# Yet another How Much Computer Do I Need thread
**URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yet-another-how-much-computer-do-i-need-thread/556641
**Category:** The Game Room
**Created:** [October 9, 2010, 10:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yet-another-how-much-computer-do-i-need-thread/556641 "2010-10-09T22:17:21Z")
**Posts on this page:** 20
**Page:** 1
### Author:  [@Tom\_Scud](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tom_Scud)
#### Post date: [October 9, 2010, 10:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yet-another-how-much-computer-do-i-need-thread/556641/1 "2010-10-09T22:17:21Z")
Okay, so I’m looking to buy a desktop machine mainly for the purpose of playing games; ideally I’d just like to pull one off the shelves at Costco, as mail order for various reasons is a PITA. I’m mainly looking to play RPGs and strategy games (Elemental and Civ5 are the recent ones of interest), plus MMOs, specifically WoW but I might want to check out some others as well. Ideally I’d like to be able to play Diablo 3 once it comes out; otherwise I figure on raiding good old games for my hours and hours of play time over the life of this computer.
Anyway, the two options I seem to have from Costco include:
somewhat cheaper:
Intel Core2Quad Q8300 processor
Intel X4500 graphics
somewhat more expensive:
Intel Core i7-860 processor
ATI Radeon HD 5570 graphics
So I guess my main question is, will the x4500 be adequate for modern-ish games? Ideally I’d like to play WoW without it feeling like a slideshow.
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### Author:  [@Tamerlane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tamerlane)
#### Post date: [October 9, 2010, 11:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yet-another-how-much-computer-do-i-need-thread/556641/2 "2010-10-09T23:36:05Z")
> [@Tom\_Scud](#):
>
> somewhat more expensive:
> Intel Core i7-860 processor
> ATI Radeon HD 5570 graphics
That would be the direction I’d go, in fact it is close to what I’m running now ( same processor, different video card ) and it is a nice luxury to finally be able to run games at full graphics settings. I like to go longer between upgrades and so usually try to buy at the upper mid-tier to lengthen my useful computer life.
The worry I’d have with the other machine is less the processor than the on-board graphics. Usually those perform fairly poorly relative to regular video cards, though I’m not up on the latest stats, so I’m not sure just how big of a performance hit you’d be taking. But I imagine it would be a big one.
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### Author:  [@AmunRa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AmunRa)
#### Post date: [October 10, 2010, 1:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yet-another-how-much-computer-do-i-need-thread/556641/3 "2010-10-10T01:08:58Z")
Short Answer: No, integrated (i.e. Intel) graphics will not run modern games adequately.
It sounds like you are unlikely to upgrade components yourself, but if you want that option the more expensive computer uses a newer platform which has much more longevity in it. The Core2 platform is rapidly approaching obsolescence.
Also if you can wait 3-6 months Intel is releasing a new line of processors (based on the Sandy Bridge architecture) which will mean a drop in prices for current hardware, as well as the option to buy newer hardware that will last longer.
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### Author:  [@Telperion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Telperion)
#### Post date: [October 10, 2010, 1:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yet-another-how-much-computer-do-i-need-thread/556641/4 "2010-10-10T01:51:56Z")
Definitely go with the more expensive build. There is virtually no chance you’ll be able to play Civ 5 on an integrated chip (The minimum system requirement is a Core i3 CPU with integrated graphics, and that’s a lot more processing power than the X4500 has.), and I have to imagine even WoW would be a stretch at higher resolutions.
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### Author:  [@Kiros](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kiros)
#### Post date: [October 10, 2010, 1:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yet-another-how-much-computer-do-i-need-thread/556641/5 "2010-10-10T01:59:49Z")
I’d say the second, but I wouldn’t even really _recommend_ the second; that’s a really weak video card for that particular processor, which is pretty typical for off-the-shelf retailer boxes. Unfortunately, there’s a reason that one of the most common PC-building refrains is “get a Dell, then replace the video card”. If I wanted to future-proof myself for 2-3 years, I wouldn’t go any weaker than a 5770, and even that’s likely to be pretty low end a few years down the line.
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### Author:  [@Tamerlane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tamerlane)
#### Post date: [October 10, 2010, 2:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yet-another-how-much-computer-do-i-need-thread/556641/6 "2010-10-10T02:59:18Z")
> [@Kiros](#):
>
> I wouldn’t go any weaker than a 5770, and even that’s likely to be pretty low end a few years down the line.
Yeah, I was actually reading the 5570 _as_ a 5770. A 5570 is defintely a bit anemic - I’m running an older but much beefier 4890 to get all that “full graphics settings” eye-candy.
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### Author:  [@SenorBeef](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SenorBeef)
#### Post date: [October 10, 2010, 4:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yet-another-how-much-computer-do-i-need-thread/556641/7 "2010-10-10T04:15:18Z")
The 5570 isn’t a disaster but if you’re looking to game that’s underpowered. You’d be way better off with a much cheaper CPU and a better video card. I’d recommend a 5770 or GTX 460 if it’s an option.
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### Author:  [@Superhal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Superhal)
#### Post date: [October 10, 2010, 4:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yet-another-how-much-computer-do-i-need-thread/556641/8 "2010-10-10T04:20:29Z")
Imho: whatever your budget is, 50% of it is going for graphics card.
Possibly, if you are seriously a gamer, 75% or more should be budgeted for a graphics card.
Imho, in this situation, my choice would be to get the best CPU available with the crappiest GPU available from Costco, with the idea that whatever leftover money you have will go towards a good graphics card.
In fact, I would recommend going for the best Costco setup with integrated graphics, then waiting 3-12 months, while saving, to get a graphics card.
gaming = graphics card. period.
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### Author:  [@SenorBeef](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SenorBeef)
#### Post date: [October 10, 2010, 4:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yet-another-how-much-computer-do-i-need-thread/556641/9 "2010-10-10T04:21:32Z")
75% is a silly number. In an $800 system, you should have a $600 graphics card? And what else, a tin box for a case and an old electric generator out of a blender for a power supply?
Edit: The costco integrated graphics machine might not even have a graphics card port.
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### Author:  [@Superhal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Superhal)
#### Post date: [October 10, 2010, 4:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yet-another-how-much-computer-do-i-need-thread/556641/10 "2010-10-10T04:25:03Z")
> [@SenorBeef](#):
>
> 75% is a silly number. In an $800 system, you should have a $600 graphics card? And what else, a tin box for a case and an old electric generator out of a blender for a power supply?
>
> Edit: The costco integrated graphics machine might not even have a graphics card port.
For gaming, yes I would, since I could get a workable 2 core CPU system for like $200, or less if I had reusable components. I assumed that the OP wanted gaming #1 beyond any other functions a serviceable computer could provide.
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### Author:  [@SenorBeef](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SenorBeef)
#### Post date: [October 10, 2010, 4:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yet-another-how-much-computer-do-i-need-thread/556641/11 "2010-10-10T04:26:49Z")
Uh yeah, no, that’s bad advice. Price me out your $800 computer with a $600 video card.
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### Author:  [@Superhal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Superhal)
#### Post date: [October 10, 2010, 4:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yet-another-how-much-computer-do-i-need-thread/556641/12 "2010-10-10T04:29:13Z")
Well, it really depends on what the OP wants. I would have recommended something else if the requirements were lower. In this case, gaming was #1. So, the OP should spend more on a GPU and upgrade the cpu/mobo around it, giving it more years of use.
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### Author:  [@SenorBeef](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SenorBeef)
#### Post date: [October 10, 2010, 4:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yet-another-how-much-computer-do-i-need-thread/556641/13 "2010-10-10T04:32:07Z")
Price me out any $800 system where a $600 video card makes sense.
Actually, price me out any system where the 75% number makes sense. $300 video card in a $400 system? $800 video card (if any exist anymore, I guess you could crossfire two $400 cards) in a $1200 system?
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### Author:  [@Superhal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Superhal)
#### Post date: [October 10, 2010, 4:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yet-another-how-much-computer-do-i-need-thread/556641/14 "2010-10-10T04:33:29Z")
> [@SenorBeef](#):
>
> Price me out any $800 system where a $600 video card makes sense.
So you don’t play games? 😛
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### Author:  [@SenorBeef](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SenorBeef)
#### Post date: [October 10, 2010, 4:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yet-another-how-much-computer-do-i-need-thread/556641/15 "2010-10-10T04:36:34Z")
I play more games than you do. Your advice still doesn’t make sense. Go ahead, build me a reasonable computer with 75% in the video card.
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### Author:  [@Superhal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Superhal)
#### Post date: [October 10, 2010, 4:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yet-another-how-much-computer-do-i-need-thread/556641/16 "2010-10-10T04:39:10Z")
> [@SenorBeef](#):
>
> Actually, price me out any system where the 75% number makes sense. $300 video card in a $400 system? $800 video card (if any exist anymore, I guess you could crossfire two $400 cards) in a $1200 system?
Um, yeah, that’s sort of my point. By paying more for a GPU today, you’ll save money in the long run.
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### Author:  [@SenorBeef](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SenorBeef)
#### Post date: [October 10, 2010, 4:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yet-another-how-much-computer-do-i-need-thread/556641/17 "2010-10-10T04:40:43Z")
Then price it out. List me any components with their prices where building a system with 75% of the budget going to the video card makes sense. Quit dodging. It’s a horrible idea. Horrible.
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### Author:  [@Superhal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Superhal)
#### Post date: [October 10, 2010, 4:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yet-another-how-much-computer-do-i-need-thread/556641/18 "2010-10-10T04:44:24Z")
Nah, I’ll concede this one, since I don’t want to bother dredging up the stats that prove my point.
Grats!
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### Author:  [@SenorBeef](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SenorBeef)
#### Post date: [October 10, 2010, 4:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yet-another-how-much-computer-do-i-need-thread/556641/19 "2010-10-10T04:46:15Z")
You’ll concede it because your idea is absurd. I recommend people invest heavily in the video card and I’m talking more in the 25-35% cost range. You’re suggesting they stick a radeon 5970 into a Pentium 4 2ghz with a $17 foxconn motherboard sitting in a cardboard box or something.
Recommending he budget a system a certain way, and then asked to elaborate on how much he should spend roughly on each component say you don’t want to “dredge up the stats” is some bizarre way of giving advice.
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### Author:  [@Superhal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Superhal)
#### Post date: [October 10, 2010, 4:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yet-another-how-much-computer-do-i-need-thread/556641/20 "2010-10-10T04:49:43Z")
Didn’t you hear when I said, “you win?”
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