wottockhunt
Junior Member
With apologies to Ian Leino.
Posts: 73
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Post by wottockhunt on Mar 9, 2009 16:35:33 GMT -5
So I listed 4 games that had release dates later than the one (1) game you listed. That while absolutely not exhaustive is by all means a majority of what we have been talking about. No, of course not. The thing I omitted -- taking it as a given -- was that 3D engines tend on average to get more complex over time, requiring more processing power. Game developers have a tendency (especially if they see themselves as cutting edge) to aim for hardware that isn't even available at the time they're writing the game. Crysis uses an advanced engine which is why it's widely used for benchmarking. Other developers are more likely to advance towards that level of complexity rather than away from it. Well, there are some RTS games that feature quite often in graphics adapter reviews and shoot-outs. Can't come up with any names off the bat here, thanks to a few stiff shots of single malt whisky. |
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Post by Shano on Mar 10, 2009 12:54:40 GMT -5
So I listed 4 games that had release dates later than the one (1) game you listed. That while absolutely not exhaustive is by all means a majority of what we have been talking about. No, of course not. The thing I omitted -- taking it as a given -- was that 3D engines tend on average to get more complex over time, requiring more processing power. Game developers have a tendency (especially if they see themselves as cutting edge) to aim for hardware that isn't even available at the time they're writing the game. Crysis uses an advanced engine which is why it's widely used for benchmarking. Other developers are more likely to advance towards that level of complexity rather than away from it. Well, there are some RTS games that feature quite often in graphics adapter reviews and shoot-outs. Can't come up with any names off the bat here, thanks to a few stiff shots of single malt whisky. Sigh... It is common knowledge that developers are advancing their engines with the incresed power of VPUs and CPUs and so on. But again that is not what we were talking about. My statement was very simple. I just claimed that the Radeon 2900 can play the majority of games currently on the market without a problem. I did not make a claim about games released in 2200. |
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tempus
Full Member
Alien Ant Farmer
Posts: 212
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Post by tempus on Mar 11, 2009 0:48:12 GMT -5
Okay, NOW I've got the information I think I need.
When I mentioned games at the outset, I should probably have been more clear--I actually get more out of Strategy and RPG's than I do FPS games. Those generally require lower system specs than most FPS games, so I can usually skimp on the hardware without too much of a problem. However, my box chokes on Supreme Commander...so that's what finally pushed me to make the decision to begin my little project.
The computer I had **originally** planned to build had been one using one of the older barebones kits from Tiger Direct, and a cheaper video card that's nevertheless a bit better than what I'm currently running. I thought I could bring it in for around 300-350 dollars.
However, after reading the responses HERE, I think I'm going to wait a bit longer, and try it with a little more money, maybe build a slightly better system than the one I had originally envisioned. I may also try some other sites besides Tiger Direct, like Napoleon's Newegg--though TD is really the only ones I've ever dealt with online. Since we're on the topic, sort of--has anyone here every dealt with Pricewatch.com? Can anyone give any recommendations as to other online sites I might use?
Again, thanks to everyone who's replied.
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Post by Napoleon the Clown on Mar 11, 2009 1:04:55 GMT -5
Quick question: Are you going to be playing stuff like, say, Red Alert 3? We need a good indicator of what you'll be playing.
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tempus
Full Member
Alien Ant Farmer
Posts: 212
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Post by tempus on Mar 11, 2009 2:05:33 GMT -5
Quick question: Are you going to be playing stuff like, say, Red Alert 3? We need a good indicator of what you'll be playing. You got it. I can't really point at any specific game as there's so many at this point and the state of the art is out of date pretty fast, but that's the kind of game I'm more likely to play than Bioshock. Strangely enough, even though my computer is technically only barely meeting the system specs for Neverwinter Nights 2: Storm of Zehir, it runs it like a screaming bastard. Go figure. But yeah, that and maybe Starcraft 2, when it finally emerges. |
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Post by Mantorok on Mar 11, 2009 2:15:42 GMT -5
Strangely enough, even though my computer is technically only barely meeting the system specs for Neverwinter Nights 2: Storm of Zehir, it runs it like a screaming bastard. Go figure. NWN2 looked pretty dated when it was released. |
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tempus
Full Member
Alien Ant Farmer
Posts: 212
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Post by tempus on Mar 11, 2009 2:59:02 GMT -5
Strangely enough, even though my computer is technically only barely meeting the system specs for Neverwinter Nights 2: Storm of Zehir, it runs it like a screaming bastard. Go figure. NWN2 looked pretty dated when it was released. Shet my mouf' My e-penis is teh smalls.  |
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Post by Napoleon the Clown on Mar 11, 2009 15:52:53 GMT -5
Alright, that set up would, by my estimate, be looking at around $700 if you want it have quality parts that will hold up for a long time.
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Post by mejarhead on Mar 17, 2009 16:30:58 GMT -5
Another thing that you need to see if you can do is reuse some of your existing hardware.
If you can get a Motherboard that can use your existing ram, bring over your existing hard drive, you can save a hundred or so on upgrading your system.
Also if you've got a Fry's Electronics near you, keep an eye on their ads, at times they have MotherBoard / CPU combos for $100-$150 that will give you a nice boost in performance over your older system.
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Post by Mantorok on Mar 17, 2009 20:56:53 GMT -5
With a system that old, the RAM would be PC3200 at the best and the HDD is probably IDE rather than SATA.
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