Quick question about computers...

[TeyaBrosna]

Okay, I *may* be purchasing a new comp soon. These are three options facing me. Could anyone facile with machines let me know if any of these computers would run DDO smoothly? That's really the most intensive gaming the machine would ever do.

1. http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/p...roduct=5049555

2. http://reviews.walmart.com/1336/1573...ws/reviews.htm

3. Acer Aspire AX1900-B4802 (with Intel GMA X4500) Apologies for no link - I actually couldn't find a good one. (That may tell me all I really need to know...)

I am almost a total novice when it comes to choosing computers. I just need something cheap that'll allow me to do low-key work and gaming. If anyone could provide any information about these choices, I would really appreciate it.

[FrancisP.Fancypants]

I'd take an Acer over an HP anytime, but as far as cheap HPs, the pavillion should suffice.

Stay far, far away from the slimline. They're just not good computers unless you need an extra for reading wikipedia entries in the bathroom.

[katz]

1. looks like it has enough processor power and RAM to play on lower to middle settings perhaps. not the high res client i don't think, tho. also, when i looked up the integrated video, it says it supports DX9. DDO is running dx10 now, altho you can disable that. but it's a consideration.

2. highest processor speed of the 3 choices... and more RAM. the integrated graphics card is much more impressive. you might be able to get away with high res client, or at the very least some/all settings at middle to high. and windows 7 is awesome.

3. the last one... is a bit trickier without knowing a bit more about which one it is. its not a new comp anymore, hence the lack of links, but that can be fine. my husband runs DDO on a 2 year old laptop. it's a dual core processor ranging anywhere from 3.33 (not bad) to 2.20 (not great, but still workable). i can't find the exact number in the list (the B-4802 part) so i can't tell which is being described. i'm not impressed by the graphics card. it will support DX10, but when i looked it up it was described as "not good for gaming". you probably could play DDO on this system, depending how it's actually specced out, but most likely at lower settings.

personally, i would recommend #2 for best performance and enjoyment.

[Mantis_Blackthorn]

I sell acer and I'm not a fan, just my 2 cents...

[Kourier]

The graphics cards are awfully iffy - I'd say you want to avoid these choices.

Have you ever wanted to build your own? If you or your wife can use a screwdriver and follow diagrams you can probably build a computer.

Out of the 3 I'd go with number 2.

[sebastianosmith]

All three of these machine have enough processing power and memory to run DDO. They all, however, have at best business class graphics subsystems. If you get one, depending on your budget, I would highly recommend the addition of another video card to replace the on-board chip if you wish to play DDO smoothly with detailed graphics. You can double the performance with an ATI 5000 series card for $50-$80 US or an NVidia 400GTS series card for $80-$100 US. Personally, I'd go with ATI simply for price as the performance will be similar for either. All three models will support PCI-X 16 cards.

[Ugumagre]

Here in Germany Acer customer service is far away of perfect. I had a burned power supply and maybe broken grafic card, and my pc was under warranty:
They repaired it very fast. BUT they inserted a MUCH BETTER grafic card. Really. No joke, no sarcasm. The problem is that the power supply was 200 KW and the much better grafic card needed at least 300KW: PC crashing all the time. I had to send two times the PC and complain loudly until they understood what was happening.
After the final repair, they forgot to fasten the screws of the fan. I had to do it myself (lucky me that I realized it).

[Impaqt]

you can get far better for less.

Integrated graphics are never a good thing for a gaming machine. They often get by, but jsut donthave the horsepower for heavy gaming..

look into something like this
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16883227314
or
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16883241038

by going "off brand" you can save some money and get a LOT more for your dollar.

[Tom318]

you can get far better for less.

Integrated graphics are never a good thing for a gaming machine. They often get by, but jsut donthave the horsepower for heavy gaming..

look into something like this
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16883227314
or
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16883241038

by going "off brand" you can save some money and get a LOT more for your dollar.

Exactly.. build it yourself, it's probably not cheaper but definitely better value for money

[Tom318]

Is to get someone to custom-make one for you

[Arysta]

My computer is (sort of) an Acer. I got it reasonably cheap and then upgraded the video card, power supply, hard drive and added two more gigs of RAM. I highly recommend New Egg for getting computer stuff - it's helpful to read the reviews, customer service is fantastic, you can easily comparison shop on the site, and usually you get free shipping. The only downside is the restocking fee they charge when you want to return an item.

I'm not really a fan of HP or Dell, and whatever you do do not get a slimline.. The are fairly hard to upgrade, and it seems the parts (you have to have special vid cards, etc) can be more expensive and not as good as ones for a normal tower. And Dell's customer service flat out stinks. (Hubby has a Dell slimline, wasn't even what we ordered, and after 3 months of back and forth with customer service trying to get the correct computer - or atleast an upgraded video card and hard drive, we gave up and I just bought him the better stuff for christmas).

What Impaqt posted above is very true, more bang for your buck..

[BansheeMalthus]

As Arysta said, I am using a Slimline now atm.....*hangs head in shame*. It will play the game, at very, very low settings, if you do not upgrade it. Problem is, PSU can only go so high unless you, um, rig it. If you can afford it, I'd go with Impact's suggestion. The $499 is quite decent, and would do you for a while. If not, I'd go with the Pavilion over the others.

[TeyaBrosna]

Thank you so much to everyone - I *really* appreciate all of the helpful and timely feedback. The links to NewEgg have given me tons to think about...much, much better options. Thanks again!

[katz]

the new egg computers linked are definitely nice. and good prices, too. you can save a bundle if you can put it together yourself, or have a friend who can, if you aren't brave enough to try. i got my current gaming rig a year and a half ago (AMD phenom 2.4G quad core, 4 G RAM, ATI Radeon HD 4300 with 1G onboard, and a 750G SATA HD) for right around $600, and i play DDO with almost all settings at max.