Any computer geeks here? (Need Help)

[Jbleezyj]

I'm looking to but a cheap pre-built gaming PC. I think I found a relatively cheap one on this website and was probably looking to getting this one right here:

[url]http://www.cyberpowerpc.com/cart/showcart.asp?ref=upd&url=/system/Mega_Special_III/[/url]

I am not sure if this is good. I have a 22" monitor and might possibly dual screen with it. I want to play WoW, Starcraft2 and Diablo III on max settings when it comes out. I want no lag. I want this comp to last me a while and run smoothly.

I do not know much about comps and stuff but was wondering if I should get Vista 32 bit or 64 bit? What is the difference. I want to upgrade my 2gb ram to 4gb's eventually will the build I have allow me to do that? Do I need 4gb's to run vista smoothly?

Also when building the comp on the sight it obviously came with a Hard Drive. But then it gave me an option of purchasing a Data Hard Drive. Do I need that as well or is it just an optional piece. What are the advantages of getting one if it is optional. And will I regret not getting one.

I had listed what I want to do with the computer hopefully it can fufill my needs. I want to make sure it does before I buy it so your advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

[Jbleezyj]

Ahh the link isnt working but here is the specs:

# *BASE_PRICE: [+655]
# CAS: ($20 off Mail-in Rebate) Apevia X-Cruiser Mid-Tower 420W Case W/ WINDOW, MultiMeter Display & Control (Black Color)
# CASUPGRADE: NONE
# CS_FAN: Extra Case Cooling Fan [+3] (1 x Fan)
# CPU: (Sckt775)Intel® Core™ 2 Duo E8400 CPU @ 3.0GHz 1333FSB 6MB L2 Cache 64-bit
# CD: (Special Price) LG 20X DVD±R/±RW + CD-R/RW DRIVE DUAL LAYER (BLACK COLOR)
# CD2: NONE
# CABLE: None
# FLASHMEDIA: INTERNAL 12in1 Flash Media Reader/Writer (BLACK COLOR)
# FA_HDD: None
# FAN: INTEL LGA775 CERTIFIED CPU FAN & HEATSINK
# FLOPPY: NONE
# FREEBIE_OS: FREE! (Halo 2) Game
# HDD: Single Hard Drive (500GB SATA-II 3.0Gb/s 16MB Cache 7200RPM HDD)
# HDD2: NONE
# IEEE_CARD: NONE
# KEYBOARD: NONE [-7]
# MOUSE: Logitech Optical Wheel Mouse (BLACK COLOR)
# MODEM: NONE
# MONITOR: NONE
# MONITOR2: NONE
# MOTHERBOARD: MSI P7N SLI-FI 750i SLI Chipset LGA775 Supports LGA775 FSB1333 DDR2/800 Mainboard w/GbLAN,USB2.0,&7.1Audio
# MEMORY: (Req.DDR2 MainBoard)2GB (2x1GB) PC6400 DDR2/800 Dual Channel Memory (Corsair or Major Brand)
# NETWORK: ONBOARD 10/100 NETWORK CARD
# OS: Microsoft® Windows Vista™ Home Basic w/ Service Pack 1 [+89] (32-bit Edition)
# PRINTER: None
# PRINTER_CABLE: None
# PRO_WIRING: None
# POWERSUPPLY: STANDARD CASE POWER SUPPLY
# RUSH: NO; READY TO SHIP IN 5~10 BUSINESS DAYS
# SERVICE: STANDARD WARRANTY: 3-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY PLUS 24/7 LIFE-TIME TECHNICAL SUPPORT
# SOUND: HIGH DEFINITION ON-BOARD 7.1 AUDIO
# SPEAKERS: 600Watts PMPO Subwoofer Stereo Speakers
# TEMP: NONE (AS SHOWN)
# TVRC: None
# USBHD: NONE
# UPS: None
# USB: Built-in USB 2.0 Ports
# VIDEOCAMERA: NONE
# VIDEO: NVIDIA GeForce 8600 GT 1GB 16X PCI Express (Major Brand Powered by NVIDIA)
# VIDEO2: NVIDIA GeForce 8400 GS 256MB 16X PCI Express [+45] (Major Brand Powered by NVIDIA)
# VIDEO3: NONE
# WNC: NONE
# _PRICE: (+785)
# _view_: detail

[anachronistic]

The difference between 32 and 64, is 64 runs much faster, if you have a 64 bit processor. If you have a 64 bit processor, always choose the 64 bit option. I don't know very much about Windows Vista, or it's requirements because I don't use it.

And since the hardware requirements for any of these games are not out, I cannot tell you whether or not these games will run on your PC. A monkey could have told you that!

But those specs look like it will run just about any modern day videogame. I can run Oblivion on a 2.3GhZ processor, with 2 gigs of ram and a 256 cache sli nvidia card, on 1440x900 resolution, with very little framerate problems.

Do some reading on video cards and cpus and game requirements.

By the way, there is no network card or 'modem' it looks like. You won't be able to play the games online without that, lol. But those come pretty cheap.

You should learn how to build the computer yourself, that way you don't waste a lot of money and buy a new one when that is outdated. You could just replace the old parts.

[Illusional]

*puts on his glasses*

alright, so i know barely anything that was covered in this thread...

raverboy

[Jbleezyj]

By the way, there is no network card or 'modem' it looks like. You won't be able to play the games online without that, lol. But those come pretty cheap.

Wait wait, so the # NETWORK: ONBOARD 10/100 NETWORK CARD isn't for the internet. Or do I need a modem also?

[Jbleezyj]

I can't tell if you're being sarcastic or genuine, so I'll go ahead and affirm that you are just fine in regards to internet connectivity.

If you need a modem, I'd suggest moving, lol. They even have wireless in Alaska now.

Ok I was just tripping because that guy said I wouldn't be able to play my games online without it. Thanks.

[Gribble]

Don't get Vista. It's being replaced in a year because it was a complete flop.

[Tone]

My computer has a silver "on" button.

[anachronistic]

Don't get Vista. It's being replaced in a year because it was a complete flop.

Link? Where did you find this information?

YEAh vista was a complete waste for Microsoft. Plus all that exclusive crap really makes a lot of controversy for the entire computer industry.

[Gribble]

[url]http://news.softpedia.com/news/Microsoft-Officially-Confirms-32-bit-and-64-bit-Windows-Seven-Windows-2009-55057.shtml[/url]

Windows 7. Scheduled for late 2k9. Probably won't make it until 2k10.

[1averagejoe]

64bit is really not faster than 32bit. 32bit vs 64bit has to do with the actual architect of the processor.

Any Intel core 2 processor is a 64 bit processor. But what really is the deciding factor is the operating system. There is XP 64bit and Vista 64bit editions as well as the 32bit versions of those. The Operating systems show virtually no difference in performance from one another on the same machine with same parts. But what the big difference is the architectural design of 32bit OS doesn't permit more than about 3gb of ram to be used. 64 bit vista allows up 128gb+. So if you wanted to put 4gb of ram on your computer, Vista 32 bit will only use about 3gb of ram. 64bit allows for the full 4gb+ to be used.

Just to keep things simple, 64bit really isn't important, unless you want 4GB or more of usable ram.

The stuff you have on that computer will do everything you want and more.

Oh ya, and for those 32bit vista users...it's free to upgrade to 64bit. By owning the key to 32bit Vista you can get a copy of the 64bit OS from microsoft for free, but you have to pay $10 for shipping. Also it only comes in DVD, so you need a DVD drive, just fyi.

Here's the link for those interested:
[url]http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/windowsvista/editions/64bit.mspx[/url]

Scroll to the bottom, select language, press go, then follow the instructions.

[Mish]

[url]http://news.softpedia.com/news/Microsoft-Officially-Confirms-32-bit-and-64-bit-Windows-Seven-Windows-2009-55057.shtml[/url]

Windows 7. Scheduled for late 2k9. Probably won't make it until 2k10.

That's an interesting development. Unfortunately for Microsoft I don't think they will be able to release something revolutionary, which is what's needed to win back the percent of the market lost to open source due to the buggy Vista, their entire business model will not allow it. After all Vista spent 5 years in development and it still came out like XPs ugly cousin.

[Gribble]

I would love nothing more than to see Microshaft fail horribly. If it weren't for compatibility issues I'd only use Linux based OSes.

Kill the monopoly and we'll see some very cool advances in software.

[anachronistic]

[url]http://news.softpedia.com/news/Microsoft-Officially-Confirms-32-bit-and-64-bit-Windows-Seven-Windows-2009-55057.shtml[/url]

Windows 7. Scheduled for late 2k9. Probably won't make it until 2k10.

Interesting. I don't think they will be able to pull anything off, if Vista took 5 years of development.

In all honesty, the one thing that I never enjoyed about any MS system are the limitations and exclusiveness.... and those damn backslashes!

I would love nothing more than to see Microshaft fail horribly. If it weren't for compatibility issues I'd only use Linux based OSes.

Kill the monopoly and we'll see some very cool advances in software.

I don't know if I would stick to Linux-based... but definitely Unix-based. I've mitigated most of my compatibility issues by using Macintosh OS. You can do pretty much anything on Mac that you can do in Linux.

Let's face it; once Windows is gone, all you will really need to be able to do is compile programs. A lot of *nix systems have portability. I will always have a Windows system, though, because of all these old videogames I have.

Microsoft is going to fade into a software and gaming industry.

Finally, we will be able to get rid of all those 'computer specialists' and people who have degrees in computers who teach, but really know nothing except how to operate a Winblows computer.