Is this computer configuration good ?
By minfas
@minfas (878)
Sri Lanka
December 25, 2010 1:32am CST
I am planning to get a new computer by next week. Any idea what type of games will i be able to play with the following configurations.
Intel Core i3 3.06
Intel DH55TC Motherboard
4GB DDR3 RAM
500 GB HDD
4 responses
@matersfish (6306)
• United States
25 Dec 10
4GB of RAM is really all you need for any game or any computing in general. Don't ever fall into the "you need 8-12GB of Corsair Dominator!" trap. Games aren't very RAM demanding beyond 2GB, at best, and a GPU usually handles most of that load.
So you're good there. Also, the i3 is a great processor! There are only three classes better - i5, i7, Xeon (I think). I'm far from a computer expert, but since I've been gaming I've learned some basic stuff. This processor has plenty of processing power to do what you want.
500GB HDD is also plenty, assuming it's fast and at least 16MB.
But none of that has anything to do with gaming, really. That's only the lead up to which graphics card you will select.
After bending over backwards to upgrade my old Dell Inspiron 531s to no avail, I finally broke down and purchased a new PC recently.
Mine is:
AMD Athlon x4 quad-core 2.9 GHz
4GB Ram
GeForce GTS 450 (the biggest and best card in the GTS series, then you get into GTX, which really isn't a significant difference--outside of dual sli--until you get into the 470)
I'll be running W7 (perfect for gaming) and my mobo is really just the glue for it all.
If you want to play any killer games, you'll need a killer graphics card. You can find the eVga GeForce GTS 450 for a little over $100. This card is really killer for what it is - a mid-range card that doesn't require a lot of power or take up a lot of space. It's like a 9800gtx on steroids. It can run everything on high settings, save the newest games coming out. It has Directx 11 support and everything else you need.
What is your power supply? If you have a 400W PSU, then go for the GTS 450. If you have a 500W PSU, then you can drop the extra couple of dollars and get a step up (not a huge one, but a step nonetheless) with the GTX 460.
http://www.provantage.com/galaxy-technology-60xmh6hs3hmw~7GALX01T.htm
http://www.amazon.com/EVGA-GeForce-PCI-Express-Graphics-01G-P3-1450-TR/dp/B0041RRNBM
Bottom line: you need a graphics card, so you might as well make it a good one.
Either of these cards will fit well in a mid-tower case. You don't need a full tower for anything outside of showing off and overkill!
22" Samsung LED 1080p monitor included, I paid $620 for my entire setup. And I'm fully confident that it will outperform anything Alienware is pawning off on people for $2000!
Are you building it yourself or have you found that configuration for a good price?
I know a guy who will sell you a KILLER custom-built plug-and-play PC for around $600 USD at most.
I'm not sure what type of PSU you would need in Sri Lanka, if that's where you're from. But just make it the equivalent of what I'm talking about.
2 people like this
@matersfish (6306)
• United States
26 Dec 10
Well, a monitor isn't the most important thing. Gamers want something with great definition, HD input, quick response times, etc, but you need to worry about graphics first.
I read what you're working with in another post, and it won't do for gaming.
You need a PCI-E card.
Do you have eBay or an equivalent site available where you live?
If so, here are some really inexpensive options to look at, but still options that will play almost any game without any problem whatsoever (just remember that you will have to play low settings on demanding games like Crysis and those others).
First, look at a classic card that offers some support for newer platforms.
GeForce GT 240 is an inexpensive card that doesn't require a lot of power yet still packs a good punch.
Radeon HD 4850 is also a good option, providing power without a lot of money.
You can usually find eVGA cards for really cheap and still powerful.
@maazahmed (96)
• India
25 Dec 10
You need graphic card of at-lest 512 mb = 1000 rs. To make your computer look good or 4gb ram is of no use. ram is used to support graphics u wont have any graphics if u dont buy it.
if you want to play really high config games like
1.Assassins creed
2.Boishock
3.Cs Source.
You will need 1gb graphic card. This game will also run in 512 mb card but it will lagg like hell.
If u plan to play online games like world of warcraft or dota or starcraft. u will need to take a fast ethernet card and atlest 1 mbps internet.
If you want to play solo games in high config sound. buy creative 4.1 and get a creative sound blaster card Your room will shake with the voice.:D
@maazahmed (96)
• India
25 Dec 10
Dont buy AMD. buy intel and graphic card = nvdia. i am a very good gamer so i know much about games.
@Ramsesxlll (1431)
• Finland
25 Dec 10
I take back the "No offense... But Assassin's Creed, Bioshock and Counter Strike: Source aren't really demanding when it comes to hardware... ", because they are actually the top games (for every platform), but Source just doesn't make it there... Source too is a great game, and many games have been made from the CS:Source as "source"...
@Ramsesxlll (1431)
• Finland
25 Dec 10
I don't suggest anyone buying Counter Strike: Source as a "really good looking" game though... Because it's graphics are quite old already...
@madhuvamsi (1185)
• India
25 Dec 10
Well a graphics card is added to this configuration then it would be great in my view. On board garphics will take away some memory from ram and slows down pc a bit. Well most of the games do support with the present graphics on ur motherboard. So, only suggestion is add a graphics card. What would be the budget for a good graphic card is something you have to figure out.. all the best..
@msdos41 (6)
• China
25 Dec 10
you dont plan to buy a graphics card???? i-series chips just have a gpu with poor 3D-game processing ability.
so i suggest you add a graphics card to your configuration, such as HD5570 or GTX460.
your configuration mentioned above can only handle 2D games or some low-quality 3D games.But if you are a movie fan, your configuration is perfect,low power consumption with hardware of HD decoding.
@matersfish (6306)
• United States
25 Dec 10
YOu still trust ATI? You're braver than I am. I have had really bad experiences with everything radeon. nVidia is at least the safer investment, I think. But you're right about the card choice - GTX460 is a great high-range starter.