HELP Bedeo with hardware choices

Bedeo · Post by **Bedeo** » Wed Apr 19, 2006 10:14 am

Ok, so, I'm looking at getting a new computer...want something that will run NWN2 and Oblivion, and I was wondering if you folks might be able to help with a few questions.

I currently have a crap dell, 1.3mhz with 256 ram and a 128mb nvidia agp graphics card. I'm assuming that even if I kicked the ram up to 512 or 1gig, that I won't have the guts to run these other games?

I'm thinking that I need a couple of things to make the computer 'future proof' so to speak...

64 bit processor (either AMD or Intel)
PCI express graphics slot (because all the cards seem to be going that way)

I can't seem to find any boards or setups with both AGP and PCI express...so I guess that that means getting a new graphics card as well (does anyone know of a way around this?)

I'm looking to get something that I can upgrade myself with Ram and graphics cards and such, but with enough omph to run the games I want on low graphics settings....so far, Compaq appears to have the best deals...512 ram, 120 gb harddrive, 256mb nvida pci express athlon 64 3500+ (or 3400+) with 1 ram slot and 2 pci slots free.

Can anyone suggest anything else? or a way around having to buy a new gfx card? (very limited budget) I'm assuming that AGP is going to go out the window soon.....

Sorry Lind, I can't afford a mac, as much as I would love one (especially with boot camp), and the mini mac appears to be a bit too cut down for me.

Thanks guys!

Post by **Venture** » Wed Apr 19, 2006 11:56 am

I won't pretend to know what I'm talking about, but I do subscribe to three computer gaming mags. I think two of them set forth specs for "basic," "mid-level," and "dream" PCs. I can check out the latest issue if you'd like (although print publications are always a bit behind). For example, I know a few months back they were touting the nVidia GeForce 6600GT as the "sweet spot" between price and performance in video cards. Of course, at the rate cards change, that info could be outdated by now.

Tunari · Post by **Tunari** » Wed Apr 19, 2006 12:03 pm

Well, I can't offer any technical advice, I just know the basics.
But a helpfull link and contact I'll place below. You can send technical questions to this guy and I'm sure he'll get back to you. Met this guy at the gym, he was playing handheld PS2 thing on the bikes and started chatting about it. Turns out he is co-founder of this company that builds custom pcs. He built my new system. The website has a custom feature like the Dell site so you can add and delete options and it will reprice for you. When I built a system online, it was better then the comparable Dell system I had built online and was cheaper.
Anyway, here is a link to the site. If you want to email the owner it is John_Villalvazo@killerwarepc.com There is an underscore between his first and last name. Or just use the contact us link at the website and send the email att: John V.

website: I linked it to one of the better deal pcs I see there, but you can look around yourself and customize etc..
http://www.killerwarepc.com/CALIBER_500_p/dt-ca500.htm