New Computer Processor

Accountant · Post by **Accountant** » Thu Jul 07, 2011 2:53 am

Ok, let's assume that I got a new laptop for work.
Let's also assume my new laptop has a mobility graphics card with no dedicated memory (can't play Mercenary)
Let's assume again that I gave my old laptop (on which I played Mercenary) to my wife as a replacement for her desktop built sometime during the Ming dynasty.

Finally, let's assume I am thinking of getting a shiny new computer sometime in the next year so I can rock out Mercenary (or the next game) with insane FPS. I have been looking at Dell and HP computers, and have a question about processors as they relate to SW3D games. On the Intel side, I have been looking at quad Core i5 or i7. On the AMD side, I have been looking at the Phenom II X6 6-core processor.

Everything else will be the same (graphics with 1gb dedi memory minimum, 6gb RAM minimum) but I am having trouble deciding which processor is better. I am looking at spending no more than $1,000 for the computer. So, dear community from which I have been long absent, which type of processor is better suited for Mercenary*? Are slower speeds and more cores better, or should I be looking for higher speeds but less cores?

-Accountant

*I am looking for a Mercenary/SW3D Game-specific answer. I don't care about Crysis, MOH, or any other latest boring first-person shooter.

Flash · Post by **Flash** » Thu Jul 07, 2011 1:00 pm

I don't know if this will help but here is a great website which rates CPUs, video cards and what not.

http://www.cpubenchmark.net/cpu_list.php

Mop Head · Post by **Mop Head** » Thu Jul 07, 2011 2:12 pm

well, I was talking with a computer guy at work and as far as processors he stressed that they be the new generation (Athlon II, Intel Core 2). He said the NVidia cards perform better and look at the amount of stream processors. Lastly, take a look at ebay, I'm shopping for a new machine as well but looking at 500 or less for a quad core, 6gb and NVidia card with win7-64.

Post by **Marvin** » Thu Jul 07, 2011 3:55 pm

Try NewEgg. They have a variety of computers and computer parts ... and the reviews are helpful.

Ravenfeeder · Post by **Ravenfeeder** » Thu Jul 07, 2011 8:13 pm

If you want a whooppa doopa computer, built it yourself. It's not hard. In fact it's darn easy. The big plus side of building our own is that you insert your existing hard drives, all you've done is upgrade the performance capability.

Having built your own comp you get the benefits of knowing where all the components are, and what they do. You're main requirements are, imho, the best PCU you can afford, and the same with a video card, plus, of course, a compatible motherboard.

Post by **Marvin** » Thu Jul 07, 2011 9:30 pm

Walking on water is easy. Building your own computer is next on the list.

Accountant · Post by **Accountant** » Fri Jul 08, 2011 1:39 am

@Flash
Thanks for the link. Looks like Intel's processors are rated higher, but they sure cost a pretty penny...

@Mop Head
Stream processors? And let me know if you find a system like that for $500.

@Marvin
Thanks, NewEgg looks like a good resource.

@Ravenfeeder
Build it myself? That's a tall order for me. I know nothing about case cooling, power buses, or motherboards, not to mention trying to connect them all together. I really wouldn't even know where to begin.

Thanks for the responses everyone. Does anyone here prefer Intel over AMD, or vice-versa? Also, which processor tends to work nicer with other components such as Radeon or ATI cards?

-Accountant

Flash · Post by **Flash** » Fri Jul 08, 2011 2:47 am

I had a response but I guess it didnt take. so here we go again. I preferr the AMDs. Not because they are better. As you said the are a bit slower but more reasonably priced. More bang for the buck. My advices is dont clean out the bank on a processor. If all you what to do is play video games, get a good one and a good graphics card but you dont have to go crazy there either. I am using a Phenom II 945 X4 3.00 and it works awesome with Evochron. I maybe way off but if a TV or monitor only refreshes at 60 hz way does one need 200 fps?

Accountant · Post by **Accountant** » Fri Jul 08, 2011 3:03 am

Thanks for the response, Flash. I was never aiming for 200 FPS, but I would at least prefer to get 30 FPS on high settings. Your 4-core processor does that for you?

Also, what graphics card are you using? Do certain graphics card work better with Intel and others with AMD? Or does it not really matter?

-Accountant

Post by **Marvin** » Fri Jul 08, 2011 6:05 am

From all my reading, it seems the big difference in graphics cards is how they render certain effects. Shadows and sun flare and haloes and what else. For what it's worth, Evochron games don't seem to have many such problems.

Flash · Post by **Flash** » Fri Jul 08, 2011 12:04 pm

From post: 110249, Topic: tid=7751, author=Accountant wrote:Thanks for the response, Flash. I was never aiming for 200 FPS, but I would at least prefer to get 30 FPS on high settings. Your 4-core processor does that for you?

Also, what graphics card are you using? Do certain graphics card work better with Intel and others with AMD? Or does it not really matter?

-Accountant

I use a Radeon 5750 which renders Evochron at any where from 70 to 120 fps. Make sure your power supply can handle what ever card you get. Running a high end graphics card a joystick and a lot of stuff on the USBs can be taxing and burn them out. But truly the most joyous addition to my setup is the solid state drive. They are expensive but boot up and openning programs is like lightning. It wont make programs run faster , thats your processor I have a 90g for the operation system and programs, then store all my pictures, music and what not on the hard drive which originally came with the computer.

I have never heard that some cards work better with different processors but maybe its true. I would imagine if one way out classed the other it might not run as nice

Post by **Marvin** » Fri Jul 08, 2011 5:42 pm

From post: 110266, Topic: tid=7751, author=Flash wrote:I have never heard that some cards work better with different processors but maybe its true. I would imagine if one way out classed the other it might not run as nice

The problem is, the entire ensemble can make a difference. MoBo, CPU, graphics card, sound card, power supply ... even the case can make a difference (how well it dissipates heat). Not to mention your OS ... does it need the 4GB patch? Do your programs need to be installed directly to the C drive? And the rest of your software ... what options are available to you when adjusting your graphics settings?

What else? I hate it.

Shieldwolf · Post by **Shieldwolf** » Fri Jul 08, 2011 6:18 pm

You might like to check http://www.tomshardware.com/ . They have reviews on most everything.

Flash · Post by **Flash** » Fri Jul 08, 2011 8:52 pm

I reread your initial post and forgot you said you didnt want to spend over $1000. Man O man just about any gaming computer you buy in that price is going to be kicka$$. Like Marvin says look on Newegg. There are a ton of computers in that range that will blow your socks off. Also they are assured to be capable in the future for quit a while. Don't fall into the super geek temptation like I have so many times in the past. You go with something along this line and you will be amazed.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6883227293

16 reviews 5 stars.

Hook that thing up to a 65" TV Whoa!

Accountant · Post by **Accountant** » Fri Jul 08, 2011 11:21 pm

Yeah, looking at NewEgg has amazed me with the capability that is available. I was kind of expecting my price limit to force me to do a lot of looking for a decent gaming computer. Guess not.

The problem is, the entire ensemble can make a difference. MoBo, CPU, graphics card, sound card, power supply ... even the case can make a difference (how well it dissipates heat).

Yeah, this is kind of what I was thinking. What hardware plays nice with each other and what goes all Hatfield and McCoy on each other? This is why I am tepid about building my own system. I understand most of what the various components do and what to look for on a basic level, but have no clue how they can affect each other in a system. Computer manufacturers are supposed to figure this all out for us.

@Shieldwolf
Thanks for the link, sites like that definitely help a novice like me.

-Accountant

Post by **Marvin** » Sat Jul 09, 2011 1:57 am

About the only problem you'll have with buying a "game machine" at NewEgg is what geeks are now calling "bloatware." But read some of the reviews and make note of any comment similiar to: "I uninstalled such-n-such, thinking it was bloatware but, afterward, my this-n-that wouldn't function anymore so I had to go to yada-yada website, download the program again and reinstalll it."

True story. I had to do that to get my "Fn" key to work again.

Avenger · Post by **Avenger** » Sat Jul 09, 2011 1:20 pm

For this game you really don't need a super fast pc.

Mine is a few years old and runs the game on max settings with 4xFSAA and 8xAF in 1680x1050 resolution.

I am pretty sure that in todays standards my pc cannot be labled mid range, just a tad under it is my guess.

It has a ASUS Mainbord with integraded 7.1 sound, an Intel Q6700 Quadcore 2.66Ghz processor, 4 gigabyte memory and a GeForce 460 GTX 768mb graphics card.

I run the game with Vsync on and rarely it dips below 40 fps and usually runs at 60fps as is my LCD screens refresh rate.

[Edited on 7-9-2011 by Avenger]