recommendations re: gaming system

[originale]

HI all: This really should be in hardware but that forum is divided into so many sections thought I'd try the gamers here. My son is 10 and is saving to buy his first gaming computer. He has worked hard for a year to save up money but is getting discouraged because it seems a proper gaming system is in the range of $1500. Is this true?

Could you please outline some specs that we should be considering when buying a system. I am having a hard time distinguishing the differences between sound cards, adequate memory, proper processors, adequate graphics and video cards. Any ideas that might help would be much appreciate. Or if the moderator thinks this should move to another forum- please do so.

Thanks!

[Diamondsleeper]

Yes it is true. Performance is not cheap. This is my gaming rig. I am very happy with it so far. Completed the build about 9 months ago. Click on the My System heading to the left. Some things like the Qty: 4 HD's is not necessary, just my personal preference. I do recommend 2 in RAID 0 though. The WD 10,000 R.P.M. Raptors are very fast in RAID 0. The memory is recommended also. Running two PCI express graphics cards in SLI mode is another plus. I've got roughly $1500 wrapped up in it. Don't get discouraged. I don't know what games he is planning on running. Not all games require such a robust system. If he can't spend that kind of cash right now, then he might want to start at the base by buying a SLI MoBo he can upgrade later. Then he can add a second video card when it becomes necessary to run more demanding games. Same with the memory. Get a MoBo that supports faster RAM. Like 800Mhz or higher. He can always get faster RAM as demand for resources increases.

[pharoah]

first off what is your sons current budget for a gaming pc.knowing that will help us help you with that.also does he have a computer now that some parts can be used from.like a monitor cd/dvd drives etc etc.

[Skifer UK]

I whould goto www.dell.com you can build a pc from there and they will guide you in ordering and building your pc unless you want to do it yourself then listen to pharaoh and Diamondsleeper.

[forcifer]

what are you talking about?? dell rips you off. id build it, from www.newegg.com

[1 g0t 0wn3d]

try www.abs.com

[originale]

Thanks to all. Been away and haven't been able to check posts.

I would say his limit is about $900-$1000 max. I'm going to have to help with taxes etc. Diamondsleeper- I'm going to have to look up what you wrote- the terminology means nothing to me. Do I just go to a place that builds PCs and ask for what you stated? How do I evaluate if this place is any good. Years ago, my first computer was a clone and it was a disaster. After 2 yrs of never running correctly, constantly crashing etc- I ditched it.

We're starting from scratch with no computer to get parts from. I'll check out those websites- We're in Canada so not sure those sites will apply to us.

[pharoah]

do i assume correct you dont know how to build one.you want to buy one.

[originale]

Yes. Can't build myself. Was at Staples and the manager told me to buy this clearance computer. I will try it for 14 days-wonder what you all think. Thought the best thing, was buy this cheap thing, run the games and see what happens. It's made by Cisnet. It has an AMD Athlon 64 3200 processor, 168 DDR Ram, 160 GB HD, 5 in 1 digital drive.

Have no idea what this is like. Any opinions? It was about $399- I think half price. But the manager seemed to think it would run the games for a 10 1/2 yr old fine. He wants to play things like Sim City.

[pharoah]

168 ram is that correct.thats very low ram for a gaming computer.

[1 g0t 0wn3d]

that is 168 pin ddr and can go up to 1gb a stick what video card does it have?

[originale]

Without opening the box and taking everything apart- how would I find out what kind of video card it has. I'm not sure what to look for, don't see a user's guide and am reading from the specs as printed on the outside of the box.

[originale]

Ok. This is becoming a pain. Opened everything up- no specs. Went to website- my model isn't even listed. Too old? Called support- they couldn't see the specs even when entering in serial number. Seem weird to you all?

Sounds like the only option is to install the game and try it out. How will I know that it doesn't suck up too much memory and will allow other games to run later without glitches?

[1 g0t 0wn3d]

Go here www.srtest.com and test for any game copy paste the results back here

[originale]

Thanks everyone. Going back to square one. The CPU doesn't work- the whole thing seems suspicious. I"m returning it all and going back based on earlier posts- although I suspect those specs will result in a system that's beyond my son's budget. Someone offered us a Dell that is about 5 yrs old and without looking at it, I'll bet it's not powerful enough just based on age. Is it worth it to take this, replace video card and add memory? Will processor in 5 yr old Dell be too slow?

[pharoah]

if you can replace a video card,or add one.look for something newer with integrated video,and a pci-e x16 slot.then just add a video card.that would make alot more sense imo.