A budget gaming PC plays Fallout 4 better than consoles

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jlee

Lifer
Sep 12, 2001
48,518
223
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Oh come now.. I build budget gaming PC's for $300 to $350 all the time. Of course peripherals are extra. Case, cpu, psu, mobo, memory, video card, harddrive can be done for cheap. Especially if you stick with AMD cpu.

Hell just had OK but inexpensive PSU plus vid card then done!

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboBundleDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.2307782

That's all new. Better deals if you buy used through these forums which I've done a lot.

Even getting windows is basically free right now for windows 10. Find someone with windows 7, 8, or 8.1 with their original key that they've used to upgrade to windows 10. The 10 they upgraded to frees up their previous key as it is generated a new key based off their original. Which means you can install that previous windows on another system then upgrade that one to 10 for free right now too!

Here is another bundle that is fairly cheap for everything minus GPU and OS.

http://slickdeals.net/f/8234254-amd...dd-cougar-mx200-case-more-195-after-85-rebate

Find a cheap 750i or even better a cheap 280x and all set. Can rock any game on that system far better than any current console. But that has always been the case.

So...by stealing an OS and dealing with $85 in rebates, you're right at console-pricing territory (plus cheap power supplies worry me, but that's another topic).
 

HumblePie

Lifer
Oct 30, 2000
14,665
440
126
So...by stealing an OS and dealing with $85 in rebates, you're right at console-pricing territory (plus cheap power supplies worry me, but that's another topic).

Stealing OS? It's Microsofts own way of doing it as their advertisement states a free windows 10 to anyone with a key for 7, 8, or 8.1 for 1 year. The promotion for that ends after a year. They also could have left the older key locked despite the upgrade.

Even still buying copies of 1 of windows licenses can be done for $25-$35 if you know where and how through OEM builder licenses on sale.

As far as the PSU, I said inexpensive, not cheap. Clear difference. There are very good quality power supplies for very good prices if you know what they are. Finding those out is pretty easy if you ask around. Remember this is for budget gaming and a power supply only needs to work with good tolerances for a single GPU. Which means a halfway decent 350-450w power is more than ample for that task. Even less wattage is required if using a low watt GPU like the 750i. Could skim by on 250watts pretty easily with a quality psu.
 
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jlee

Lifer
Sep 12, 2001
48,518
223
106
Stealing OS? It's Microsofts own way of doing it as their advertisement states a free windows 10 to anyone with a key for 7, 8, or 8.1 for 1 year. The promotion for that ends after a year. They also could have left the older key locked despite the upgrade.

Even still buying copies of 1 of windows licenses can be done for $25-$35 if you know where and how through OEM builder licenses on sale.

I'm no attorney, but I'm pretty sure "a free windows 10" isn't supposed to mean "infinite free windows 10". :p
 

HumblePie

Lifer
Oct 30, 2000
14,665
440
126
I'm no attorney, but I'm pretty sure "a free windows 10" isn't supposed to mean "infinite free windows 10". :p

It's their rules. They control the gates on it and can change it at any time but haven't despite knowing people are using this loophole. It is a loophole and not everyone feels right about using loopholes.
 
Feb 4, 2009
35,862
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So...by stealing an OS and dealing with $85 in rebates, you're right at console-pricing territory (plus cheap power supplies worry me, but that's another topic).

You'll make that up with lower game costs but yes consoles are priced fairly.
 

Aikouka

Lifer
Nov 27, 2001
30,383
912
126
I've always thought that comparing the price of a computer to a gaming console is a bit awkward. The problem is that while some people play games on their computers, it's not that common to have someone dedicate a computer to just games. Does it happen? Sure, but it's important to keep in mind that people do other things on their computer. So, the computer provides a bit of extra value, and that might be worth the extra cost. It's not much different than the idea of tossing a more powerful video card into an existing computer to go from a weak gaming machine to a far more potent one.

Although, I don't really limit myself to either. But I still can't aim for crap on a console. :p
 

tential

Diamond Member
May 13, 2008
7,348
642
121
Well put, I just bought Shadow of Mordor on steam sale and the console interface kinda sucks. I have to arrow key when I should be able to just click something, etc. Less accurate altogether.

You aren't forced to use a keyboard. I rarely use keyboards to game on PC now. I only use them actually if the game doesn't support controller or if it's an FPS. Otherwise, controller all the way. Got a Wii U Controller, GC Controller, Xbox Controller, I'll probably get an Xbox One controller, and definitely am getting the steam controller.

There is just no reason as a PC gamer to force yourself into keyboard and mouse unless you're absolutely deadset on that interface. Otherwise, use the best interface for the game possible and enjoy the game.

You don't need pinpoint accuracy mouse movements in a tactical RPG for example. If it has horrid keyboard controls and amazing xbox controller controls... plug in a controller... that's what a PC gamer should do..... I can't imagine not having an xbox controller with a PC it's ridiculous not to. How did you play a game like Dark Souls?
 

BSim500

Golden Member
Jun 5, 2013
1,480
216
106
I've never understood these PC vs "only a console" price comparisons. Literally every single person I know who owns a console and has no desktop PC, has gone out and bought a laptop for college / work, etc, with or without a tablet. Factor that in (gaming PC vs console + laptop), plus the lower price of games (both cheaper and fall in price faster) and "TCO" is a total no brainer...
 

werepossum

Elite Member
Jul 10, 2006
29,873
463
126
I've always thought that comparing the price of a computer to a gaming console is a bit awkward. The problem is that while some people play games on their computers, it's not that common to have someone dedicate a computer to just games. Does it happen? Sure, but it's important to keep in mind that people do other things on their computer. So, the computer provides a bit of extra value, and that might be worth the extra cost. It's not much different than the idea of tossing a more powerful video card into an existing computer to go from a weak gaming machine to a far more potent one.

Although, I don't really limit myself to either. But I still can't aim for crap on a console. :p
Good point. Many of us build strong PCs for running certain programs, so gaming on them is just a matter of adding peripherals and maybe a powerful GPU.

We don't own a console, but seems to me they are aimed a bit differently, toward more social gaming and/or just easier gaming. I play shooters with a joystick and trackball (yes, I am old and weird) and thus spend an hour or two getting each game running and controlled to my satisfaction. Many people just want to pop in the game and play, at which consoles excel. Nothing wrong with that.
 

jlee

Lifer
Sep 12, 2001
48,518
223
106
Good point. Many of us build strong PCs for running certain programs, so gaming on them is just a matter of adding peripherals and maybe a powerful GPU.

We don't own a console, but seems to me they are aimed a bit differently, toward more social gaming and/or just easier gaming. I play shooters with a joystick and trackball (yes, I am old and weird) and thus spend an hour or two getting each game running and controlled to my satisfaction. Many people just want to pop in the game and play, at which consoles excel. Nothing wrong with that.

I've been a die-hard PC gamer for years, but I have to say it was nice last night kicking back on the couch and playing Last of Us on a 65" TV. :p

I'm not sure how quickly I could get used to a proper shooter (Borderlands/etc) with console, as I've been kb/mouse for decades, but the comfort and social aspect is definitely a plus.
 
Feb 4, 2009
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I thought I'd like the social aspect of consoles but unless you have friends with the same console and same game its just a bunch of 11-15 year olds shouting i love you, queer, nig..., or some derivative of noob if you're lucky.
 

jlee

Lifer
Sep 12, 2001
48,518
223
106
I thought I'd like the social aspect of consoles but unless you have friends with the same console and same game its just a bunch of 11-15 year olds shouting i love you, queer, nig..., or some derivative of noob if you're lucky.

By social I mean real people in the same room.
 

Sonikku

Lifer
Jun 23, 2005
15,914
4,956
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Duh

Welcome to the PC Gaming master race.

Back when I was playing FF7 I could ever imagine being a PC gamer. This was back when a gaming console was $200 and a "gaming" PC was $2000-$3000. This was 90's bucks mind you. Adjusted for inflation, I don't even want to know what PC Gaming cost a couple decades ago.