I think we can do a lot better(no offense roparadi) if we chose a different computer and add a superior video card.
First, we take this computer on sale at $799.99 until the 31th (after that it's $999.99) :
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Compared to the one suggested by roparadi, it has half the memory (RAM), 6GB versus 12GB, but it really doesn't matters at ALL simply because 12GB is just useless in a computer unless you use it for professional graphic design or such. Even the 6GB found in the HP is overkill for probably 99.99% of the games on the market. Now, if we look at the processor (CPU), both are of the Core i family, both run at 2.66GHz, the only real difference(not exactly true, I could write pages and pages on their difference but you wouldn't never see any for yourself) is that the Core i5 750 has a more efficient turbo mode which can give you quite a boost in some games when compared to the Core i7 920 suggested in the Gateway computer.
Now aside for that, both computers are pretty much the same. HP is known for their great warranty service while Gateway(Acer), while not bad, offer nothing to be amazed for.
Last point, I won't even talk about the video card in the HP since we're going to change it.
Speaking of video card, here's the one I'm going to recommend, selling at $549.99:
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Simply put, it's twice as fast as the GTX 260 found in the Gateway suggested by roparadi. But it's not all. If you have 3 monitors or more, this card allows you to play your games on all your monitors at once for an immersive gameplay experience.
Lastly, you'll need to upgrade the power supply unit (PSU) to be able to use that new video card. The minimum recommended is a 500W PSU but it's always good to have some room left so I'll recommend a 550W from a well known brand for $139.99:
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So in the end, it's:
799.99
549.99
139.99
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1489.97 versus 1599.99 for the Gateway.
Now, depending on if you want to install the new components yourself or have FS do it for you, you can add another $100 or so I believe for the installation fee. It's not difficult at all to change those components yourself but it's still some works.
So just for arguments sakes, we add the $100 for a new total of $1589.97 for my suggestion versus the Gateway at $1599.99.
Here's a recap of what you get if you go with my suggestion:
A processor that's going to be a little bit faster in most games (not by much but still).
A video card that's twice as fast.
An excellent customer support with the HP warranty.
Now, if by some twist of fate you can't buy that computer while it's still on sale, it's another $200 BUT if you ask me, it's still a better buy compare to the Gateway, mainly because of video card.
EDIT: typo
roparadi wrote:
Credible_Chris wrote:How do I give you 10 Kudos?!?
Any RAM past 6GB is ridiculously futile unless you're launching rockets for NASA and Scanning airspace with NORAD simultaneously.
Or you use virtual machines, especially multiple ones
Some people do, not mentioning any names though
Please don't tell me you're playing on a virtual machine
!
That card is good enough to run Modern Warfare, but not at high graphic settings. Personally, I'd recommend going a bit higher than that for a card. That 7300GT is on for a good price though. The one I'd recomend if you do need AGP is the XFX ATI Radeon HD 4650, it'll blow the 7300 out of the water. Now, it is just over double the 7300's current sale price, but I do think it's worth it.
