simple pc buying dilemma (specs) • Gaming • PC • Eurogamer.net

richardiox 12 Jan 2005 12:08:46 10,097 posts
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So here's my quandry -

I'm ordering a new PC from Dell today and after afew days of umming and ahhing over the spec I have narrowed it down to a final choice of two - both cost the same price so it's not a financial decision

The difference's in the spec boil down to either;

Spec 1 : 3.2 P4ht and 256mb x800xt PCI Express

or, for same price

Spec 2 : 3.4 P4ht and 256mb 6800GTO PCI Express and a Colour printer.

Both specs cost the same so whats it to be - a higher spec graphics card or a higher spec processor (and a free printer).

Any advice - what is the better combination if I'm looking for high framerates and high settings graphics?

Many Thanks

pjmaybe 12 Jan 2005 12:11:52 70,666 posts
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Should get that with both of those. Personally I'd go for the bigger processor and the 6800GT which should still shift like shit off a shovel. Both are PCI Express so you should be OK.

Well, until you try and play anything old, that is!

Peej

MikeD 12 Jan 2005 12:13:59 10,063 posts
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The x800xt is a bit faster than the 6800gt. I think the difference between those 2 would be slightly bigger than the difference between 200 mhz on the cpu, but you can't really go wrong on either configuration.

deepmenace 12 Jan 2005 12:47:50 421 posts
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whats the printer?

s'not a ruddy lexmark is it? Retailers love giving them away so you spend loadsa cash on ink

are you gonna have to buy a printer anyway?

i'd go with the ati gfx - in my experience less driver problems and better across the board compatibilty.

Machiavel 12 Jan 2005 13:09:23 5,964 posts
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cpu differences at that level usually aren't worth the bump in price, whereas graphic cards can be significantly improved by the same price bump - so I'd go with the former (and ditto the advice over the free printer - these places always seem to offer disappointing peripherals that you really need to bump up a level). This is all assuming your other specs are generous enough (1GB of RAM at least, whopping hard drive, etc)

richardiox 12 Jan 2005 13:44:32 10,097 posts
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Cheers for the advice guys,

I've gone for the P4 3.2 with X800xt, 1gig DDR2, SB Audigy2, 19" TFT etc. Ł1180

7 Days 'til my HL2 dreams become a reality. Get in.

Salaman 12 Jan 2005 14:13:49 24,162 posts
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Take number two!!

oh wait.
nvm

Juninho 12 Jan 2005 14:14:32 1,825 posts
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wheres that from then?

richardiox 12 Jan 2005 14:29:44 10,097 posts
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Dell "January Sale".

Currently, on top of sale prices, giving free upgrades to 19" display and free printer (or Ł30 off total price).

Not too bad, pretty competitive pricing and has 1 year next business day onsite warranty.