Huge computer decision!

[Seizure]

Hey everyone, I'm buying a new computer soon but I want to be able to handle games like L4d or Tf2. My budget is around $500 but I'm still deciding on whether to get a laptop or a desktop. DEFINITELY GETTING A DESKTOP NOW
Would be a huge help if anyone can help me out!

EDIT: I'm going to buy one of these desktops now for sure. THIS model looks awesome http://www.officemax.com/technology/computers/refurbished-computers/product-prod2330165 Quad Core ftw!
Triple core just as good... http://www.officemax.com/technology/computers/refurbished-computers/product-prod2500002

And now the dual core http://www.officemax.com/technology/computers/refurbished-computers/product-prod1950006

I just need to know what upgrades will be needed. High end graphics aren't a priority, but recommended graphics would be the best. What I need to know is what computer can actually handle games, If I need to upgrade the Gcard, then I will probably buy a dual core.

[Buckleyindahouse]

Desktop, for 500 bucks now a days you can get a pretty nice pc.

my desktop is only 439 and it kicks the shit outta that one :).

[Shuttleu]

if its for power then desktop
if its for portability then laptop

~shut

[3Garrett3]

You could just say screw the 500 bucks and get this one?

http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4465397&CatId=3512

Only 4050 dollars (mind you, it is Canadian, so really worth approx. 50 cents.)

[Seizure]

I'm starting to lean towards a desktop now. I figure that a desktop will definitely outlast a laptop and it can be upgraded.

Any for around $500?

[Buckleyindahouse]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883229091 ~ $499
# Recommended Usage: Gaming
# Processor: AMD Athlon X2 7750(2.7GHz)
# Processor Main Features: 64 bit Dual Core Processor
# Memory: 4GB (2x2GB) DDR2 800
# Hard Drive: 500GB SATA-II 3.0Gb/s 7200RPM HDD
# Optical Drive 1: 22X DVD±R/±RW Dual Layer Drive
# Graphics: ATI Radeon HD 4550 512MB PCI Express Video Card
# Audio: Sound card - Integrated
# Model #: Gamer Ultra 7206

Only 200mhz faster then mines^^^
:(


http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883229100 $539
# Recommended Usage: Gaming
# Processor: AMD Athlon X2 7850(2.8GHz)
# Processor Main Features: 64 bit Dual Core Processor
# Cache Per Processor: 2 x 512KB L2 Cache
# Memory: 4GB (2x2GB) DDR2 800
# Hard Drive: 500GB SATA-II 3.0Gb/s 7200RPM HDD
# Optical Drive 1: 22X DVD±R/±RW Dual Layer Drive
# Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce 9500GT 1GB PCI Express Video Card
# Model #: Gamer Ultra 7208

[Seizure]

Here's the one I will probably buy.

http://www.shopping.hp.com/product/computers/desktops/p6110t_series/rts/4/storefronts/NY428AA%2523ABA

This one gives me a free upgrade to Windows 7! And I found it at Office Depot for $430. Also, the graphics shouldn't be a problem since I'm going to upgrade.

[Da 0wner]

Nowadays, laptops can play pretty decent games :p.

Most are better than my other desktop lol.

[Hobbit]

Its a single core processor, you may want to say away from that...

I'd recommend one of the newegg ones Buckley suggested, they are much better deals.

And just some advice as a technician, don't go HP. I have personally worked with that exact model and I am not impressed. And if you were to upgrade they graphics you would also need to upgrade the PSU so there is ~$100 + cost of graphics card.


Power supply N/A

Says N/A cause they don't want you to know its only 300W and is bare minimum to run the system. If you try upping the GFX without a new PSU you'll fry the one in there lol.

[senrath]

Nowadays, laptops can play pretty decent games :p.

Most are better than my other desktop lol.

No one is disputing that fact. It's just that getting a laptop costs a lot more than getting a desktop with comparable specs.

Edit: Anyway, I agree with Hobbit. The computer you posted really isn't what you want, seeing as it's only a single core. I'd say get the second one that Buckley posted, the $539 one with the NVIDIA graphics card.

[Ejjman]

http://www.tech-forums.net/pc/

Go to this website. They have helped me build my perfect computer at a good price. Hope everything goes well.

[noidea]

http://www.tech-forums.net/pc/

Go to this website. They have helped me build my perfect computer at a good price. Hope everything goes well.

Your budget is nearly 3x his ;)

Hobbit: How come you were not impressed?

[Ejjman]

Your budget is nearly 3x his ;)


No no, they are budget friendly. They'll tell you straight the best you can get at your budget! I was surprised, but ya, it would not hurt to give them a shot.

More opinions = better FTW.

[Craig`]

Personally I have L4D and have played TF2, you don't need a brilliant PC to play them smoothly,
obviously 1k gbp > $5000 (my pc), but I think if you 'haggle' your way to a deal, then you'll get a good pc for that $500

[cycrosism]

Desktop.

Laptops are not made for games if you want to buy one then games will run very slow

[ShowerThoughts]

Buddy did you saw this on your prefered desktop?
Monitor Not Included. Keep an eye on that ;).

[Seizure]

Buddy did you saw this on your prefered desktop?
Monitor Not Included. Keep an eye on that ;).

I have a monitor, its k.

[Hobbit]

Your budget is nearly 3x his ;)

Hobbit: How come you were not impressed?

For what's in it, its very over priced....

Not to mention the quality of the parts in it....

[Smartzkid]

Would you feel comfortable building your own pc? All those computers are pretty yegh compared to what you could build on the same budget.

[Boreas]

+1. For example:
http://www.maximumpc.com/article/features/build_a_500_pc_play_crysis_40fps

Also, if budget is an issue, you can go cheaper on some parts now, and then upgrade later.

[Capricorn]

Here are some guidelines. (lifted off purepwnage.com)





Hobo Tier

Case: Rosewill R115-P Black (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811147126)
Power Supply: FSP ATX350-PA 350W (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817104901)
Motherboard: ZOTAC GF6100-C-E (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813500023)
Processor: AMD Athlon X2 5400+ (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103235)
Video Card: HD 4670 512MB (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814131146)
Memory: G.Skill 4GB DDR2 800Mhz (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231207)
Hard Drive: Western Digital Caviar SE 160GB (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136075)
Optical Drive: LG DVD Burner (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827136167)

($350 US)

Low Tier

Case: Antec 300 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129042)
Power Supply: OCZ StealthXtreme 400W (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817341020)
Motherboard: GA-G31M-ES2L (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128357)
Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo E5200 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116072)
Video Card: HD 4830 512MB (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102822)
Memory: Kingston 4GB DDR2 800 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820134641)
Hard Drive: Samsung Spinpoint F1 750GB (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822152099)
Optical Drive: LG DVD Burner (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827136152)

($500 US)

Mid Tier

Case: CoolerMaster RC690 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119137)
Power Supply: OCZ ModXStream Pro 500W (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817341016)
Motherboard: GigaByte EP45-UD3L (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128372)
Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115037)
Video Card: HD4870 512MB (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102810)
Memory: G.Skill 4GB DDR2 1000 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231145)
Hard Drive: Samsung Spinpoint F1 750GB (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822152099)
Optical Drive: Samsung CD/DVD rewriter (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827151188)
Heatsink + Fan: Xigmatek HDT-RS1283 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835233012)

($800 US)