Looking to buy a new PC ~ Quick question...

I have basically decided what I will be getting when/if I buy a new PC in the next month or two. Can post the specs if you like...

However, I was wondering what is the better choice; 4GB of ram and a 256MB video card, or 2GB of ram and a 512MB card? In the end the PC would cost the same, just wondering what would be the better bet considering I only upgrade my PCs every 4-5 years.

Thanks!

Jam it back in, in the dark.

In my opinion, I'd rather have 2GB of RAM and the 512MB video card. Most users won't take advantage of 4GB of RAM. By looking at high end video cards, I'd assume you'll be using your machine for a lot of gaming, in which case you'd definitely be seeing immediate benefits from the video card as opposed to the memory. Memory upgrades down the road are also usually quite cheap and easy as opposed to decoding the convoluted models that ATi and nVidia come out with not too mention their painful pricing.

There's nowhere I can't reach.

Better off getting 2 x 1 GB RAM and run in dual channel, with a 512mb video card.

This thing is sticky, and I don't like it. I don't appreciate it.

Agreed with the other guys ^^^^^^^^

Basically 4GB ram is unneeded unless 1) video editing, 2) running no virtual memory with intensive applications, 3) running crazy CAD or other high-end software for which a business should provide the computer.

How ya doing, buddy?

Thanks for the input...

Was just wondering since I have to wonder when the game companies will start requiring more than 2GB to run the games. For some reason I get the feeling it's sooner than we would like.

BTW, anyone know what AGEIA® PhysX® is for? It seems to be for making the games look even better, but for $300 and games needing to be made to use it, well, is it worth the cost?

I was speaking idiomatically.

I'd have to say, the PhysX chip, in its current state, is relatively unneeded as not TOO many games take advantage of it. It's defintely not worth it at $300. Or at least in my opinion. Generally, if you have a high end card, you most likely won't notice the difference.

What kind of toxic man-thing is happening now?

Read her for thought out opinions and facts on PhysX...

http://enthusiast.hardocp.com/articl...hlbnRodXNpYXN0

FELIPE NO

Thanks, wasn't planning on getting the PhysX card. But at least now I am happy to know I made the right decision.

EDIT: Just ordered the PC tonight. It's from Dell if anyone cares to know. Love them myself, since all of the PCs I have used have been theirs, and without a single problem in the almost 10 years I have been using them. Knock on wood...

Anyway, here's the specs, did I choose wisely?

XPS 400: Pentium® D Processor 940 with Dual Core Technology (3.20GHz, 800FSB)
Operating System: Genuine Windows® XP Media Center Edition 2005 (Windows Vista™ Capable)
Memory: 2GB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 533MHz- 2DIMMs
Keyboard: Dell USB Keyboard
Monitor: 19 inch E196FP Analog Flat Panel
Video Card: 512MB ATI Radeon X1900 XTX
Hard Drive: 320GB Serial ATA 3Gb/s Hard Drive (7200RPM) w/ 16MB cache
Network Interface: Integrated 10/100/1000 Ethernet
Modem: 56K PCI Data Fax Modem
CD/DVD Drive: 16x DVD-ROM Drive + 16x DVD+/-RW w/dbl layer write capability
Sound Card: Sound Blaster® X-Fi™ XtremeMusic (D), w/Dolby® Digital 5.1
Speakers: Dell 5650 5.1 100 Watt Surround Sound Speaker System with Subwoofer

Seems like a good deal, with free shipping at $2500 + Tax...

What, you don't want my bikini-clad body?

BTW, anyone use those Dell speakers and can offer advice on speaker placement. I have nowhere behind me to put the rear speakers...

Thinking about looking into some speaker stands to put to the side at least.

Jam it back in, in the dark.

Originally Posted by sabbey

Thanks for the input...

Was just wondering since I have to wonder when the game companies will start requiring more than 2GB to run the games. For some reason I get the feeling it's sooner than we would like.

BTW, anyone know what AGEIA® PhysX® is for? It seems to be for making the games look even better, but for $300 and games needing to be made to use it, well, is it worth the cost?

No single application will require that for a long while. They'd be hurting themselves as Vista is already planning on everyone channeling the sun's collective energy to run the OS alone.

There's nowhere I can't reach.

Oh well, at least I can upgrade those from two 1GB sticks to two 2GB ones eventually. Hopefully not too soon however.

This thing is sticky, and I don't like it. I don't appreciate it.

Speakers...

There are 2 manufacturs (sp?) that are the main computer speakers to buy. Klipsch or Logitech.

I have a set of logitech 4.1 500watt speakers that I bought for $140, and they are honestly one of the best buys I have ever made. Have them cranked loud right now and they are beautiful to the ears.

I recommend Logitech because mine and others I've heard, as well as many reviews, sound superb. They are also a bit cheaper than Kilpsch which kinda seals the deal for the budget minded.

Most amazing jew boots

The ones coming with the new PC are going to be just plain 5.1 Surround Sound Speakers that Dell put out. Defintely will be better than the 2.1 setup I am using currently regardless. Might upgrade to Creative's or logitech's higher-end speakers eventually however...

BTW, anyone know where I can find cheap speaker stands? Looks like I'll need two for the rear speakers to put them off the desktop and to the side.

How ya doing, buddy?

~Bump~

What kind of toxic man-thing is happening now?