A lot of people have been asking me what computer to buy. In this topic, I will make a list of the best low-budget, mid-range and high-end computers, based on performance in general and gaming in specific. On all three of these computers, you are able to play the newest games without any problems, though you will have to lower the resolution and detail if you have the low-budget system. This is the may edition!
The CPU
No changes in my CPU selection., though the Core2Duo E8200 dropped in price again
Low-budget: Intel Core2Duo E8200 (€140)
Mid-range: Intel Core2Duo E8400 (€180)
High-end: Intel Core2Duo E8500 (€260)
The Video Card
No changes this month in the video card selection: the GeForce 9600GT 512MB is still the best card for the low-budget system for a very reasonable price. The GeForce 8800GTS 512MB remains the best choice for the mid-range system, having the best price/quality VERHOUDING. After the introduction of the new GeForce 9000 array, the 8800GTS 512MB will probably disappear from the markets soon. If you still have some doubts, this is the moment to buy a 8800GTS 512MB, since there is no card in the 9000 array having the same price/quality (which is probably why nVidia wants it to disappear). In the high-end system, the GeForce 9800GX2 rules. This dual core GPU solution on a single video card, is currently the fastest 3D-card, making it the right choice for the high-end system. If you are a bit more economical, you could also go for a GeForce 9800GTX, which only costs €300 while still being a very nice video card.
Low-budget: Asus GeForce 9600 GT 512MB (€150)
Mid-range: Asus GeForce EN8800GTS 512MB (€210)
High-range: Asus GeForce 9800GX2 (€460)
The Motherboard
No changes for this month.
Low-budget: Asus P5K (€90)
Mid-range: Asus P5K (€90)
High-end: Asus P5k-E (€120)
The Hard Disk
The Samsung Spinpoint hard disks with their low price and excellent performance have even dropped more in price. The difference in price with Western Digital and Seagate hard disks is really growing a lot.
Note: in the high-end system, the two disks should be configured in raid.
Low-budget: Seagate 320 GB 7200.10 SATA-300 (€60)
Mid-range: Samsung 750GB 32MB SATA-300 (€90)
High-end: Samsung 750GB 32MB SATA-300, 2 pieces (€180)
The Memory
No changes. Gamers with Vista might even consider buying 4GB
Low-budget: 2048MB Corsair Twin2x DDR2 C4 6400 (€50)
Mid-range: 2048MB Corsair Twin2x DDR2 C4 6400 (€50)
High-end: 2048MB Corsair Twin2x DDR2 C4 6400 (€50)
The Rest
Not much to say about the other parts of your computer (computer case with power supply, DVD-player, keyboard and mouse). One thing you should pay attention to: a power supply of at least 400Watt, which can be bought for around €90. Also make sure your case is large enough if you want to buy the 8800GTX. You shouldn't spend more than €25 on you DVD-player either. A mouse and keyboard can be bought for €30, but if you want those with special design or wireless, you will easily be paying over €100. But that's just about taste.
Conclusion
No changes in the configurations, only lots of price drops. Question is how long these prices will keep dropping, though the dollar course seems to have reached its limit.
This Month's Configurations
| Low-budget: -Intel Core2Duo E8200 -Asus P5K -Asus GeForce 9600GT-512MB -Seagate 7200.10 SATA 320 GB -2048MB Twin2x DDR2 C4 6400 -case, keyboard, dvd Total: €635 | Mid-range: -Intel Core2Duo E8400 -Asus P5K -Asus GeForce 8800GTS-512MB -Samsung 750 GB 32MB SATA - 2048MB Twin2x DDR2 C4 6400 -case,keyboard,dvd Total: €765 | High-end: -Intel Core2Duo E8500 -Asus P5K-E -Asus GeForce 9800GX2 -Samsung 750 GB 32MB SATA, 2 pieces -2048MB Twin2x DDR2 C4 6400 -case,keyboard,dvd Total: €1215 |
Note: As I'm from Europe, all prices are in euros. Converting them would be too much work and since the euro/dollar course is doing weird, it would also not be correct. Still, the systems listed here are the best to buy, though their price may vary in dollars.
