Help setting up new computer for SH5 .
 

Am i better of buying a INTEL CORE 2 DUO E8500 3.16Ghz 6m CACHE 1333FSB LGA 775
or a INTEL CORE 2 QUAD Q9400 QUAD CORE 2.66Ghz 6MB CACHE Total 1333FSB LGA 775

Always the QUAD, my friend... always!

:up:

It entirely depends on whether or not the game is optimised for quad core processors. If it's not you'd be better off with a dual core, since the game might only use two of your four cores, leaving the other two idle.

e: post from the sys req thread:

The game will most likely use all 4 cores.

Plus, he'll be doing other stuff in the computer aswell.

Nobody buys a new pc just to play 1 game.

But yes, a dual core will do, without a sweat.

But since Quads cost the same price, why not?

well both of those are $180 and i was looking at them too but decided to go with the Intel Core 2 Quad Q9550 Yorkfield 2.83GHz 12MB L2 Cache LGA 775 95W Quad for $255 because i really felt the 12mb cache was worth the extra $75 but i do a lot of multitasking where the quad helps out.

if your only concern is gaming i think the popular choice there would be the dual core even thou i would always buy the quad if there was no price difference. i have just never been sufficiently convinced the dual core is faster then the quad, at least not enough for me to give up the computer side where the quad IS faster then the dual core.

plus its so damn hard to future proof computers why buy older tech?

Exactly what I had in mind to say! :up:

True, I'll be setting mine up with a view to getting the most out of SH:V, like I set the previous one up to take Doom 3 - then using it as and how best I can for the years to come!

Ok quadcore then . Do i really need DDR3 memory . I am trying to keep the cost under $1000 aus . I need everything .

the memory is often dictated by the motherboard you use so choose your motherboard first and that gives you the memory your limited to.

some only use ddr2 some use ddr2 and ddr3 and some only use ddr3

No, you don't need DDR3, unless of course the CPU you choose requires it (i7, i5, and PII). The real world benefit is not huge, though DDR3 has come down in price recently.

ddr 3 wont make any noticable difference over ddr2 but choose your motherboard first because more than likely it will determine what the type of memory you decide to use.

some mobo use ddr2 only, some use either ddr2 or ddr3, and some are only for ddr3 so the motherboard might make your choice for you.

NOTE - your ram will be faster if you never fill all the slots if you can avoid it so go with larger sized "sets" rather than more smaller sized sticks

assuming you already have a case i suggest you choose your hardware in this order:

1 cpu
2 motherboard (find one thats for your cpu and then you can choose one to use the ram you prefere "if" you have a choice there)
3 ram (ddr2 or ddr3 doesnt matter as long as its a brand with good reviews)
4 hdd (go with at least 16mb cache)
5 video card (i always buy whatever was last years "great" card to save money)
6 psu (choose this last since power demand is based on the whole package but 600-800 watts is all you really need)

hi sober, good thread, valid points from all, pick from them as you may, all helps. (Option 1) the e8400 cpu is the 3rd fastest stock core 2 duo, but is best overclocker in duo range, great cpu. add cpu cooler, 4 gig ddr 2 corsair dom 1066 mhz u got a fast one provide mobo supports fsb speeds, appropriate psu vid card etc, and thats the old way good for 2 more years. (Option 2) As for quad rigs this is a mid for speed and multi tasking, cpu runs cooler, wont beat 1st opt for speed on single core games.( Option 3) i7 nehalem, no fsb replaced by QPI, Tri chan onboard memory controler, lower latency, optimum bandwidth, 6 slots of ram, HT, and to counter the quote above TB tech thus powering down inactive cores, and redirecting power to the active ones. new way, but very costly. as for the ram ddr3 more to offer but must be supported, ddr2 still fast with lower latencies. entirely individual pref, how long, what for, looking ahead, reliabilty, cost etc etc good luck its a hard choice. having said that for sh5 option 1 would be plenty, but for how long? :hmmm:

thanks , i am hoping when nividia bring out the 300 series cards the 200 series will drop a lot . A good mobo here is about $150aus dollars .

Thomsen
Nobody buys a new pc just to play 1 game.


My old laptop could barely play sh3. I bought a new one just to play it.
Have not bought a console game or any other game except sh4 since.
That was a year ago. I know it was dumb, but man was it worth it.

belive it or not, on my desktop i only play 3, flight sim x, empire total war, and sh4 v1.5 with fotrs mod. albeit with the additional add on. I dont even use the net, thats what my laptop is for, and usb stick for downloads. try to keep my desktop for my games only. linked it up twice i belive to steam, to activate and upgrade empire total war, and various windows updates. It would not suprise me in the least if someone does just play sh5, it would be the love of the sim, how much they love the sub enviroment, and usally would have played previous silent hunter series. perhaps always wished to join navy and were rejected. numerous reasons, may sound crazy to one is anothers desire.

I purchased my current rig specifically for SH4 :03: My wife did get me COD though. I do play that when I feel some pixel guy needs to be fragged. :D Other than that I play SH4 as planned.