Reccomendation cheap computer for The Old Republic?

[dickjonesyo]

So, I'm wanting to buy a computer to play Star Wars the Old Republic, and I only have a budget of about 420 dollars. I know very little about computers and I was wondering if this would be able to run the game by any chance, *note* I'm not grounding myself to only laptops, a desktop is fine too. Any help is appreciated, so ANY CHEAP computer recommendations are really appreciated. Thanks.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Dell+-+I...ustomerreviews

AMD Dual-Core E-450 Processor with AMD Radeon HD 6320 graphics
For fast, efficient computing.
4GB DDR3 memory
For multitasking power, expandable to 8GB.
Multiformat DVD±RW/CD-RW drive with double-layer support
Records up to 8.5GB of data or 4 hours of video using compatible DVD+R DL and DVD-R DL media.
15.6" LED high-definition display
With TrueLife technology and 720p resolution showcases movies and games in stunning clarity.
500GB Serial ATA hard drive (5400 rpm)
Offers spacious storage and fast read/write times.
AMD Radeon HD 6320 graphics
For lush images with vivid detail. HDMI output for connection to an HDTV.

 

[Spikesoldier]

nope e-450 is not enough horsepower for games.

i would recommend a core i3 based system at the minimum since you are on a budget.

420 is really slim for an off the shelf gaming rig, even that budget is pretty slim if you are self-building. it really becomes a stretch when you need a display as well.

i would pony up a little more - at least $600, lest you be disappointed.

 

[Dirigible]

Do you have a current computer? What parts does it have? I ask because reusing parts (HDD, DVD drive, monitor, keyboard, mouse, OS) can save big money.

 

[dickjonesyo]

I have monitor, speakers, Keyboard, Mouse.

 

[lehtv]

What's the resolution of your existing monitor?

$400 isn't really going to get you much a gaming rig, prebuilt or custom built.

 

[dickjonesyo]

1366 x 768

 

[lehtv]

Ok. Here is a benchmark of SWTOR at low settings and 1280x1024 which is about 25% more pixels than your resolution. Unfortunately the CPU is a powerful i5-2500K which makes the low-end GPUs look like they perform much better than they would on a budget CPU. I'd estimate that paired with a budget dual-core CPU like Celeron G530 or Athlon X2 265, a Radeon 5670/6670 or a GT440 would be enough to run it at 30+fps on your resolution and low settings.

I'm assuming you need Windows 7 as well?

 

[dickjonesyo]

Yeah, I suppose, I would need Windows 7.

 

[lehtv]

Browsing some prebuilt PC's...

Dell Inspiron 560 for $350 is about the best I can find. Core 2 Duo E6700, old generation but powerful enough (about as good as a new Celeron G530 which costs $60). Add a HD6670 graphics card for $55 AR and you're done. I think you should be fine with the existing power supply, because a 6670 gets all its power from the motherboard and consumes less than 50 watts. But I can't find info on exactly how powerful the included PSU is.

 

[s44]

Prebuilt+6670 is definitely the way to go. But at your price range I'd look at refurbs. Something like this $300 HP based on the Athlon II x4 630 should be good for your purposes.

 

[DooKey]

Intel Pentium G850 (Sandy Bridge dual core) $88
Gigabyte H61 MATX motherboard $57
G.skill DDR3 1333 4gb $21
Powercolor 6770 $97 after rebate
Corsair CX430 Power supply $37 after rebate
Hitachi 500gb hard drive $70
APEX mid tower case $30
ASUS DVD burner $20

Total shipped $420 after rebates at Newegg

 

[lehtv]

^ Add Windows 7 and whoops it's $520 AR.

 

[DooKey]

^ Yes, it is, but gives him a much better system if he can swing it. Also, he can reduce the cpu a bit and if he doesn't need a 500gb drive can save money there as well.

He could also look for deals on a used copy of retail Vista. Lots of ways to skin the cat.

 

[lehtv]

In principle yeah it'd be good to be able to pay more for the PC as even a small increase in total price would result in quite a bit more performance.

I don't think newegg has any hard drives that are cheaper than that Hitachi. I'm also not sure if he's even willing to build it from parts himself. And it may be his $420 budget is before rebate, not after.

 

[mfenn]

^ Add Windows 7 and whoops it's $520 AR.

Whoops indeed.

At this point price point, I agree that a refurb is the way to do.

 

[dickjonesyo]

Yeah, really would rather not spend more than 420, any good refurb reccomendations?

 

[Spikesoldier]

Yeah, really would rather not spend more than 420, any good refurb reccomendations?

ive heard good things about dell XPS refurbs. i would recommend you watch the dell outlet like a hawk, but from what I understand, stocks are depleted due to the holiday buying season.

 

[sm625]

http://www.compusa.com/applications/...385&CatId=5139

Lots of these are coming off lease. Ebay has been flooded, and you can get them a LOT cheaper than shown above. Just do a search for dc7800p, and ignore the small form factor versions. Then buy a video card that is somewhat low power, like a 6770. And hope it works! lol. Might need to get a pciE power adapter. Might need some new ram. Might need a better psu. Do your own research. But all the above could be had for well under $400, and your games would run a helluva lot faster than anything these turkeys are recommending.

 

[sm625]

Also, used custom builts are a viable option: http://www.ebay.com/itm/2-CORE-INTE...0793932340?pt=Desktop_PCs&hash=item41609f6234

That would be a solid deal if you didnt get into a bidding war!

 

[ElFenix]

Ok. Here is a benchmark of SWTOR at low settings and 1280x1024 which is about 25% more pixels than your resolution. Unfortunately the CPU is a powerful i5-2500K which makes the low-end GPUs look like they perform much better than they would on a budget CPU. I'd estimate that paired with a budget dual-core CPU like Celeron G530 or Athlon X2 265, a Radeon 5670/6670 or a GT440 would be enough to run it at 30+fps on your resolution and low settings.

I'm assuming you need Windows 7 as well?

what you've linked to there is 1900x1080

ive heard good things about dell XPS refurbs. i would recommend you watch the dell outlet like a hawk, but from what I understand, stocks are depleted due to the holiday buying season.

the dell xps 8300 comes with a decently powerful power supply so it should run mid range videocards without needing replacement.

 

[lehtv]

what you've linked to there is 1900x1080

Oops excuse me. Fixed.

 

[s44]

http://www.compusa.com/applications/...385&CatId=5139

Lots of these are coming off lease. Ebay has been flooded, and you can get them a LOT cheaper than shown above.

Really poor buy. TOR needs at least 4gb RAM and 64 bit Windows. Upgrading these and he's left with a dated dualcore that isn't really any cheaper.

OP, I linked a $300 quadcore refurb with 4gb and 64 bit Win7. Get that. Dell refurb is nice, but a price category higher (they charge tax on top of that, too) and basically out of stock since Black Friday.

Don't forget to buy the 6670 that lehtv linked.

 

[ElFenix]

inspiron 560 has a 300 watt supply per the tech specs
http://www.dell.com/us/p/inspiron-560/pd


i think i would get the 620 refurb on the outlet for $330 (300 watt ps)
http://outlet.us.dell.com/ARBOnline...08021_1_508021_&Price=329&USDPrice=329&Flag=1

and add a 6670. people in the comments have said they've got that in there.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814161397

Add a HD6670 graphics card for $55 AR and you're done.

beware that's a DDR3 version.

 

[mfenn]

Really poor buy. TOR needs at least 4gb RAM and 64 bit Windows. Upgrading these and he's left with a dated dualcore that isn't really any cheaper.

OP, I linked a $300 quadcore refurb with 4gb and 64 bit Win7. Get that. Dell refurb is nice, but a price category higher (they charge tax on top of that, too) and basically out of stock since Black Friday.

Don't forget to buy the 6670 that lehtv linked.

Agree 100%. Not bad for being a "turkey" eh?

 

[Murz]

Just saw this on slickdeals:

Dell Inspiron 620 Core i3-2120 $311 w/free shiping

Could prob throw a video card in there and be good to go.