New PC

So what would be the best computer to get? I am thinking of a new one mostly dedicated to SL but I have no idea where to start. Which brand of PC would you recommend then? I want a good laptop but I will settle for a proper PC tower as I have a fairly low budget. I'm practically a computer dunce when it comes to hardware so go easy on me...

PS Sorry for creating another thread on this, I didn't want to hijack someone else's and I could work out the recommendations.

Claire, what is your budget and where are you based?

You could check out the Dell website. They basically let you build the computer, adding video cards and the like.

First check out the specs given on the SL website, and then talk to someone who actually understands computers. Not me then

EDIT: and Dell computers are not expensive.

The problem with that is that whatever specs you pick, you still end up with a Dell.

That didn't hurt Brenda

Claire, I'd have a sift through the recent one or two threads about graphics cards. I'd suggest a minimum of 2Gb RAM but seems not a huge advantage to go much above just yet. Depending on budget, the other big issue is afforementioned graphics. An nVidia 7500GT is good, an 8800GT better .. but just a teensy weensy bucketload of sheckles more expensive

At the end of the day, you might have Deep Thought but if you got a slow, download-capped ISP, you're mebbe not going to see much performance.

I just got a new computer and the difference in SL is amazing...never knew Windlight would make that much difference but I've been traveling to all my favorite sites to REALLY see them!

This is what I got:


Processor brand Intel®
Processor type Core 2 Duo
Processor speed 2.33GHz
Bus speed 1333MHz
Level 2 cache 4MB
Memory
RAM 2GB
Memory type (RAM) 800MHz DDR2 SDRAM (PC-6400)
RAM expandable to: 4GB
Storage/Drives
Hard drive size 320GB
Hard drive speed 7200RPM
NVIDIA GeForce 8600GT graphics and 256MB of dedicated video memory

No matter what I buy, it's still just a mysterious (black) box to me. Who cares, as long as it works?

Can I borrow it? I'll be very careful .... might be a while though

OK, on topic but another question, does the difference in duo and quad core architecture make a hoot of difference to SL?

black?!? what *is* this with black?? I hated the fact Hi-fi was black. Now PC's grr! I like to see the bloddy 'on' button thankyou!!!

*not* a derail .. on topic .. honest!!!

The box I'm staring at isn't black

but still a box and a complete mystery to me, I talk to it to make sure it keeps working

I do have a silver Dell, too, if that helps

For the record though, the type of PC you buy is irrelevant. They all contain parts made by the same companies, with the same individual warranties on those components. Dell, HP, Compaq, Sony, Apple - all they do is get those parts and stick them in a case. You too can do the same. You can't get the same bulk discount they can get, but you can ensure that a PC you build yourself has only the things you want in it, and you are not paying for things you don't want.

As for the MAC vs PC debate....they are the same thing, using the same above components. Really the debate is OS vs Windows. I've never used OS, but if you want to play any decent games other than SL you need Windows for DirectX to run.

Plus, Macs are twice the price for basically the same thing.

Dell or Alienware.

Yes mine is black and shiny with a button that lights up blue and loads of holes at the back.

It's never given me a moment's trouble, so I would always recommend a black and shiny one with a button that lights up blue and loads of holes at the back.

*wants a new computer too... one ready to run SL as no else do...*

I have a laptop, but if I buy another one (yep, I need one but can't afford it atm ú_ù) I will buy a desktop or make a laptop my own so I'm sure it gets what I need..

Wow! lots of responses thanks guys!

I am in the north(ish) of England. My budget is at the max £500 but that is really as far as I can go. Its not a lot for a good gaming PC. I have an old PC that I can upgrade if it works out cheaper, its just that there are various advantages to a new one. One is the warranty which I would get with a new PC. Plus I'd really like to keep my old PC for my older games which don't run as well on a really new system if I can.

Thanks. I'll definitely have a look.

I've tried to have a look but there is soo much info and I am not in the least able to speak techno babble. I'll try again though. I have 8mb Broadband with no download/upload limit, so that isn't too bad. o.0
And I'm with you on the black. Thats the colour of my work PC. I have to climb under my desk to turn it on a I can never find the button. I always end up pressing the logo lol
Then I bang my head when I get up again...grr.
I don't mind you derailing the topic . I do it often enough lol. It happens and sometimes its needed.

Amalia, Wow! thats a great computer (i think, it certainly seems impressive ). I would love to be able to run Windlight. Even with the bugs...

Conan, i definitely want a PC rather than a Mac. All of the software I have is for PCs and Its the only kind I know how to use. Plus, the Mac mouses annoy the crap out of me lol.

Friday wooo!!! lol sorry.

kool! I guess the light helps to find the right button. Now I want a shiny one with a blue light...

My honest opinion, yea and maybe no...lol

I have 3 different systems I get to play SL on.

AMD AthlonXP 2200+(single core)
768mb ram pc-133 (yes old sh!t)
Ati Radeon 9950 (512mb)

It runs SL just as well as my

AMD Dual-Core Opteron 2.4GHz
2gb ram
GeForce 8600GT 512mb ddr3

Testing Windlight I see a slight drop in FPS.

The computer I built for the office

AMD Opteron Barcelona Quad-Core
4gb ram
Ati Radeon X1950PRO 512MB ddr3

This is where my yes statement comes in, tho It might be at the office I have a cable connection where at home is DSL(i think it's the case as the cable has a bigger down pipe). With the quad I notice the viewer loads/logs in faster then I have ever seen. Frame rate is a bit nicer in windlight, the current non-windlight it's the same as at home.

I wont know if it's the ISP connection till it's time to build a new rig for work. The next rig will most likely house the newer AMD Phenom quad proc, unless they release something new and brings the price base down a tad.



To Claire:

Really you don't need something over the top for SL(which is easier on the budget). It's not a heavy graphic processor hog like many of the current games out there. All manufacturers offer all the same parts. I always suggest Dell for their price and extended warranty(3 years). Any place you go, make sure to get a decent graphics CARD(dont get any pre-built with 'integrated' video) and a fair amount of ram(2gb).

Also keep in mind, what else do you use your computer for? If it's just the basic home computing and SL a pre-built Dell or Hp would be more then sufficient.


Off subject:
With all the complaining lately about not able to log in, constant crashes, etc, etc. When there have been no grid issues so to speak. I think it's mostly operator error(lack of knowledge) or incorrect system settings causing the issues. I can literally leave 2 clients running on my ancient 7 year old rig for more then 24 hours with no crashes.

We've established that it's some sort of corruption of an as yet unidentified system driver. Several people have had the same problem as me and have fixed it with a fresh install of windows. That unfortunately isn't an option for me as I do not have the CDs.


Claire; damn right you're getting a PC. We don't have Macs in the North - silly poncey things.

Depending on how old your current PC is, you may be right about it being more economical to buy a new one. When I wanted to upgrade my old desktop, I found that it was, as the old desktop's motherboard was still using SD-RAM and was not even ATX form-factor compliant ("form-factor" is basically the shape of the components and how they fit together - sort of.)

Chortle!!

I love it when I realise I have others around me who lack technical know how!!

I have a black laptop with blue lights and stuff seems to work on it.

What I would REALLY like is an IT genius who lives next door who would hand me a brochure with a picture of a laptop circled and say "Buy that one Sandy and SL will be brilliant. Bye ..... Oh and can I borrow a pink of milk?" Because even just reading the name of a graphics card fills me with fear and makes me want to get my abacus out.

My laptop doesnt have solitaire on it though - which is rubbish.

Claire: stay away from Mac's, they cost more!...lol

Conan, do you still have the booklet/manual that came with the discs? If so, you can contact Microshaft and they will send replacements if it was a registered copy. I think it costs $10 us + shipping.

Edit: calling them, I know what a pain that sounds like.. they might have you read off the info to them under the 'system' tab in the control panel to verify.

Yeah, spose. My mum tried to build a PC and she ended up having to change one of the cards becauce it didn't fit when everything else is in. Maybe I should just ask her, shes good with computer hardware. She normally does the hardware then i do the software - to an extent lol. She actually built the one I have about 5 years ago. So its pretty old.

Don't worry Sandy, you're in good company... I don't have a clue either. I get worried if the lights on the front of my current laptop start to flash - even if it only means it is loading a CD lol

That would be so good! I've asked the IT manager at work what's best and he starts to babble on about what I need and stuff but all in techno babble. All I hear is a load of numbers and I start feeling very confused - which I don't like.

That's crap. Solitaire is great!

Claire, I know people will probably disagree, but If you already have a monitor, £500 is more than enough for a pc that will run SL. I would also suggest you buy a ready built base unit as to be honest nowadays, it is nearly impossible to build the same from components plus you get the security of a warranty.

I would suggest something in the lines of the following that I picked out from ebuyer.com:

Acer T180 Athlon 64 4000+ Dual Core 250GB Hdd 1GB Ram DVD+RW MS Works Windows Vista Home Premium £299.99 quickfind code: 126116


CPU - AMD Athlon 64 4000+ Dual Core
1GB Memory
250GB
DVD-RW
Nvidia Geforce 6100
Keyboard ,mouse,Speakers
Windows Vista Home Premium


You will need to add in a graphics card as the onboard one will not do for SL. I suggest something like a 7600GT if you are not much into playing other more recent games as otherwise there might be a need to change the 250Watt power supply too for the newer 8000 series cards. The card can be ordered starting from about 40 quid. Also another 1 GB of memory will be nice which will be around 25 quid. So for a total of less than £400, you will have a unit that will play SL very well.
Just for the comparison, I self built a very similar setup except for a marginally slower processor and have had no issues running SL. The only possible concern might be Vista as I am running XP.
Hope this helps.

Who is this Alt person?

No disks to start with. It came already installed. It will cost £45 ($90) to get a copy from the OEM of my computer.

I can get a free copy of Vista Business on DVD from college (legally). I just can't be bothered. It's only SL that doesn't work, so I haven't had sufficient reason to motivate myself.