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#1 wonk123

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Posted 16 January 2014 - 09:17

Hi Guys, I am wanting to start with a few racing sims, the kid next door has a pc that is a few years old, very cheap. I am wanting to know if it will play most of the recent games ok.

It is

Motherboard - ASUS m5a78l-mlx
Power supply- Cooler Power 550w
Cpu - AMD Athlon 2 x2

Graphics card - XFX Radeon HD 5670
Memory Kingston technology 4gb

BenQ gaming monitor

 

 

I will need to buy a wheel, but I told him I would let him know tomorrow. If it won't play decent sims, I will  keep the cash and buy something better in a few months

 

Thanks



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#2 mahelgel

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Posted 16 January 2014 - 11:01

I would think that both the CPU and the GFXcard are a bit weak when it comes to the newst games/sims.

 

I feel that a high frame rate, ensuring smooth gameplay, is very important in racing games, to be abel enjoy the experience properly. In that regard i do fear that titles like Iracing, Assetto Corsa and the likes will stuggle to give such a smooth experience on that hardware. It would be good if you had a chance to see it run some games if possible...

 

If price matters (it usually does), it will of course cost quite a bit to build a new "gaming system" from scratch, so that will be a factor to consider.

 



#3 HP

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Posted 16 January 2014 - 11:19

The mainboard is said to have throttling issues, if you have a 125w CPU. So check that out. If it get's very hot very you live, then you need to be aware that this mainboard supports only one chassis fan. (you can add more but they are not controlled, so it gets noisier)

 

This can be an issue especially when you want to play your games with really good video and audio quality.

 

Might be worth to find out what games your neighboor used it with, so you can get a feel what the machine is capable off.

 

However my general experience is that I really start and enjoying playing new games only after I got a new PC, as only then I could max out my gaming experience, without paying way to much for hardware.



#4 Buttoneer

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Posted 16 January 2014 - 12:12

That's a four year old GPU.  Personally, I would go for an old gen console (PS3 or XBox 360) which people are selling off in droves because of the new stuff, but obviously it depends on what games you want to play.

 

The 5670 is just a bit too far behind the curve to be worthwhile for recent PC games.

 

Best thing is to check what GPU your games require not as a minimum but recommended, and check against this rough hierarchy on Toms Hardware.  http://www.tomshardw...iew,3107-7.html

 

If the recommended GPU is in a line above the 5670 then don't bother with your neighbours PC.



#5 nugat

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Posted 16 January 2014 - 12:27

Unless you're on a real budget I'd say save your money and buy something better.

 

It will play current racing sims but to keep the frame rate at an acceptable level you'd have to lower the graphical fidelity. You might find it starts to struggle with the newest games like Assetto Corsa.

 

You'll get a better experience with todays hardware and a new system will give you a much better upgrade path in the future. For example the motherboard you mention (m5a78l-mlx) doesn't support PCI Express 3.0. So even if you chuck in a new graphics card you wont be getting the best performance out of it. Also modern AMD CPUs are sadly lacking in performance compared to Intel chips.

 

If it tides you over and gets you playing then you may decide it's worth it, but expect to have to build a new system again from scratch in a year or two, unless you're content to carry on playing the older games :yawnface:



#6 wonk123

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Posted 16 January 2014 - 12:38

Thanks guys. Great information. I think I will wait a month and get a decent system



#7 mahelgel

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Posted 16 January 2014 - 14:31

Buying a new one is probably the way to go, as long as the budget allows it :) I bought my current "gaming computer" just over a year ago, and it is the last generation intel i7 (i7-3770k), and a nvidia 680 gfxcard, and although it was expensive at the time, it is a pretty good setup that i feel will last me some time yet, and i would say it was money well spent.

 

My previous rig started life out as an amd 955be (4 cores), then was upgraded to a 1100t (6cores) and then overclocked (from 3.2ghz to 3.8ghz) on all cores with different other upgrades (2 different gfx cards, all midrange in price, better cpu cooler, more ram, SSD etc) and during its lifetime it never felt that superfast in games. My conclution was that starting with a "mid range" system is cheaper, but during its lifetime you end up trying to better it with upgrades and the cost over time isn't that much different from buying a "top end" computer to start with... atleast in my experience :)



#8 Buttoneer

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Posted 16 January 2014 - 17:15

I have an i5-2500K overclocked paired with a Radeon 7890.  It will play everything I have thrown at it so far in full HD although since so many games start as console ports it's possible that they have never really pushed the hardware and the new gen games will be interesting to see.

 

Today you can buy a technically superior i7 based Alienware base unit with a Ti760 GPU for £600 new.  That will certainly play the same gmes mine does.



#9 HP

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Posted 17 January 2014 - 00:54

That's a four year old GPU.  Personally, I would go for an old gen console (PS3 or XBox 360) which people are selling off in droves because of the new stuff, but obviously it depends on what games you want to play.

 

The 5670 is just a bit too far behind the curve to be worthwhile for recent PC games.

 

Best thing is to check what GPU your games require not as a minimum but recommended, and check against this rough hierarchy on Toms Hardware.  http://www.tomshardw...iew,3107-7.html

 

If the recommended GPU is in a line above the 5670 then don't bother with your neighbours PC.

Well, I recently had to do away with a really good graphics card, The rest of the PC couldn't handle it.. So just checking the GPU requiredments isn't always enough.

 

I'm not so sure about going for an old console is a good idea either. My kids have an XBox 360. The difference in graphic quality is quite large (We have in a few instances direct comparison between the same game), PC wins hands down. Also since I bought the concole for the kids, they updated the XBox software quite a few times, It seems to us every time they improve the interface, the system gets a bit more sluggish, Especially in recent times when they were preparing for the new console.



#10 HP

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Posted 17 January 2014 - 01:01

Maybe it's also worth to mention that NVidia just came out with G-Sync. That sound exactly what one needs for games that need quick reflexes. The downside is that it also requires a new monitor, and is therefore expensive at the time.



#11 baddog

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Posted 17 January 2014 - 10:14

Yeah that Graphics card was not good when released 4 years ago and the processor was decent 5 years ago. now a total waste of time really.. You are doing the right thing, a great PC can  be put together on a budget so please feel free to ask for suggestions at the time.



#12 Buttoneer

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Posted 17 January 2014 - 15:42

Well, I recently had to do away with a really good graphics card, The rest of the PC couldn't handle it.. So just checking the GPU requiredments isn't always enough.

 

I'm not so sure about going for an old console is a good idea either. My kids have an XBox 360. The difference in graphic quality is quite large (We have in a few instances direct comparison between the same game), PC wins hands down. Also since I bought the concole for the kids, they updated the XBox software quite a few times, It seems to us every time they improve the interface, the system gets a bit more sluggish, Especially in recent times when they were preparing for the new console.

The thing with consoles is that they will just work, and you will be able to play games that look exactly how they were designed to.  No compromise on graphic or sound quality to fit with the exact feature set of your particular CPU/GPU combo.  Stick the disc in, and away you go.  Some poeple just don't want to fiddle with settings and drivers in order to make things playable.

 

It really all depends on the type of game you want to play.



#13 noikeee

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Posted 18 January 2014 - 13:01

He talked about "decent sims", at the moment there's not much choice there for the consoles... on the PC you have iRacing, Assetto Corsa, the rFactor's, etc, none of that's available for the PS3 or the XBox. Unless by decent sim he means the Codemasters F1 games or the Forzas and Gran Turismos.

 

Otherwise yeah if you don't want to get technical consoles will simplify things a hell of a lot for you.



#14 HP

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Posted 18 January 2014 - 13:14

The thing with consoles is that they will just work, and you will be able to play games that look exactly how they were designed to.  No compromise on graphic or sound quality to fit with the exact feature set of your particular CPU/GPU combo.  Stick the disc in, and away you go.  Some poeple just don't want to fiddle with settings and drivers in order to make things playable.

 

It really all depends on the type of game you want to play.

If they look exactly how they were designed to, why for example does look any game that have been developed for a console, and later brought to the PC (Assassins Creed probably the best known example) then in every case I've seen so far, much better on the PC? Or just look to the scores of Skyrim console players that can not finish certain quests because of bugs, that a PC player can fix with an in-game console command. Or even install mods, that enhance the game or fixed these bugs Bethesda won't fix anymore, or do some other things that one can do using the in-game console. A console user can't do at all.

 

A console is not my idea of games that just work. Because of game publisher demands many games are delivered with short comings. I mean buy a game and  to be able to use it one has to install a patch that's been released on the same day as the game itself. That last one applies to PC too, but on a PC there is always a community that fixes things developers don't fix and usually makes those fixes available to other players as well. The developers often don't fix things because the publisher has assigned the team for another title or some other reason, With a console one is commonly stuck. For me that sucks.



#15 Buttoneer

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Posted 20 January 2014 - 19:43

If they look exactly how they were designed to, why for example does look any game that have been developed for a console, and later brought to the PC (Assassins Creed probably the best known example) then in every case I've seen so far, much better on the PC? Or just look to the scores of Skyrim console players that can not finish certain quests because of bugs, that a PC player can fix with an in-game console command. Or even install mods, that enhance the game or fixed these bugs Bethesda won't fix anymore, or do some other things that one can do using the in-game console. A console user can't do at all.

 

A console is not my idea of games that just work. Because of game publisher demands many games are delivered with short comings. I mean buy a game and  to be able to use it one has to install a patch that's been released on the same day as the game itself. That last one applies to PC too, but on a PC there is always a community that fixes things developers don't fix and usually makes those fixes available to other players as well. The developers often don't fix things because the publisher has assigned the team for another title or some other reason, With a console one is commonly stuck. For me that sucks.

I don't think you've understood my point, or maybe I didn't make it clear enough.  If I play a game on my XBox, I know that it will look exactly how it should look.  I can play it on another XBox and it will look exactly the same with no compromise.  Same for PS3.  If I play a game on my PC I could be running a lower resolution, or reduced shadow detail, or smaller textures or better lighting effects etc etc all adjusted to ensure that you get a decent playable framerate.  It's difficult to see what compromises you are making, only that you are having to make them.

 

Certainly he would need to make compromises with the setup in the OP.



#16 Jejking

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Posted 27 January 2014 - 22:10

Hi Guys, I am wanting to start with a few racing sims, the kid next door has a pc that is a few years old, very cheap. I am wanting to know if it will play most of the recent games ok.

It is

Motherboard - ASUS m5a78l-mlx
Power supply- Cooler Power 550w
Cpu - AMD Athlon 2 x2

Graphics card - XFX Radeon HD 5670
Memory Kingston technology 4gb

BenQ gaming monitor

 

 

I will need to buy a wheel, but I told him I would let him know tomorrow. If it won't play decent sims, I will  keep the cash and buy something better in a few months

 

Thanks

Can I send you a direct message, or can you send one to me? I think I have an idea to help you out!



#17 baddog

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Posted 27 January 2014 - 23:41

I fail to see how talking about consoles is on-topic here.

 

Im always available for specific recommendations on PC hardware.. please ask before buying stuff as you can avoid an expensive waste!



#18 SPBHM

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Posted 28 January 2014 - 07:21

how much is " very cheap"?

 

this PC is a little outdated, like a good mid/low cost 2010 gaming machine

 

it can run many current games decently, it should be acceptable to start at sim racing, Iracing should work fine without pushing details to much, 

 

but if you can, buy a more modern PC,

 

now consoles... they have great games and are less problematic, but far from the ideal platform for sim racing, you basically have GT and Forza, and these games are nothing like current PC racing sims, also... 360 and PS3 are pretty outdated, a multi platform game like F1 2013 will look and play better on that AthlonII X2 + 5670 than the ps3/360 version

 



#19 karlth

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Posted 01 February 2014 - 12:44

I fail to see how talking about consoles is on-topic here.

 

Im always available for specific recommendations on PC hardware.. please ask before buying stuff as you can avoid an expensive waste!

 

Quiet but very powerful PC for both gaming and development work.  What would be a good configuration?



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#20 baddog

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Posted 02 February 2014 - 02:49

I just put together the following for myself. it is completely silent at all times and runs very nicely..

 

Case: coolermaster silencio 650 (hence the silence)

Motherboard: ASRock Z87 PRO4

CPU: Intel  i5-4670K (sweet spot for performance/dollar)

Memory: G.SKILL Sniper 8GB DDR3 2133MHz

GPU: Used my existing geforce 660

System drive: samsung ssd

hard drive 1TB wb black



#21 The Kanisteri

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Posted 02 February 2014 - 11:08

Baddog,

I'd be curious to know how much you paid for it?



#22 karlth

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Posted 02 February 2014 - 12:42

I just put together the following for myself. it is completely silent at all times and runs very nicely..

 

Case: coolermaster silencio 650 (hence the silence)

Motherboard: ASRock Z87 PRO4

CPU: Intel  i5-4670K (sweet spot for performance/dollar)

Memory: G.SKILL Sniper 8GB DDR3 2133MHz

GPU: Used my existing geforce 660

System drive: samsung ssd

hard drive 1TB wb black

 

Interesting case.  Any dust buildup or temperature problems?



#23 SPBHM

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Posted 02 February 2014 - 20:57

I just put together the following for myself. it is completely silent at all times and runs very nicely..

 

Case: coolermaster silencio 650 (hence the silence)

Motherboard: ASRock Z87 PRO4

CPU: Intel  i5-4670K (sweet spot for performance/dollar)

Memory: G.SKILL Sniper 8GB DDR3 2133MHz

GPU: Used my existing geforce 660

System drive: samsung ssd

hard drive 1TB wb black

 

very well put together PC, performance should be really high,

 

just a few observations,

this PC could easily work well with a decent quality 430W PSU from corsair,

if the user have no interest in overclocking it's possible to use a cheaper MB without loosing performance* (based on H81/B85/H87) or essential features.

also can get the non K CPU, the 4570 look like a very well balanced choice for people with no interest in OC, also if there is a price difference between memory speed, as long as your are not using integrated graphics using DDR3 1600 or 2133 is not going to make a significant difference,

 

*with H81 you are forced to PCIE 2.0 mode for the VGA, which in reality is not going to change anything in a visible way, also you have less sata/usb ports, less options for PCIE usage and multiple VGAs, and other differences in terms of RAID operation and such, but for most users all of this is not really necessary. 

 

(not being negative about your build, it's VERY GOOD, just mentioning some possibilities of saving some money, since I love this game of building PCs with a low budget and reading about the new parts and technology)

 

let me mention some combinations of CPU and MB I find specially awesome in terms performance per money invested for gaming and typical usage if you think the i5 price is to high:

i3 4130 + H81 motherboard

and Athlon X4 760K + A75 FM2 board.


Edited by SPBHM, 02 February 2014 - 20:59.


#24 baddog

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Posted 02 February 2014 - 21:19

No problems with temp yet, and dust should be minimal because the case is pretty well closed. Only had it a month though!

 

PSU is a corsair 550W, would only need more if I was going for a big graphics card which I didnt want to spend more money on at this point.

 

The MB/CPU combo I bought precisely to allow overclocking. As you say spbhm if you definitely wont tune it then you can save a bit there. I think 2133 ram is worth the trivial extra expense though.

 

In new zealand dollars (and noting that stuff is cheaper in the US/UK or wherever) I spent about 1000 dollars on everything except the graphics card and ssd which I already had