# I need a gaming computer for an Xmas gift **URL:** \ **Category:** The Game Room\ **Created:** [October 31, 2012, 12:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-a-gaming-computer-for-an-xmas-gift/639425 "2012-10-31T12:48:50Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Scumpup](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ce73a5/32.png) [@Scumpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Scumpup)\ **Post date:** [October 31, 2012, 12:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-a-gaming-computer-for-an-xmas-gift/639425/1 "2012-10-31T12:48:50Z")
but I don’t want to spend much money. Basically, the machine needs to be able to run games like New Vegas smoothly and with high detail settings. It will also see a lot of WoW action. It’s for my daughter who is currently using a laptop that is minimally acceptable for WoW and won’t run New Vegas in any playable form. ---
**Author:** ![jacobsta811](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jacobsta811/32/2893_2.png) [@jacobsta811](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jacobsta811)\ **Post date:** [October 31, 2012, 1:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-a-gaming-computer-for-an-xmas-gift/639425/2 "2012-10-31T13:19:42Z")
You need a budget, and list any parts you might be reusing (if you have any) - generally SATA hard drives, DDR3 RAM, etc). Do you need an OS, monitor, keyboard, etc ? Also check [http://www.tomshardware.com](http://www.tomshardware.com) ---
**Author:** ![Scumpup](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ce73a5/32.png) [@Scumpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Scumpup)\ **Post date:** [October 31, 2012, 1:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-a-gaming-computer-for-an-xmas-gift/639425/3 "2012-10-31T13:21:10Z")
I don’t want to build one. I want to buy something off the shelf. Is there anything out there in the $500 to $700 range that will be suitable? ---
**Author:** ![jacobsta811](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jacobsta811/32/2893_2.png) [@jacobsta811](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jacobsta811)\ **Post date:** [October 31, 2012, 2:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-a-gaming-computer-for-an-xmas-gift/639425/4 "2012-10-31T14:53:54Z")
Broadly speaking, the system builders tend to cut costs/screw you in the area that you want the most muscle - graphics cards. For really good performance at 1920x1080, you probably want something around a Radeon HD 7850 1gb or better - a 175 graphics card. Here's a decent system with that kind of muscle, plus the best bang for processor in the i5-3570k > **[CyberpowerPC Desktop PC Gamer Xtreme 1342 Intel Core i5 3570k (3.40GHz) 8GB...](https://www.newegg.com/cyberpowerpc-gamer-xtreme-1342/p/N82E16883229336)** > > Buy CyberpowerPC Desktop PC Gamer Xtreme 1342 Intel Core i5 3570k (3.40GHz) 8GB DDR3 1TB HDD AMD Radeon HD 7850 2GB PCI-e Graphics Windows 7 Home Premium 64-Bit with fast shipping and top-rated customer service. Once you know, you Newegg! Something like this: > **[HP Desktop PC Pavilion P7-1430 (H3Y80AA#ABA) AMD E1-Series E1-1200 (1.40GHz)...](https://www.newegg.com/hp-pavilion-p7-1430/p/N82E16883256203)** > > Buy HP Desktop PC Pavilion P7-1430 (H3Y80AA#ABA) AMD E1-Series E1-1200 (1.40GHz) 8GB DDR3 2TB HDD AMD Radeon HD 7310 Windows 8 with fast shipping and top-rated customer service. Once you know, you Newegg! Would certainly be playable, but would probably require reduced resolutions when gaming - ie 720p (1280x720). ---
**Author:** ![Scumpup](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ce73a5/32.png) [@Scumpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Scumpup)\ **Post date:** [October 31, 2012, 3:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-a-gaming-computer-for-an-xmas-gift/639425/5 "2012-10-31T15:11:09Z")
I am willing and able to install a graphics card, as I’ve done that before. So what would be a good combo in my budget for an off the shelf computer and a graphics card? ---
**Author:** ![jacobsta811](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jacobsta811/32/2893_2.png) [@jacobsta811](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jacobsta811)\ **Post date:** [October 31, 2012, 3:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-a-gaming-computer-for-an-xmas-gift/639425/6 "2012-10-31T15:29:51Z")
You certainly could do that - you only really need around an i3 sandy bridge or ivy bridge level of CPU performance (ie i3-31xx or i3-32xx) - easily available in systems under $500 such as: [ASUS Desktop PC Essentio CM6730-US-2AD Intel Core i3 2120 (3.30GHz) 4GB DDR3 1TB HDD Windows 7 Home Premium 64-Bit - Newegg.com](http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883220152) (or there are similar I3 based Dell systems, etc) The problem with upgrading graphics in those type of systems is that you probably need a new power supply as well for anything beefier than a Radeon HD 7750 (the fastest card that needs no power supply connectors). And sometimes there can be issues with fit and such since they don’t necessarily make allowances for a bigger power supply or a two slot graphics card in the case. ---
**Author:** ![jacobsta811](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jacobsta811/32/2893_2.png) [@jacobsta811](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jacobsta811)\ **Post date:** [October 31, 2012, 3:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-a-gaming-computer-for-an-xmas-gift/639425/7 "2012-10-31T15:40:11Z")
Actually something like this: (a sort of “build your own” and we’ll assemble and install it) > **[Gaming PCs Gaming Desktops: iBUYPOWER®](https://www.ibuypower.com/gaming-pcs)** > > Custom built Gaming PCs by iBUYPOWER®. Choose your ultimate Gaming PC with tons of customizations to choose from, or pick a prebuilt gaming desktop! Might do you better - upgrade to 8gb of RAM (2x4gb), pick a graphics card of at least a 7850 and an appropriate power supply (~500W), drop the liquid cooling and get the cheaper motherboard (and be sure to check all the “free” upgrades), and I show $728. Edit to add, basically any of the graphics cards on this page, or later pages (toms best graphics cards for the money): [Best Graphics Cards 2023 - Top Gaming GPUs for the Money | Tom's Hardware](http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/gaming-graphics-card-review,3107-4.html) ---
**Author:** ![jacobsta811](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jacobsta811/32/2893_2.png) [@jacobsta811](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jacobsta811)\ **Post date:** [October 31, 2012, 4:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-a-gaming-computer-for-an-xmas-gift/639425/8 "2012-10-31T16:12:18Z")
If you need the whole thing, monitor, OS, etc and all to come in under $700 you can do it with A10 based builds here ([http://www.ibuypower.com/Store/AMD\_FM2\_A-Series\_APU](http://www.ibuypower.com/Store/AMD_FM2_A-Series_APU)) - although you probably need to buy a monitor somewhere else as theirs are pricey. Although again, that will probably require you to run at less than 1080p resolutions. ---
**Author:** ![twickster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ec9cab/32.png) [@twickster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/twickster)\ **Post date:** [October 31, 2012, 4:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-a-gaming-computer-for-an-xmas-gift/639425/9 "2012-10-31T16:16:42Z")
Since you’re look for advice, I’ll move this to our advice forum, IMHO (from MPSIMS). ---
**Author:** ![Bouncer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/9d8465/32.png) [@Bouncer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bouncer)\ **Post date:** [October 31, 2012, 4:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-a-gaming-computer-for-an-xmas-gift/639425/10 "2012-10-31T16:48:03Z")
This is an old post I wrote, but it has some useful advice… Consider buying your laptop from the OEM or a laptop store… Here’s a VERY good site: > **[TechnologyGuide](https://www.techtarget.com/technologyguide/)** > > Thank you for visiting the TechnologyGuide network. Unfortunately, these forums are no longer active. We extend a heartfelt thank you to the entire community for their steadfast support—it is really you, our readers, that drove The forums are hugely useful for research and reading what owners have to say. The thing to be aware of is that there are actually only a few laptop makers: Quanta, Compal, Asus, MSI, Uniwill and Clevo, and that’s basically it (there are others, but these brands have market dominance). Almost all of the others you hear of, like Dell, Alienware, Falcon Northwest, Voodoo etc are actually made by one of the above names. Clevo: Sager NP9750, Voodoo Envy u:709, Alienware Aurora m7700, Hypersonic Aviator FX7 They are basically all the same computer, which means if you buy a high end Sager you get the same innards as a Alienware at about 40% the price! Sager NP9890, Falcon Northwest FragBook DR6800, Alienware MJ-12 m7700i, Voodoo Envy u:703, Hypersonic Aviator EX7 Sager NP5950 Alienware Aurora mALX 19" SLI Voodoo Envy u:909 Sager NP5760 Voodoo Envy u:734 Hypersonic Aviator CX7 Compal= Dell HP Compaq Compal HEL80 = Voodoo Envy I:534 Hypersonic Aviator MV6. Quanta = Dell’s Latitudes Sony’s Vaio IBM’s (Levnovo) laptops. ASUS does make their own laptops, so their support is simply top notch. You are dealing direct with the OEM for support. No one is going to know the product better. Of course they’re known for all their other parts as well. Mainboards, video, etc MSI, similar to Asus, makes their own laptops. There are a few others, such as FIC, Mitac, ECS, AOpen and Gigabyte, but some of them don’t sell direct to you and others are lower end stuff. The point here, is that if you want a very nice laptop, don’t go the way of the Boutique makers or ginormous companies that just slap their label on and then outsource support to India. Instead, go to the OEMs or one of the smaller online shops and you can get a MUCH better deal on the same equipment and better support. If you are wanting to game, and want to use the laptop for school or travel with it, your best bet right now is probably an Asus. They can be had for about 600.00. It has good resolution, can be used with a larger monitor, and weighs less than 7lbs with power supply. 15.4" widescreen style display and an solid video card from Nvidia or ATI. I’m almost certainly buying one later this month. If you are NOT as mobile, able to leave your laptop someplace for days or weeks, then consider one of the 17" Sagers. It is simply the best bang for your buck. A couple of US sites (useful for pricing and spec-ing) > **[Custom Gaming Computers, Laptops & Notebooks | XOTIC PC](https://xoticpc.com/)** > > Custom build your next gaming computer, laptop, or notebook from our extensive selection and finance options. Take your gaming to the next level with XOTIC PC. [http://www.milestonepc.com](http://www.milestonepc.com) [http://www.proportable.com](http://www.proportable.com) [http://www.killernotebooks.com](http://www.killernotebooks.com) [http://www.flawlesscomputers.com](http://www.flawlesscomputers.com) [http://www.eurocom.com](http://www.eurocom.com) Regards, -Bouncer- ---
**Author:** ![Chefguy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chefguy/32/138_2.png) [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Post date:** [October 31, 2012, 5:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-a-gaming-computer-for-an-xmas-gift/639425/11 "2012-10-31T17:00:32Z")
I bought [this Microtel](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004FRSVPU/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00), after many hours of searching for a computer that was fast, had tons of memory, and good reviews. It’s handled everything I can throw at it. I also bought a 22" NEC monitor that has killer color accuracy. ---
**Author:** ![Chefguy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chefguy/32/138_2.png) [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Post date:** [October 31, 2012, 5:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-a-gaming-computer-for-an-xmas-gift/639425/12 "2012-10-31T17:58:29Z")
> [@Chefguy](#): > > I bought [this Microtel](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004FRSVPU/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00), after many hours of searching for a computer that was fast, had tons of memory, and good reviews. It’s handled everything I can throw at it. I also bought a 22" NEC monitor that has killer color accuracy. I should also mention that this computer comes with all kinds of optimizing software to enhance game performance, including over-clocking software, if desired. Also Iobit security software. It’s a true gaming machine. Games I’ve played so far have been Crysis and Crysis 2; and the latest Medal of Honor, all at highest graphics settings. Zero glitches. ---
**Author:** ![Jophiel](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jophiel/32/66_2.png) [@Jophiel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jophiel)\ **Post date:** [October 31, 2012, 9:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-a-gaming-computer-for-an-xmas-gift/639425/13 "2012-10-31T21:51:12Z")
> [@jacobsta811](#): > > Actually something like this: (a sort of “build your own” and we’ll assemble and install it) > [Shop Custom Gaming PCs and Desktops | iBUYPOWER®](http://www.ibuypower.com/Store/Intel_B75_Core_i5_Configurator) I wouldn’t trust that to run on a 300W PSU. [Edit: I see you sort of acknowledged this already] I came up with sort of [the same thing here.](http://www.cyberpowerpc.com/saved/1EKAH7) Both of ours share the same problem though: No OS and a copy of Win 7 will add another hundred bucks onto the bill. ---
**Author:** ![Scumpup](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ce73a5/32.png) [@Scumpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Scumpup)\ **Post date:** [November 1, 2012, 12:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-a-gaming-computer-for-an-xmas-gift/639425/14 "2012-11-01T00:05:21Z")
Perhaps I should mention that this computer is definitely going to be a desktop, not a laptop. ---
**Author:** ![Scumpup](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ce73a5/32.png) [@Scumpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Scumpup)\ **Post date:** [November 1, 2012, 12:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-a-gaming-computer-for-an-xmas-gift/639425/15 "2012-11-01T00:10:21Z")
I went to the Microtel website and looked at their[page of gaming computers](http://www.microtelpc.com/Default.aspx?tabid=219). Which one would you technically savvy sorts consider to be be both suitable to my purpose and a reasonable deal? ---
**Author:** ![Chefguy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chefguy/32/138_2.png) [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Post date:** [November 1, 2012, 12:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-a-gaming-computer-for-an-xmas-gift/639425/16 "2012-11-01T00:20:00Z")
> [@Scumpup](#): > > I went to the Microtel website and looked at their[page of gaming computers](http://www.microtelpc.com/Default.aspx?tabid=219). Which one would you technically savvy sorts consider to be be both suitable to my purpose and a reasonable deal? See my earlier post and link. Mine has 16GB and 1TB, compared to the page you linked. ---
**Author:** ![jacobsta811](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jacobsta811/32/2893_2.png) [@jacobsta811](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jacobsta811)\ **Post date:** [November 1, 2012, 12:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-a-gaming-computer-for-an-xmas-gift/639425/17 "2012-11-01T00:28:34Z")
> [@Scumpup](#): > > I went to the Microtel website and looked at their[page of gaming computers](http://www.microtelpc.com/Default.aspx?tabid=219). Which one would you technically savvy sorts consider to be be both suitable to my purpose and a reasonable deal? Great question. Answer: they are all crap - every one of those graphics cards is under powered. (they try to trick you because they all come with a lot of RAM). An A10-5800k system with _integrated_ graphics like the ones they sell at IBuyPower and linked above would stomp all over each one of them. Edit to add, I’m also not sure why all their systems feature processors and graphics cards that are at least two generations back. But not a good value, for any of those. The Microtel link the other guy gave you is a much more reasonable gaming PC. All the components are last generation so they use more power, but it certainly isn’t going to give you _worse_ performance than an A10 (which is about the minimum worth getting as a “gaming” PC, IMHO). ---
**Author:** ![Scumpup](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ce73a5/32.png) [@Scumpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Scumpup)\ **Post date:** [November 1, 2012, 1:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-a-gaming-computer-for-an-xmas-gift/639425/18 "2012-11-01T01:43:09Z")
> [@jacobsta811](#): > > If you need the whole thing, monitor, OS, etc and all to come in under $700 you can do it with A10 based builds here ([Shop Custom Gaming PCs and Desktops | iBUYPOWER®](http://www.ibuypower.com/Store/AMD_FM2_A-Series_APU)) - although you probably need to buy a monitor somewhere else as theirs are pricey. Although again, that will probably require you to run at less than 1080p resolutions. okay, that looks promising. I don’t want to be a pest, but I don’t know much about computer innards. Which of the things on that page do I need, which would be nice, and which would be a waste of resources? ---
**Author:** ![DigitalC](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ebca7d/32.png) [@DigitalC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DigitalC)\ **Post date:** [November 1, 2012, 1:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-a-gaming-computer-for-an-xmas-gift/639425/19 "2012-11-01T01:52:41Z")
There are likely to be some very good sales after thanksgiving. Also check out slickdeals regularly for some really good sales, i think there is still a 25% of refurbished computers from Dell (which includes Alienware) under the computer section. ---
**Author:** ![Jophiel](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jophiel/32/66_2.png) [@Jophiel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jophiel)\ **Post date:** [November 1, 2012, 2:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-a-gaming-computer-for-an-xmas-gift/639425/20 "2012-11-01T02:19:46Z")
For $700, Chefguy’s linked system is pretty good. I think it has more memory than needed and would rather see that put elsewhere but, given the cost of memory, it’s not as though you’d greatly upgrade anything else with the savings. The 550 Ti isn’t an amazing card but it’s be more than solid for WoW and New Vegas. I’d have a hard time calling a system with it a “gaming computer” but it’s certainly a computer you can play games on. For a bit of comparison, the 550 Ti is well, well above minimum spec for Fallout 3 & New Vegas (high graphics), exceeds recommended specs for Skyrim (medium+ graphics), will give medium+ graphics in Sleeping Dogs, medium+ graphics in Saints Row the Third, is a bit above the min specs for Assassin’s Creed III, and just hits minimum for Dishonored. Until recently, I had a card just below it (9800 GTX+) so I’m speaking from experience on Fallout, NV, Sleeping Dogs, Skyrim & SRTT. As **DigitalC** points out, you may want to wait for some holiday time sales and perhaps get a better deal but I don’t think you’d be unhappy with that system and you can always upgrade the card later as prices on more advanced cards come down. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-a-gaming-computer-for-an-xmas-gift/639425.md?page=2)