is this computer good enough for sse?

Welcome, Guest. Please login or register.

[Captain Calmac]

Hi

Im thinking about buying a "COMPAQ Presario SG3110uk-m Desktop PC" from Dixons. I know it is a little below the specs, but will it work, even if it is slightly slower.

 

[Mr Robville]

any more detailed specs? CPU, RAM and graphics for example 

[Denis]

Hi,
If you're talking about this :
http://www.dixons.co.uk/gbuk/compaq-presario-sg3110uk-m-desktop-pc-with-20-monitor-06318503-pdt.html

I'm afraid it's not just "a little" below the specs, as :

1. it doesn't even have a true 3D graphics card. (correct me if I'm wrong, but the ATI mobility HD3000  - which is made for laptops - doesn't offer 3D acceleration, it's more about multimedia and HD videos),
2. it probably has no dedicated memory for display, which means the display memory is taken from the main RAM of the computer,
3. It doesn't have enough memory (minimal requirements for windows seven is 3gb, this computers only has 2gb and a not negligeable amount of this ram will be used for display ...)

I'm very sorry to say that I'm pretty sure this computer won't be able to run SS Extremes correctly, and I believe it won't be able to run it at all ... And it probably won't run other modern 3D games neither.

You can find the minimum requirements for Ship Sim Extremes here :
http://www.shipsim.com/products/shipsimulatorextremes

[Captain Calmac]

what kind of computer (not just for gaming) would be suitable, even if it is say £100-£200 dearer?

[metman]

Hi Captain Calmac

Back in the days of yore I was told by a wizard on things computer that if considering getting a computer to get the biggest, fastest - ie RAM, video card etc - computer that you can afford!!  That piece of advice has never let me down - cross everything of course!!  Following that piece advice means that your new pc should last 2 or 3 years before it really needs upgrading again.

Best of luck

Metman

[Captain Calmac]

Hi Captain Calmac

Back in the days of yore I was told by a wizard on things computer that if considering getting a computer to get the biggest, fastest - ie RAM, video card etc - computer that you can afford!!  That piece of advice has never let me down - cross everything of course!!  Following that piece advice means that your new pc should last 2 or 3 years before it really needs upgrading again.

Best of luck

Metman

Thanks for the advice, but can you tell me what kind of computer is the best to go for that will run sse, because ive spent the last month or so looking for a computer, within my budget.

CC

[--tractorman--]

All can depend on your budget, if you have a lower budget you'll probably have to get one with an AMD processor with a not brilliant ATI graphics card.

The cheapest way around it is to build you own. Now I'm not saying just go buy this and and this, because some parts are more complex than they look. For example, there's me, I know my bit about computers, currently building one. Got some parts and I accidentally blew the power supply up...

Just having a quick browse, one of these might do the job, though it depends on how much you want to spend

http://www.dixons.co.uk/gbuk/advent-centurion-cpd1303-2036sa-20-widescreen-lcd-monitor-06852457-pdt.html#tab-tech-specs

http://www.dixons.co.uk/gbuk/dell-studio-xps-8100-650-04144013-pdt.html

[Mr Robville]

something to recommend is to buy a computer which is better then you desire, or else you need to buy a new computer in 2 years because your current one you would have bought is outdated for next-gen games.
and that spending you $200-$300 once in every few years.
so if you get ahead in time, it can save you a lot of money. (ofcourse you don't need to buy the state of the art computers)

[IRI5HJ4CK]

Hi Cpt Calmac,

A bit like what Mr Robville said here:

I'd do your best to save for as long as you can like I did. That way you can look with a good amount of money in your pocket.

The problem with computers now is that it seems to take a lot of cash to keep up with the fast pace of technology, so having that in mind I tried to go for the best that I could to last me for a long time. Although luckily my parents were willing to pay for half of it as a sort of (VERY) early Christmas present

Jack.

[metman]

HI, again

May I suggest that you buy the latest issue of PC Gamer magazine as they run a continuous feature on building your own 'gamer' PC with each bit of hardware costed at value for money and of course performance.  Not knowing how much you have to spend it may be worth the 3 or 4 quid of whatever it is to get a copy of the mag.

AND, before anyone passes comment, I do NOT work for PC Gamer, have never worked for PC Gamer and never will work for PC Gamer and I'm also not working for anyone who advertises in the mag either   I think I've covered all the bases.....!!!!

Regards

Metman

[Captain Calmac]

hi

Ive found this computer at PC word:

http://www.pcworld.co.uk/gbuk/hp-pavilion-slimline-s5508uk-m-desktop-pc-with-monitor-06318514-pdt.html (http://www.pcworld.co.uk/gbuk/hp-pavilion-slimline-s5508uk-m-desktop-pc-with-monitor-06318514-pdt.html)

Might buy office home and student and norton security as well

Here is the Technical details:

Processor:   AMD Athlonâ„¢ II X2 220 Processor
                          - 2.8 GHz
                          - 2 GHz HT
                          - 1 MB L2 Cache
Ram           3GB


Graphics card: Integrated NIVIDIA GeForce 6150 Graphics



Has anyone heard of this and will it run SSE?

CC

[vin_sun]

Graphics card: Integrated NIVIDIA GeForce 6150 Graphics[/b]


CC

Hi CC,

I quite doubt on board graphics (integrated ) will be suitable for SSE. The system requirements for SSE does make it mandatory to have a stand alone video graphics card. Please refer to the attached clipping.

I do understand your keenness to use SSE, but you certainly need at least a mid range PC to experience SSE in its true form.

Regards
vin_sun

[Captain Calmac]

how about a http://direct.tesco.com/q/R.209-4981.aspx (http://direct.tesco.com/q/R.209-4981.aspx)

I will also get a dell monitor, if it is a good computer to buy.

the speed is 2.93GHz and the graphics card is "NVIDIA® GeForce® G 310 512 MB"


CC

[vin_sun]

Hello CC,

I reckon that the Dell desktop you are considering will be good enough for SSE. That it has a stand alone graphics card of 512 MB it confirms to the requirements of SSE. I ran a check on the Net about the card and it is fairly good but below mid-range, and it will not affect SSE. Being a branded computer, I suppose Dell would have also fitted it with a good PSU (power supply unit) with the adequate wattage needed for the graphics card.

I understand that you will be buying a monitor separately. Please also include a pair of basic speakers in your budget.

Regards
vin_sun

[Captain Calmac]

I understand that you will be buying a monitor separately. Please also include a pair of basic speakers in your budget.

Regards
vin_sun

Yes I've already bought speakers (5 years ago)