This is the system I am thinking of purchasing: OPERATING SYSTEM...Genuine Windows® 7 Home Premium, 64Bit, English PROCESSOR..........Intel® Core™ i3-2120 3.3GHz (3MB Cache) with Hyper-Threading Technology MEMORY.............6GB (1x2GB, 1x4GB) DDR3 at 1333MHz OPTICAL DRIVE......Slot-Loading Dual Layer DVD Burner (DVD±RW, CD-RW) VIDEO CARD.........1GB GDDR5 NVIDIA® GeForce® GT 545 HARD DRIVE ........1TB SATA 6Gb/s (7,200RPM) 32MB Cache WIRELESS...........DW1502 Wireless-N WLAN Half Mini-Card It is indeed pre-built, and it's from Dell. Why dell? I get a $120 off student discount, which would bring this system to about $800. So my question, and my only concern really: would this be able to run Guild Wars 2? My current system, which is a several year old laptop (also made by Dell) can run Guild Wars 2 at low graphics, lowest resolution and even then with frame rate issues. I'm just looking to be able to play it, and I have zero knowledge of hardware and the likes. I'm just looking for a system that can allow for Guild Wars 2 at a price I can afford on a very limited income. <3
I don't know the requirements for GW2 so I won't comment on that. The general consensus with Dell is that you get what you pay for, so hopefully someone else can help you out there. However, I am very opposed to all Dell products. Almost all my friends and family who have bought Dell machines have had some major fault and bad experience. I find their machines to be untrustworthy and more hassle than they are worth. http://voices.yahoo.com/ten-reasons-why-not-buy-dell-computer-68173.html?cat=15 http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/29/technology/29dell.html?_r=1&partner=rss&emc=rss http://www.ripoffreport.com/computer-manufaturers/dell/dell-sells-crap-that-has-to-be-emd58.htm http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dell#Criticism I just never advise buying a Dell. That's my input. Even with the student discount, you could do better elsewhere.
These are the GW2 minimum requirements: Windows® XP Service Pack 2 or better • Intel® Core 2 Duo 2.0 GHz, Core i3, AMD Athlon 64 X2, or better • 2 GB RAM • NVIDIA® GeForce® 7800, ATI X1800, Intel HD 3000, or better (256MB of video RAM and shader model 3.0 or better) • 25 GB available HDD space • Broadband Internet connection • Keyboard and mouse you meet or beat all the specs so I'd say .. yes, you should be abla to play GW2
I advise against Dell also.....you can usually find a reputable computer builder to build you a system for near the same price.
What do you guys know about ibuypower.com? The reviews I've seen are positive enough, and I can get a similar system for only a bit more money.
GW2 is running slow for me at x1080 on low/med settings on my i7-930@3.8 with a slightly overclocked gtx570. So..
Dell charges more than $800 for that POS? EDIT: Is it a laptop? Cause that would make sense then. Although still way too much money
No, it was a desktop. Here is an idea I'm toying with now: http://www.ibuypower.com/Store/2012_Paladin_E/w/114953 More expensive, but still within the realm of possibility. Mine can't run it at the absolutely lowest 4:3 resolution at lowest graphic settings. Diablo 3 outright refused to even load, and SC2 can only be run at absolutely lowest graphics. No matter what, I need a new system. xD
Looks good but switch to the ASUS P8Z77-V LX motherboard instead as it is a better chipset, better bios, and same price. I will also throw together something cheap and see if I can find something better for you
After talking to a sales rep, he recommended this configuration: http://www.ibuypower.com/Store/2012_Paladin_E/w/114958 I'm quite taken with it. He was very helpful with keeping within a budget.
Your system is good, but seems above the price you originally had wanted to spend. If you can afford it and dont mind then go for it. That is a very solid system and better than what I put together below. HOWEVER. Do not buy the 7770 graphics card. The 550ti is a better card and cheaper. I through this tiny little build together that I think is much more value for your money. It is a cheap little quad core with integrated graphics in a tiny form factor. This computer is designed for maximum general system performance on a tight budget and small footprint. It is capable of playing games, and can play just about anything out there right now but only on medium settings. In the coming years, the CPU will be the limiting factor in this though, rather than the GPU. Case + PSU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811163149 Motherboard: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157273 CPU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103942 RAM: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820226224 GPU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814500194 SSD: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820167120 HDD: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148767 DVD: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827151242 Subtotal: $698.92 Plus a copy of Windows if you need it: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116986 And wireless if you need it: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833166046 This wireless supports 2.4 and 5GHz networks, at 300mb speeds on either. The external antennas will help your signal strength and ping times. You can take away the SSD if you need to drop the price some, although they are really great performance boosters for an OS drive. Or you can take away the mechanical drive if all you need is Windows, MS Office, and 1 game. The integrated GPU is quite capable, and could probably play GW2 on low settings without the need for a dedicated graphics card. The dedicated card is far better performance so I still recommend it, but you may want to try without the 550Ti first and just see what kind of performance you get. If you need the card, then buy it. Here is low end graphics comparison of the iGPU (look at the 1866 results): http://www.anandtech.com/show/4448/amd-llano-desktop-performance-preview/3
Don't you think the slowdown is because of all the background programs they are running for a Beta? I also read somewhere that they were announcing certain vid cards and configurations that they know is having issues with their current build, and is not running smoothly.
I"ve used Dell computers for years and never had a problem with them. I've always bought their higher end products, though. I'm currently using an Alienware (now a Dell company) and love it.
Dell is really hit and miss. I know many people who love their Dell and never have issues. And I know some others who have nothing but problems from the day they get the computer. IMO people who have problems on day 1 should really just call Dell and request and RMA because something is defective. All components have a chance of problems no matter where you get them from. I order a LOT from Newegg, for myself, friends, and businesses. I have had a few experiences with defective hardware from Newegg but overall the experiences are quite good. It really depends more on the actual hardware manufacturer, many of the cheaper companies have more buggy bios' and less QC. You buy crap parts, you have a higher chance of getting something bad. Im sure if you found what model of motherboard Dell uses in X computer and you bought the same model from Newegg you would have right about the same chance of a defective unit as if you bought the computer from Dell.
I recommend never getting a proprietor-based rig, ever. Unless it's a laptop, you're kind of boned in that dept.