Buying new comp Need Help!

[Blondybadass]

I cant wait till March I want to play FFXI! I want help where to start like some websites with good deals and ones that rate performance. I have only found a few threads talking about this.

thanks

[Devryn]

First I want to state that it doesn't seem to make sense to me to purchase a computer that's capable of playing this game AT LEAST as well as the PS2 when you could just wait a couple of months.

I build all of my own computers, and those for my friends usually. I would not go with ANY "Big Name" computer manufacturer. You can debate this all you want but the fact is that they all suck.

A name that's getting bigger and bigger however, but is still synonamous with performance and reliability is Alienware. ANY of there systems would be MORE than enough power to run FFXI...Or any other game for that matter.

http://www.alienware.com/system_pages/aurora_ddr.aspx

The other company I like is Falcon Northwest but they tend to be a bit more expensive.

Another thing I linked to the Aurora and not the Area 51 desktop because I hate Intel. AMD offers far better performance for the money. Even if they're clock speeds aren't as hi they'll easily outperform Intel chips that are 500 mhz or more faster in GAMING applications. Hope this helps.

[Siber]

I'm having trouble seeing what you're asking.... You want sites that give good deals... Now do you want to build your computer or buy it as a whole? Also, i've posted many "good deal" websites. Here are a few: www.newegg.com www.pricewatch.com (note pricewatch isn't a site on its own, it links to vendors that sell at cheap prices) and those are the main two you'll ever need. Now rating performance... well, there are few sites that rate specific comps on their own but www.tomshardware.com does individual computer parts. If you could be a bit more specific, then this would be easier lol

[Blondybadass]

Well I think I want to buy an already assembled computer. Wouldnt a computer run FFXI better than PS2 coming out in march?

Devryn FFXI works with AMDs Aurora right?

1600 is a lot how much would I save about building one? I like warrenties, is it possible to get warrenties on all the parts?

1 GH = 1000 MHz right?

thanks

[Blondybadass]

whats wrong with cheap dell computers?
http://www1.us.dell.com/content/prod...=19&l=en&s=dhs

just want to understand why I need to pay so much.

[Devryn]

It's funny. I just got into a discussion about these the other day. I'm not going to share my Dell experience on my laptop other than to say it was horrible. I actually had to speak to Michael Dell's assistant to get it straightened out. There tech support is in INDIA for god's sake! They can't speak english and they keep repeating "I understand your frustration sir" in that thick ass accent! *clears throat* Anyways...

#1. Most of those Dell Specials are missing components. I.E. speakers.

#2. The video card on those things is not good at all. (Intel Xtreme Graphics). It's built in, not AGP and in most cases there's not even an AGP expansion port.

The thing is...It's really hard to explain WHY those cheap ones won't work for people with only a VERY basic knowledge of computers. You could save a TON of money by building yourself, but it's not a good idea if you don't know what your doing. It's not complicated but there are some pretty serious things you can screw up.

Now your other questions.

1 GH = 1000 MHz right?
Yes

1600 is a lot how much would I save about building one? I like warrenties, is it possible to get warrenties on all the parts?
It depends. In some cases you even get a lifetime warrantee.

FFXI works with AMDs Aurora right?
Most assuradly. These systems are built to game.

Wouldnt a computer run FFXI better than PS2 coming out in march?
No. There are alot of technical reasons why but it boils down to the fact that a PS2 is built for games, while a computer is not. A computer has to be almost 3 times faster to equal the gaming performance for a game specifically written for the computer, sometimes faster than that.

Like I said, financially it doesn't make much sense to get a new computer just for FFXI. If you want to play games like Half Life 2 or Doom 3...Maybe UT2K4...If you're a DIEHARD COMPUTER gamer then yeah...Go for it. But buy a die hard gaming rig.

My suggestion is that if you're stuck on getting a computer a local computershop could probably get you a pretty good deal. I don't own a business but I could build you a pretty sweet machine for $800 (that's just the machine though, but the other stuff is cheap. I found a 17" CRT at walmart for $118.) Keyboard, mouse, speakers, modem (if needed) is all that's left. I'm sure that a local computer store could sell you a rockin system for $1000 and probably offer a pretty decent warrantee. If you're worried about the systems quality just ask them for a parts list including manufacturer, part name, and part number. i.e. ASUS A7V600, #123456. Anyways post that up here and someone will let you know whether you have good parts or bad parts. Also another advantage is that if they warantee their system then all you have to do is run it down to their shop for repair. No worrying about shipping it back or trying to fool with stuff neither you nor your tech support camel jockey know anything about.

I'm not trying to discourage you from getting a computer, after all I believe everyone should upgrade once every 2 to 3 years, but I am trying to say that if it's JUST for FFXI then it's really a waste. Especially if you want something that will run FFXI AT LEAST as well as the PS2.

[Blondybadass]

okay well I guess I will wait for PS2 anyway I can preorder it?

[Devryn]

Absolutely. Check out www.ebworld.com or www.gamestop.com

[The Chemist]

OK Devryn, I am looking to purchase a comp from Alienware I have been looking into it for about a month (my money from my insurance company has not come in Siber). I want to get the new 64 FX that Athlon puts out. But I think I can find a better way to spend an extra 1k than to buy the 64 FX. Will games like FFXI and SWG's be able to use the 64 FX's full abilities?

Q

[Devryn]

The REALITY is that nothing will be able to use the 64 FX to it's full abilities. Will we go that way? It's really hard to tell.

The first computer I built was a Pentium 200 pre-MMX. Not 6 mos later MMX became a must-have for computer games. I was in middle school at the time and to just build another computer was a helluvalot of newspapers.

You're problem is two fold. Nobody knows where this technology is going. So you either hop on the bandwagon and hope that you made a wise decision, or you don't and risk that everything starts requiring it.

Windows XP will have a 64 bit version shortly and the next Windows, dubbed Longhorn, will DEFINATLY be 64 bit. All the new MACs are DUAL 64 bit, chances are games will start being 64 bit.

The advantage of buying it now is that it's practically like having two 32 bit processors. You'll have awesome framerate's and Photoshop will have never worked better. The disadvantage is that when the technology hits big (and I think it will) you'll have a low-end 64 bit chip, but prices should be lower by then so upgrading won't be a big hassle.

If you've got the money now go for it. Especially if you've committed the money to a computer purchase. The 64 FX stomps the Pentiums in the dirt. I don't have a 64 FX chip because I'm a poor little Airman. But as soon as I can convince the wife I'll get one. ^.^

[Blondybadass]

What all do I have to buy?

If I wait for FFXI to come out on PS2 as advertised on this web site what all else do I have to have to play?

http://www.ebgames.com/ebx/product/182338.asp

0 FFXI w/ Hard Disk Drive
1 T.V.
2 any PS 2 ? or a special one with internet connection?
3 Online Adaptor
4 PS 2 Memory card
5 PS 2 controller
6 Keyboard with USB connectrion

[Devryn]

You need a PS2. I needs to have a network adapter and you have to have access to the internet (the same internet connection a computer would use, whether dialup or broadband) You don't NEED a Keyboard, of course you'd need a controller, but I don't see why you'd NEED a memory card, especially if the HDD does what it says it's supposed to do.

[Blondybadass]

so
$100 for ffxi on hard drive
$200 for PS2
$40 for Network Adaptor

just dont understand if the hard drive includes PS2 or what?

I dont have a PS2 or a TV so computer doesnt sound so bad.

[Devryn]

The HDD will come with FFXI for 100. I also believe that the 200 ps2 comes with a network adapter. 180 w/o.