Computer Help

[Aac18]

Firstly I hope this is the right forum (this is my first topic on the escapist).

Now on to the issue at hand, I'm ordering a computer in the next few days and have two systems lined up (I've decided I don't want to build my own system so its really a choice between the two systems here).

The first system has the following spec's:

-AMD Athlon 64 X2 Dual Core 7850+ Black Edition 2.80GHz
-Kingston HyperX 8GB (2x4GB) DDR2 8500C5 1066MHz Dual Channel+
-Gigabyte GA-MA770-UD3 AMD 770 (Socket AM2+) PCI-Express DDR2 Motherboard
-Seagate Barracuda 7200.12 500GB SATA-II 16MB Cache - OEM
-LG GH22NS40 22x DVD±RW SATA Dual Layer ReWriter
-OCZ StealthXStream 600w Silent SLI Ready ATX2 Power Supply
-Coolermaster Elite 335 Case
-Nvidia Geforce GTX 260 896mb or ATI Radeon 4870 1024mb
-XP Home 32 bit OEM

The second system is the following:

-AMD Phenom II X2 Dual Core 550 3.10GHz Black Edition (Socket AM3)
-Corsair XMS3 4GB (2x2GB) DDR3 10666C9 1333MHz TwinX Dual Channel
-Gigabyte GA-MA790XT-UD4P (Socket AM3) PCI-Express DDR3 Motherboard
-Seagate Barracuda 7200.12 500GB SATA-II 16MB Cache - OEM
-LG GH22NS30 22x DVD±RW SATA Dual Layer ReWriter
-OCZ ModXStream Pro 600w Silent SLI Ready ATX2 Modular Power Supply
-Antec 300 Three Hundred Ultimate Gaming Case (No PSU)
-Nvidia Geforce GTX 260 896mb or ATI Radeon 4870 1024mb
-XP Home 32 bit OEM

Would someone be able to recommend which system would be the best to pick (I may overclock at some point in the future, the computer will mainly be for games such as Mass Effect 2, Assassins Creed 2 and a few more demanding titles). Finally which graphics card would you recommend out of the two mentioned for each computer.

Edit: Oh and I forgot to mention the 8gb can be down-graded to 4gb no problem but will remain Kingston instead of Corsair RAM.

 

[Sneaky-Pie]

Depending on the budget, I would have to go with the second system as it's more "future proof."

I'm not an authority on video cards as I've only owned Nvidia based cards in the past. My opinion would be biased by default. I have heard positives things about both cards however.

I would however opt out of Windows XP 32, and go for a 64 bit OS.

 

[clicklick]

I would prefer the second configuration. Clearly 8 gigs is overkill for a 32 bit OS so going with 4 gigs DDR3 is much better.

Also, I would recommend an Intel processor but I guess you are set on AMD.

About the card, either of them will do the business mate...they perform similarly and the difference is negligible and depends on the game you are playing.

Have fun

 

[Aac18]

Sadly the 64-bit OS is unavailable on the pre-built system so I'd have to order it in separately but I'll definitely consider it an option.

 

[megapenguinx]

Go with the first one, although you'll need a 64-bit OS for it to recognize that much RAM.

 

[Link Kadeshi]

The second one is likly the best option for you. The processor is actually the newer and more energy efficient, as well as sporting a better L3 cache, triple the Athlon's. Either way, the second config is probably the best option, especially since the modular PSU is very nice, letting you add or remove the internal power cords you use/ignore. That can deffinatly help air-flow. Let me also say from personal experience, that nVidia 260 is a monster, both in size and performance. If you have not had one of the newer cards, you'll see what I'm talking about. I can't comment on the ATI card, as I have not installed one in anyone's computers, though that might be saying something there. The specs on it are nice as well, so either way, you'll likly be happy. The RAM in the first build is a bit excessive, as there is a point of diminishing returns, and 8GB is past that point. Either build you choose, go with 4GB, if you want more, RAM is cheaper when you buy it yourself.
I would have to recommend the Second computer build.