New Year, time for a new PC

[ardypilot]

Ok, so I have a grand to spend, and am looking for a new desktop gaming PC.

Preferably, I'd like to be able to run all the latest titles (FSX, GTA4, Guitar Hero III) on mid to high range settings, but am not really sure what all the new duo-core processor and graphic card jargon means on various websites and trademe listings- last time I bought a PC, it was the higher the GH'z and MB of memory, the better off it was.

So far, I've scoped out these three:
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Computers/Desktop...n-197351481.htm
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Computers/Desktop...n-197523108.htm
http://www.nfc.co.nz/Desktop.asp?Id=11901&...300+Upgrade+Box

Thoughts? Alternative links? Any advice appreciated. Cheers!

[Ian Warren]

I would go with your 3rd option , the warranty is the bonus , but its the bidding i hate !

[kimz28]

The trader TBT2 offers a normal RTB 1 year warranty on his hardware and is a good trader to deal with, have purchased a few PC's from him, found his prices to be very good even against my usual supplier/wholesaler.

Option 2 is my pick due to the rubbish video cards in option 1 & 3 though you should ask how much extra for a 1GB version of the 9800GT.

[NZ255]

Go with the 3rd option....and with the extra money you saved, buy a better graphics card and sell the one that came in the box.

But make sure the PSU can handle a better card....because better usually means more power.

[ardypilot]

QUOTE

The trader TBT2 offers a normal RTB 1 year warranty on his hardware and is a good trader to deal with, have purchased a few PC's from him, found his prices to be very good even against my usual supplier/wholesaler.[/quote]
Yeah one of my good mates also got a new rig from him recently- and I'm liking the 2nd one as well, however, it doesn't come with vista (or any OS for that matter)- does anyone know where is the cheapest place I could find home basic for it?

And Nick- I don't really want to go chopping and changing my PC once I've bought it. I'm looking for a 'hassle free, bring it home on the day and get FS running with hours' sort of job.

Can anyone confirm what sort of frameraters I'm likely to get with say the REAL NZ addons with a nVidia 9800GT-512MB? Will X run well on it?

[brownbox]

Doesnt FSX run better with intel than AMD? (im just going off what I remember from when FSX was released).

Dont be fooled by the high Ghz numbers on those AMD cpus. Benchmarks prove them to be much slower in comparison to intels at a similar price.

A 9800GT should be plenty enough GPU power for that I would think (dont take my word for it though, I dont have FSX or that addon, or that card!), but Im thinking a better CPU would be more crucial to achieving good FPS

I would go for a system with a Core 2 Duo E8xxx and for the video card, 9800. Oh and 4GB of RAM

[ScottyB]

Trolly,

I'm in your boat too mate. I've been looking for a new system for a few months now and, like you, i have not the faintest clue in all this computer jargon. What is the reccomended amount of the following that will fun FS9 on higher end settings with alot of scenery/aircraft/other add-on's?

CPU Speed:
Memory (GB):
Hard drive (GB):

Thanks for helping guys!

PS: Just joined my local aero club (Canterbry Aero Club) and am going on a flight tomorrow to learn about cross country flying. My first step in my dream to become a commercial pilot!!!!

[ScottyB]

How about this system on trademe. (With upgrade from 2gb mem to about 6.)

Thanks, SB

[benwynn]

Dont get a Nvidia 9XXX series. Its just updated technology of the 8XXX series. Get an ATI (4875 HD) its much newer a better technology.

BTW- If I were you, buy all the parts you want yourself and get a computer shop to put it together for you. Much cheaper than buying some trash off trademe.

[ScottyB]

Benwynn, i would do that if i knew what i was looking for (parts etc), but i don't have the faintest clue. Therefore, it is easier for me to get one that is prebuilt.

Cheers.

[brownbox]

the trouble with prebuilt stuff is you get the no name brand/generic stuff, which they dont write in the description. These can lead to problems further down the track. E.g RAM, cases, and particularly, power supplies. Remember, theres no such thing as a free lunch. If they dont specify details of some components (e.g "Powerful 600W PSU"), its probably junk

If you are going to get something prebuilt, you will want to get a computer shop to make you one from specific components that you choose. Dont get one of those trademe ones that are prebuilt.

[ardypilot]

Just to resurrect this topic... the money I had allotted for a new PC went elsewhere, as did the free time I usually play FS in, so I'm thinking about getting a cheaper Ipod Touch instead.

This would be more practical for me, as my current mobile phone serves as my only mp3 player, and that only holds 128mb worth of music. I'd also be able to download the latest METARs and things from the wifi, plus use it as a secondary compass and AH (gotta love that motion sensing mechanism!)- but seeing as I've never owned an Apple product before, thought I would ask for the advice of any previous users: Is the touch screen thing all its hyped up to be, or does it get annoying? Is the popup keyboard thing too small for human fingers to type with, and you need a little pen thing to prod it with or what? Also, can I load my .mp3 music folder straight into the Ipod like an ordinary USB device, or does each file need to be converted with Itunes? What about .flv and .avi video files? How long does this take, and does it require double the room on your harddrive to store two different file types?

Cheers.

[brownbox]

hi trolly. Im an iphone 3g owner, so i can answer your questions realistically

Yes, the touchscreen is amazing. Its unlike any other touchscreen you have used

No, the keyboard isnt too small to use by hand. It can be used easily in 1 hand or 2 hands. (25wpm for me with 1 hand, 40 with 2). A stylus is not needed, as everything is designed for finger use. (you have big icons, and buttons, and all that).

mp3s have to be added through itunes, although no converting is needed.

flv and avi video files need to be converted to .mp4 files. The time it takes depends on the program you use and your pc. I use winavi video converter to convert my avi videos to mp4. It takes about 10 minutes per 700mb dvd ripped video file, and the size ends up being about half of for avi size (for example, a ripped dvd avi at 700mb is a 400-450mb mp4. It does take more room having both files, but i see no reason to keep the avi once you convert it to mp4. (the mp4 is the same quality as the avi anyway)

In summary, i would recommend it very much.

Hope this helps

[benwynn]

I used to have one. Personally wouldn't buy one again.

Its a really nice phone, with outstanding features. Though, it has a heap of downsides too like size, weight, lack of bluetooth file transfer capability etc. In my opinion, its a ripoff for the price you pay. Its just incredibly expensive. Id rather get a nice cheapo phone and an iPod Touch if you really want the touch screen and stuff.

[ardypilot]

Cheers for that guys- yeah I'll properly go with the smaller 8GB touch as I don't have much money left- and that's convinient about the .mp4 video files, as my Panasonic digi cam records clips in that format already, and I'm sure I can simply convert a couple of my youtube favourites somehow, so I'm in with a grin.

[ardypilot]

I got myself the Itouch Gen 2. from DSE- $380, not bad for all that it is.

I've been downloading all the free apps I can find on the AppStore, but was wondering if there is a comprehensive list online somewhere (so I can get them on my laptop and load them through Itunes?) Also- what are the best aviation related apps? I've already got Horizon 3D and AirNavFree... I'd like to be able to save METARS offline if possible.

PS- Is it normal for the 'Maps' identify button (bottom left next to search button) not to work in New Zealand? Every time I click it, after a pause it says, Your location could not be determined. I'm guessing Auckland isn't covered yet?

Oh, and PPS- What about themes? Some of Itouch's I've seen have real cool menu/song list backgrounds and custom buttons etc. Does anyone know where to find them and how to install them?

Cheers

[NZ255]

I think you have to 'Jailbreak' them first?

[pilot.masman]

hmmm, ive been pining for the touch. just got the phone 8gig, jailbreaked, a bit too expensive too take round school and stuff though

now i gotta save for the touch too, even though the iphone does all the touch does.

[ardypilot]

I've done a quick search for Jailbreaking, and it looks like the Ipod equivilant to hacking the old Xboxs to customise them? Whats the deal with this- surly it isn't legal? I don't want to void my warranty...

[victor_alpha_charlie]

QUOTE (pilot.masman @ Mar 16 2009, 08:33 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

now i gotta save for the touch too, even though the iphone does all the touch does.

Why then?