Which would be the best computer overall?

[DC-3]

Hey guys, haven't really been into FS much the past 2 years but I am looking to buy a new computer which can get me back into the hobby and just a computer for other general things that I do. I want something that will run FS9 comfortably with good graphics while possibly running FSX in the future comfortably. I always play other games which I would like to have run without killing the computer. Other than that I just use the computer for general web browsing. Currently the computer I have now is fine but it is starting to get outdated and doesn't really have much going for it in the power department.

I do not want to build my own computer because the last time I got a homebuild it always seemed to be needing something new and this 200 dollar HP i've used for 2.5 years has never had anything go wrong (even running FS9 on max hahaha)

I would like to stick with HP for my new computer but some Gateways I've seen have been pretty tempting. The list is as follows with my favorite at the top and going down the list:

1.) HP Slimline AMD Athlon 64 X2 Dual Core Processor 5200+, 4GB RAM,  500 GB HD, WIndows Vista HOme Premium, built in wireless networking technology, and a NVIDIA GEFORCE 6150 SE graphics card, $569 http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp ... 5026863758

2.) Gateway AMD Phenom Triple-Core Processor 8400, 3GB RAM, 320 GB HD, Windows Vista Home Premium, NVIDIA GeForce 6150 SE graphics, $549
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp ... 4331848044

3.) Gateway AMD Phenom Quad-Core Processor 9500, 3GB RAM, 500 GB HD, Windows Vista Home Premium, NVIDIA GeForce 6150 SE graphics, $649
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp ... 4331848242

4.) HP Pavilion AMD Phenom Triple-Core Processor 8400, http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp ... 3815923971

5.) Gateway AMD Phenom Quad-Core Processor 9500, 3 GB RAM, 500 GB HD, Windows Vista Home Premium, NVIDIA GeForce 6150SE, $649
http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Gateway- ... tDetail.do

I think thats the list... I'm just looking for a second opinion here, I have a pretty good idea of what I will go for... but I always like to have a second opinion with purchases like this.

Thanks,

[AMDDDA]

3 and 5 are the same.


xD.


I personally think that either one of those would be the best, though you will NEED to get a better graphics card, if you want to sim .

[Wii]

Get the Gateway...buy a better PSU (maybe a 600w) and then buy an 8800GT. This all depends on how much you're gonna drop on it. But I had the 6150SE integrated and got 20 FPS on FS9 with medium settings. But with a x4 quad core you and 8800GT graphics card you will kill FSX.

[DC-3]

Yeah didn't realize 3 and 5 were the same

I have around 750 to spend since I'm selling a vehicle I had sitting around.. don't want to spend much more than that. How are the quality on Gateways these days? Do you think I should get the extended warranty?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6814130085

is this the 8800GT you were talking about or is it one of the other ones i see on there?

[Wii]

Yeah didn't realize 3 and 5 were the same

I have around 750 to spend since I'm selling a vehicle I had sitting around.. don't want to spend much more than that. How are the quality on Gateways these days? Do you think I should get the extended warranty?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6814130085

is this the 8800GT you were talking about or is it one of the other ones i see on there?

The 8600GT GTS or 8800GT are all good. Gateways are good, yes. And warranty? No. By installing a graphics card your warranty is immediately void I THINK. But I don't on my HP (loaded with an 8800GT and 500w PSU) (for only $800 ) because I will probably replace the computer in the next 1 to 2 years anyways.

[AMDDDA]

I use a 8600GTS and a Q6600, along with 3 gigs o' ram, and I get 30 FPS with medium to high settings.

[DC-3]

So I'm thinking the Gateway and then within the next couple weeks buying either the 8800 GS or the 8600 GT.. and of course I gotta buy FSX.. but I gotta get everything setup before I get into FS first

8800 GS http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6814150295

8600 GT
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6814130085

[AMDDDA]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6814130084



I use this card =).


It gets me the job done at a low price =).


8600GT = kinda bad

8600GTS= good.


Either the GTS or the 8800 GT is what I would go for, the 8800 GS is the 9600 GSO, as the 8800 GS didn't sell well and they rebranded it, no differences whatsoever.

[DC-3]

Didn't even see that GTS on newegg, I'm liking the looks of it, might be what I will go for... I like getting the job done right at the cheapest price

Will it be compatible with everything on this Gateway? (sorry I'm not very good with all this hardware stuff anymore.. haven't really bought anything new computerwise for a couple years and don't want to get screwed, I'm scared of spending money )
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp ... 4331848242

[AMDDDA]

Yes, it will fit, but if you do buy it, then there's a trick with it cause it needs a PSU cord inside of the comp, I can get pics for you if you choose to buy that (8800's need it as well, but the 8600 GTS only needs one).



Edit: Also, if you do buy it, just PM me xD.

If you haven't installed a graphics card before, that is ;p.

[DC-3]

I've installed a graphics card before... just won't know how the power supply connection will work.. I'll see what happens with that when the time comes  :P

[AMDDDA]

Well, there's usually an extra cord that will fit into the back of the 8600GTS, (not the DVI slots, the OPPOSITE side), and then just try to fit the plugs into it =).


I'll post ss's of it connected to mine later, once my mom gets off xD.

[Slotback]

Go Intel / 8800GT.

[AMDDDA]

The Phenom X4 comp with the 500 gig hard drive is at circuit city, same specs, for 520$.



Best Buy will match it.


Just wanted you to know  ;)


~Alex.

[DC-3]

The Phenom X4 comp with the 500 gig hard drive is at circuit city, same specs, for 520$.



Best Buy will match it.


Just wanted you to know  ;)


~Alex.

A little late. I bought the Gateway at Best Buy Saturday night. Got the whole package for $749 and even got upgraded to a 19" monitor. So far its got a few bugs to be worked out but its nice, I like it. Can't seem to get FS9 to work on it though... now that I've spent some cash I gotta wait a bit for FSX..