New Gaming Rig! Rate it, if you'd like. RECOMMEND PC GAMES!

Today I, or rather, my parents, purchased a brand new HP desktop. Now, I've never been much of PC gamer, the last PC game I played seriously was Zoo Tycoon Complete Edition which I picked up for around $30 and was unsure if my (last) PC could even run it.

Today, all fears should subside. The HPE-510F I picked up today seems to be adequate to quench my PC gaming thirst, but for the true PC gamers out there, here's the lowdown:

-AMD Phenom 2 1055T Six-Core Processor

-8GB DDR3

-1.5 TB HDD

-Blu-Ray Player and Super-Multi DVD Burner with LightScribe

-AMD Radeon HD 6570

According to the "PC Expert" at the store this is "the best [commercial] computer available". Now, I know this is far from the truth. Perhaps this is the best computer available at the price tag, around $1000.

Of course, what I'd really like to talk about is GAMES. Now, I hjave a general knowledge of current PC Games, but what should I play? Crysis probably tops the list, if only because it is coveted as the most deamnding game (PC wise) thus far.

What next? Should I dive headfirst into the World of Warcraft, join the legion of WoW addicts that can't stop playing long enough to pop another disc in? Should I StarCraft II, and get Zurg Rushed like there is no tomorrow? Should I create a creature in Spore? Should I kill my Sim, over and over again in The Sims 3? hat have I been missing out on? Please recommend as many good PC games as you can think of, omitting any multi-platfrom releases.

Thank You! =D

First step: Download and install Steam. You'll find great deals on there, and it makes gaming on your PC a bit more hassle-free.

Crysis would be a nice choice. It's a fine game, and it will definately give your machine a chance to flex its muscles.

Perhaps you could tell us what kind of game you're in the mood for? There's so many great games to recommend.

You'll need to upgrade that video card if you want to play modern games at decent settings. a 6570 is good for playing blu-rays and old games. It won't be playing Crysis or anything made since 2006 at settings that most PC gamers would consider acceptable (ie high settings @ 30 FPS average and a resolution of at least 1680x1050).

You'll need to upgrade that video card if you want to play modern games at decent settings. a 6570 is good for playing blu-rays and old games. It won't be playing Crysis.gameguy6700

[QUOTE="gameguy6700"]You'll need to upgrade that video card if you want to play modern games at decent settings. a 6570 is good for playing blu-rays and old games. It won't be playing Crysis.deadesa

Magika :)

I would return that computer if I still could, def a ripoff.

I would return that computer if I still could, def a ripoff.

Azurites

this^

a good cpu DOESNT mean a good gaming pc

its be good for older games and mmo's and rts's but a well rounded gaming rig it is not..

look for a better gpu ideally that follows the conventions i now dictate to you

when dealing with amd/ati cards the numbering system works like this

####

the first digit represents the series its from.. this is mostly unimportant and often fools folks into thinking theyve bought an uber system kinda like you probably did

the second digit is representative of its market. 1-4 is mainly for media centers 5-6 is for low end video needs, 7-9 is for high end videocards only (which is where ideally you should be aiming for, a 6 would also be okay)

your last two digits are symbolic of its place in the lineup and the preformance under the hood.. 9/10 the last digit is always a 0 so ignore it.. 1-4 is low,5-6 is mid range, 7-9 is high end

for example

hd 6450 = hd 6000 series media center, medium range

hd 5830 = hd 5000 series, high end video card, low range

hd 3670 = hd 3000 series, high end video card, hig preformance range

the higher the seocnd and third number are the better off you are the higher the first number is.. the more current it is.

hate seeing people getting ripped off buying pre-built branded machines.

it's not that your machine is bad it's just that it appears vastly overpriced for what you paid. the cpu is a decent enough budget cpu and normally represents good value for money (but not in your case as it appears you've paid through the nose for it), but technically it doesnt compare with the intel i7s (and i5s probably)and likewise the gfx card is just a budget low-mid range card.

my advice is get your money back and quick. go on the hardware forum and ask people to recommend you parts based on your budget and your requirements and look into building one yourself or if that sounds too daunting go to an independent pc shop and pay them to build you one

GPU is terrible. Won't be able to play anything like Crysis or other high end games well at all.

GPU is terrible. Won't be able to play anything like Crysis or other high end games well at all.

blues35301

itd be decent for RTS's actually he could probably play SC2 on high, Napoleon: total war on high.. total war: shogun 2 on medium, dowII retribution on medium

batman AA on medium

DA:O on medium

wow on high-highest

any older games arent an issue. remember based on specs an hd 6450 is more or less even with an hd 4650 in preformance

Next time just consolt the people on the boards..Its what i normally do..Im about to upgrade myself big time..They told me to get a 2600k..Shouldve done your home work before upgrading..Sigh live and learn i guess..

ibuypower.com is a great place to get prebuild/customizable PCs for low prices.

Anyways, games you must play that are on PC:

Vampire the Masquerade Bloodlineshttp://www.gamespot.com/pc/rpg/vtmb/index.html

X-3:http://www.gamespot.com/pc/sim/x3reunion/index.html?tag=result;title;1

Half-Life 1-2

Fallout 1-2

The Sims (1,2,3)

Grim Fandagohttp://www.gamespot.com/pc/adventure/grimfandango/index.html

Chronicles of Riddick: Escape from butchers bay

FarCryhttp://www.gamespot.com/pc/action/farcry/index.html

Baldurs Gate series (if you are into old school D&D rpgs, Bioware at its best)http://www.gamespot.com/pc/rpg/baldursgate/index.html
If you like this ^ PlaneScape Torment is another good one.

Portal (its a must regardless of system)

Aliens vs Preditor 2 (not the new one that came out last year)http://www.gamespot.com/pc/action/aliensversuspredator2/index.html

Stalker shadows of chernobyl:http://www.gamespot.com/pc/action/stalker/index.html

Metro 2033 (also came out on 360)

Gothic 1-2

Ok too many to name.

[QUOTE="Azurites"]

I would return that computer if I still could, def a ripoff.

ionusX

this^

a good cpu DOESNT mean a good gaming pc

its be good for older games and mmo's and rts's but a well rounded gaming rig it is not..

look for a better gpu ideally that follows the conventions i now dictate to you

when dealing with amd/ati cards the numbering system works like this

####

the first digit represents the series its from.. this is mostly unimportant and often fools folks into thinking theyve bought an uber system kinda like you probably did

the second digit is representative of its market. 1-4 is mainly for media centers 5-6 is for low end video needs, 7-9 is for high end videocards only (which is where ideally you should be aiming for, a 6 would also be okay)

your last two digits are symbolic of its place in the lineup and the preformance under the hood.. 9/10 the last digit is always a 0 so ignore it.. 1-4 is low,5-6 is mid range, 7-9 is high end

for example

hd 6450 = hd 6000 series media center, medium range

hd 5830 = hd 5000 series, high end video card, low range

hd 3670 = hd 3000 series, high end video card, hig preformance range

the higher the seocnd and third number are the better off you are the higher the first number is.. the more current it is.

I'm seriously starting to think that PC manufacturers are in cahoots with console manufacturers. You'd think they'd only hurt their own business when they rip off their customer base with their ''gaming rigs''. No wonder people prefer consoles when PC gaming makes them feel cheated.RK-Mara

indeed mara it regularly feels this way..

That is pretty bad for being $1000 or more, especially since you will need to upgrade the video card to play newer games (getting a good GTX 460 will be just under $200) then you will likely need a new power supply to run that card, which you should be easily able to find for less than $100.

I also have six core 3.2, that and the motherboard didn't cost that much, getting a TB HD isn't much money, you can buy DDR3 Ram with 4GBs a stick at around $40 (they were $100 a few months ago but price drops fast), I don't have a blu ray player but last I heard that is worth about $50, and the card and likely the power supply is terrible. Too much money spent on this, unless you got a really nice big monitor with it.

If you want a pc for gaming, do what every one here is suggesting and return it. Do some research and you will find a much better gaming machine for that money, or better yet build your own.

If you want a pc for gaming, do what every one here is suggesting and return it. Do some research and you will find a much better gaming machine for that money, or better yet build your own.

Bristar

wekll he tried hard dont be so critical.. we have all goofed before (like that strange occurence 2 gens back when everyone and their mother boguht that HP media center with a phenom 64 x4 and hd 4850

[QUOTE="ionusX"]

[QUOTE="Azurites"]

I would return that computer if I still could, def a ripoff.

streetridaz

this^

a good cpu DOESNT mean a good gaming pc

its be good for older games and mmo's and rts's but a well rounded gaming rig it is not..

look for a better gpu ideally that follows the conventions i now dictate to you

when dealing with amd/ati cards the numbering system works like this

####

the first digit represents the series its from.. this is mostly unimportant and often fools folks into thinking theyve bought an uber system kinda like you probably did

the second digit is representative of its market. 1-4 is mainly for media centers 5-6 is for low end video needs, 7-9 is for high end videocards only (which is where ideally you should be aiming for, a 6 would also be okay)

your last two digits are symbolic of its place in the lineup and the preformance under the hood.. 9/10 the last digit is always a 0 so ignore it.. 1-4 is low,5-6 is mid range, 7-9 is high end

for example

hd 6450 = hd 6000 series media center, medium range

hd 5830 = hd 5000 series, high end video card, low range

hd 3670 = hd 3000 series, high end video card, hig preformance range

the higher the seocnd and third number are the better off you are the higher the first number is.. the more current it is.

On topic: Seriously, if you can, return it and ask the fine gentlemen on the Hardware Forums to assist you in making a new PC.

Upgrade your graphics card and power supply and your good to go,

[QUOTE="Azurites"]

I would return that computer if I still could, def a ripoff.

ionusX

this^

+ 1.

$1000.00? omg

You got screwed, yay you got a six core and more ram that you need, but your gpu is a pile of crap. And if your gpu is crap have fun playing games. Return it

get crysis 2 when it comes out (21st i think?)

[QUOTE="Bristar"]

If you want a pc for gaming, do what every one here is suggesting and return it. Do some research and you will find a much better gaming machine for that money, or better yet build your own.

ionusX

wekll he tried hard dont be so critical.. we have all goofed before (like that strange occurence 2 gens back when everyone and their mother boguht that HP media center with a phenom 64 x4 and hd 4850

Who's being critical? He asked for advice and that's the best advice, everyone else here seems to agree.

get crysis 2 when it comes out (21st i think?)

jettpack

LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLO they paid 1000 dollars for a 6570. AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAAAAiurProtoss

[QUOTE="ionusX"]

[QUOTE="Bristar"]

If you want a pc for gaming, do what every one here is suggesting and return it. Do some research and you will find a much better gaming machine for that money, or better yet build your own.

Bristar

wekll he tried hard dont be so critical.. we have all goofed before (like that strange occurence 2 gens back when everyone and their mother boguht that HP media center with a phenom 64 x4 and hd 4850

Who's being critical? He asked for advice and that's the best advice, everyone else here seems to agree.

ouch man....

I just got a raptor 10krpm HDD, an AM3 Crossfire motherboard, 4gb DDR3 RAM, an AMD x6 1100T, and Windows 7 64bit, for $550. Had I bought a video card and a case and a PSU I'd still be under the price of that HP. I think they slapped the $1000 price tag on there because it had a 6core CPU to "wow" the customers, as well as that useless 8gb of RAM.

Thanks for the constructive criticism!

First, I fully understand this is a rip-off, I load of research before buying anything. Truth be told, my parents are... what's the word I'm looking for? Difficult?

I could easily build a PC just for gaming for this price that would be much better, but my parents refused to let me build a computer, or get one built by by a small PC builder. This left me in quite the bind and I ended up springing for the best desktop they had at Future Shop (in Canada, I should add, which makes a huge difference). Don't worry about returning it or any of that, that won't be happening unless I'm downgrading and the only other PC close to this level has very similar specs except for a 6770. I would consider it a huge blunder, though not entirely on my part, my parents just love brand names.

I even looked at ibuypower.com, but sadly my parents didn't want to order anything online, plus they've never heard of them. Also, thank you to ionusx, I just learned something new, in that the second digit specifies the usage, thank you.

I hope to be building my own gaming rig with my own money in maybe a year or two, provided I get a part-time job (or don't spend all my money on the 3DS NGP and new games for my consoles...)

So, new qustion, what can I play? If Crysis is out of the question, that's disheartening, but according to the System Requirements Checker on the EA website, this pile of junk can play Crysis... Is it just that it won't run at a smooth frame rate, or that I can't achieve high settings on here? I'm not quite understanding.

Anyway,SC2 sounds like a good start and The Sims games next. A lot of these older games seem to have had a lasting impact, so I will be sure to play them.

One last question, possibly the most important. MMOs. Should I play WoW, or wait for Star Wars The Old Republic? (I would include DC Universe Online, but reviews haven't been good).

Thanks again!

Are the 6 cores worth it, or should I wait for 8 cores?

Thanks for the constructive criticism!

First, I fully understand this is a rip-off, I load of research before buying anything. Truth be told, my parents are... what's the word I'm looking for? Difficult?

I could easily build a PC just for gaming for this price that would be much better, but my parents refused to let me build a computer, or get one built by by a small PC builder. This left me in quite the bind and I ended up springing for the best desktop they had at Future Shop (in Canada, I should add, which makes a huge difference). Don't worry about returning it or any of that, that won't be happening unless I'm downgrading and the only other PC close to this level has very similar specs except for a 6770. I would consider it a huge blunder, though not entirely on my part, my parents just love brand names.

I even looked at ibuypower.com, but sadly my parents didn't want to order anything online, plus they've never heard of them. Also, thank you to ionusx, I just learned something new, in that the second digit specifies the usage, thank you.

I hope to be building my own gaming rig with my own money in maybe a year or two, provided I get a part-time job (or don't spend all my money on the 3DS NGP and new games for my consoles...)

So, new qustion, what can I play? If Crysis is out of the question, that's disheartening, but according to the System Requirements Checker on the EA website, this pile of junk can play Crysis... Is it just that it won't run at a smooth frame rate, or that I can't achieve high settings on here? I'm not quite understanding.

Anyway,SC2 sounds like a good start and The Sims games next. A lot of these older games seem to have had a lasting impact, so I will be sure to play them.

One last question, possibly the most important. MMOs. Should I play WoW, or wait for Star Wars The Old Republic? (I would include DC Universe Online, but reviews haven't been good).

Thanks again!

Booyakz

You don't need to buy a new computer, like everyone else was saying, you could just change out the psu and gpu and it would be a great rig, you'll have just payed more for it. It'll probably play crysis, it just won't look good.

Oh, and if you want to buy older games then look no further than good old games. All of their games are drm free and are $10 or less I believe. Some of the games most recommended are baldurs gate 1/2, fallout 1/2, and planescape torment.

You can play Crysis on low settings.

Mid to low settings on games should be ok, just expect some choppy frame rates.

as for WOW vs Old Republic, tough choice,I don't think you could go wrong with either. Start with WOW.

U will at some point have to upgrade the GPU and PSU bcuz the frame rates will frustrate you eventually.

Thanks for the constructive criticism!

First, I fully understand this is a rip-off, I load of research before buying anything. Truth be told, my parents are... what's the word I'm looking for? Difficult?

I could easily build a PC just for gaming for this price that would be much better, but my parents refused to let me build a computer, or get one built by by a small PC builder. This left me in quite the bind and I ended up springing for the best desktop they had at Future Shop (in Canada, I should add, which makes a huge difference). Don't worry about returning it or any of that, that won't be happening unless I'm downgrading and the only other PC close to this level has very similar specs except for a 6770. I would consider it a huge blunder, though not entirely on my part, my parents just love brand names.

I even looked at ibuypower.com, but sadly my parents didn't want to order anything online, plus they've never heard of them. Also, thank you to ionusx, I just learned something new, in that the second digit specifies the usage, thank you.

I hope to be building my own gaming rig with my own money in maybe a year or two, provided I get a part-time job (or don't spend all my money on the 3DS NGP and new games for my consoles...)

So, new qustion, what can I play? If Crysis is out of the question, that's disheartening, but according to the System Requirements Checker on the EA website, this pile of junk can play Crysis... Is it just that it won't run at a smooth frame rate, or that I can't achieve high settings on here? I'm not quite understanding.

Anyway,SC2 sounds like a good start and The Sims games next. A lot of these older games seem to have had a lasting impact, so I will be sure to play them.

One last question, possibly the most important. MMOs. Should I play WoW, or wait for Star Wars The Old Republic? (I would include DC Universe Online, but reviews haven't been good).

Thanks again!

Booyakz

I'm happy to see you so excited about PC gaming!

DCUO is a lot of fun actually, the general consensus is that its a very fun game, without much staying power (MMO gamers want 1000+ hours out of a game or its a 'waste').

The rig needs some work as others have said, but you gots what you gots; my recommendation - play older PC games purchasable on Steam in the $10 price range (ask for thoughts here before purchasing). WoW will also run fine, and is a lot of fun, but only if you have friends (leveling is fun regardless, but you need friends ultimately in game or its a lonely sink of lonelyness).

SWTOR won't be out till June-ish (guessing), so if you want an MMO now and haven't played WoW before then WoW for sure.

Thanks for the constructive criticism!

First, I fully understand this is a rip-off, I load of research before buying anything. Truth be told, my parents are... what's the word I'm looking for? Difficult?

I could easily build a PC just for gaming for this price that would be much better, but my parents refused to let me build a computer, or get one built by by a small PC builder. This left me in quite the bind and I ended up springing for the best desktop they had at Future Shop (in Canada, I should add, which makes a huge difference). Don't worry about returning it or any of that, that won't be happening unless I'm downgrading and the only other PC close to this level has very similar specs except for a 6770. I would consider it a huge blunder, though not entirely on my part, my parents just love brand names.

I even looked at ibuypower.com, but sadly my parents didn't want to order anything online, plus they've never heard of them. Also, thank you to ionusx, I just learned something new, in that the second digit specifies the usage, thank you.

I hope to be building my own gaming rig with my own money in maybe a year or two, provided I get a part-time job (or don't spend all my money on the 3DS NGP and new games for my consoles...)

So, new qustion, what can I play? If Crysis is out of the question, that's disheartening, but according to the System Requirements Checker on the EA website, this pile of junk can play Crysis... Is it just that it won't run at a smooth frame rate, or that I can't achieve high settings on here? I'm not quite understanding.

Anyway,SC2 sounds like a good start and The Sims games next. A lot of these older games seem to have had a lasting impact, so I will be sure to play them.

One last question, possibly the most important. MMOs. Should I play WoW, or wait for Star Wars The Old Republic? (I would include DC Universe Online, but reviews haven't been good).

Thanks again!

Booyakz

Your parents sound like an absolute nightmare when it comes to technology and or common practices involving e-commerce. Ibuypower.com is a known leader in providing custom built PCs for gaming and are featured in numerous magazines and articles. To suggest they are not known is silly at best. Online perchases are also very common and quite safe. Anyways, its a shame but if its their money then they get to call the shots, even when they shouldnt half the time.

I highly recommend visiting many of those older games, you will find some quality gaming that is in short supply this day and age. Especially Grim Fandago! So much fun!

Now I'd love to use GOG and Steam, but there's a little problem there, credit card usage. I don't have my own credit card, my parents won't give me one and won't let me use their's. This leaves me in quite a bind, for around a a year and 6 months, when I should be able to get my own credit card.

Regardless, I think the suggested games seem adequate for the time being, provided I can get my hands on them.

Thank you for all the suggestions and advice!

Now I'd love to use GOG and Steam, but there's a little problem there, credit card usage. I don't have my own credit card, my parents won't give me one and won't let me use their's. This leaves me in quite a bind, for around a a year and 6 months, when I should be able to get my own credit card.

Regardless, I think the suggested games seem adequate for the time being, provided I can get my hands on them.

Thank you for all the suggestions and advice!

Booyakz

I may be mistaken, but doesn't signing up for PayPal require a Credit Card? Maybe I should look into this.

Second, I just remembered something, I believe my debit card will work for these transactions.

Maybe PayPal has the same feature, looking into it as I type.

I may be mistaken, but doesn't signing up for PayPal require a Credit Card? Maybe I should look into this.

Second, I just remembered something, I believe my debit card will work for these transactions.

Maybe PayPal has the same feature, looking into it as I type.

Booyakz

Starcraft 2

Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare 1 and 2

Call Of Duty: World At War

Call Of Duty Black Ops

Battlefield: Bad Company 2

Darksiders

Fallout: New Vegas

Gears Of War