Comparison between 2 PCs

[italianpnoy112]

I'm currently looking at these two computer that can meet this game's requirements (Sims 2) with minimal or no lag.


Ram-256 MB or more (512 MB for Vista)
Graphics-
Card must have atleast 32 MB (64 MB for vista)
Ati Radeon 8500+ (9600+ for Vista)
Nvidia Geforce2 GTS+ (6200+ for Vista)


HP Pavilion A6600F(FK792AAR)$329.99

OS-Windows Vista Home Premium
Processor-Intel Pentium dual-core E2200(2.2GHz)
Memory-3GB DDR2 800
Hard Drive-320GB SATA 7200RPM
Optical Drive 1-SuperMulti DVD Burner with LightScribe Technology
Graphics-NVIDIA GeForce 7100 Graphics with TurboCache with 128MB dedicated graphics memory. Up to 1343MB Total Available Graphics Memory as allocated by Windows Vista

Or

Gateway GM5688E $379.98

OS-Windows XP Media Center Installed + COA
Processor-AMD Phenom™ 8400, 64-bit triple core processor

* Operates at 2.1 GHz
* 2 MB L3 cache
* 3600 MHz system bus

Memory-2GB 2048 MB DDR2, 667 MHz, (PC2-5300) dual channel memory
Hard Drive-320 GB, 7200 RPM, SATA II hard drive
Optical Drive-DVD±RW, 18X super multi-format dual layer drive
Graphics(customized)-Pny Geforce 8600gts 256mb Dual Dvi Video or Ati Radeon Hd3850 512mb Dual Dvi Pci-E

I'm pretty sure both are ok choices for the Sims 2 but I want to know which of the 2 is the best. Considering that it's only a few dollars of a difference and that I don't have much experience with Graphics cards I can't exactly make the accurate choice. And if you happen to stumble on a better deal, feel free to let me know

[64705]

I'd go with the Gateway computer just because of the superior video card. But I'd have picked the HP machine if the video cards were the same, plus I don't like the fact that the Gateway machine has XP Media Center (sic).

Do you have the option of upgrading the video card in the HP machine? The Geforce 7100 is probably a complete pile of faeces. You have to remember that The Sims 3 isn't too far from being released too!

[italianpnoy112]

Yeah I know ): but I'm probably not going to get it until all the expansion packs come out since I hate waiting for all of them. I think there's an option to upgrade the OS to Vista or better for the Gateway and for the HP machine I don't think there
s any other choice but I'll definitely look into it. If I don't find anything better I guess I'll just upgrade the OS and Ram.

Just curious but how well would Sims 3 work performance-wise on these two choices.

[64705]

Originally Posted by italianpnoy112

Just curious but how well would Sims 3 work performance-wise on these two choices.

I don't know how true this is but here's the system requirements I found:

XP (Service Pack 2)
Processor: Pentium IV 2.0 GHz / Athlon XP 2000+
Memory: 1 GB
Graphics: GeForce FX 5900 / Radeon 9500
Graphics: Ram 128 MB

Vista (Service Pack 1)
Processor: Pentium IV 2.4 GHz / Athlon XP 2400+
Memory: 1.5 GB
Graphics: GeForce FX 5900 / Radeon 9500
Graphics Ram: 128 MB
Source: The Sims 3 system requirements revealed

So the Geforce 7100 will run Sims 3, but it probably won't handle all the "eye candy" that's all. I'd still go with a better card if possible though.

[italianpnoy112]

I could probably do better with a graphics card.

I wasn't able to find an HP machine with a decent card around my price my range but I did find a better Gateway machine.

$379.98

OS-Windows XP Media Center Installed + COA
Processor-AMD Athlon 64 X2 6000+ processor

* Operates at 3.0GHz

Memory-3GB 3072 MB DDR2
Hard Drive-500GB, 7200 RPM, SATA II
Optical Drive-DVD ±RW, 18X super multi-format dual layer drive with Labelflash™ support
Graphics(customized)-Pny Geforce 8600gts 256mb Dual Dvi Video or Ati Radeon Hd3850 512mb Dual Dvi Pci-E

Now all I need to know is which Graphics card is better

[Richard_Rahl]

Originally Posted by italianpnoy112

I could probably do better with a graphics card.

I wasn't able to find an HP machine with a decent card around my price my range but I did find a better Gateway machine.

$379.98

OS-Windows XP Media Center Installed + COA
Processor-AMD Athlon 64 X2 6000+ processor

* Operates at 3.0GHz

Memory-3GB 3072 MB DDR2
Hard Drive-500GB, 7200 RPM, SATA II
Optical Drive-DVD ±RW, 18X super multi-format dual layer drive with Labelflash™ support
Graphics(customized)-Pny Geforce 8600gts 256mb Dual Dvi Video or Ati Radeon Hd3850 512mb Dual Dvi Pci-E

Now all I need to know is which Graphics card is better

I think the 3850 outperforms the GF 8600 GTS. BTW, make sure the card has a decent cooler.

[64705]

I agree with Richard_Rahl about the video card. Looks like a pretty good PC and will have no trouble running Sims 2 and 3 (when it gets released that is).

I will surely go with HP...