• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

Rate this PC im getting.

H

Hizuko1

Junior Member
I've decided to get a pre-built Dell PC off their website, and I just need to know if this rig is good for gaming.

Processor: Intel® Core?2 Q6600 Quad-Core (8MB L2 cache,2.4GHz,1066FSB)

Memory: 4GB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 800MHz - 4 DIMMs

Hard Drive: 320GB - 7200RPM, SATA 3.0Gb/s, 16MB Cache

Optical Drive: Single Drive: 16X CD/DVD burner (DVD+/-RW) w/double layer write capability

Video Card: ATI Radeon HD3650 256MB

Tell me if that video card is any good, also. I can choose that, a Radeon ATI HD 2600 XT 256MB card or an nVidia GeForce 8800 GT 512MB card. I don't have enough for the 8800 though.

If you see anything that should be changed, please tell me. Just tell me if this is a good rig overall, and you want to make any comments, go ahead. Thanks!
 
I know little of the HD3650, but looking it up on google it looks like the 8800 GT will kick its ass.

If I was getting this rig on a fixed budget I'd be willing to drop the CPU down .2GHz, 2GB of ram and smaller HD to squeeze in the 8800 GT. Also note windows XP will often outperform Vista gaming wise (DX10 makes it even worse).

Later you can add more RAM and add a second HD, prices should drop as well. I do not think adding ram and a HD will void the warranty but check anyway. I would try to leave the CPU as is, but IMO it would be worth it to upgrade the GPU.

I'm no expert, just filling in until someone who is comes by.
 
Originally posted by: Hizuko1
Tell me if that video card is any good, also.
Click to expand...


"good" for what? you are asking a kinda vague question there




something to note. dell has a HUGE inflation on memory prices. i'd just buy the bare minimum now, and upgrade later. you'll most certainly be able to find ram much cheaper elsewhere

 
Oh and I don't really know how much a quad core would help for gaming. Duel core at a higher speed might be a better option, BUT only for gaming.
 
Dump the RAM and get the 8800GT, 4GB of RAM alone is only $80.

If you don't really care, you can get a dual-core instead of quad, but make sure you get the 8800GT instead of the HD 3650. The 3650 is only a bit better than the 2600XT.
 
For gaming and for -most- users a 2.8-3.0 GHz dual core is better than the quad core. See the AnandTech.com AMD phenom review for some 2,3,4 core gaming comparisons

If this (XPS?) build has a 3 GB option for less pick that to help pay for the 8800GT.

Check the Vostro 400 build price in small business, it lets you add the 8800GT.

Starting with the Vostro 400 $699 build, moving to 3GB RAM, 8800GT, and E8500 3.16 GHz CPU is only $1,019 with an analog 22" LCD ($1,029 with Ultrasharp digital 20").

Check multiple starting builds to get different ending prices: a build that already includes upgrades you want is usually cheaper.

Last week it was cheaper to get the Vostro for work that included a second monitor we didn't need, because adding the memory and HD upgrades we wanted made the system with just 1 monitor more expensive.

Also check Alienware (owned by Dell) since they have OK midrange system pricing now.
 
is there any chance of getting most of the stuff, but maybe adding in the video card youself? i dont know how mcuh theyre charging you for each individual part, but theres a way to spend money. I know they charge a TON for ram (at least they used to). get the least amt of ram and put more in yourself.

edit: for example a dell 530 upgraded to a q6600 is 699. Grab an 8800gt for 130-150, and 4gb of ram for 60-80 bucks. theres like 899. granted youd have to put in a new psu which kinda sucks, but...


not totally prebuilt but, allows you to get an 8800gt.
 
With the $699 starting price Vostro 400 build, you could save about $100 by buying it with the 8300 and buying an 8800 GT from newe gg. Or still save $50 but get an 8800GTS 512 instead.
 
The problem with Vostro 400 and Inspiron 530 is you don't know what PSU you're gonna get. They use different PSU's for these models.

If you want to do high-end gaming, do yourself a favor and stick with the XPS 420. Buy a refurb'd from Dell Outlet, and add an 8800 GT.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Back
Top