New Computer?

• Hexed wrote on 2011-11-26 03:52
  I know nothing about computers other than generally how to use them. My parents decided to get me a new computer, but i have no idea how to figure out if a computer is fit for gaming. The only game i play that i need my computer to fit the specs for is Dragon Nest. The computer i have now already runs Mabi fine, so i'm sure any computer i get will be just as fine. They want something cheap too, so that might make it harder. Can anyone help in any way?
• Akemii wrote on 2011-11-26 03:54
  You have a microcenter close to your house?
• Yoorah wrote on 2011-11-26 04:51
  Well, when you talk about gaming, a huge part of it is the computer's graphics rendering performance, and that's done by the graphics card. Cheap computers tend to skimp on this component, so that's the main thing to watch out for.
  
  Dragon Nest recommends a minimum of a GeForce 7600GT. To get an idea of how this stacks up compared to other cards, check out the table here. For example, you'll notice that Intel's latest integrated graphics chip, the HD 3000, is 4 tiers below the minimum req, so that's a no-go. You want something at least a few tiers above the minimum for smooth gameplay.
  
  RAM-wise, you want to have around 4GB. Anything on top of that won't hurt, but it won't benefit you either, so don't go for a pricier computer just because it has more RAM.
  
  CPU-wise, it's hard to give any specific advice because it's a budget issue. And you didn't give a budget to work with!
  
  So, what is your budget?
• Hexed wrote on 2011-11-26 16:23
  @Akemii- I don't think so.
  @Yoorah- Well, my parents didn't want to spend over 600-700, which before you explained that to me, i didn't even think would be enough to get something good. I thought about just buying a new graphics card, but im not sure if there's other parts of my computer that aren't up to Dragon Nest's standards.
  Also, will i be able to find this stuff right on the box in a store, or will i have to do some research?
• Akemii wrote on 2011-11-26 16:32
  www.newegg.com should have all you want!
  
  Microcenter did a really good job with my computer. I got myself a 50 dollar graphics card, a new power supply, and the computer I got came with an i5 processor and 4GB of RAM. Came out to be $701 dollars (Tax included) and came with monitor/keyboard/mouse.
• Hexed wrote on 2011-11-26 16:39
  I just looked, and the nearest one to me is a few hours away, and my parents wouldn't go that far out of their way to get me a computer, lol. That sucks, cuz it sounds like a good place to go, too.
• Akemii wrote on 2011-11-26 16:45

  Quote from r4baloons;672218:

  I just looked, and the nearest one to me is a few hours away, and my parents wouldn't go that far out of their way to get me a computer, lol. That sucks, cuz it sounds like a good place to go, too.

  
  
  Ugh, that's a shame. Mine was like... 20-30 mins away.
• Hexed wrote on 2011-11-26 16:59
  I looked around on Newegg, and i saw 2 computers that seemed good. I really know nothing, so it would be helpful if someone could help me out, lol.
  One had graphics that was on the same level as the recommended card for dragon nest according to the chart Yoorah posted. But it was about 100$ more than the other which says gaming, but i couldnt find out how the card compared to the other. Everything else about them, i had no idea how to compare.
  
  http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883227369 Computer 1
  
  http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883229285 Computer 2
  
  Also, will a card on the same level as the recommended, but of a different type, still work? Since DN recommends a GeForce card, but the computer im looking at had Raedon graphics card.
• Hexed wrote on 2011-11-28 20:26
  Can anyone help? I really need to figure this out.
• BizarreJuju wrote on 2011-12-06 17:47
  Is it possible for you to tap in your own fund into you parent's $600-$700 range?
• kodaka wrote on 2011-12-06 20:16
  First link is sold out.
  
  The second one, my main concern is the power supply.
  That power supply would be put under A LOT of strain and would probably not last long.
  
  My advice?
  http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883229277
• Hexed wrote on 2011-12-12 15:48

  Quote from kodaka;683231:

  First link is sold out.
  
  The second one, my main concern is the power supply.
  That power supply would be put under A LOT of strain and would probably not last long.
  
  My advice?
  http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883229277

  
  
  Oh, and by the time i checked this thread again, the link you posted was sold out too.
  
  

  Is it possible for you to tap in your own fund into you parent's $600-$700 range?

  
  Yes, but i only have under $100 to contribute. xD
• Juno wrote on 2011-12-12 15:56
  How much sense does this make to you?
  
  I'm not really good with recommending pre-built stuff, but I could point out some parts that amount to way less than $600 and get the job done well.
• Hexed wrote on 2011-12-12 16:18
  Well, i dont really know about building my own computer, i dont really have much experience with that kind of stuff, and i just know it wouldnt turn out too well, lol.
• Juno wrote on 2011-12-12 17:02
  It's basically legos for grown-ups. Just with more anti-static prep.