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Suggestions for a $500 computer

Discussion in 'Techno-Magic' started by SlickRCBD, Sep 4, 2018.

  1. SlickRCBD Gems: 29/31
    Latest gem: Glittering Beljuril

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    Remove all ads!
    I might be shopping for a new computer, but due to only working temp since 2013 I haven't wanted to torture myself by keeping up with the latest developments.
    Any suggestions on a decent computer that I could use to play some of the latest games like that new Battletech game, and some games I've missed like Dragon Age 2 and later for less than $500?
    Something that will last me at least 5 years before I have to get a new computer?
    I shouldn't need a new monitor or other peripherals, just the CPU.
     
    SlickRCBD, Sep 4, 2018
    #1
  2. henkie

    henkie Hammertime Resourceful Adored Veteran New Server Contributor [2012] (for helping Sorcerer's Place lease a new, more powerful server!)

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    I'm pretty sure I could've run those games on my old PC from 2010 (AMD Phenom X4 950, Radeon HD5880). I've had that PC until earlier this year, I think it was a bit over 8 years old.

    On the whole, many games are not that demanding anymore, nowadays, and you could expect just about anything to last you another 5 years. If you're not too demanding on having the highest graphics settings. Or unless you want to play the next Witcher game (or whatever else CD project is producing by then).

    Do you want a pre-build PC, or will you order parts and assemble it yourself?

    Graphics cards and memory has been pretty expensive the last half year, though it looks as though both are now slowly lowering in price to a more normal level. It pays to look around, especially for graphics cards (at least in the EU), because some of the prices for these cards are still significantly above their introduction prices.

    The biggest performance increase is probably going to be an investment in an SSD, which will really reduce your loading times of anything that is installed on the SSD. For mass storage, you'll still want a normal HDD, which is much cheaper per GB than an SSD.

    I don't have much in the way of specific recommendations, if it was prices in the EU, it would be easier for me to look something up for you.
     
    henkie, Sep 4, 2018
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  3. SlickRCBD Gems: 29/31
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    I can do either thing, I was looking for something I could go out and buy when I was stuck with only a Dell Optiplex GX110 (1ghz, 512MB, Win98SE/XP), but now that I got the Gateway Dx4200-UB001A at least partially functional I have the option of time.

    Although Best Buy and Sam's have a "Dell Gaming Desktop" that looks really nice, but it is $850 or $900 I need to research it
     
    SlickRCBD, Sep 7, 2018
    #3
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