Is this a decent computer?

[gargoyle575]

I was wondering if this computer would be okay to run Civilization 5, I always like to triple check before wasting large amounts of money.

http://deals.bestbuy.com//desktops++allinones/product/5563016/hp++pavilion+desktop++8gb+memory++1tb+hard+drive

 

[DeeBo]

It's integrated graphics so not the best.

http://www.amazon.com/AMD-A6-3650-Graphics-Quad-Core-Processor/dp/B0055ZCXUK

That's a link to the CPU (the graphics is integrated into it) in that computer if you were to buy it aftermarket. To get a good mid range GPU that would allow you to turn up the settings you'd probably be spending around $200 on the graphics card alone.

You can always add a stand alone graphics card **IF** (big if) there's an available PIC-E x16 slot, the power supply has sufficient wattage and available PCI-E power plugs, and the case is big enough. None of those things I can tell from that link.

I'm a big proponent of building my own PCs and I'm sure you can build something along that price range that you would be more happy with if that is an option.

 

[tokala]

As a general porpose, entry level system this would be a good choice, not so much for Civ5 specifically.

The integrated graphics is actually halfway decent, should be good enough for mostly medium settings if you don't mind a bit of choppiness in a TBS game.

The CPU will do the job, too, but you will get long AI turn times from the midgame onwards.
Granted, ultimately this will happen on any system, but a faster CPU will reduce those turn times.

For about $500 you would be much better off if you bought an intel based system for about $400 and plopped in a $100 HD 7750 as a video card.

You might even get lucky and end up with a system both bettter suited for Civ5 and cheaper, e.g.
this system for $330
and a 7750 in the flavour of your choice, e.g.
that one

That combination would give you about 1/3 faster AI turns and would manage maximum settings with less choppiness than the other one on medium.

 

[gargoyle575]

I think tokala has the right idea, I'll look a little bit more into it but that sounds like the kind of computer I need.