Whats a good gaming computer?

[Zero]

I'm thinking of buying a new comp and i'm wondering whats a good gaming comp that runs modern games. My friend told me Alienware was a good gaming comp.

So my question is, What is a good gaming comp and is not to expensive.

(Please don't turn this thread into a flame war about which comp is better, i don't want this thread locked)

[Commander Kitsune]

Alienware is good. I've heard other computers like Gateway and Dell were pretty good. I don't know about the prices, sorry.

[Iridescent]

Mine is good. Its custom built.
But I've heard that alienware is good and bad, not sure why though. Same with Dell.
So check it carefully when you buy those brands, thats all the advice I can give, sorry.

[Dascoo]

One that you built yourself. First it's not hard, and secondly it's alot cheaper to do.

But, people all want an alienware so I guess alienware.

[Fluffy]

A good gaming computer? Let's see...

M2N32 WS Pro AM2 motherboard... 269 euros.
AMD Athlon 64 FX-62 AM2 processor... 1 099 euros.
Corsair DDR2 1GB 1066 MHz memory times four... 998 euros.
Seagate Barracuda 320 GB harddrive... 129 euros.
Dual ASUS GeForce 7900GTX 512MB graphic card... 1 050 euros.
Antec Performance One P180 case... 150 euros.
Logitech Z-5500 5.1 THX speakers... 345 euros.
Creative Sound Blaster X-FI Elite Pro audio card... 430 euros.
Logitech G5 mouse and Logitech G15 keyboard... 135 euros.
Triple Dell 30 inch widescreen UltraSharp 3007WFP monitors... 6 597 euros.
With all the best coolers, CD-drivers and such... 11 734 euros.

[bja888]

Start here

End here

Alienware was bought by dell. Now your paying twice as much for the case.

[a-4-year-old]

dell screwed over intel so they could use ati for alienware computers, you just by them for looks. there are places where you pick the parts and you dont have to put it together.

[jrgp]

I built my pc myself, but i regualy use dells.

They are always extremely reliable, and fast. They have great tech support.
And they are moderatly cheap.

anyway:

use no less than a 2GHZ processor, amd or intel doesnt matter
get no less than 1 gig of ram
make sure the video card has atleast 256 megs of onboard video card ram, try not to get integrated graphics

[Dascoo]

Um video card memory doesn't really matter, it just has to be atleast 128 mb RAM. You need atleast 8 pipelines for good performance.

[jrgp]

Um video card memory doesn't really matter, it just has to be atleast 128 mb RAM. You need atleast 8 pipelines for good performance.

Yes it does, iv had my share of video cards throughout the years and the more vid-ram it has the smoother the graphics will be and the faster the game will run.

[Dascoo]

Nooooooo.....i'd rather have a 128mb RAM 8 pipe card then a 256 mb RAM 4 pipe card.....

[Shadow G-Unit]

One word: AlienWare

[Vltava]

One word: AlienWare

You've got to be kidding.

[Shadow G-Unit]

Umm, no i am not kidding. AlienWare is the best out there.

[bja888]

Disregard all jrgp says. Karma smite 100 goes to jacks.

I ran the numbers lately and proved onece more that building your computer is cheaper. My computer vs a full loaded alienware of the processer type.

Alienware Price - 2,800
My Coputer, with all planned upgrades - 1,400

And for the record. An AMD 64x X2 5000 off the shelf isnt the same AMD 64x X2 5000 in a dell/Alienware

[blackdevil0742]

I would suggest that you get:
4GHz+ processor
2gigs of RAM or 4gigs but you'll HAVE to get WIN XP 64 to be able to use it or else it's just waste of money.
300GB+ HD
the latest G-card, i recommend 7900GTX 512MB
and a monitor with 8ms response

My specs and i bought it for 1300$ 5moths ago:
AMD Athlon 64 X2 4200+
Crucial DDR 2x1024 RAM
300GB HD
MSI GEforce 7600GS 256 DDR2 <this is a crappy card if you compare it to the rest of the rigg.

[Dascoo]

Ok, I might be getting $700 soon, soooooo I could go with an AMD 3400 atleast with 64 bit capability, a 200 gb hd, atleast 1 gig of RAM, and atleast a 7600 or an X1800.....could I get something for around $700? I can have the cheapest case and the cheapest extras,,,,,

[bja888]

Ok, I might be getting $700 soon, soooooo I could go with an AMD 3400 atleast with 64 bit capability, a 200 gb hd, atleast 1 gig of RAM, and atleast a 7600 or an X1800.....could I get something for around $700? I can have the cheapest case and the cheapest extras,,,,,

Everything but the video card for $700 USD

[l0st_b0iz]

Just remember you may be talking in different currencies...

[Brock]

Zero, I'd recommend building your own PC with PARTS.  Not ordering one.  It gives your copmputer an individual touch, and you can make it as powerful or as weak or whatever, as you want it to be.  This may cost a little more though.

Like, I have in my city of Winnipeg, a place that is actually building a comp for me now.  They can help you pick parts, replace with better ones, and build it.  There is probably something like this where you live.  I'm assuming the US?

Or if you REALLY know what you're doing, then buy parts and build it yourself.

Hope that helps.