really need a magnificent computer) would I get that much FPS with the computer I showed in the first post?

And would you mind giving me that website? Would like to have a look myself ;p

I'm fairly confident that said computer would manage to meet those requirements, perhaps with a slightly lower FPS (Again, a graphics card that I don't recognize so I can't be sure).

http://www.pcspecialist.co.uk/
You will need to be at least vaguely familiar with computer hardware in order to know exactly what is what.

[Archonaut]

I'm fairly confident that said computer would manage to meet those requirements, perhaps with a slightly lower FPS (Again, a graphics card that I don't recognize so I can't be sure).


Hmm I'm glad to hear that, I've found an other computer which is I think slightly better but the person who sells it (again, it's second handed) doesn't give as much info as my friend I hope you know a bit much more about this computer:

Nice PC with Intel Core 2 Quad 6600 CPU, 3GB Ram memory, 500GB HDD But the pc has recently got a new motherboard(Asus P5KPL-AM) and a new PSU (doesn't say which one) It's perfect for multimedia, work, internet and easily works with new games. Also a new Philips 23'' LCD Screen. In total 285 euro's. What do you think ;p?

I hope I'm not too much trouble and thanks again for helping me ;D


http://www.pcspecialist.co.uk/
You will need to be at least vaguely familiar with computer hardware in order to know exactly what is what.

Well, it's never bad to expand your knowledge right ;p
I'll check it out, tyvm!

[-Logan-]

Might want to check the MHz on the RAM there more precisely. AFAIK the mobo you mentioned supports DDR2 RAM (Max 800MHz), and if that's the case what you're buying is garbage. The mobo especially looks like crud to me built specifically for SLI cards, which I don't recommend. I think it's also very important to check what kind of PSU is on that build. Better safe then sorry.

It's a nice price, but in my opinion it's money better spent somewhere else, like saved together with a bit more cash for an average computer at 2011 standards, not from 2008.

[Archonaut]

Might want to check the MHz on the RAM there more precisely. AFAIK the mobo you mentioned supports DDR2 RAM (Max 800MHz), and if that's the case what you're buying is garbage. The mobo especially looks like crud to me built specifically for SLI cards, which I don't recommend. I think it's also very important to check what kind of PSU is on that build. Better safe then sorry.

It's a nice price, but in my opinion it's money better spent somewhere else, like saved together with a bit more cash for an average computer at 2011 standards, not from 2008.

Are you talking about the PC I showed in the first post, or the desktop I showed on last post. And what's Mobo? I'll ask the owner then.

Edit: MOBO = Motherboard?

[-Logan-]

Are you talking about the PC I showed in the first post, or the desktop I showed on last post. And what's Mobo? I'll ask the owner then.

Edit: MOBO = Motherboard?
Mobo = motherboard

And I'm talking about the first one in the original post. The second one you posted isn't far from better either, and you forgot to mention the GPU, though if it's using a 1920 x 1200 resolution then it should have at least 1.5-2 gigs of memory otherwise you're going to be lagging. That motherboard only supports up to 4 gigs of dual channel RAM (and again, 1066MHz DDR2). The socket also isn't going to be compatible with any new processors like the Intel i3/5/7 series.

Honestly, prices are so low now that you can buy yourself 8 gigs of 1600Mhz DDR3 RAM (Which is more then enough for pure gaming) at an affordable price. My recommendation is also to find a motherboard with a 1155 or 1156 socket. There's just one problem right now with computer prices and it's HDD's (there was a flood in Thailand).

If you want a computer built purely for high end gaming, getting in the ideal price/performance zone, and playing everything but the Witcher 2 on ultra settings then the standard getup right now is an i5-2500 processor (2500k for overclocking), 6 gigs of 1600MHz RAM, and a 1GB nVidia 560Ti. I know many people build their computers more or less around these specifications and they can cut through resource heavy games like butter.

[Archonaut]

Mobo = motherboard

And I'm talking about the first one in the original post. The second one you posted isn't far from better either. That motherboard only supports up to 4 gigs of dual channel RAM (and again, 1066MHz DDR2). The socket also isn't going to be compatible with any new processors like the Intel i3/5/7 series.

Honestly, prices are so low now that you can buy yourself 8 gigs of 1600Mhz DDR3 RAM (Which is more then enough for pure gaming) at an affordable price. My recommendation is also to find a motherboard with a 1155 or 1156 socket.

If you want a computer built purely for high end gaming, getting in the ideal price/performance zone, and playing everything but the Witcher 2 on ultra settings then the standard getup right now is an i5-2500 processor (2500k for overclocking), 6 gigs of 1600MHz RAM, and a 1GB nVidia 560Ti. I know many people build their computers more or less around these specifications and they can cut through resource heavy games like butter.

Damn... Hmm I don't know right now, you and Eragon made me doubt about wheter I should buy my pc, or 'make' my self-build pc.. It's just that the costs are a bit high and of course my parents won't finance it so it will be the money out of my own pockets. On the other hand, building your own desktop will improve my knowledge about the inside of desktops. I could use that as an excuse ofcourse xD.

Around which amount of money would a nice self-build desktop be? And does anyone have a nice site which sends international? Eragon's site is really nice but I think (almost sure) it doesn't ship out side of the UK.
Hope this will work out ;p

[bois]

Interesting toss-up. I would tend to shy away from the first one simply because of the vintage of the components in there. For starters, in my company we tend to devalue computers by the order of 20% (sometimes 25%) for every year.
In that case, off the bat, the first one by its sheer age is only worth 20% of is original value.
That motherboard concerns me. It is an AM2 board and as such the installed chip is the best you can really get for that platform (there is the 6400 which is marginally faster). Essentially you are at the end of the upgrade path CPU wise. That chip runs hot and has a high thermal displacement. It might have been a contender maybe 4 years ago. The board takes DDR2 memory and maxes out at 8GB. Not bad and it is an Asus board which has a very good track record. But the board is still very old. There is a chance the RAM could be DDR2- 800Mhz or DDR2- 667Mhz. Considering the other components the Hard disk I would wager is a 7200RPM. Seems adequate. The video cards are another concern. Those boards are really lower end boards and inferior to the 8800 series. Will they perform in SLI for RO? Perhaps, but don't expect anything stellar. Those boards were released in 2007.
Yes the case sounds nice and it does have water cooling but let's hope that that water cooling is superior ,new and well maintained. Old water cooling systems should really be carefully examined before purchase.
Personally, I would not go for it despite the attractive price .

The second one sounds much nicer. Core 2 processors are nice generation . With that said , that board can only max out at 4 GB RAM I believe. It takes DDR2 but the 2 slots are filled and they probably put DDR2-667Mhz in there. For average use that is not bad but considering you mentioned no discrete graphics, the system will use the integrated GMA3100 graphics. Intel graphics are not great at all. Keep in mind that system will share the RAM with the onboard graphics and reduce the amount available to you.
I am not in the Euro zone so I can't advise on prices properly but I do think that the second one is the better choice considering the newer and superior components. The only issue is, depending on the Operating system you plan to use, you will probably have to invest in a discrete video card to have a pleasant experience in Regnum Online. I am just not sure if that Intel graphics is going to cut it. If it comes with discreet graphics, then all the better (depending on what you have of course).

Personally I would not go with either and probably try for something a bit newer. There are factory refurbished deals around and open box deals. It might be prudent to think about looking for something that gives you a bit more bang for the buck while at the same time not boxing yourself into dated (hence expensive to maintain) tech. A little future proofing is probably worth the investment too. However, if it is a budget constraint and time constraint, I prefer the second one along with a discreet video card.

Regards

[Archonaut]

....


Hmm, I undestand what you mean.. Well like 80% of it xD.
Anyway, that's not the point. It's not like I need those desktops right away, they seemed pretty nice from my point of view but I guess I was wrong. I will prolly build my own computer, or at least try to. First I have to get some more money together, still don't know how much I should have for a decent/good gaming computer. If anyone has a site for such things, it's still welcome. After that, I'll ask some advice on the forum too. And hopefully everything will work out allright. I think it's for the best, don't want to buy trash that I will throw away after half a year because of raging it gives me less fps than this computer already does.
Tyvm for your respond Bois.

Anyway, any nice self-build sites? Anyone ? They're all welcome ;D

Edit:

The only issue is, depending on the Operating system you plan to use, you will probably have to invest in a discrete video card to have a pleasant experience in Regnum Online. I am just not sure if that Intel graphics is going to cut it. If it comes with discreet graphics, then all the better (depending on what you have of course).

I didn't get the bold part, can you explain that please? I didn't know the OS did have to do with the graphics, or at least the performance. And what OS did you think I was planning on using?

[Aelonderiel]

Am I the only one that feels the modern-age power-hunger caused by Micro$oft in all its glory in this thread? :D

To be honest if you just wanted to play RO on modest settings, any of the 2 mentioned boxes would work magnificently... I mean, I got it up and running on a 2.6 Ghz Celeron with 1GB of DDR RAM and a 256 MB GPU that is so old I don't even remember what type of memory it is... Low settings of course, but there you go... And I know of people that have got it working on less, but with terrible fps so let's leave that :p

For RO on the highest settings, then surprisingly, you'd need a quite powerful computer. NG3D is not shy on demanding resources...

It would be easier to tell you if it's worth buying those PCs if you had posted what you're currently using.

[andres81]

I just want to play RO on at least shader model 3 with nice graphics and around 40 FPS in a 30vs30 war, for the rest there's not much I would really like to do with it (except for school of course but then again school projects don't really need a magnificent computer) would I get that much FPS with the computer I showed in the first post?

My brother had a GeForce 8500 card and played in shader 3 with very stable 40-45 fps on Pentium DualCore 2,8GHz (we had to change the graphics card recently due to broken fan).

Anyway your first posted computer is much better as it has 2 graphic cards in SLI mode and the processor seems to be faster too.
If you want to get more out of this box avoid installing a resource hungry OS like Windows 7 or make a dualboot and run Regnum on a light Linux installation ;)

What you should consider when buying 4 year old computers is that some components have expected lifetimes of about 5 years so have to be prepared to change for example defect RAM banks or other components....

[Archonaut]

@both the above

Well, I have a Windows 7 Dual Core pc with 3GB Ram and a Nvidia Gforce 8600 256mb . I play on fixed pipeline with force safemode and I have around 30 fps when there is nobody around and about 7fps in a nice fort wars. Well, how could this be possible then? The pc is about 3 years old so maybe that explains it. And about the 1st pc, it's already sold so even if I would like to buy it I couldn't.

Still I am wondering, I saw a nice pc a decent one but the Processor is Dual Core amd athlon 2,7GHZ. The graphical card on the other hand is pretty nice: Nvidia Gforce GT 280(Or 250, 260 I forgot exactly tbh), 1GB memory and it has 4 GB Ram. Just the CPU is bad isn't it? Is the CPU that important? Isn't it possible to expand your cpu on your own or is that impossible?

I hope anyone can answer these questions ;p

[S_N_I_P_E_R]

force safemode

There is a known problem with running this mode, in fact you will get less fps with this active than if it wasn't. Change your settings so that its on fixed pipeline but disable forced safe mode. You will notice higher fps trust me.

I have a Q6600 @ 2.8ghz, 4gb 1066mhz ram, 1gb Nvidia 450gt, 500gb 7200rpm HDD.
If I put force safe mode on it gives me about 30-40 fps, if I turn off forced safe mode I achieve 120-150 fps :D

Currently I play shader 4 with shadows turned off. Local lighting, particle, weapon beams all on and in wars have a steady 40-60 fps. I play on Ra btw where there are many players on the screen in fights/wars.

[andres81]

Just the CPU is bad isn't it? Is the CPU that important? Isn't it possible to expand your cpu on your own or is that impossible?

Regnum is compared to other games extremely CPU intensive, so, yes it is important.
You can not "expand" the CPU but you can change it with any model that uses the same socket type ( = the connection where you plug it into the motherboard).

[Archonaut]

There is a known problem with running this mode, in fact you will get less fps with this active than if it wasn't. Change your settings so that its on fixed pipeline but disable forced safe mode. You will notice higher fps trust me.

I have a Q6600 @ 2.8ghz, 4gb 1066mhz ram, 1gb Nvidia 450gt, 500gb 7200rpm HDD.
If I put force safe mode on it gives me about 30-40 fps, if I turn off forced safe mode I achieve 120-150 fps :D

Currently I play shader 4 with shadows turned off. Local lighting, particle, weapon beams all on and in wars have a steady 40-60 fps. I play on Ra btw where there are many players on the screen in fights/wars.

Wow I tried this and it really works, General Settings: Medium withotu Weather FPX Shadermodel 3 I now have around 40 fps but still I feel laggy somehow.. As if I have huge latency, when I rotate my mouse to let my character look for example to the right.. It takes a few MiliSeconds, which are pretty annoying(Hard to explane I hope you know what I mean) as if it takes my computer some few MSecs to think about what to do.. Really weird.

Regnum is compared to other games extremely CPU intensive, so, yes it is important.
You can not "expand" the CPU but you can change it with any model that uses the same socket type ( = the connection where you plug it into the motherboard).

Hmm, so dual core processors wouldn't be recommended? Damn.

[andres81]

as if it takes my computer some few MSecs to think about what to do.. Really weird.
I would guess CPU overloaded, or memory full.


Hmm, so dual core processors wouldn't be recommended? Damn.
why not?
anyway you have to check first the type of socket your motherboard provides, then you can plug in any processor (CPU) that is available for that socket...

[Psynocide]

Most games if not all, are only capable of utilizing two cores maximum.
Usually the performance of each game is judged primarily by the GPU.

[Regnum_Online]

What are the specs on your current PC?

It'd probably be cheaper and more beneficial to just upgrade what you have.

[Psynocide]

What are the specs on your current PC?

It'd probably be cheaper and more beneficial to just upgrade what you have.

That's assuming he has a desktop.
If he has a laptop, it's not impossible to upgrade but, well.. Good luck xD

[Aelonderiel]

Well, I have a Windows 7 Dual Core pc with 3GB Ram and a Nvidia Gforce 8600 256mb .

Don't make the poor guy have to repost.

[Archonaut]

Don't make the poor guy have to repost.

Hehe yes thank you,

My computer used to be vista when I bought it, I installed some sort of a cracked windows 7/mac OS. I have 3 GB Ram DDR 2 CPU: E2200 Intel Pentium Dual Core. Nvidia GeForce 8400 256mb.

And my desktop is about 3 á 4 years old.
Pretty old for a computer right? What would be cheaper then?

[andres81]

My computer used to be vista when I bought it, I installed some sort of a cracked windows 7/mac OS. I have 3 GB Ram DDR 2 CPU: E2200 Intel Pentium Dual Core. Nvidia GeForce 8400 256mb.

And my desktop is about 3 á 4 years old.
Pretty old for a computer right? What would be cheaper then?

My brother has a smiliar computer, Intel Dual Core E2160, 2GB RAM, GeForce 9500 1024GB (passive) and plays with shader model 3, medium details on very stable 40-50fps without lags or problems. Btw. using Linux.

As you said that what you want is play on SM3 with fps over 40 I would just suggest to change the graphic card and if that is not enough consider using a less resource hungry OS ;)

[Regnum_Online]

Sorry, didn't see where you posted that.

That's pretty damn good for a 4 year old computer.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103996
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161384

Just these two parts for your computer would make it better than the one you're looking at by a long shot, for $270. Depending on the wattage on your power supply, you might need a new one of those too.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817341052

I think just these parts alone come out to equal the cost of the computer you're looking at. So it's a hard call. :P

[Archonaut]

My brother has a smiliar computer, Intel Dual Core E2160, 2GB RAM, GeForce 9500 1024GB (passive) and plays with shader model 3, medium details on very stable 40-50fps without lags or problems. Btw. using Linux.

As you said that what you want is play on SM3 with fps over 40 I would just suggest to change the graphic card and if that is not enough consider using a less resource hungry OS ;)

The problem with installing a new OS is that I have other relatives that don't even precisely know how to handle with a windows version.. So suggesting I would take a Linux. Well tbh I have never had any linux OS before but from all the screenshots and videos I see it doesn't seem so 'user friendly' so that wouldn't be an option for me.

On the other hand, what I would like to do is buy an other computer, a good one which I could play SM 4 with and high settings and really nice FPS ratings. Put it somewhere where only I can use it and install a linux. In my opinion, the second plan seems much nicer.
Then again, my budget isn't really large xD that's why I'm looking for a nice, not to expensive desktop ;p

[andres81]

Sorry, didn't see where you posted that.

That's pretty damn good for a 4 year old computer.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103996

You should consider that he has a motherboard with Intel socket (LGA 775 I guess, anyway we should be sure about that before recommending a processor ;) ).


On the other hand, what I would like to do is buy an other computer, a good one which I could play SM 4 with and high settings and really nice FPS ratings. Put it somewhere where only I can use it and install a linux. In my opinion, the second plan seems much nicer.
Then again, my budget isn't really large xD that's why I'm looking for a nice, not to expensive desktop ;p

Ok, that's another topic then... you will need around 500€ for that.

[Archonaut]

Sorry, didn't see where you posted that.

That's pretty damn good for a 4 year old computer.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103996
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161384

Just these two parts for your computer would make it better than the one you're looking at by a long shot, for $270. Depending on the wattage on your power supply, you might need a new one of those too.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817341052

I think just these parts alone come out to equal the cost of the computer you're looking at. So it's a hard call. :P

Woow those parts look really nice, and not that expensive.. But if I look at the prices that's around 350 dollars together. Which is about 320 euros? If I'm not wrong, I see alot of computers that cost around the same price for example this one:
Intel Core 2QUAD met processor Intel Q6600 4x 2,4 GHZ , G0, 8 mb cache,


6 Gb RAM
500 gb HDD
ATI RADEON 2900XT 1 GB with tv out and DVI
With this I get a keyboard, mouse, and a LCD Screen 20'' (Not much but still usable) I could prollyupgrade this pc with the same parts and get a computer with a lot better performances and I could use it on my own so that would mean 2 desktops. Somehow that seems more attractive to me, still not totally sure.

[Archonaut]

Btw does anyone know what overclocking means?
And I sometimes see, well for example my last post: Intel Q6600 4x 2,4 GHZ , G0, 8 mb cache

What does this 0,8 MB Cache mean? What does it do or stand for?

[andres81]

Btw does anyone know what overclocking means?

Processors (doesn't matter if CPU or GPU) are designed for a specific clock rate or a certain range, anyway they have a max clock rate they are designed for.
So, for example if we are speaking about an 1GHz processor this means a processor with a clock rate of 50 billion instructions/calculations per second.
The clock rate is defined by a clock generator that tells the processor when it has to make the next calculation and here we go - overclocking is nothing else than increasing the clock rate beyond the max rate the processor is designed for.

= more performance and less lifetime (or destruction of the processor up to burning your computer if you go too far)

And I sometimes see, well for example my last post: Intel Q6600 4x 2,4 GHZ , G0, 8 mb cache

What does this 0,8 MB Cache mean? What does it do or stand for?
this is a buffer where the processor can store instructions when it is still working on previous instructions

[standistortion]

That quad core is good value for what your getting and plenty powerful enough, would prefer an nvidia card though (if installing linux) and the processor socket type isn't good if you ever want to upgrade the cpu (its last generation), the Q6600 should be good for another few years at least though.

The guy who was offering you his old system in the 1st post built his own, I would suggest asking him to build you one (unless you want to try yourself). You can put together a system thats good for easy future upgrades and has ok performance for a little more than he wants for his old one.

[Aelonderiel]

My brother has a smiliar computer, Intel Dual Core E2160, 2GB RAM, GeForce 9500 1024GB (passive) and plays with shader model 3, medium details on very stable 40-50fps without lags or problems. Btw. using Linux.

As you said that what you want is play on SM3 with fps over 40 I would just suggest to change the graphic card and if that is not enough consider using a less resource hungry OS ;)

This.

If you ran something like XP on that computer it would fly, and so would RO. Not on Shader 3 of course, but I don't see why you shouldn't be able to run decently on Shader 2...

I would recommend Linux, but only if you're into the idea of learning a whole new OS. Otherwise stick with XP.

Also, pirated versions of questionable origins... bad, bad idea :D Especially since the aim of this version you use is to make it look like a mac. Someone who hacks windows to make it look like a mac is the ultimate tech failure :clapclap: (don't be offended :P)

[_Emin_]

Hehe let's build a computer together if you know how toxD

[Archonaut]

Processors (doesn't matter if CPU or GPU) are designed for a specific clock rate or a certain range, anyway they have a max clock rate they are designed for.
So, for example if we are speaking about an 1GHz processor this means a processor with a clock rate of 50 billion instructions/calculations per second.
The clock rate is defined by a clock generator that tells the processor when it has to make the next calculation and here we go - overclocking is nothing else than increasing the clock rate beyond the max rate the processor is designed for.

= more performance and less lifetime (or destruction of the processor up to burning your computer if you go too far)


this is a buffer where the processor can store instructions when it is still working on previous instructions

Now I finally know, thank you very much! That has buzzin' me for a looooonggg time..

Also, xD, if anyone would mind telling me.. What's the difference with an on-board graphic card and just a normal one?


That quad core is good value for what your getting and plenty powerful enough, would prefer an nvidia card though (if installing linux) and the processor socket type isn't good if you ever want to upgrade the cpu (its last generation), the Q6600 should be good for another few years at least though.

The guy who was offering you his old system in the 1st post built his own, I would suggest asking him to build you one (unless you want to try yourself). You can put together a system thats good for easy future upgrades and has ok performance for a little more than he wants for his old one.


Well I don't have that option anymore and I wouldn't really like to let someone else build a computer for me. I would rather just buy one or make my own, with some help of course.


This.

If you ran something like XP on that computer it would fly, and so would RO. Not on Shader 3 of course, but I don't see why you shouldn't be able to run decently on Shader 2...

I would recommend Linux, but only if you're into the idea of learning a whole new OS. Otherwise stick with XP.

Also, pirated versions of questionable origins... bad, bad idea :D Especially since the aim of this version you use is to make it look like a mac. Someone who hacks windows to make it look like a mac is the ultimate tech failure :clapclap: (don't be offended :P)

Hahha no not offended at all, I got it from a friend and it's pretty nice tbh. I don't know if it's good or anything but I have a lot less lagg than when I used to play on my vista, that totally sucked. Maybe some day I will install Linux, though I hear a lot of programs don't run on linux not many games do either :/ Huge Con of course.

What would be better. Windows xp or Windows 7/Mac' ish version ;p

[Archonaut]

Hehe let's build a computer together if you know how toxD

Haha some day mate, some day.

[Regnum_Online]

Woow those parts look really nice, and not that expensive.. But if I look at the prices that's around 350 dollars together. Which is about 320 euros?

$350 is 270 euros, which if you ask me, isn't that much more considering the performance upgrade.

[Aelonderiel]

Computer parts cost much less in America than they do in Europe, so the parts argument is invalid :play_ball:

I'm too bored to search now (sorry) but I get the feeling that those, along with an unavoidable mobo and RAM (and maybe HDD and case as well) upgrade would end up costing more than 500 euros :cuac:

And before someone asks: those prices are usually America only, so you can't buy at low price and ask them to ship to Europe.

Edit: Disclaimer: I don't know if newegg ships to Europe, but I assume it doesn't with those prices.

[standistortion]

Where are you based? Component prices are fairly level across europe from the right suppliers, someone may be able to suggest a supplier in the same country at least. 300 euro should get components for a good system, less if you use you old case and power supply, the screen is the only part that makes a complete system worth the price.

EDIT I've been using this supplier in Ireland: http://www.elara.ie/
In Paris there is a district specializing in components: http://www.rue-montgallet.com/

[Psynocide]

The more answers given, the more questions arise hm?
No worries but I suggest you seek out some professional advice.

http://www.pcspecialist.co.uk/forums/forum.php

The regular people on this forum are quite friendly and more than happy to offer great advice, I can vouchsafe for this personally.
It's amazing how much insightful and more importantly, free information you can find on the internet.

[Archonaut]

Well, I'm a 100% sure now that I will first buy a new Graphical Card for this computer and then probably will need a powersupply too because mine atm is around 300W if I'm not wrong and last time I checked the good or average graphical cards need aruond 450W ? Something like that is what the salesman told me. Anyway, is there any preference I should watch? Some brands I should choose above all? Nvida Gefore for example or anything? And how do I know if the graphical card will fit in my MOBO ? Same for the power supply, how can I assure it will work for my computer?

Prolly buy them at this site as it is a local Computer Shop near:

http://www.dixons.nl/computer/componenten.html?cat=320&manufacturer=1172 - Powersupply
http://www.dynabyte.nl/computer/componenten.html?cat=119 - Graphical Card

[Aelonderiel]

Well, I'm a 100% sure now that I will first buy a new Graphical Card for this computer and then probably will need a powersupply too because mine atm is around 300W if I'm not wrong and last time I checked the good or average graphical cards need aruond 450W ? Something like that is what the salesman told me. Anyway, is there any preference I should watch? Some brands I should choose above all? Nvida Gefore for example or anything? And how do I know if the graphical card will fit in my MOBO ? Same for the power supply, how can I assure it will work for my computer?

Prolly buy them at this site as it is a local Computer Shop near:

http://www.dixons.nl/computer/componenten.html?cat=320&manufacturer=1172 - Powersupply
http://www.dynabyte.nl/computer/componenten.html?cat=119 - Graphical Card

Before you buy a GPU you need to know what kind of slot your motherboard has... If for example it's a PCI-e 4x slot then there's no sense in buying a PCI-e 16x card, even though it will fit you will only get 1/4th of the performance...

Find the model of your motherboard and google it. I'm sure windows has some kind of device manager program that can tell you, but if it comes to the worst, unscrew your case and look for the name :p

[Archonaut]

Before you buy a GPU you need to know what kind of slot your motherboard has... If for example it's a PCI-e 4x slot then there's no sense in buying a PCI-e 16x card, even though it will fit you will only get 1/4th of the performance...

Find the model of your motherboard and google it. I'm sure windows has some kind of device manager program that can tell you, but if it comes to the worst, unscrew your case and look for the name :p

GPU = Graphical card xD?

And I think I found the name of my MOBO wasn't that hard because I still have the name of my computer on the box:
Acer Aspire M3640
Mobo: Acer MCP73

Does this give you any more info?
Oh, and how do I know what the maximum Ram memory is in my computer? In case I would want to upgrade that, how could I find out? And if I would, would I actually notice the difference?

[andres81]

Before you buy a GPU you need to know what kind of slot your motherboard has... If for example it's a PCI-e 4x slot then there's no sense in buying a PCI-e 16x card, even though it will fit you will only get 1/4th of the performance...

This is not so strict, even a highend graphic card does not require the full bandwidth of PCI-e 16x and we are speaking here about midrange or even cheaper cards were you won't notice any difference between pluging it into a PCi-e 4x or 16x slot ;)

My SATA-1 harddisk is also much faster than my SATA-3 harddisk because it has 10.000rpm - in most cases the connection/port is not the bottleneck...

GPU = Graphical card xD?
GPU = graphical processing unit
in other words the graphic cards processor - so it is just a part of the graphic card beside memory, connectors, fan and so on


Does this give you any more info? yes ;)
Oh, and how do I know what the maximum Ram memory is in my computer? In case I would want to upgrade that, how could I find out? And if I would, would I actually notice the difference?
Your system should be able to show the current RAM usage (look into the task manager in windows) - if the RAM is full and the system starts using so called virtual memory (=writing the data to your harddisk) then you should upgrade the RAM

[standistortion]

http://support.acer.com/acerpanam/desktop/0000/Acer/AspireM1640/AspireM1640sp2.shtml
Could be good for a cheap update, the graphics cards you linked to would be ideal and the prices are ok. What cpu and ram do you have?

[Archonaut]

This is not so strict, even a highend graphic card does not require the full bandwidth of PCI-e 16x and we are speaking here about midrange or even cheaper cards were you won't notice any difference between pluging it into a PCi-e 4x or 16x slot ;)

My SATA-1 harddisk is also much faster than my SATA-3 harddisk because it has 10.000rpm - in most cases the connection/port is not the bottleneck...


GPU = graphical processing unit
in other words the graphic cards processor - so it is just a part of the graphic card beside memory, connectors, fan and so on

yes ;)

Your system should be able to show the current RAM usage (look into the task manager in windows) - if the RAM is full and the system starts using so called virtual memory (=writing the data to your harddisk) then you should upgrade the RAM

Hmm oh okay didnt know what,

Well I have 3 GB Ram and it says 1,92 GB So does that mean I'm good for now ;p?

And on the MOBO, any info on which Graphic Card I should choose? Which one I should prefer ;p?

[Archonaut]

http://support.acer.com/acerpanam/desktop/0000/Acer/AspireM1640/AspireM1640sp2.shtml
Could be good for a cheap update, the graphics cards you linked to would be ideal and the prices are ok. What cpu and ram do you have?

3Gb Ram, CPU Intel E2200 Dual Core is what it says so.. ;p

Buton the site you linked it says the Original OS is Windows XP while mine was Vista, also it says something about a Nvidia Geforce 7050, while mine is Nvidia Geforce 8400


EDIT: Also, it says standard 250W Supply which is exactly what I have, I said 300 earlier but I was wrong. Anyway, what would happen if I would put a power supply with a power of 400W on the computer? Could there go something wrong? Or are there no limits when talking about PowerSupply.

[standistortion]

Buton the site you linked it says the Original OS is Windows XP while mine was Vista, also it says something about a Nvidia Geforce 7050, while mine is Nvidia Geforce 8400
My mistake:
http://support.acer.com/acerpanam/desktop/0000/Acer/AspireM3640/AspireM3640sp2.shtml
Nvidia 7100 graphics on that one, maybe yours has already had a card added?

2x 2gb 800mhz (PC6400) sticks RAM will max out memory, nothing fancy just a reputable brand. One of your sticks is likely 2gb already, getting just one 2gb stick of the same speed will save about 22 euro but can sometimes (rarely) have issues.

E2200 pentium processors overclock easily but your motherboard might not allow overclocking, cheap boost if it does. A different processor would be worth getting, which depends on your budget though. 60+ euro's for anything good and its not something you can re-use if you plan on upgrading the motherboard later.

250W is too small for the power supply. Its something you can use again though, worth getting a good quality one with more power than your likely to need, 500W+ would be ok, less if you know you will never have a monster graphics card and 4 hard drives.
Would be worth getting a new graphics card and trying it with the 250W first, sometimes oem power supplies put out a lot more than their rating suggests, you will get shutdowns its not powerful enough.

[Archonaut]

My mistake:
http://support.acer.com/acerpanam/desktop/0000/Acer/AspireM3640/AspireM3640sp2.shtml
Nvidia 7100 graphics on that one, maybe yours has already had a card added?

2x 2gb 800mhz (PC6400) sticks RAM will max out memory, nothing fancy just a reputable brand. One of your sticks is likely 2gb already, getting just one 2gb stick of the same speed will save about 22 euro but can sometimes (rarely) have issues.

E2200 pentium processors overclock easily but your motherboard might not allow overclocking, cheap boost if it does. A different processor would be worth getting, which depends on your budget though. 60+ euro's for anything good and its not something you can re-use if you plan on upgrading the motherboard later.

250W is too small for the power supply. Its something you can use again though, worth getting a good quality one with more power than your likely to need, 500W+ would be ok, less if you know you will never have a monster graphics card and 4 hard drives.
Would be worth getting a new graphics card and trying it with the 250W first, sometimes oem power supplies put out a lot more than their rating suggests, you will get shutdowns its not powerful enough.

Well I haven't and I bought it in a closed desktop with a sticker. Maybe they implented one and just faked the sticker? I dont know, this one is better anyway right?

Well 60+ euro's isn't that much but it depends, even 1 euro is too much if I won't even notice the difference in speed? If i would buy a new processor would I actually notice the difference?
And indeed I have one 2GB stick and one 1GB stick, but like Andres81 said I won't notice a difference if my Ram memory isn't full yet so there isn't a point in expanding that if i'm not wrong ;p ?

Also, well no I won't this will prolly be the last upgrade I will add to my computer before I throw it away so just a decent graphic card for around 100 euro's (I hope less, prolly not) will be enough. Also, that means I would need around 350W Power Supplier.. Ill first try without but 250W is indeed really low :/

And just one thing, what's the part in the desktop that makes the most noice? PowerSupplier or Cooler(at least that's how it's called in dutch). Because I would like my pc to be pretty quiet ;p

[Archonaut]

The more answers given, the more questions arise hm?
No worries but I suggest you seek out some professional advice.

http://www.pcspecialist.co.uk/forums/forum.php

The regular people on this forum are quite friendly and more than happy to offer great advice, I can vouchsafe for this personally.
It's amazing how much insightful and more importantly, free information you can find on the internet.

I tried : http://www.pcspecialist.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?11996-Looking-for-a-new-graphical-card-and-power-supply&p=105403#post105403

They don't really help you if you haven't bought one of their PCP Computers.. :/

[standistortion]

Well I haven't and I bought it in a closed desktop with a sticker.
K, maybe I got the wrong details again, 8400 is a lot better than a 7100.
If i would buy a new processor would I actually notice the difference?
Depends on what you are doing, RO uses a lot of processing power and an E2200 is quite low spec so you should see a difference. If you do cpu intensive stuff like video encoding (anything that you have to wait for and doesn't use the hard drive much) then you will see a big difference. It's worth checking if you can overclock yours, the E2200 will stably run 50% faster, I ran an E2160 at 3ghz (2.16ghz standard) for over a year with no issues at all and its still being used now.
And indeed I have one 2GB stick and one 1GB stick, but like Andres81 said I won't notice a difference if my Ram memory isn't full yet so there isn't a point in expanding that if i'm not wrong ;p ?
You can never have too much and its a cheap upgrade (usually the first). If you only tend to run 1 or 2 things at once, dont have much running in the background and rarely have more than a couple of tabs open in a browser then 3gb is plenty. If you don't have enough your PC will become very slow when trying to do too much and the hard drive will be working hard at the same time.
so just a decent graphic card for around 100 euro's (I hope less, prolly not)
Would suggest sticking to the 30-60 euro range with your current hardware unless you plan to put it into another PC later.
And just one thing, what's the part in the desktop that makes the most noice? PowerSupplier or Cooler(at least that's how it's called in dutch). Because I would like my pc to be pretty quiet ;p
Both, the processor fan generally makes a little more when its working hard. If you get a power supply look for one with a big fan on the base instead of a small one on the side. If noise bothers you it would be worth getting a processor heat sink (cooler is fine) with a big fan to but make sure there is enough room in the case as oem's often put things in the way. Btw, the standard intel coolers are generally very good, if yours makes a lot of noise the heatsink may be blocked up, they should generally be checked and cleaned out if needed at least once a year.

[Archonaut]

K, maybe I got the wrong details again, 8400 is a lot better than a 7100.

Depends on what you are doing, RO uses a lot of processing power and an E2200 is quite low spec so you should see a difference. If you do cpu intensive stuff like video encoding (anything that you have to wait for and doesn't use the hard drive much) then you will see a big difference. It's worth checking if you can overclock yours, the E2200 will stably run 50% faster, I ran an E2160 at 3ghz (2.16ghz standard) for over a year with no issues at all and its still being used now.

You can never have too much and its a cheap upgrade (usually the first). If you only tend to run 1 or 2 things at once, dont have much running in the background and rarely have more than a couple of tabs open in a browser then 3gb is plenty. If you don't have enough your PC will become very slow when trying to do too much and the hard drive will be working hard at the same time.

Would suggest sticking to the 30-60 euro range with your current hardware unless you plan to put it into another PC later.

Both, the processor fan generally makes a little more when its working hard. If you get a power supply look for one with a big fan on the base instead of a small one on the side. If noise bothers you it would be worth getting a processor heat sink (cooler is fine) with a big fan to but make sure there is enough room in the case as oem's often put things in the way. Btw, the standard intel coolers are generally very good, if yours makes a lot of noise the heatsink may be blocked up, they should generally be checked and cleaned out if needed at least once a year.

Hmm I would like to overclock the CPU but then it will get defect a lot faster right? And since I'm not the only one using this computer I will get the blame xD What's the risk of overclocking it? Could it be possible the CPU will go defect in, for example lets say, a month?

Also, well I usually just Start Regnum listen some music maybe some Mumble that's all.. No more needed, I searched the prices of 2GB DDR2 near here and theyre about 30 euro's not that much but well like I said I think I won't notice that much since I don't use a lot of programs at the same time.

About the graphical card, I have a friend who offered me Nvidia GeForce 220 GT 512MB for about 10 to 20 euro's. I think I'm going to buy it and place it, I'm still collecting some money for a nice Desktop. Would that card be okay with my desktop? And do you guys think I would notice the difference? Would it work properly? And also it needs 350W I only have 250W what would happen if I tried to put it on my desktop now and try to use it? Would the card get damaged? Or can I try it without any risk ;p.

As for the PSU, it doesn't make that much noice at all it's just that I dont want to buy one which does make a lot of noice. Mine is okay atm, same for the cooler just a very soft noice but nothing annoying at all ;p

[andres81]

Hmm I would like to overclock the CPU but then it will get defect a lot faster right? And since I'm not the only one using this computer I will get the blame xD What's the risk of overclocking it? Could it be possible the CPU will go defect in, for example lets say, a month?
It is possible but very unusual...
the CPU is designed to work also in let's say not ideal conditions ;)

If your computer has a good air circulation (= good airflow from front to backside, streaming around CPU, harddisks and graphic card), no "cable salad", enough free space, no dust (clean it!) and sufficient fans there is absolutely no problem with overclocking even in permanent use.
Btw. cigarette-smoke is poison for computers ;)

About the graphical card, I have a friend who offered me Nvidia GeForce 220 GT 512MB for about 10 to 20 euro's. I think I'm going to buy it and place it
Good choice to start. As for the power supply you will notice it when the 250W is not enough (=computer will turn off immediately). If you want to give it a try with the current power supply don't forget to save all your data because the harddisk might corrupt data when the computer is switched off that hard way. That's the only risk as far as I know.

PS: consider that any kind of overclocking requires also more el. power and maybe a better powersupply

[Archonaut]

It is possible but very unusual...
the CPU is designed to work also in let's say not ideal conditions ;)

If your computer has a good air circulation (= good airflow from front to backside, streaming around CPU, harddisks and graphic card), no "cable salad", enough free space, no dust (clean it!) and sufficient fans there is absolutely no problem with overclocking even in permanent use.
Btw. cigarette-smoke is poison for computers ;)


Good choice to start. As for the power supply you will notice it when the 250W is not enough (=computer will turn off immediately). If you want to give it a try with the current power supply don't forget to save all your data because the harddisk might corrupt data when the computer is switched off that hard way. That's the only risk as far as I know.

PS: consider that any kind of overclocking requires also more el. power and maybe a better powersupply


Lol this overclocking scares the **** out of me xD Never mind, I'll just try it this way I'm really afraid that the odds turn on me and well... Yeah don't want that to happen. Okay, so the graphic card is okay? Hmm, will my HDD be erased totally? In the worst case? Or just what I worked in when starting the computer in that fase.

[andres81]

Hmm, will my HDD be erased totally?

Totally not, in general the area where the harddisk is writing data in the instant moment when the power loss occurs is damaged. If the disk is not writing data at all nothing happens and that is the most probably case.
However a few weeks ago my mother plugged out the power connector of my fathers computer to connect heir cleaning machine and the Windows boot sequence got corrupted so the machine was not able to start Windows after that issue, such things might happen xD

Anyway the harddisk itself is obviously ok, I just had to copy back the data from the last backup and everything is fine again...
just take care that you have another system you can boot from CD/DVD or USB stick in order to restore backups.

[Archonaut]

Totally not, in general the area where the harddisk is writing data in the instant moment when the power loss occurs is damaged. If the disk is not writing data at all nothing happens and that is the most probably case.
However a few weeks ago my mother plugged out the power connector of my fathers computer to connect heir cleaning machine and the Windows boot sequence got corrupted so the machine was not able to start Windows after that issue, such things might happen xD

Anyway the harddisk itself is obviously ok, I just had to copy back the data from the last backup and everything is fine again...
just take care that you have another system you can boot from CD/DVD or USB stick in order to restore backups.

Awesome, so I don't have to be afraid that will happen ;p
Yeah I'll just make a back-up of everything just in case.

[-Logan-]

Lol this overclocking scares the **** out of me xD Never mind, I'll just try it this way I'm really afraid that the odds turn on me and well... Yeah don't want that to happen. Okay, so the graphic card is okay? Hmm, will my HDD be erased totally? In the worst case? Or just what I worked in when starting the computer in that fase.

Generally there isn't anything wrong with overclocking if you aren't trying to blatantly drive your PC over the edge, most motherboards have smart technology now and some Intel processors also will automatically quit when they've reached their limit. Hardware will deteriorate over time whether or not you choose to overclock, so there's nothing to really lose when you just need that extra juice sometimes.

[Seher]

Well overclocking reduces the life time quite a bit, but usually that doesn't matter because you should've bought new stuff anyway after 10 years. :-P

Don't increase the voltage, just test how far you can go, and you'll be perfectly fine with a nice speed boost for free.

[Archonaut]

Generally there isn't anything wrong with overclocking if you aren't trying to blatantly drive your PC over the edge, most motherboards have smart technology now and some Intel processors also will automatically quit when they've reached their limit. Hardware will deteriorate over time whether or not you choose to overclock, so there's nothing to really lose when you just need that extra juice sometimes.

But still this means my computer will get defect a lot more faster, and I will get the fault anyways. It's just that I'm the only person in house that games and usually people who really have no idea how a computer works think that games are really bad for a computer and that that's the main reason things go wrong. I will get blamed anyway, but then I know it's no my fault. If I overclock it, they'll practically be right for blaming me xD I'll do that to my own computer, not one everybody uses ;p

Well overclocking reduces the life time quite a bit, but usually that doesn't matter because you should've bought new stuff anyway after 10 years. :-P

Don't increase the voltage, just test how far you can go, and you'll be perfectly fine with a nice speed boost for free.

10 years? That's a lot of time, I've never had a computer for longer then 4 years ;p
k will try without new PSU first, hope it'll work.