AboutBobbert Expertise General purchasing questions, in areas regarding price to performance ratios and future expansion, drawing from roughly a decade of experience and numerous unique situations for customers and myself, I'm willing to help you get the best computer for your money.
Experience I have been an enthuiast of PC's for many years, and can answer most questions about purchase of a new computer from personal knowledge or experience through other online Q&A services in advising on the same topic.
Question QUESTION: hey bobbert,
i was recently shopping around for a new computer and i think im down to 2. i want something for gaming and watching/burning movies mostly, and something to watch HD material on, so my main concern (other than the processor) is the video card.
Well, here are my 2 choices:
$640tx incl $540tx incl
Intel Dual Core 2.5GHz CPU AMD Athlon 64 1640 (2.7GHz?)
ASROCK G31M-S System Board ASUS Motherboard*
2GB DDR2 Kingston 800mhz 4GB DDR**
20X LG DVD Burner 22X LG DVDRW Drive
Windows XP Home w/disc Windows XP Home w/disc
512mb video (availability) 512mb video (availability)
*not sure which, should know when by the time you reply
**pretty sure if it was supposed to be DDR2, may be a typo.
I have been told that AMD processors have trouble with heat dissipation (fan wont fix it) also i have been told that for gaming AMD cant be beat! I am really confused! if you could suggest some changes for adding OR removing any specs for either of these, or even if you could point me towards a whole other machine! I explained my basic needs for the PC. I dont want to have to upgarde again soon. i am in the under $500 budget if possible. Dont want to overpay for things i dont need - dont want to skimp and miss the bar on my expectations.
I would really appreciate your help.
thanks for your time
roger
ANSWER: I would say everything you've been told about AMD or Intel (at least what I'm reading) is false, and mostly based on mass hystria fed by marketing. AMD processors are currently at a performance disadvantage to Intel processors, although AMD processors are also less expensive than Intel processors, so you may lose 5-10% performance, but drop 20-30% off the price. Based on that, I would suggest AMD if you don't have a fortune to spend.
Regarding the video card, it really depends on the GPU installed on the board, not the available memory, so I'd need more information (and if thats all the information you've got, you should request more information from the retailer) in order to advise either way. One question: what games are you intending to play? This is mostly the "rolling requirement" (either system should handle movies and HD content quite easily, however games vary in their requirements).
-bob
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Bob,
I'm not surprised that what i heard about the processors was wrong. I don't really feel strongly towards one or the other, but the price of the AMD is a tipping point.
What info should i ask for from the retailer that would help you out to rate these PCs? I am not really sure what is important to know. Also, you mentioned the actual video card being as/more important than the dedicated memory, what should i ask in that regard?
The games I am looking to play are the popular shooters like the Call of Duty and FarCry releases.
As i mentioned, FPS games and watching/burning movies, HD material and Browsing are my main activities. I will get more than enough Hard Drive space and a good Burner with either and i already have all my peripherals so as long as it handle my video requirements it should be fine. Also, my current setup, (Intel Celeron 3.2GHz, P4M800Pro-8237 Board FSB 533.4MHz) is a little slow so i want something a little quicker. I have been using a Intel Core2Quad a friend owns (1333MHz) which, for example, converts a the same movies (same program) in 45 mins that mine takes apprx 2hrs!
thanks for all your help and patience
roger
Answer I would want to know what GPU these video cards are coming with, for example "ATI Radeon HD 4870 1GB", in that case, the GPU is a Radeon HD 4870. Based on your budget and needs, might I suggest building the system yourself, and saving some money (or at least getting more performance)?
