Abaddon
Deity
Ok the basic plan Mark1.
There we go...the Ram/HD will probably cost the most here!
There we go...the Ram/HD will probably cost the most here!
Will this computer play Morrowind well?
- Thread starter Abaddon
- Start date
Speakers - are crap - don't expect anything good from them.
Video - The built in video will suck, you will need to get an add-in card to play Morrowind.
I would bypass this system. It has an AGP slot and no PCI-e slots which will hamper you upgrading the video...although, there are still some AGP cards out there.
Also, doesn't look like it comes with an OS - important, unless you already have one or don't mind dealing in warez. And, I don't trust places that jack up the CPU speed by combining the two processors GHz together (PENTIUM4 DUAL CORE 5.6GHZ! - now, if it said P4 Dual Core 2.8 GHz - runs like 5.6 GHz!, that would be different).
For a budget PC you are best off looking for one with an AMD processor - more bang for the buck. I just purchased the following parts to make my own system (purchased parts from www.newegg.com - sorry, US only
):
Video (Nvidia GeForce 8600 GT - should OverClock fairly well plus has $20 mail in rebate)
VGA MSI NX8600GT TWIN TURBO 256M RT - Retail (Qty=1, Price=$109.99)
CPU (current sweet spot for bang for buck) & Fan (quiet fan)
CPU AMD|A64 X2 4200+ AM2 2x512K % - OEM (Qty=1, Price=$62.50)
A64 COOLER |ARCTIC FREEZER 64 PRO R - Retail (Qty=1, Price=$19.99)
Memory - 4 GB (bought two different brands because each had a $20 mail in rebate
- if I have issues using them together I will just use the RAM in another system I am going to build for my girlfriend and buy more of the better of the two, after testing, for myself)
MEM 1Gx2|OCZ DII800 OCZ2VU8002GK - Retail (Qty=1, Price=$42.99)
MEM 1Gx2|TEAM TEDD2048M800HC5DC R - Retail (Qty=1, Price=$43.99)
Motherboard (built in video - also has ports for sending video to TV - has built in Nvidia GeForce 6150 - decent enough to play last gen games but not the current FPS or even Sim City Societies [stupid requirements for that game])
MB ASUS M2NPV-VM GF6150 AM2 - Retail (Qty=1, Price=$89.99)
Case (quiet)
CASE ANTEC|NSK3480 BK/SIL RT - Retail (Qty=1, Price=$89.99)
Speakers (rated excellent - I already have a 5.1 speaker setup I don't use because of the cables and I didn't want the expense of a new wireless 5.1 setup - 2.1 is good enough for me)
SPEAKER LOGITECH|X-230 BLK 2.1 % - OEM (Qty=1, Price=$38.99)
52 in 1 card reader (internal, black or white face) - or however many different types of cards it reads, kinda of need them nowadays
CARD RD ROSEWILL|RCR-103 RTL - Retail (Qty=1, Price=$11.49)
Mouse, wireless, highly rated - a splurge for me since I have 10 mice sitting around the house
MOUSE LOGITECH|MX 518 USB RETAIL - Retail (Qty=1, Price=$39.99)
The only things I didn't get are: OS and keyboard. I have a good enough keyboard, though I was tempted to get a gaming keyboard, and I will get a warez copy of Vista Ultimate to test it out before I purchase...if ever.
Video - The built in video will suck, you will need to get an add-in card to play Morrowind.
I would bypass this system. It has an AGP slot and no PCI-e slots which will hamper you upgrading the video...although, there are still some AGP cards out there.
Also, doesn't look like it comes with an OS - important, unless you already have one or don't mind dealing in warez. And, I don't trust places that jack up the CPU speed by combining the two processors GHz together (PENTIUM4 DUAL CORE 5.6GHZ! - now, if it said P4 Dual Core 2.8 GHz - runs like 5.6 GHz!, that would be different).
For a budget PC you are best off looking for one with an AMD processor - more bang for the buck. I just purchased the following parts to make my own system (purchased parts from www.newegg.com - sorry, US only
):Video (Nvidia GeForce 8600 GT - should OverClock fairly well plus has $20 mail in rebate)
VGA MSI NX8600GT TWIN TURBO 256M RT - Retail (Qty=1, Price=$109.99)
CPU (current sweet spot for bang for buck) & Fan (quiet fan)
CPU AMD|A64 X2 4200+ AM2 2x512K % - OEM (Qty=1, Price=$62.50)
A64 COOLER |ARCTIC FREEZER 64 PRO R - Retail (Qty=1, Price=$19.99)
Memory - 4 GB (bought two different brands because each had a $20 mail in rebate
- if I have issues using them together I will just use the RAM in another system I am going to build for my girlfriend and buy more of the better of the two, after testing, for myself)MEM 1Gx2|OCZ DII800 OCZ2VU8002GK - Retail (Qty=1, Price=$42.99)
MEM 1Gx2|TEAM TEDD2048M800HC5DC R - Retail (Qty=1, Price=$43.99)
Motherboard (built in video - also has ports for sending video to TV - has built in Nvidia GeForce 6150 - decent enough to play last gen games but not the current FPS or even Sim City Societies [stupid requirements for that game])
MB ASUS M2NPV-VM GF6150 AM2 - Retail (Qty=1, Price=$89.99)
Case (quiet)
CASE ANTEC|NSK3480 BK/SIL RT - Retail (Qty=1, Price=$89.99)
Speakers (rated excellent - I already have a 5.1 speaker setup I don't use because of the cables and I didn't want the expense of a new wireless 5.1 setup - 2.1 is good enough for me)
SPEAKER LOGITECH|X-230 BLK 2.1 % - OEM (Qty=1, Price=$38.99)
52 in 1 card reader (internal, black or white face) - or however many different types of cards it reads, kinda of need them nowadays
CARD RD ROSEWILL|RCR-103 RTL - Retail (Qty=1, Price=$11.49)
Mouse, wireless, highly rated - a splurge for me since I have 10 mice sitting around the house
MOUSE LOGITECH|MX 518 USB RETAIL - Retail (Qty=1, Price=$39.99)
The only things I didn't get are: OS and keyboard. I have a good enough keyboard, though I was tempted to get a gaming keyboard, and I will get a warez copy of Vista Ultimate to test it out before I purchase...if ever.
Abaddon
Deity
oops i must be half asleep today to not notice the card! cheers!
Abaddon
Deity
I'd skip it. Not bad but you'd still have to upgrade it - might as well build your own if you are going to do that.
RAM is way too little (I recommend 1 GB minimum for Vista, 2 GB for games).
Video card is not very good.
RAM is way too little (I recommend 1 GB minimum for Vista, 2 GB for games).
Video card is not very good.
Do you have to pay the VAT on everything you have to buy over there? that 17.5% is high.
Might be cheaper to get someone in the states to build you a system and then ship it over - only problem then is warranty. But, since most of the parts are made in the Orient anyways, it probably won't be much of an issue but you'd have to do your own troubleshooting or bring it to a local shop for repair.
Do you have any local PC shops? I don't mean the big box stores (like Best Buy or CompUSA in the US) but the ones that are family run...
Might be cheaper to get someone in the states to build you a system and then ship it over - only problem then is warranty. But, since most of the parts are made in the Orient anyways, it probably won't be much of an issue but you'd have to do your own troubleshooting or bring it to a local shop for repair.
Do you have any local PC shops? I don't mean the big box stores (like Best Buy or CompUSA in the US) but the ones that are family run...
Abaddon
Deity
Its suddenly sold anyway..
latest:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=320201845469
latest:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=320201845469
Abaddon
Deity
I do indeed.
Some rules if I was to send something to you...I think this could fit under gift since I wouldn't be charging you for helping:
# Many types of merchandise, unless sent as unsolicited gifts, require import licenses that the addressees must obtain from the British Board of Trade. Before mailing commercial shipments, senders should be assured that the addressees can obtain licenses if needed.
# All goods sent to the UK are liable to customs duty and Value Added Tax on importation whether or not the package is marked as a “gift.” Packages are admitted free of customs charges, however, if they meet the following conditions:
1. Gift packages of small value provided they do not contain any tobacco goods, spirits or wine;
2. Gift packages containing only well-worn clothing (excluding garments of high value), limited quantities of foodstuffs (other than caviar), soap or consumable medical supplies.
# Postal packages without a customs declaration that contain goods liable to customs duty or control may be seized by the customs authorities.
# Firearms that are intended for sporting purposes are mailable to Great Britain, provided the prospective addressee has obtained the required import license.
# Great Britain limits the weight of M-bags to 20 kg. (44 lbs.).
Although, this might be chargeable because it would technically be a solicitation since you would pay me to get it for you....but, how often do they really check?
# Many types of merchandise, unless sent as unsolicited gifts, require import licenses that the addressees must obtain from the British Board of Trade. Before mailing commercial shipments, senders should be assured that the addressees can obtain licenses if needed.
# All goods sent to the UK are liable to customs duty and Value Added Tax on importation whether or not the package is marked as a “gift.” Packages are admitted free of customs charges, however, if they meet the following conditions:
1. Gift packages of small value provided they do not contain any tobacco goods, spirits or wine;
2. Gift packages containing only well-worn clothing (excluding garments of high value), limited quantities of foodstuffs (other than caviar), soap or consumable medical supplies.
# Postal packages without a customs declaration that contain goods liable to customs duty or control may be seized by the customs authorities.
# Firearms that are intended for sporting purposes are mailable to Great Britain, provided the prospective addressee has obtained the required import license.
# Great Britain limits the weight of M-bags to 20 kg. (44 lbs.).
Although, this might be chargeable because it would technically be a solicitation since you would pay me to get it for you....but, how often do they really check?
Ouch, shipping is costly:
USPS Priority Mail International
Areas Served: All points in England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey, Alderney, Sark, and the Isle of Man.
5 lbs $36.00, 10 lbs $52.50, 15 lbs $69.00, 20 lbs 85.50, 30 lbs 118.50
Insurance: $50 - $2.40
100 - 3.30
200 - 4.20
300 - 5.10
400 - 6.00
500 - 6.90
600 - 7.80
650 max - 8.70
USPS Priority Mail International
Areas Served: All points in England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey, Alderney, Sark, and the Isle of Man.
5 lbs $36.00, 10 lbs $52.50, 15 lbs $69.00, 20 lbs 85.50, 30 lbs 118.50
Insurance: $50 - $2.40
100 - 3.30
200 - 4.20
300 - 5.10
400 - 6.00
500 - 6.90
600 - 7.80
650 max - 8.70
Abaddon
Deity
Think we will have to stick with UK Ebay then, and you sifting through the few systems i put before you?
How good are you? could you tell me if a processor would fit onto a certain motherboard?
How good are you? could you tell me if a processor would fit onto a certain motherboard?
Abaddon
Deity
ok, i will need your help ensureing graphics card, motherboard and processor will all combine.. can you do that part for me?
Abaddon
Deity
Well i am playing about.. Morrowind is a 2002 game, so i have lots of margin to play with!
Basically i am going through my old gaming mags, seeing what was the mutts nutts in about 2003, and getting that..
For instance the Athlon FX-55 (RRP £600 in 2005) Ebay now £30
I can get £400 graphics cards for £20 now
etc
Does this make sense? Im not after playing the latest games, i just want TES3: Morrowind to run spectacular.
Basically i am going through my old gaming mags, seeing what was the mutts nutts in about 2003, and getting that..
For instance the Athlon FX-55 (RRP £600 in 2005) Ebay now £30
I can get £400 graphics cards for £20 now
etc
Does this make sense? Im not after playing the latest games, i just want TES3: Morrowind to run spectacular.
taper
Meet Tux
- Joined
- Jul 27, 2002
- Messages
- 1,463
For comparison, I got Morrowind to run just fine on my laptop, 3000+ Mobile Sempron 1.8GHz, 768MB RAM, ATI Express 200M video. It cost around $700 two years ago. A quick google search shows a few problems running Morrowind under Vista, so stick with XP if you can if you get a lower end machine.
Abaddon
Deity
Ok the basic plan Mark1.
Doze XP
Athlon FX-55 (Better available but now stupid cheap?)
Radeon 9800 XT (Same as above?)
1 GB Ram (what type? could go 2GB.. but not sure if needed)
XGB Hard drive 10,000rpm worth getting? (Does RPM make real difference?)
Motherboard???????? I have no idea here (not a clue!)
whatever sound card.. (don't really care, only got crappy speakers anyway)
There we go...the Ram/HD will probably cost the most here!
Doze XP
Athlon FX-55 (Better available but now stupid cheap?)
Radeon 9800 XT (Same as above?)
1 GB Ram (what type? could go 2GB.. but not sure if needed)
XGB Hard drive 10,000rpm worth getting? (Does RPM make real difference?)
Motherboard???????? I have no idea here (not a clue!)
whatever sound card.. (don't really care, only got crappy speakers anyway)
There we go...the Ram/HD will probably cost the most here!
The type must be DDR. FX-55 is a Socket 939 processor and Socket 939 motherboards don't support DDR2. 1gb is enough for Morrowind. Get two modules (2x512mb DDR400) to enable dual channel mode
Shortens loading times a bit. Not worth the price
In that case onboard sound is enough
K8T Neo2-F V2.0
taper
Meet Tux
- Joined
- Jul 27, 2002
- Messages
- 1,463
Hard drive RPM is how fast it can access any given sector. Not important for you, 10k is a waste of money, look for a 7200, they're the most popular anyway. For RAM, don't go cheapest available, but you don't need top of the line either. I like Corsair Value Select, there's a bunch of other good ones. Motherboard, find one that your chip fits in, has the right slot for you videocard, then find a message board for that MB and see if there's any quirks. Sometimes particular combinations of RAM, chips, etc work well or not at all together. With crappy speakers, the onboard sound of the MB will probably be fine. You can always add a sound card later on. Don't forget a quality power supply, Enermax, certain Thermaltake, Antec are good ones. 400-500 watts will be fine.
