[Maximum]

Im really new to this stuff,but i find this stuff so interesting. I have a computer and a laptop both pretty nice but fairly outdated i suppose. What are some things crucial to gaming? What will i need as far as playing games is concerned? Please fill me in on anything i need to know. Thanks

[*knock-out05*]

Building and upgrading advice thread. Go there.

Also, pretty nice and fairly outdated should not be used in the same sentence.

[GlittermekaiN]

It's entirely dependent on what you want to do as far as gaming.

If you're looking at playing a game like Skyrim on max settings, you're more than likely going to have to drop some coin for a build. (You also have the option of buying a pre-built "gaming desktop/laptop" but unless you can't click legos together, you're really better off building your own.)

Older games, like Age of Empires or Modern Warfare 2, you might be good on.

If you give us a little more detail in what you're aiming to do, then we'll be able to guide you.

Also, if you want to figure out where you stand with your current hardware (Which I don't know much about at all.) you can check out Can You Run It? and it will gauge your system against the listed requirements of a game.

[Maximum]

Originally Posted by GlittermekaiN

It's entirely dependent on what you want to do as far as gaming.

If you're looking at playing a game like Skyrim on max settings, you're more than likely going to have to drop some coin for a build. (You also have the option of buying a pre-built "gaming desktop/laptop" but unless you can't click legos together, you're really better off building your own.)

Older games, like Age of Empires or Modern Warfare 2, you might be good on.

If you give us a little more detail in what you're aiming to do, then we'll be able to guide you.

Also, if you want to figure out where you stand with your current hardware (Which I don't know much about at all.) you can check out Can You Run It? and it will gauge your system against the listed requirements of a game.

I mainly only play call of duty modern warfare games. I have my dell cpu,32 bit and it has a 600gb hard drive. Someone told me i was going to need a video card....what the heck is that?!?!?!

[{InsertUsernameHere}]

Originally Posted by Maximum

I mainly only play call of duty modern warfare games. I have my dell cpu,32 bit and it has a 600gb hard drive. Someone told me i was going to need a video card....what the heck is that?!?!?!

Its a card that goes in your computer that displays the video to the monitor that does the vidya processing and all that junk. You may also have to get a PSU (it gives the power to all the components) so it has enough juice to run.

[Number423]

PC gaming all depends on how hardcore you want to get with it. Whether that be you only want to play once per weekend or everyday. I suggest going to Youtube and familiarize yourself with the components of a computer. Once you have, you'll know what we're talking about. There are many factors that effect gaming. Having only an upgraded video card will not exactly yield great results. Graphics may look better, but the loading speeds will vary because of the other outdated parts. Thus, not having a pleasant gaming experience. Personally, I would go with a fresh PC build as I don't recommend upgrading old computers. It's just a waste of money in my opinion.

[toolbandfan]

Ok.

[{InsertUsernameHere}]

Originally Posted by Blufffy

In my experience with computers, newer doesn't always mean better. I use Republic of Gamers, they are great for the price and are upgradable. However, you pay for the name and glowing keys for something like Alienware. Most games depend on what's called RAM and Vid RAM. So upgrading a old case of computer to 12gb of RAM puts you just as ahead as a new Alienware with 8gb. Also depends what you're playing, as even MY computer can't play Starcraft 2 on ultra graphics lol

You dun gone full ****ing retard

[TommyTwoToes]

If you are looking to be just an average gamer, try an xbox or PS3. Laptop gaming is crappy because most laptops are harder on upgrades. I recommend building a desktop with some decent specs.
If I were you I would research basic components of a computer, and whats on the market today. You are going to need some cash for this build. You also don't want to get suckered into buying unneeded stuff, such as water cooled systems. I play a lot of online games, so I have 16 gigs of Ram and a new graphics card. My processor is overclocked as well. Depending on the game Sound cards are pretty important also (mostly in first person shooters) but again, it all depends how much of a PC gamer you want to be.

I say, get the amount you are willing to spend. Then go from there.
newegg.com is a great website when building a PC.

[T-Willi]

Buy alienware, you'll be fine.


Trolololololololololol


But seriously you're better off building a new comp. learn a bit on the basics of computer building like someone said earlier it's literally as easy as Legos. Set a budget on how much you want to spend and go with it. $600 can buy a pretty decent rig for what it seems like you'd want to do.

Oh yeah don't know when/if you plan on doing this but I've always gotten the best deals around November/December. Newegg has some pretty nice sales that time of year.