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PC vs Mac Mini
- Thread starter chv400
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plinden said:
One thing to keep in mind are that the Socket A sempr0ns, are eh, bad. They are simply remarked TBredB's (think 2400+ = 2Ghz, however Sempr0n socket A says its a "2800+"). For now, if you are even considering the Semprons, buy only the Socket 754--which are the Athlon64-based versions.
Well guys, gaming performance is really subjective. Having owned a gaming PC in the past, I know what "good performance" truly is, and UT2004 on the mini sure isn't it. It's just good enough to be playable, on the smaller levels. I've noticed a huge gap between small, indoor levels and the big Assault and Onslaught maps. I can up the settings a bit indoors, but if I try to do an Assault it chokes even with everything set to the absolute minimum (including 640x480 resolution, which makes it look like total crap).
The point is that if you want to game on a Mac, it's not the worst thing ever. You can game on a mini, if you want. But that's not what it's meant for. Don't make the mistake of buying a Mac specifically for games. If you know you're going to be gaming a lot, just bite the bullet and get a cheap, dedicated PC for that purpose. Or a console.
The point is that if you want to game on a Mac, it's not the worst thing ever. You can game on a mini, if you want. But that's not what it's meant for. Don't make the mistake of buying a Mac specifically for games. If you know you're going to be gaming a lot, just bite the bullet and get a cheap, dedicated PC for that purpose. Or a console.
And....
I've decided to go with an Intel CPU because it seems to have more software support and I've heard some nasty things about some companies not opimizing their code for AMD CPUs. I figure my B&W will be fine for me for the next year at which point IU'll probably get a laptop since I'll probably have a job by then. Also my fund took a slight dent since I'm also gettting a digital camera and memory card.
Here are the final specs of the comp I'll also be using Windows 2000 as the OS since my friend just got XP and no longer needs his 2000 CD. 2000 will still work right?
Intel® P4 2.53GHz (533 FSB) Box CPU W/ Motherboard
$139.99
http://shop3.outpost.com/product/4274384?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG
Rosewill 184-Pin 512MB DDR PC3200, Model RW400/512 - Retail
$34.99
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=20-223-009&depa=1
SAPPHIRE ATI RADEON 9600XT Video Card, 256MB DDR, 128-bit, DVI/TV-Out, 8X AGP -BULK -OEM
$138.00
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=14-102-335&depa=1
POWMAX Black ATX Mid tower Case with top Handle and 450W Power Supply, Model "CP8869-3" -RETAIL
$39.99
http://www.newegg.com/app/viewproductdesc.asp?description=11-145-058&DEPA=1
I Have an ATA 100 80 HD from Seagate and a DVD Rom Drive
Total 352.97 + Shipping
This is going to be the first computer i turley build so how smoothly can i expect the assembly to go like once I start instaling the OS(Windows 2000). Will it recognize all the hardware and stuff?
I've decided to go with an Intel CPU because it seems to have more software support and I've heard some nasty things about some companies not opimizing their code for AMD CPUs. I figure my B&W will be fine for me for the next year at which point IU'll probably get a laptop since I'll probably have a job by then. Also my fund took a slight dent since I'm also gettting a digital camera and memory card.
Here are the final specs of the comp I'll also be using Windows 2000 as the OS since my friend just got XP and no longer needs his 2000 CD. 2000 will still work right?
Intel® P4 2.53GHz (533 FSB) Box CPU W/ Motherboard
$139.99
http://shop3.outpost.com/product/4274384?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG
Rosewill 184-Pin 512MB DDR PC3200, Model RW400/512 - Retail
$34.99
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=20-223-009&depa=1
SAPPHIRE ATI RADEON 9600XT Video Card, 256MB DDR, 128-bit, DVI/TV-Out, 8X AGP -BULK -OEM
$138.00
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=14-102-335&depa=1
POWMAX Black ATX Mid tower Case with top Handle and 450W Power Supply, Model "CP8869-3" -RETAIL
$39.99
http://www.newegg.com/app/viewproductdesc.asp?description=11-145-058&DEPA=1
I Have an ATA 100 80 HD from Seagate and a DVD Rom Drive
Total 352.97 + Shipping
This is going to be the first computer i turley build so how smoothly can i expect the assembly to go like once I start instaling the OS(Windows 2000). Will it recognize all the hardware and stuff?
The stories of companies not optimizing their code for AMD processors are BS. Don't get Intel for that reason. The code might not be optimized, but that doesn't make all that much of a difference. And if you want a gaming PC, Athlon 64's eat the P4 alive for gaming. Or did you miss that memo?
I have a P4 in my computer, but only for cost and features of the components surrounding the CPU itself. In particular, the motherboard. I got the ABIT BH7, which is an awesome motherboard designed for overclocking and has a minimalistic feature set with everything I want - SATA, USB 2.0, no old technology junk like serial ports and the such, and the thing costs only $90. If I wanted a similar quality motherboard with SATA, I would have to pay about $130 for a motherboard if I got an AMD CPU.
That's an example of good reasoning behind buying a CPU. The CPUs are so close it doesn't really make a difference which CPU you go for, unless you're aiming for the high-end, in which case the Athlon FX eats any P4 alive.
Wich that said, I suggest you, for your own good, do research. That P4 2.53 GHz is a rip-off at $140. You can get Athlon's much faster than that for $50 less.
EDIT: oops, missed that it's a CPU/motherboard bundle. Still, check out that motherboard. It looks really cheap. It won't hold up to much, just so you're aware...
I have a P4 in my computer, but only for cost and features of the components surrounding the CPU itself. In particular, the motherboard. I got the ABIT BH7, which is an awesome motherboard designed for overclocking and has a minimalistic feature set with everything I want - SATA, USB 2.0, no old technology junk like serial ports and the such, and the thing costs only $90. If I wanted a similar quality motherboard with SATA, I would have to pay about $130 for a motherboard if I got an AMD CPU.
That's an example of good reasoning behind buying a CPU. The CPUs are so close it doesn't really make a difference which CPU you go for, unless you're aiming for the high-end, in which case the Athlon FX eats any P4 alive.
Wich that said, I suggest you, for your own good, do research. That P4 2.53 GHz is a rip-off at $140. You can get Athlon's much faster than that for $50 less.
EDIT: oops, missed that it's a CPU/motherboard bundle. Still, check out that motherboard. It looks really cheap. It won't hold up to much, just so you're aware...
hcuar said:
You're running in 1280x1024 (and me in 1024x768) which means you've got 524 288 more pixels on the screen, and you're running with max settings. Those differences alone could make such a difference.
However, you could very well be right and maybe I'm only running at around 25-30 FPS. But it sure feels faster than this if you ask me.
I'll try to think about testing the FPS tomorrow to get the exact numbers.
Any way for us to get the exact same numbers from the demo version? (is there a command for such a test that involves some automated playback on a specific map/path/etc - unless that's the very command you gave me, of course?)
chv400 said:
I suggest you go to http://www.pcmech.com/build.htm, which has a forum devoted to PC building. Someone there could give you advice. Also look at the guides on www.anandtech.com
mini vs. PC:
slower but better
Pretty much sums it up. I am going from a 3.2GHz P4 to the mini. Why? The mini is quiet, small, cute and energy efficient.
New P4 systems with a decent video card need 400 watt PSUs. That is nuts!
The only drawback is games - with two PS2s and a PSP I think I have that covered now.
slower but better
Pretty much sums it up. I am going from a 3.2GHz P4 to the mini. Why? The mini is quiet, small, cute and energy efficient.
New P4 systems with a decent video card need 400 watt PSUs. That is nuts!
The only drawback is games - with two PS2s and a PSP I think I have that covered now.
well, good luck with the P4 and that motherboard... You're very likely going to get what you paid for (eg. very little). Don't say Mav451 and I didn't warn you about that motherboard, there's a reason it's so cheap.
avoid the consoles (esp/Xbox)
Got an Xbox, and games very dated, hard-drive cache error making them unplayable, and telephone support non-existent- gave it away! Maybe new playstation worthwhile....
Mac for productive work without the crashes and viruses.
PC for cheap (quality), yet great game range and price. Crashing less vital unless a "pro"gamer (if such thing exists )/
Good lcuk!
Got an Xbox, and games very dated, hard-drive cache error making them unplayable, and telephone support non-existent- gave it away! Maybe new playstation worthwhile....
Mac for productive work without the crashes and viruses.
PC for cheap (quality), yet great game range and price. Crashing less vital unless a "pro"gamer (if such thing exists
)/Good lcuk!
plinden said:
That is one heckuva outdated PC building "guide". He mentions DOS more than once in there, in addition to a CD "driver". I've put together 4 XP boxes over the past 2 years and not once did it involve a CD-ROM "driver".
And personally--I'd rather find a guy locally who could help. Going by any random website is never gonna be as good as having someone there (in person) to help you. And since PC building is nearly 100% hands-on (either you've done it before or you haven't). There's nothing in between, so as your Math teacher always told you "its not a spectator sport."