Computer Help?

[Kimalda]

Im not entirly sure were this should go, but I feel this is the right place
Im trying to create a computer that would be good for school but at the same time be able to run games such as Eve online (http://www.eve-online.com/)
Being that im not very knowing in the computer area, i thought i could ask for some help on the subject.

[pcwizard]

Do you already have the pc?

The specs required aren't that high so you won't need a super fast machine.
If you are going to play online although it states 56k modem I'd advise using broadband.

You could pick up a second hand system for around £150 that would meet those specs.

What is it esactly that you'd like to know?

[Fed]

Minimal hardware:
CPU: PIII - 450 MHZ or higher
RAM Memory: 128MB (256MB for 2000/XP)
Hard Drive Capacity: 1 GB
Connection: 56k modem or faster

Operating System:
Win98 SE
Windows 2000
Millennium, WinXP
Please note that Windows 95 and NT are not supported.
DirectX 9.0 or later

Video cards:
GeForce 2 or better, ATI Radeon 7200 or better, Matrox Parhelia.
To check whether your card meets these requirements check with your card manufacturer:
NVIDIA GeForce cards
ATI cards
Matrox Parhelia

The minimum screen resolution for EVE is 1024x768.
Audio hardware must be Direct Sound compatible. For optimum performance, use latest drivers available.

Recommended system for optimal performance:
Processor: P4 1GHz+
RAM Memory: 256MB or higher
3D Accelerator: 64MB or higher video card

[Kimalda]

Im looking for a computer that can run games like Eve-Online, but i want to maintain resonably affordable and if possible, go 1 step higher than system requirments so i can have fun playing it
I have DSL i think that is good to play on the internet with.
The problem i have is when i look online for computers, i dont know what most of it means. Like: "CPU: PIII - 450 MHZ or higher" I have no clue what that means.
And i dont know how to identify what video or sound cards are better than the last, and/or what driver im suposed to get
To put it simply, I am lost at this point

[pcwizard]

My advice is to set a budget price for yourself.
Then look on places like ebay, ebid or local suppliers for that price range.

If you are buying systems today with XP installed then all but the graphics will most likely meet those requirements.

The PIII means Pentium 3 processor and the 450Mhz means the speed of the processor (most today are 1Ghz or higher, which is twice as fast as needed and higher).

If you check that the graphics card has 64MB or higher (and that it is a separate card and not built into the board - they will state this when advertising), the memory (RAM) is 256MB or higher and that the monitor can handle screen resolution of 1024x768 or higher then you will have no problems.

The hard drive of at least 1GB is nothing to worry about as XP alone needs 1.5GB, I'd be surprised if you found a system with less than 40GB!!

NVidia and Radeon are the two main competitors for graphics cards. It's personal choice which one you go for. What you need to look at is what games are you likely to WANT to play.
Check the websites for those manufacturers for their system requirements, as the most recent games need a *censored* of a lot of system power.

[Kimalda]

So if i get a Pentium 3 proccessor(or better if they have them) then ill be fine if it has xp.. i just need to get a better graphics card?

[merlin_2]

What does the school get out of it........or is this web junksite.....

[kimalda(1)]

what? what does this have to do with school? i said i need to use it FOR school.. that doesnt imply the school having any interaction of this

[Fed]

Don't mind Merlin, he's been here a long time & that sends people a little crazy.  

[kimalda(1)]

oh lol, but i never got an answer,
so if i just get a video card that is compatable, any computer iwht pentium 3 or up will do the trick?

[GX1_Man]

If you have a high speed internet connection AND don't want to play games, even a Pentium II 400 with 128 meg RAM and Win98 or Win2000 will do fine for Internet/Office, etc.

So a Pentium III would be even better and a good solution. If you are wanting a gaming machine you will spend $$$$$. If you want a steady workhorse, you can be set for < $100. Send me a PM for more details. I use and service them all the time. Much less problems than "bleeding edge" systems - quiet and cooler too!

[GX1_Man]

If you have a high speed internet connection AND don't want to play games, even a Pentium II 400 with 128 meg RAM and Win98 or Win2000 will do fine for Internet/Office, etc.

So a Pentium III would be even better and a good solution. If you are wanting a gaming machine you will spend $$$$$. If you want a steady workhorse, you can be set for < $100. Send me a PM for more details. I use and service them all the time. Much less problems than "bleeding edge" systems - quiet and cooler too!

[Fed]

Im trying to create a computer that would be good for school but at the same time be able to run games such as Eve online (http://www.eve-online.com/)

Recommended system for optimal performance:
Processor: P4 1GHz+
RAM Memory: 256MB or higher
3D Accelerator: 64MB or higher video card

This will also do your schoolwork for you.  

[Kimalda]

The question is now... is it affordable? :-/

[Fed]

If you have no money then 'no'.

Remember this is a worldwide forum so 'is it affordable' doesn't mean much here.

For all we know you may live in a cardboard box.

[kimalda(1)]

heh, i  dont want to spend more than like 1200 on it... being that my parents might be helping me pay for it.

does that help define my version of affordable?

[Michael]

USD1200?
I think there shall be no problem.

[Kimalda]

yea, usd, but if you say theres no problem, then now all i have to do is find somewhere where i can get a computer like that...
/me goes to google to find a customizable computer store....