Gaming PCs

I couldn't believe it...i wanted to go 4 gb with XP but apparently thats a waste.with a few tweaks you can get that to 3gb but your still gonna have a gig dedicated to the kernel...and Xp idle only uses about 150kb or so ram

Its a load of bollox to be honest....because a few months ago even before SP1 i didn't wanna go near that bug infested Vista with a 10ft barge pole.
 
Microsoft eh

I don't know much of the ins and outs....only starting to learn a bit as im new to IT but thats what he says.....If you have 4gb RAM with XP half of that RAM is dedicated to the kernel but you can make changes in the bios and get that up to 3gb.

I won't even pretend to know how its done really just that i was fecking disappointed when i found out i couldn't go with 4gb
 
I've never understood this 16/32/64bit OS thing TBH, addressing really should be left to hardware, and software should adapt to that. XP is seems has its memory addressing system hard coded to long ints.
 
gamerrig.jpg


Weastes "office".
 
Stemmy said:
Microsoft eh

I don't know much of the ins and outs....only starting to learn a bit as im new to IT but thats what he says.....If you have 4gb RAM with XP half of that RAM is dedicated to the kernel but you can make changes in the bios and get that up to 3gb.

I won't even pretend to know how its done really just that i was fecking disappointed when i found out i couldn't go with 4gb
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What seems to be happening is that a PC CPU can address any memory in the system, be it on the motherboard or on an expansion card. So, what XP is doing is reserving 1GB of the addresses. It's bizarre.
 
Stemmy said:
I won't even pretend to know how its done really just that i was fecking disappointed when i found out i couldn't go with 4gb
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It's sort of like a new street that has space for 40 houses but only planning permission for 30, yet the post office decided to reserve numbers 31-40 just in case a few gypos (your expansion cards) turn up in their caravans and park in the street. Build the other ten houses down the line and they have no mail address.
 
WeasteDevil said:
It's sort of like a new street that has space for 40 houses but only planning permission for 30, yet the post office decided to reserve numbers 31-40 just in case a few gypos (your expansion cards) turn up in their caravans and park in the street. Build the other ten houses down the line and they have no mail address.
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Hehe yeah i sort of get it

its still fecking mad....why no more than than 2gb towards applications...just mad

Its not only Microsoft OS's that are hogging your resources but they're taking bits they don't even use aswell.

Kinda like your girlfriend....she'll fecking rape your cash and attention, but when it comes to getting down to it she'll fecking just lay there and claim she's doing all the work:wenger:
 
Count Duckula said:
Anyone here know anything about them? I bought a Dell PC five years ago that's been running my games fine for that time. However, the CD-Drive went earlier today and it's been on the fritz for a while, so I'm looking at getting a new one.

However, despite being pleased with how long and well this one has lasted I've been told that Dell are a bad way to go and I made a mistake. So, my question is what companies should I go for and what sort of price can I be expecting to pay for a computer that can play Crysis, Bioshock, Mass Effect et al in all their glory? I don't particularly want to shell out on a computer that only just plays them, because it seems both quite pointless and will be outdated in a few years. One of the reasons this one has lasted five years with minimal upgrades is because it was almost (but not quite) top-of-the-line when I bought it.

Thanks in advance for the help.
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Just build your own, it's much cheaper. 3 years ago I did that and spent only about a half that I would have if I bought it off someone. It's getting old now, but I don't play games much anymore, but it was an uber-machine when I put it together
 
WeasteDevil said:
1 Commodore C64
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Played on that when i was a kid.Didn't own one cause we were dirt poor then but my mate had one

Was great craic when we played this circus game....can't remember the name of it but it involved this high dive thing that was good
 
WeasteDevil said:
Dead right. I've owned:

1 Atari 2600
1 ZX81
1 CBM 8296D
1 Commodore C64
1 Amiga 500
1 Amiga 1200
1 Amiga 3000
1 Amiga CD32
1 Atari 520ST
1 Atari 1040STE
1 SNES
1 SEGA Game Gear
10 PCs
3 Laptop PCs
1 PS3
Click to expand...

Mate, your missing out.




on the Dreamcast
 
Count Duckula said:
However, despite being pleased with how long and well this one has lasted I've been told that Dell are a bad way to go and I made a mistake.
Click to expand...

Who told you this? The Dell I have now is 4 years old and I've never had any problems with it.

Great thread by the way, a big thank you to all of the people in this thread who provide valuable information.
 
Nistelrooy10 said:
Just build your own, it's much cheaper. 3 years ago I did that and spent only about a half that I would have if I bought it off someone. It's getting old now, but I don't play games much anymore, but it was an uber-machine when I put it together
Click to expand...

Except I don't have the skills or knowledge to build it myself :p
 
Count Duckula said:
Except I don't have the skills or knowlede to build it myself :p
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Mate you don't need the skills....there are sites out there where you can customise your pc and they'll build it for you.....all you need to do is install the OS and drivers.

pre-made pc's are ok if the hardware in them is what you want.

but if you want to future proof the system and specify what you want, customising is the way to go.

furthermore, it might even be cheaper since you ain't spending tons on a load of software you might never use
 
WeasteDevil said:
Dead right. I've owned:

1 Atari 2600
1 ZX81
1 CBM 8296D
1 Commodore C64
1 Amiga 500
1 Amiga 1200
1 Amiga 3000
1 Amiga CD32
1 Atari 520ST
1 Atari 1040STE
1 SNES
1 SEGA Game Gear
10 PCs
3 Laptop PCs
1 PS3
Click to expand...

I had one of them, went though 6 AA batteries faster than you could say "MasterGear Converter".

Suprised to see no NES, N64, PS2 or PS2 on your list. Looks like you gave up on consoles in about 1992 and then bought a PS3 15 years later!

Also, Amiga CD32? Do you think that would have been a sucess if not for Commodore going bust?
 
duffer said:
I had one of them, went though 6 AA batteries faster than you could say "MasterGear Converter".

Suprised to see no NES, N64, PS2 or PS2 on your list. Looks like you gave up on consoles in about 1992 and then bought a PS3 15 years later!

Also, Amiga CD32? Do you think that would have been a sucess if not for Commodore going bust?
Click to expand...

Yeh, he's what we call an "old skool" gamer.
 
By the way Count, if your PC cant run Crysis on everything maxed out then dont sweat.

Crysis really sets the benchmark for future gaming graphics and I'll think you'll do well to find a PC than run the game on max settings with a decent framerate - it really is a one of a kind game that laughs at every PC you throw at it. That being said thought your new PC will still be rediculously powerful and will handle Crysis on very high settings with a few details turned down. Of course every other game will run smoothly on max setting...guaranteed.

Im saying this because ive realised that ALOT of people who've just bought a new so called gaming pc tend to use Crysis as a first-test for their machines.....most end up disappointed because they expect a perfect framerate with everything turned up.
 
RedKaos said:
By the way Count, if your PC cant run Crysis on everything maxed out then dont sweat.

Crysis really sets the benchmark for future gaming graphics and I'll think you'll do well to find a PC than run the game on max settings with a decent framerate - it really is a one of a kind game that laughs at every PC you throw at it. That being said thought your new PC will still be rediculously powerful and will handle Crysis on very high settings with a few details turned down. Of course every other game will run smoothly on max setting...guaranteed.

Im saying this because ive realised that ALOT of people who've just bought a new so called gaming pc tend to use Crysis as a first-test for their machines.....most end up disappointed because they expect a perfect framerate with everything turned up.
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Yeh I was wondering that :lol:

Seems like it'd be almost impossible to get a pc that can handle it on absolute maximum without spending a small fortune.

Basically, I want to be able to play it with high enough graphics that it amazes me. I've seen it played on more "low-end" (though the term is subjective) machines, and it was disappointing in that you could just tell that it was supposed to look so much better.
 
Count Duckula said:
Yeh I was wondering that :lol:

Seems like it'd be almost impossible to get a pc that can handle it on absolute maximum without spending a small fortune.

Basically, I want to be able to play it with high enough graphics that it amazes me. I've seen it played on more "low-end" (though the term is subjective) machines, and it was disappointing in that you could just tell that it was supposed to look so much better.
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You'll definitely be able to play it on 'Very high' with a few features turned down, more than enough to witness the game's true technical prowess.

But run Bioshock and turn that fecker up all the way and watch your PC laugh it away.
 
Count Duckula said:
Except I don't have the skills or knowledge to build it myself :p
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It doesn't require any skills at all. The first time I built mine was the first time I opened up the box to take a look and see what it's like inside. All you need is a bit of research and time.
 
Alright, I've given this some more thought this morning. After some more research I think I might be able to successfully build my own computer. And doing so does seem to have its advantages: I can find individual components at their best prices and also get different parts that websites might not stock.

But, since this opens up a whole new level of customisation, I have some more questions if anyone can answer them:

a) I'm still intending to get the Intel Core 2 Quad Q9450 Processor, but are there certain motherboards / RAM that go better with that than others. Or are all of them above a certain price level going to perform adequately with it?

b) With research it seems as though most of the components that I'd order I just make sure they're compatible and fit them together. But with the processor it seems that I'd not only have to order the processor itself, but also order and fit to it a heatsink and a fan. Is that true, and how easy is it to find the right heatsink and fan and fit them? I mean, I'd rather not have to do this, but the "retail" versions that come with a fan are apparently so shite I'd have to take the fan off and replace it anyway?

c) Should I go with DDR2 RAM and motherboard, or DDR3 RAM and motherboard? DDR3 seems to be a lot more expensive but I've also heard it's much better from some places. Others still seem to think it's much the same, though.

I'm sure I'll have more questions when I get to them. :D

Thanks for all the help guys.
 
Count Duckula said:
Alright, I've given this some more thought this morning. After some more research I think I might be able to successfully build my own computer. And doing so does seem to have its advantages: I can find individual components at their best prices and also get different parts that websites might not stock.

congrats
But, since this opens up a whole new level of customisation, I have some more questions if anyone can answer them:

a) I'm still intending to get the Intel Core 2 Quad Q9450 Processor, but are there certain motherboards / RAM that go better with that than others. Or are all of them above a certain price level going to perform adequately with it?

Motherboards have different sockets. You'll have to make sure that your motherboard can accommodate that processor in the specifications list.

b) With research it seems as though most of the components that I'd order I just make sure they're compatible and fit them together. But with the processor it seems that I'd not only have to order the processor itself, but also order and fit to it a heatsink and a fan. Is that true, and how easy is it to find the right heatsink and fan and fit them? I mean, I'd rather not have to do this, but the "retail" versions that come with a fan are apparently so shite I'd have to take the fan off and replace it anyway?

Heat sink and a fan come with the processor. Mine (3.2 gigs) did just fine with the retail version. What you will have to worry about is overheating of the whole system inside the case, so you might have to get a bigger fan to install into the casing. But fans are usually cheap, so it's no big deal

.
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Just make sure to get a really big case, with a strong power supply (600+ watts IMO), so you have room for expansion/improvement in the future. You'll never have to waste money on another pc again
 
Count Duckula said:
Alright, I've given this some more thought this morning. After some more research I think I might be able to successfully build my own computer. And doing so does seem to have its advantages: I can find individual components at their best prices and also get different parts that websites might not stock.

But, since this opens up a whole new level of customisation, I have some more questions if anyone can answer them:

a) I'm still intending to get the Intel Core 2 Quad Q9450 Processor, but are there certain motherboards / RAM that go better with that than others. Or are all of them above a certain price level going to perform adequately with it?

b) With research it seems as though most of the components that I'd order I just make sure they're compatible and fit them together. But with the processor it seems that I'd not only have to order the processor itself, but also order and fit to it a heatsink and a fan. Is that true, and how easy is it to find the right heatsink and fan and fit them? I mean, I'd rather not have to do this, but the "retail" versions that come with a fan are apparently so shite I'd have to take the fan off and replace it anyway?

c) Should I go with DDR2 RAM and motherboard, or DDR3 RAM and motherboard? DDR3 seems to be a lot more expensive but I've also heard it's much better from some places. Others still seem to think it's much the same, though.

I'm sure I'll have more questions when I get to them. :D

Thanks for all the help guys.
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a) As Nistelrooy mentioned its all about the sockets, just pick up a decent ASUS one.

b) Nistelrooy also answered this well enough

c) Its true that there really isnt much different for the mean time, though while more expensive I still advise you go for DDR3 to future proof yourself.
 
the 775 intel motherboard is compatible with all the processors...check the one i posted earlier. its a bargain at $150...plus you can get it cheaper with a combo with radeon hd 4850. for $315 you get a class motherboard plus a excellent graphics card.

try newegg
 
Right, I'm having real trouble finding myself a motherboard :nervous:

I need something that'll accomodate:
  • Intel Core 2 Quad Q9450 Processor 2.66GHz 12288KB L2 Cache 1333MHz FSB
  • Corsair Memory 4GB DDR2 1066MHZ 240PIN DIMM UNBUFFER (I'm having to go with DDR2 because it's just so much cheaper both for the memory and compatible motherboards!)
  • 2 x Asus EAH4850/HTDI/512M 1.9GHz of 512MB DDR3 running in Crossfire mode (I'm buying ATI :D)

The optical drive and hard-drive are both SATA-based, so that shouldn't pose a problem.

Can anyone provide me with some pointers as to the way to go? I know I need a motherboard with a 775 chipset base, and an FSB of at least 1333MHz, but I don't know whether I need a specific Crossfire compatible motherboard? Some seem to be labelled Crossfire, others SLi, others nothing at all. If I get one that isn't labelled Crossfire will it mean I am unable to run my two graphics cards, and if I get a Crossfire one will I be forever limited with that motherboard to ATI cards?

Thanks for all the help again :D
 
duffer said:
Suprised to see no NES, N64, PS2 or PS2 on your list. Looks like you gave up on consoles in about 1992 and then bought a PS3 15 years later!

Also, Amiga CD32? Do you think that would have been a sucess if not for Commodore going bust?
Click to expand...

I went to university and had no time for gaming as such, just now and then on my PC and my Amiga 1200. The CD32 would have done ok, it was not a bad machine by a long shot, but did lack the 3D graphics of the 3DO, PS1, N64. I bought it mainly because I wanted a CD-ROM drive for my other Amigas (I had them networked - I even had the A1200 linked to my PC at the time and could use it from the PC on the same screen (Amiga would appear in a window under 95).

My memory, my memory, Commodore in some drastic shift just before they went bust cancelled the AAA chipset (which was over 2 years late because they never put any real cash into R&D, and started on something called "Hombre" to make a console) which would have, looking at its specifications, kicked the arse out of the other consoles of the time. They never lasted long enough for as a viable company however for us to have seen both AAA and Hombre.

This is my "office" by the way.

postingstation.jpg


And this is what is run in it....
NAVES.jpg


That's how boring I have become.
 
VidaRed said:
im also upgrading my pc.

ASUS P5Q Pro LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel Motherboard
ASUS EAH4850/HTDI/512M Radeon HD 4850 512MB x 2 (Crossfire)
CORSAIR DOMINATOR 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066
Intel Core 2 Extreme QX9650 Yorkfield 3.0GHz LGA 775
Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 ST3750640AS 750GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive
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Now I'm looking around for parts myself my setup is near identical to this :eek:

Only difference is I'm going for the cheaper Q9450 Quad processor. Great minds thinks alike, eh? (Or I just copied you ;))
 
Count Duckula said:
Right, I'm having real trouble finding myself a motherboard :nervous:

I need something that'll accomodate:
  • Intel Core 2 Quad Q9450 Processor 2.66GHz 12288KB L2 Cache 1333MHz FSB
  • Corsair Memory 4GB DDR2 1066MHZ 240PIN DIMM UNBUFFER (I'm having to go with DDR2 because it's just so much cheaper both for the memory and compatible motherboards!)
  • 2 x Asus EAH4850/HTDI/512M 1.9GHz of 512MB DDR3 running in Crossfire mode (I'm buying ATI :D)

The optical drive and hard-drive are both SATA-based, so that shouldn't pose a problem.

Can anyone provide me with some pointers as to the way to go? I know I need a motherboard with a 775 chipset base, and an FSB of at least 1333MHz, but I don't know whether I need a specific Crossfire compatible motherboard? Some seem to be labelled Crossfire, others SLi, others nothing at all. If I get one that isn't labelled Crossfire will it mean I am unable to run my two graphics cards, and if I get a Crossfire one will I be forever limited with that motherboard to ATI cards?

Thanks for all the help again :D
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seems a bit slow for gaming, no? Go higher than that, and save on something else, like a motherboard.
 
Vidared (or anyone else in the know), will the ASUS P5Q Pro LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel Motherboard support my specs?

It seems to have everything I need, but there does appear to be a lack of PCI slots? I assume I'll need two PCI Express 2.0 for the two graphics cards (which say PCI Express 2.0), but I also need to whack in a sound card which is just standard PCI Express.

I'll need to buy a wireless network card, too, but I guess I can get a PCI Express 2.0 network card. But will there be enough slots for all four things?
 
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