I'm buying a new computer for gaming, what are the best specs?

Question

Basically I want to know the best, I think it's called, "processing speed" like in gHz. 2.2 or 2.4 or just 2 or what?
I'm going to buy a seperate, better graphics card, but what about RAM? Is a gig of RAM alright?
Please nobody tell me to go buy an Alienware or equivalent computer, I don't want to pay THAT much. Also if it matters, I play strategies and role-players.

Answer 1

If you want a gaming computer, either build it yourself or find a smaller distributor that allows you to select your parts.

First the CPU: I am an AMD fan, but Intel currently has the fastest processors. Ghz only indicates relative speed on the same processor line, so 2.0 Ghz AMD is not the same speed as 2.0 Ghz Intel. If you go AMD, get an Athlon 64 X2 or Intel get a Core 2 Duo. Don't spend more than 200 bucks on a processor, most games are limited by graphics first.

Second the Mobo: Make sure it has SLI (nVidia)/Crossfire (ATI) support. That way you can get a cheaper graphics card and double it up with another one later to add future capability. Stick with a name brand (ASUS, Gigabyte, Intel, etc) and make sure it has the features you want.

Third, RAM: A gig minimum. The more the merrier. 2 GB is my suggestion, and if your motherboard has the capability, get dual channel memory.

Fourth, Graphics: Get as high a number nVidia (for SLI), or Raedon (for Crossfire) as you can afford. Since you only have to buy one card now, you can get the second one if you need it in the future (when the card will be cheaper).

Finally, Hard drive: Most people overlook this, but the hard drive is generally the bottleneck in any system. I suggest you get a Western Digital Raptor 15k drive. These are the fastest consumer level drives you can get. You don't need a lot of storage space, just enough for Windows and your programs. All your data can be stored on a slower drive.

I suggest you build your own, and have included a link to Newegg which has the cheapest prices. But if you lack the knowhow to build your own, try Cyber Power, they make good manufactured PCs for cheap.

Answer 2

The kinds of specs that the guy above me said are the right thing.... but the kinds of games you'll be playing aren't graphic or pc intensive so there really isn't any point to buying a super expensive video card or really high end parts.

I would try to hold out for a few more months and get stuff thats all vista compatible after more kinks have been worked out cuz if you can wait that long you can buy enough stuff that'll keep you happy for a few years.

Answer 3

Do you fairly need the final you need to purchase? The "ultimate" you need to purchase is fairly costly. there are assorted manufacturers that make gaming rigs. Dell, Alienware, and Gateway are merely various the suitable manufacturers of gaming laptop's. the suitable of the line modern and appropriate gaming machines can value approximately $5,000. you could tone it down somewhat and get a exceptionally good gadget for much less, yet once you fairly choose for the final of the final as you're saying, then be arranged to shell out some substantial dough re mi.

Answer 4

Hey man, If you are interested, I custom build computers and i can build you a system equivalent to people like alienware but at a TON better of a price,


so message me if your interested.

Answer 5

-an intel core 2 duo or quad processor (higher the number the better)
-2 (4 is best) gb's of DDR2 ram
- nVidia geforce 8800 gts to gtx graphics card
-DVD rom drive at least (duh)

Answer 6

this laptop is cheap and plus it has a good video card

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16834220142