Best PC for Gaming (money isn't too much of an issue)

[kenu12345]

off topic but is my laptop good for playing games its a compaq presario cq60-220us notebook pc

Generally speaking, no. Specifically, no. It has a Intel GMA 4500M Integrated Graphics. Intergrated graphics cards and gaming dont mix

thanks
that sucks but i guess i cant complain i got it good as new from a pawn shop.

 

[Aleksandr2291]

To be honest, I'm just looking for a computer that makes things pretty without a chugging framerate. My current computer can play just about any game out there... on the minimum settings. Any time I try to raise the graphics settings, though, the game starts to slow down and look more like a slide show. I suppose getting a graphics would help out with that (and cost less in the long haul), but I have absolutely no experience with handling computer-related hardware, so I would need to get somebody experienced to put the graphics card in.

 

[Aleksandr2291]

Keep on posting people! Give me all the advice you can give.

Oh, and in the case of Red Alert 3, it turns out that I would need to change my OS in order to play it (my computer has Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium Edition Service Pack 1 build 7601, 64-bit, which is not supported, only 32-bit are supported). I also have another question: currently, my computer is an HP and has a ATI Radeon HD 4200 graphics card. Should I stick with the current model (ATI) or should I get a different one, such as Nvidia? Also, are graphics cards limited by what computer I use, as in, would there be certain graphics cards that just aren't compatible with the computer I'm using? Just trying to get all the information I need before I make a decision.

 

[Zenoss]

in terms of game compatibility, it wont make a massive difference which brand of GFX card you have. all the developers will support the 2 major companies (AMD/nVidia), so it just comes down to personal preference or which deals you can get. which country are you in?

 

[ResonanceSD]

snip

Get a SB 3000K edition CPU, wait a couple months for the Nvidia 6/700 series and get two of the x80 GPU's.

Oh, and a motherboard to match of course.
16GB RAM, because why not.

Solid State disks in Raid, because, again, why not, also watch your load times disapear!

You'll need a big PSU to handle OC's on your components, and a big-ass cooler, I recommend the Thermalright Brand =D, unless you're going to build your own WC loop, get an air cooler.

I spent about $3500 on my rig, and let me tell you, it's awesome =D


Oh and I cannot stress this enough. Do Not Get a 7970 GPU. Nvidia is countering with their new GPU's in early March, so wait till then.

 

[Joccaren]

Playing Crysis 2 on max settings is easier than playing both Crysis 1 and Battlefield 3 on Max Settings, and all are possible with over 100FPS.
Honestly, if you build it yourself you could get a top of the line PC for $2000 or just under. Like, full on top of the line.

Keep on posting people! Give me all the advice you can give.

Oh, and in the case of Red Alert 3, it turns out that I would need to change my OS in order to play it (my computer has Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium Edition Service Pack 1 build 7601, 64-bit, which is not supported, only 32-bit are supported). I also have another question: currently, my computer is an HP and has a ATI Radeon HD 4200 graphics card. Should I stick with the current model (ATI) or should I get a different one, such as Nvidia? Also, are graphics cards limited by what computer I use, as in, would there be certain graphics cards that just aren't compatible with the computer I'm using? Just trying to get all the information I need before I make a decision.

1. It does not matter 32 bit or 64 bit, the OS SHOULD put it in a 'Program files (x86)' folder, telling it to run it as a 32 bit program instead of a 64 bit one.
As for stick with ATI or Nvidia, choice is yours.
ATI is more bang for your buck - cheaper, and its lower range cards are faster than Nvidia ones. They can have problems though, and sometimes hit compatibility issues with some programs.
Nvidia costs more, for not a lot of gain, but I find generally more stable - whereas the top of the line new ATI card costs 600 or so, the Nvidia Equivalent would probably cost about 900. It has PhysX, which some notice an improvement in graphical physics displays using it over those that don't, and its top range cards are generally about the same speed as ATI ones, albeit a bit quieter. As stated before, I tend to also find them more stable. Certain graphical mods that I run on my MC will not work with ATI cards for unknown reasons, and I remember reading a while back that whilst the rage issues had been fixed for Nvidia cards, ATI were still having problems (I'd need to find that post to verify it though).

Personally, for quality I'd go Nvidia, though I know there are those that will disagree with me. Both will work, and it is up to you which one you get.

 

[Glademaster_v1legacy]

The only thing that would make the newegg one any more over the top would be if you got liquid cooling for it and some LEDs so you can light up your PC.

 

[Joccaren]

To be honest, I'm just looking for a computer that makes things pretty without a chugging framerate. My current computer can play just about any game out there... on the minimum settings. Any time I try to raise the graphics settings, though, the game starts to slow down and look more like a slide show. I suppose getting a graphics would help out with that (and cost less in the long haul), but I have absolutely no experience with handling computer-related hardware, so I would need to get somebody experienced to put the graphics card in.

If you want something like that, you can get it for under $1000 (Dependent on where you live).
i7 2600K
P8P67 Motherboard
16Gb DDR3 1600 RAM
2 x Nvidia Geforce 560Ti 2Gb
Any SSD drive here (Preferably also with a large normal drive to deal with the larger stuff that doesn't need to load as quickly as other things).

Not top of the line, but can be got for less than $1000 if you know what you're doing, and will get you 80+ FPS BF3 on max settings.

Note: You will need good cooling for all of this, so spend some money on that too. At least a H60 for the CPU and get something like a HAF X and some nice fans for it for the case, to cool down the Motherboard and Graphics (Or get Full System Liquid cooling. Your choice).

If all you're after is to run all games on high FPS, that will do you. Hell, something less than that would do you. If you're looking for the best of the best, see other posts.

 

[YawningAngel]

Hello Escapist memebers! Today I have a question for all those who like to play their games on shiny, state-of-the-art and presumably godlike PC's: Which PC desktop or labtop is the best for serious gaming. Specifically, I want a computer that is able to play games like Crysis 2 on the maximum settings while running at a consistent 60 frames per second (if that's even technologically possible). Other games that I intend to get are S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Call of Pripyat, Skyrim, Company of Heroes, Command and Conquer: Red Alert 3, and RUSE. Now, the last 3 are RTS's, so they're not going to require as much computer power as a game like Crysis would, but I want both S.T.A.L.K.E.R. and Skyrim to run at maximum settings with as little hiccups as possible (in the case of Skyrim, I want their to be little to no texture pop-ins what-so ever. In other words I want to have the best draw distance possible). Cost wise, I would prefer that the Desktop (or labtop) be anywhere between $2000 and $3000, give or take by about $500 (in other words, the maximum would be $3500. $4000 would be pushing it). So, proceed to enlighten about the best Desktops or labtops that would be able to fit my extreme demands.

Case: TJ11 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811163178 - 660$
PSU: HCP 1200W - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371043 - 270$
RAM: 16GB DDR3 1600MHZ, doesn't exactly matter what - 100$
GPU: HD 7970 3GB, not yet listed, releases 9th Jan ~550$
Optionally include a second for crossfire
Optionally wait for Nvidia's 6xx series if you prefer
CPU Cooler: Thermaltake Frio OCK - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835106178 -70$
Motherboard: Maximus IV Extreme - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131760 - 340$
CPU: i7 2600k - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115070 - 320$
Sound: Xonar DX - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829132006 - 100$
SSD: Crucial M4 256GB - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820148443 - 365$
HD: WD Caviar Black 2TB - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136792 - 250$

Total: 3025$

Skipped Sandy-E because it's not much cop for gaming, this is monstrously overspecced and will comfortably support as many extra GPUs as you wish to add. I've stuck to single GPU because crossfire is a pain to maintain, but you can stick another 7970 in without issue. And yes, this is needlessly expensive.

 

[Ohwen]

http://i1002.photobucket.com/albums/af150/The_FalconO6/CurrentLogicalPCBuyingGuide/Guide.png

This ought to be helpful.

You can save a good deal of money if your old PC case, monitors, and hard drives are still usable. A good PC case will be big, often be compatible with a variety of dimensions for your stuff (make sure you check those before buying!), but the most important part is to make sure you think it looks good. Seriously, if you buy a good case you should be keeping it for at least half a decade. You don't want to look at something ugly every time you want to start up your computer or throw in a new DVD/Bluray. For what it's worth, I have an Antec p182 and I absolutely LOVE it.

Also, look into some good gaming mice. Keyboards don't matter too much, but mice definetely do. Anyone who says otherwise is a dirty liar.

 

[Mr Jack]

Do you:
have the confidence to build it yourself?
have a friend who could build it for you?
have a computer shop that would build it if you bought the parts?

If the answer to any of those questions is yes, then buy the parts and have them put together. Have a read of this http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/core-i5-fx-6100-overclock-benchmark,review-32345.html It'll give you an idea of what the money is buying you. If you decide that the performance is worth it, then go ahead. Right now though, I would caution you to wait. In the next few months we will see the proper launch of the next generation of graphics cards, and Intel's new Ivy Bridge processors. Older stuff will be cheaper, and newer stuff will be faster, so now is not the best time.

If you do decide to go for a build now, those builds are a pretty good starting point. Best of luck.

 

[Braedan]

The best computer for gaming will always be the same answer. The one you built for yourself.

If you lack the know-how, there are companies that will build one for you (no, not Alien Ware, who build 5 Billion dollar PCs) and then charge you cost of parts and a reasonable labor rate. I know Memory Express (only in Canada) will build you a PC without stupid markup.

 

[Sleekgiant]

Hello Escapist memebers! Today I have a question for all those who like to play their games on shiny, state-of-the-art and presumably godlike PC's: Which PC desktop or labtop is the best for serious gaming. Specifically, I want a computer that is able to play games like Crysis 2 on the maximum settings while running at a consistent 60 frames per second (if that's even technologically possible). Other games that I intend to get are S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Call of Pripyat, Skyrim, Company of Heroes, Command and Conquer: Red Alert 3, and RUSE. Now, the last 3 are RTS's, so they're not going to require as much computer power as a game like Crysis would, but I want both S.T.A.L.K.E.R. and Skyrim to run at maximum settings with as little hiccups as possible (in the case of Skyrim, I want their to be little to no texture pop-ins what-so ever. In other words I want to have the best draw distance possible). Cost wise, I would prefer that the Desktop (or labtop) be anywhere between $2000 and $3000, give or take by about $500 (in other words, the maximum would be $3500. $4000 would be pushing it). So, proceed to enlighten about the best Desktops or labtops that would be able to fit my extreme demands.

http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/263/hereididitforyou.jpg/

Here just follow this