Computer Advice Needed

[Vienna70]

I am looking to buy a new desktop computer for gaming, but I'm unsure of a few things.

Due to limits on the budget, I find I can either afford a high spec processor (Intel i7), or a high spec graphics set up, but not both.

Also, if I put my dosh into the graphics option, is it a better choice to go for single high end card, or to go for two lower spec cards in a "crossfire configuration"

Any thoughts the 'techies' on here might offer will be gratefully accepted, as will any suggestions for suppliers to purchase from (I have used Mesh on two previous occasions, but am always willing try alternatives that have received good recommendations!)

I know someone is bound to sugest building my own, but that is not something I want to get into.

Hope someone can help!

 

[MadchesterCity]

Building your can work out more expensive

would recommend the single better quality card - better upgrade potential - but depends on what you are lookin at

 

[CheesySmoker]

whats your budget mate?

in terms of not wanting to build your own. buying a good basic package and then just adding new parts is always a good option

 

[Anonymous]

It's all about balance mate. It's no good going for one top end component if others are going to hold that one back.

A good compromise would be an overclocked i5 and something like a Radeon 4890. Should cope with everything you can throw at it.

 

[Vienna70]

whats your budget mate?

in terms of not wanting to build your own. buying a good basic package and then just adding new parts is always a good option

Thanks for the replies guys, and sorry about the delay replying, but my damn computer has decided to start crashing everytime I launch IE.

My budget is about £1250, but I may be able to stretch that to about £1500 if I think the system is worth it!

I have looked at some systems already, and see that Intel i7 based systems seem to cost a fair bit more than similar systems based on AMD Phenom IIs - Is the i7 that much quicker to justify the extra dough?

 

[Des]

Try Microdirect mate, they'll advise you what's best and sort it out for a reasonable price too. I have always used these and never had any issues at all.

 

[smudgedj]

whats your budget mate?

in terms of not wanting to build your own. buying a good basic package and then just adding new parts is always a good option

Thanks for the replies guys, and sorry about the delay replying, but my damn computer has decided to start crashing everytime I launch IE.

My budget is about £1250, but I may be able to stretch that to about £1500 if I think the system is worth it!

I have looked at some systems already, and see that Intel i7 based systems seem to cost a fair bit more than similar systems based on AMD Phenom IIs - Is the i7 that much quicker to justify the extra dough?

That's a lot of money! google custom build gaming machine and see what you can get.

 

[CheesySmoker]

Try Microdirect mate, they'll advise you what's best and sort it out for a reasonable price too. I have always used these and never had any issues at all.

yeah micro direct are very good at this sort of thing. also with a budget like that youll have yourself a supercomputer!

 

[CityBlueSid]

Alienware computers are pretty good for gaming, decent prices for what you get aswell, and with that budget you'll get a gooden' mate.