Motherboard and processor query from inexperienced computer builder.

KoRnyKenneth · 6 Feb 2011 at 19:09

Hey everyone, I'm just looking for some help. I haven't touched the inside of a computer in a long time so forgive me if I don't make a lot of sense.

I used to have an old PC that ran most of the at the time games pretty well a few years ago. Unfortunately the motherboard died out and rather than buy a new one I bought a laptop for use in my University course of Gameplay Design and Production.

However, I'm now in need of a computer that runs games (Unreal Tournament 3's recommended requirements which can be seen below).

http://unreal.freakygaming.com/pc/action/unreal_tournament_3/system_requirements.html

I still have the graphics card HISX800 Series PCIe Graphics Card and 2 sticks of 2GB DDR RAM. My biggest problem is I'm clueless when it comes to which motherboard or processor to go for. If anyone could list which motherboard and processor would be best I'd be very very appreciative.

As long as it runs Unreal 3 I'll be happy, however if I had components that could run new games such as Dawn of War 2 (requirements below) I'd be pretty pleased. I assumed that the graphics card and RAM might be ok, but it's the processor which I need to look at.

http://www.game-debate.com/games/index.php?g_id=1185&game=Dawn of War 2 - Retribution

Thanks for reading and I'd be thankful for any help.

KoRnyKenneth · 6 Feb 2011 at 19:23

No budget really, but the cheaper the better. Not looking for top of the line.

Like I said, if it runs the minimum requirements of Unreal Tournament 3 then I'll be happy. Anything more is just a bonus.

As I said I'm not that experienced in motherboards so I wouldn't even know how much a decent one would cost.

KoRnyKenneth · 6 Feb 2011 at 19:26

Bah, that sounds expensive. Still, I'm a student so I suppose I could apply for more money if I need to.

If easier to just buy all new components, what would you guys suggest?

KoRnyKenneth · 6 Feb 2011 at 19:27

Just seen that list from RJC.

Thanks for that, I'll have a look around. From the looks that should definitely run UT3. What about something like DoW2?

KoRnyKenneth · 6 Feb 2011 at 19:32

As I said before, cheap is good. But I'd say anything between £400 to approximately £800.

I mean, as a student I wanna save as much money as possible but I know that's kinda silly to say considering it looks like I'll be better off buying a whole new system worth of components.

KoRnyKenneth · 6 Feb 2011 at 19:33

RJC said:
It will run this fine, the GPU is very good

I made a slight mistake of missing a DVD drive, would you require windows?

I think I'm ok for the OS and I should have a DVD drive around here somewhere, if not then my Dad will.

KoRnyKenneth · 6 Feb 2011 at 19:48

Thanks for that revised list RJC.

That'd definitely run Unreal 3 I take it? What about DoW2? The expansion comes out soon and I miss my old PC gaming days so I'm pretty keen to get back into some PC gaming when I can. Sorry for all the questions, as said I'm pretty out of touch with computers these days.

Thanks for all the lists and suggestions people, much appreciated. I have a DVD drive around here and maybe some hard drives too. So that'd save me some money at least.

KoRnyKenneth · 6 Feb 2011 at 20:26

I have to pay for heating AND electric

Booooo! Still, I don't mind that. Bills need to be paid anyways. Whichever is gonna provide the best performance for the software I've listed and whichever will last the longest.

KoRnyKenneth · 6 Feb 2011 at 20:42

Cookeh said:
As much as I hate to say this, as I fear its stroking your e-peen, you are indeed correct!

I just found the whole of the original post pretty hilarious!

But I'm researching around for parts from that build suggested and it's looking pretty solid. Will have decided before the next few days if it's what I go for or not. Every day I'm not working is another days worth I need to work and catch up on