Need a good deal on a PC. Can you guys help? (Might have chosen, hope it's good)

[Skython]

I've been looking at PC's for awhile. I don't know too much about PC's. Only recently have I taken note of bits and bobs of them. I've been looking on Trademe (New Zealand's ebay) and I have my eyes on this.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Computers/Desktops/No-monitor/auction-406665484.htm

It's got 3.2 GHz. a Core1 GB memory, which I think is RAM? 80 GB Hard drive. And CD writer and DVD Reader. Though I don't know what that means.

(It's in NZ currency, so it's about $55 US. 40 Euros)

What I want to use a new PC for is just GT Legends and GTR 2. which run up to 3GHz as recommended. Is this a good PC to buy in that case, or could I get a better deal?

Recommended for GTR 2, which is what I want to use the PC for.

System: 3 GHz Intel Pentium IV or equivalent
RAM: 1024 MB
Video Memory: 256 MB
Hard Drive Space: 1700 MB

 

[Submerged]

That only comes with a license key for Windows XP, it does not come with the Windows Install Disc, which you would have to either source from someone else, or buy direct from Microsoft itself.

The system itself, as far as I can see, seems to be ok. But as it is a single core, when you play the game you will need to make sure you do not have heavy background processes running at the same time.

1 GB Memory is the RAM.

 

[TB]

The processor is a Celeron D. Run away. Run away and don't look back.

One gig of ram isn't near enough. You're going to want 2-3Gb for a 32bit OS and even more if you have a 64bit OS.

If it's sporting a CD writer/DVD reader, that's basically 10 year old tech. Again, run away.

You'll be much happier with a system with a Core 2 Duo or even better and i5.

Edit: Something like this.

 

[Ibonibo]

^ What TB said.

For 40 quids it is ok. But don't expect to run games post 2006 on it.

If it's only for the 2 games you mentionned it's ok.

But don't forget, we will be getting GTR3 in some time (2012). So you may want to invest a 100€ more and play a lot more games on it.

Also you can fairly easily let built a rig for +- 400€ which will run everythiing to date.

Quick Built:



+Win7 x64 OEM + 85€

 

[Submerged]

.... I think the original poster was kinda hoping to have something relatively cheap for him that could just play the games he wanted to do.

While the original computer could play the games itself, it wouldn't be the best use of money. I had reservations about the Celeron D processor, but could not remember at the time whether it was a bad one or not....

TB's suggestion would be quite a bit better than the original choice. ibo's choice would be vastly superior to TB and Skyton's choice, but it is up to you whether you can buy the computer now at a cheap price and cope with replacing it in a year or two time, or save the money and put it toward the new build and have it for three to four years (or longer, depending whether software will ever get complex enough to use all the hardware power).

 

[bergauk]

I had reservations about the Celeron D processor, but could not remember at the time whether it was a bad one or not....

They ran hot.. REALLY hot.

 

[Skython]

guys.

Submerged - You would be right, I'm looking for a cheapest deal sort of thing. I might be able to have $200 to spend. If I'm lucky. The Core thing is important. Thanks because eventually I'll be in the situation where 2 cores (or more) would come in handy.

TB - I guess Celeron D Processors aren't good. Thanks for the tip on how much ram is good, it helps a lot. Also thanks for pointing out about the cd Writers, etc. I presume that it should have a CD and DVD writer from the PC you suggested.

*ibo* S3 Racer - I didn't know that GTR 3 is coming soon. I'd probably be happier with GTR 2 though (I love the Vitaphone Saleen) I've played a GTR 2 demo (a few years ago on my brother's PC). But as I said in the Original Post. I don't know too much on PC's. I can't make a PC or do heaps of those things. I will just learn to fit a video card, that's all. And as Submerged mentioned, I'm a little tight on money. Thanks for the help.

Submerged post II - I think I'll cope with an outdated PC. The one I have now is made in 2002, or Earlier.

 

[Skython]

Just before I buy a new PC, I want to check with you guys to see if it's a good PC. This is my new option.

Compaq presario SR5360AN AMD Athlon 64 X2 Dual core processor 5200+

 

[bergauk]

Not bad. Free PCI-E slot means you can put a graphics card on there if you choose to at a later date. It's also from the Vista era, so it isn't horribly old and dilapidated.

I say go for it. 2GB of RAM on an XP machine is great, that's the amount I currently have and I can run GTA4 and Crysis on that amount.

 

[Skython]

Thanks Begauk. That's all I need to know.

EDIT: Purchased!