Ahhhhhh. Computer geeks I need your help.?

Question

I can't figure out all the computer lingo. The system requirements for a game say pentium III 800MHz or better. The tech specs for a computer I want say nothing about pentium although the general description for the pc does say pentium. Why don't they just describe it more simply. I consider myself a computer wizz and am always asked by collegues and friends to help them with computer stuff. But I can't figure out how to read specs. The system req. for a game and the tech specs for a pc use very different terms. What gives?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Just someone tell me if this pc would be good for gaming, especially the game with the sys. req. i gave above:
http://www.dell.com/content/products/productdetails.aspx/entnb_e1405?c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19

Answer 1

yes as long as it has a 1gb of ram and a 256 graphics crad

Answer 2

Look , I'm a gamer, and though I did'nt look at the link you provided I can tel you what you need to know as far as statistics go. When a game box gives minimum or recommended requirements they usually look like this:
CPU: Intel Pentium 4 2.0 Gig. / AMD Athlon 2000+ processor
RAM: 512MB system RAM
VIDEO: 100% direct x 9 capable With 64meg of video ram
DRIVE: 8x CD ROM
Hard Drive: 2.2 Gig of uncompressed hard drive space
Sound Card: 100% direct x compatible 16 bit
OS: Windows 2000, XP, latest service packs
Direct X Version: Direct X 9.0c

This is for te game Prey, and is just an example. What they are really trying to say is this:
CPU: at least a 2 gig processor. it can be pentium, AMD, or whatever. Dosent matter as long as it will run windows. Keep in mind that a 2 gig is a little slow, and try to game on at least a 2.5 or 3 gig processor.
RAM: is the system memory that this game will use, the memory has nothing to do with your hard drive, it is rather a place where your computer keeps RUNNING programs. Your computer should have at least 1 gig of memory for gaming. Memory comes in "sticks" of little microchips that you plug in to your motherboard. A 512meg stick of memory is under 100 bucks, and easy to install if you need to.
VIDEO: This is often a touchy subject. ATI and Nvidia are two companies who compete over 98% of the customers who buy video cards. Right now Nvidia has better cheaper stuff. Either way, you need a video card that is direct x9 compliant, and has at least 128 meg of memory on it. Your best bet for a good video card is on the net, most stores dont carry the good ones and always charge more. My video card is an Nvidia 7800 GT overclocked. It's great, at 350 bucks... It's the best they had six mos ago. All you need is to make sure you get a card with at least 128 meg, and that it isnt an Nvidia MX (cheap, but not for games)
Sound Cards are not always necessary, often computers have built in sound. A good one isnt too expensive anyway.
Direct X usually comes on the game disk, but can be downloaded free.

so, get a computer with a 3.0 Gig or higher processor speed, a 128meg or better DX 9 compliant video card, and 1 Gig of memory or RAM, and some sort of sound, and thats all you need to play games. Alienware puts out the best gaming computers that they sell anywhere, maybe it would help to check out thier site to see what the going rate is - that will give you an idea anyway...

BTW, 800 Mhz is 0.8 Gig. most processors are measured in Gig now, so for that game you dont need much...

Answer 3

That computer is more than adequate for the game that u want to play on it. If u press next on the link that u supplied u will c something about Intel DUO... that NEW!!!!

the requirement s asked for pentium III.... thats OLD really OLD if u look at the pace in which these technology are changing.

I Think after pentium III came IV and V and now they have Dual Core (Duo) which means ur computer can handle multiple functions alot better

hope that helps

Answer 4

Good to go man...
by the way the Technical specs(to compare to are on this page)
http://www.dell.com/content/products/productdetails.aspx/entnb_e1405?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs&~section=specs#tabtop