Hey everyone,
This is my first post on this site. I wasn't really sure where my post belonged, so I put it in the Laptops section since I currently have a laptop. If I put it in the wrong section, I apologize. I have been lurking around for a while getting ideas and opinions for my situation, but I figured registering and flat out asking opinions on my situation would be better. I am also an IT student, currently in my third year, so I do understand the terminology. I am not, however, too familiar with hardware. Most of my studies have been on the software side. While most of my studies have been software-side, I have been teaching myself the hardware-side through the use of CompTIA's A+ Guide to Hardware: Managing, Maintaining, and Troubleshooting.
Now, my question is pretty basic. I am trying to figure out if it would be more cost-effective to either upgrade my existing gaming computer, purchase a new gaming computer, or to just build my own. I am going to break this down in to an easy format so everyone can get the best idea of my current situation while following the guidelines.
Current Gaming Rig
Dell Studio 1535 Laptop
Processor: Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo CPU T9300 @ 2.50GHz 2.50 GHz
RAM: 4GB
Graphics Card: ATI Mobility Radeon HD 3400 Series
NIC: Broadcom NetLink (TM) Gigabit Ethernet
OS: Windows 7 Professional Service Pack 1 64bit
Windows Experience Index: 4.0 (The lowest component is graphics.)
DirectX 10
If you need more information on my current rig in order to make a justified decision, just let me know!
Typical Games Include (Past, Present, & Future):
Battle for Middle-Earth 1 & 2
Starcraft 1 & 2
Diablo 3
World of Warcraft
Demigod
All Dawn of War games
Warhammer 40K
Rift
Heroes of Newerth
League of Legends
All Command & Conquer games
Crysis 1 & 2
(My roots are embedded in RTS and RPG)
There's the general idea of the types of games I play. My most played currently is Heroes of Newerth, however, I have to play that game on all low settings in order for it to run without lag. My computer is actually under the minimum system requirements for Diablo 3, and as such, my FPS never exceeds 20 on that game with an average of 15. I refuse to play a game, however fun, if it lags.
Now, I do not have to play these games on high settings. It would be nice, but remember that I am looking for the most cost-effective route. Medium-High graphics settings would be ideal. I am currently playing majority of my games on low and it would be nice to get away from the bland textures and such.
With all of this being said, my budget varies depending on the path chosen. If I upgrade my current computer, the max I will invest is $300, however, I prefer it to be around $200. I have not determined what my budget is for buying a new computer, but I really would not like to go over $1000 (before taxes). A new computer would definitely be a desktop, hands down. If I were to build my own, I have no idea what my budget would be. I haven't sat down and figured out that part yet.
I thank you all for taking the time to read my post, understanding my situation, and giving your advice. If you need anymore information, do not hesitate to ask. If you're stuck between two or more sets of advice to give, give them all! I have plenty of time. I would love to read opinions of two different people especially if their opinions contradict each other.
This is my first post on this site. I wasn't really sure where my post belonged, so I put it in the Laptops section since I currently have a laptop. If I put it in the wrong section, I apologize. I have been lurking around for a while getting ideas and opinions for my situation, but I figured registering and flat out asking opinions on my situation would be better. I am also an IT student, currently in my third year, so I do understand the terminology. I am not, however, too familiar with hardware. Most of my studies have been on the software side. While most of my studies have been software-side, I have been teaching myself the hardware-side through the use of CompTIA's A+ Guide to Hardware: Managing, Maintaining, and Troubleshooting.
Now, my question is pretty basic. I am trying to figure out if it would be more cost-effective to either upgrade my existing gaming computer, purchase a new gaming computer, or to just build my own. I am going to break this down in to an easy format so everyone can get the best idea of my current situation while following the guidelines.
Current Gaming Rig
Dell Studio 1535 Laptop
Processor: Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo CPU T9300 @ 2.50GHz 2.50 GHz
RAM: 4GB
Graphics Card: ATI Mobility Radeon HD 3400 Series
NIC: Broadcom NetLink (TM) Gigabit Ethernet
OS: Windows 7 Professional Service Pack 1 64bit
Windows Experience Index: 4.0 (The lowest component is graphics.)
DirectX 10
If you need more information on my current rig in order to make a justified decision, just let me know!
Typical Games Include (Past, Present, & Future):
Battle for Middle-Earth 1 & 2
Starcraft 1 & 2
Diablo 3
World of Warcraft
Demigod
All Dawn of War games
Warhammer 40K
Rift
Heroes of Newerth
League of Legends
All Command & Conquer games
Crysis 1 & 2
(My roots are embedded in RTS and RPG)
There's the general idea of the types of games I play. My most played currently is Heroes of Newerth, however, I have to play that game on all low settings in order for it to run without lag. My computer is actually under the minimum system requirements for Diablo 3, and as such, my FPS never exceeds 20 on that game with an average of 15. I refuse to play a game, however fun, if it lags.
Now, I do not have to play these games on high settings. It would be nice, but remember that I am looking for the most cost-effective route. Medium-High graphics settings would be ideal. I am currently playing majority of my games on low and it would be nice to get away from the bland textures and such.
With all of this being said, my budget varies depending on the path chosen. If I upgrade my current computer, the max I will invest is $300, however, I prefer it to be around $200. I have not determined what my budget is for buying a new computer, but I really would not like to go over $1000 (before taxes). A new computer would definitely be a desktop, hands down. If I were to build my own, I have no idea what my budget would be. I haven't sat down and figured out that part yet.
I thank you all for taking the time to read my post, understanding my situation, and giving your advice. If you need anymore information, do not hesitate to ask. If you're stuck between two or more sets of advice to give, give them all! I have plenty of time. I would love to read opinions of two different people especially if their opinions contradict each other.
