What is enough for an average gamer?

[IceSprayerMike]

I'm looking into buying a new computer within the next few weeks and I thought I had just about everything figured out. I figured that I would get my new computer with 2 gigs of RAM since I play a lot of games and run a few applications at once. But, as of recently I've been looking into the processor that I had coming standard with my computer. It's an Intel Core 2 Duo E6300 with 1.86 GHz. Now after comparing the processor speed of the computer I was looking at and my old computer from back in 2001 I notice that this one doesn't look much better to me (I don't know much about processors though). My old one is about 1.6 GHz and isn't very good as far as I'm concerned. Although I'm sure being dual core would help is 1.86 GHz enough? Should I upgrade my processor to 2.4 GHz for the extra 150 bucks instead of upgrading my RAM, or should I upgrade both? I'm very confused about what to do, thank you for your time.

-Mike

[blue60007]

You can't compare CPU performance by clock speeds alone anymore. There are a lot of other factors involved. The Core 2 Duo's are much more efficient - they do more per clock cycle than ever before.

[glc]

Clock speeds are almost meaningless now, that's a totally new processor architecture. It will blow away any previous P4 well up into the 3+ GHz territory and hold its own against high end AMD's too. Go find some comparative benchmarks and I think you will find there's nothing else under 200 bucks that even comes close.

[IceSprayerMike]

Thank you very much that makes me feel a lot better about the processors I've been looking at. I just have one final question regaurding my computer.

Which one would you recommend upgrading for an average gamer who usually has multiple programs running, RAM or processor?

Processor from: Intel® Core™2 Duo Processor E6300 (1.86GHz, 1066 FSB) to
Intel ® Core™2 Duo Processor E6600 (2.4GHz, 1066 FSB)

RAM from: 1GB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 533MHz- 2DIMMs
2GB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 667MHz - 2 DIMMs

(Both cost about $150)

At first I was thinking about upgrading RAM, but recently I have been thinking about upgrading the processor just because I know if I need more RAM I can buy it later and it's easy enough to install--I have no idea how to install a new processor.

Sorry about all my questions and thanks again.

-Mike

[blue60007]

I would do the E6300 and 2 gigs of RAM.

What about the video card? That'll make the biggest impact on gaming.

[IceSprayerMike]

I thought that the video card really only mattered for graphics, that's why I only really thought of upgrading the processor or RAM.

[Spearball]

I thought that the video card really only mattered for graphics, that's why I only really thought of upgrading the processor or RAM.

I'm not really sure what you are trying to say here. Most games today require more video card prossesing than CPU.

[chuck4456]

Are you buying a prebuilt? I got lost somewhere.

[Spearball]

Yeah i think hes buying a new computer. Ok like i said if your going to game a good video card is the first thing on the list. Then cpu and ram. The new intel core 2 duo is a great prossesor and 2 gig of ram is plenty. What types of games you planning to play? Just want to make sure cause my friend had bought a new pc not long ago and he knew nothing about how video cards affect gaming performance. He then found himself playing quake 4 and getting like 2 fps even at lowest settings.

[rwest]

It sounds like your having this system built for you. If that's the case, then by all means let the pros put in the processor for you and put the $150 on it. But whichever scenario you go with either setup should run your apps quite well.

For an average gamer(as you say) both ram and processor are more than adequate. Does this sytem have a video card, or is it onboard video? Depending on the motherboard installed and the chip it has will determine how well your games may play, if onboard video is used.

[IceSprayerMike]

Ok sorry about the confusion, yes I am buying a computer that will be built for me. The video card it comes with is a 256MB nVidia Geforce 7300LE TurboCache. Right now I'm only playing games like Warcraft III and Counter Strike. I haven't really gotten into the games with demanding graphics yet, and don't see myself getting into them for a while. That's why I was thinking of just staying with the standard video card and maybe upgrading that in a year or two when I have more money. Thanks again for the help everyone, hope I answered your questions.

[glc]

I'd pay for an immediate upgrade to something that does not use Turbocache. That will steal system ram, just like onboard video.

[IceSprayerMike]

So do you think upgrading to the 256MB ATI Radeon X1300 Pro for $50 is a better decision?

[mojo]

That would be a better decision, but I would advise looking at this link and then just choosing how much money you want to spend.

http://www.tomshardware.com/2006/09/26/the_best_gaming_video_cards_for_the_money/

As others have said, the video card has the largest impact on gaming performance out of any system component. Even for games like Counter-Strike (I assume you are talking about source and not 1.6) and Warcraft 3 you need some graphics power. Definitely get something that does not steal system memory.

[glc]

Make SURE the X1300 is not Hypermemory. Same deal as Turbocache.

If you are getting a computer to play games with, you need to get out of the entry level graphics cards and up into the midrange. What's the next option above the X1300?

[IceSprayerMike]

The 256MB ATI Radeon X1300 Pro is NOT Hypermemory. As far as the next videocard up from it would be the 256MB nVidia GeForce 7900 GS, but the only problem with getting this is that it costs an additional $200 which is money that I don't really have to spend on a videocard yet.

[trowand]

The 7900GS is a pretty darn good card and I'm sure we all highly recommend spending the money on it as the GPU (Graphics Processing Unit, i.e. graphics card) has the utmost impact on gaming. HOWEVER, I have to say the that while the E6300 is indeed a fast, powerful new Core 2 Duo CPU, the E6600 is definitely worth the $150. The E6600 has 4MB of L2 cache while the E6300 has 2MB. I think that it would be wise to go with the E6600 to ensure a longer life for your PC, more gaming strength and for the fact like you said, you don't want to (or know how to) do it later. If you can swing it, go with the E6600, 7900GS and only 1GB of RAM since you said you can just buy more later and install it yourself. An E6600 and 7900GS will rip through some games!

[chuck4456]

What about the power supply? Can you really get 2 gigs of good ram for 150? Go for that.

[glc]

If the X1300 is not Hypermemory, then that's the most bang for the buck for you. It's still entry level but it will do what you need as long as you don't expect too much out of it.