PC upgrading expensive - time to buy a 360?

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seonk

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#1 seonk
Member since 2003 • 121 Posts

I have a P4 3.0, 1.5gb of RAM & a GT6800GT (Edit: it's 256mb). It's good for most things, but it has problems with more recent games like CoH, Bioshock, even Dawn of War... I've been thinking about upgrading to dual core or upgrading the graphics card, but either which option is more expensive than just buying an XB360 & of course, you get a lot more stability running games on the XB360.


So I'm just about to call it quits with upgrading the PC and give in and buy a 360. Before I do, can anyone suggest any alternative POVs or is this something that others are experiencing too?

S

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inyourface_12

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#2 inyourface_12
Member since 2006 • 14757 Posts
yeah pcs can be expensive but i find it extremely rewarding also
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GP1mil

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#3 GP1mil
Member since 2006 • 994 Posts
I don't think its that bad, look at it from the games wise your going to be paying 60 bucks a pop instead of 30-50, and if you know " other ways" you can cut the whole paying for games and software out of the picture and spend the saved money on new hardware. I used to own a 360 and after replacing it twice I just sold it on eBay anyways, thinking and probably knowing that most of the 360 games are either coming to the PC
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Darkfire6247

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#4 Darkfire6247
Member since 2007 • 1308 Posts
Upgrade for crysis.
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TicTac8745

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#5 TicTac8745
Member since 2007 • 3902 Posts

That PC can't handle DoW?! Damn... that graphics card is a bit old in the tooth but still should be able to handle games on a low-med settings (even high settings) ...

If you upgrade the RAM (add a bit more) and change the graphics card - then you should have spend only around $200 US.

However, if you are more interested in the games on the 360 - you might as well invest in that except of an upgrade to your computer.

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Swiftstrike5

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#6 Swiftstrike5
Member since 2005 • 6950 Posts
PCs are probably as cheap as they will ever be for awhile. AMD CPUs are like $100 for dual cores and GPUs are about $100-150 for a midranged card. Its a bit less than a 360, but about 80% as powerful as the 360.
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aztecnero

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#7 aztecnero
Member since 2003 • 251 Posts
Playing first person shooters on the 360 sucks. I have a pc and a 360 and I am currently upgrading my computer so I can play Bioshock the way its supposed to be played: with a mouse and keyboard. =)
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ZBoater

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#8 ZBoater
Member since 2003 • 1855 Posts

There is no doubt that for playing games only, the 360 is a better value than a PC. The hardware is cheap, more stable, and lasts longer without having to upgrade.

The consoles, however, are not as flexible as a PC - the PC can do a lot more things than a console. However, if you already have a PC to do your work, email, browsing, etc., then adding a XBox to your collection is not a bad idea.

I personally prefer first person shooters, and those I HATE to play on a console. I prefer the mouse and keyboard. However, Oblivion for example I prefer on the XBox 360 - that is a game that lends itself better for a living room experience with a big screen HD TV.

In the end it will depend on how much of a gamer you are, what kind of games you like, and which interface you prefer. Having options with the PC is better, in my opinion, but like you say, more expensive.

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Mr_NoName111

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#9 Mr_NoName111
Member since 2005 • 1035 Posts
A gaming pc may be more expensive than a 360, but you arent paying the extra just for better games; a computer is a necessity these days, not only for gaming. So instead of paying only for games (as you would with the 360), you are paying for games AND the ability to do all the things you;d do on a pc. In the end, it's not really more expensive, in the sense that you are getting more for your money.
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jed-at-war

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#10 jed-at-war
Member since 2005 • 1335 Posts

It doesn't cost that much to upgrade a pc. You could get a big performance boost just by getting a new VGA. With a 3.0GHz cpu, you shouldn't need a new cpu - even if it is duel-core. Just get a 8600GT for $110.

Consoles have their place. I like consoles a lot and don't understand why anyone would be biased against them or pc. If you have HD TV, you would need a console to show off its detail because PCs are not powerful enough to run games as well as consoles on HD.

I don't have a HD TV, so - if I were you - I would get a Wii and a 8600GT for less than a 360. Although, it seems that you would get a 360, but I don't see a problem with that - I just don't like the games on it.

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mbukste

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#11 mbukste
Member since 2004 • 871 Posts
Just upgrade that PC,360 is absolute crap.
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portujoel5

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#12 portujoel5
Member since 2003 • 745 Posts
since I like rpgs on PC, and Multiplayer games, Ill never get a console again... I think...
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littlehelp

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#13 littlehelp
Member since 2004 • 1264 Posts
PC and older systems work for me. My second 360 just broke recently due to the three red rings and I can't take better care of it.
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jed-at-war

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#14 jed-at-war
Member since 2005 • 1335 Posts
Ya, consoles aren't as durable as PCs. I have gone through 3 GCNs and 1 Xbox.
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mastershake575

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#15 mastershake575
Member since 2007 • 8574 Posts
Just upgrade that PC,360 is absolute crap.mbukste
agreed i have one and its suxs you pay $10-$20 more for the same game you can get on the pc and you get worse graphics, worse controlls and a online communtiy filled with 12 year olds and racist
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mbukste

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#16 mbukste
Member since 2004 • 871 Posts

[QUOTE="mbukste"]Just upgrade that PC,360 is absolute crap.mastershake575
agreed i have one and its suxs you pay $10-$20 more for the same game you can get on the pc and you get worse graphics, worse controlls and a online communtiy filled with 12 year olds and racist

You,good sir are WINNER ! for agreeing with me :D :wink:

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General_X

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#17 General_X
Member since 2003 • 9137 Posts
Also remember that to play online you will have to pay for X-Box Live for a 360. While it is free on PC for not only online play, but also for mods.
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Sentinel672002

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#18 Sentinel672002
Member since 2004 • 1585 Posts
Consoles today seem to have the life spans of fruit flies. I blame the poor ventilation, since they basically contain PC type components. I've seen numerous Xboxes, PS2s and 360s crap out. I give my buddies no end of torment over it. I often wonder what kind of rigs they could build, with the cash they blow replacing dead and dying consoles. Count me out. I haven't purchased a console since the N64. ;)
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haha468

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#19 haha468
Member since 2004 • 25 Posts

I used to play with my xbox 360...that was before I got a new PC. In my opinion, PC's have more to offer when it comes to online gaming, but xbox360 is also fun when it comes to sports and racing games. Also, Halo 3 and Assasain's Creed are slated for release very soon, I am looking forward to playing those on 360.

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beex215

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#20 beex215
Member since 2006 • 1198 Posts
sure,go buy a 360 and enjoy it
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imprezawrx500

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#21 imprezawrx500
Member since 2004 • 19187 Posts

There is no doubt that for playing games only, the 360 is a better value than a PC. The hardware is cheap, more stable, and lasts longer without having to upgrade.

The consoles, however, are not as flexible as a PC - the PC can do a lot more things than a console. However, if you already have a PC to do your work, email, browsing, etc., then adding a XBox to your collection is not a bad idea.

I personally prefer first person shooters, and those I HATE to play on a console. I prefer the mouse and keyboard. However, Oblivion for example I prefer on the XBox 360 - that is a game that lends itself better for a living room experience with a big screen HD TV.

In the end it will depend on how much of a gamer you are, what kind of games you like, and which interface you prefer. Having options with the PC is better, in my opinion, but like you say, more expensive.

ZBoater

the 360 hardware isn't exactly stable. all he needs to do to be able to play games pretty well is upgrade his gpu to a 7900gs/x1950pro/7950gt or maybe 8600gt, his cpu will do ok for a bit longer

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MOFENYI

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#22 MOFENYI
Member since 2007 • 25 Posts
dude u write pc hardware its a pain,at same they improving technology but rediculars prices,i have quality does came with the price,but now ways pay 5000 thousand rand for a video card thats crazy dude.some game dnt even support the power u have in your machine so which means spending more money buying a game which well use ur hardware the its must be used,also money on,pc makes & creatsgame plays game,but......ba:(
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seonk

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#23 seonk
Member since 2003 • 121 Posts

Damn, guys, thanks for all the input. It's a mixed bag, but for now I reckon I'm going to stick to my PC guns (yes, there is a lot more to do than play 'chart' games) & follow imprezawrx500's advice and get a x1950.

Many thanks.

S

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D9-THC

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#24 D9-THC
Member since 2007 • 3081 Posts

You get what you pay for with a 360...

A sub-par PC gaming experience.

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vc8711

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#25 vc8711
Member since 2005 • 25 Posts
Id go for PC it's actually cheaper to maintain... The 360 you have to pay for internet, xbox live, repairs, and games that cost $10-20 more... However IF you have a choice to get both I would do so... Nothing is more satisfying to watch your favorite dvds on a 62" HDTV!!!!
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wklzip

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#26 wklzip
Member since 2005 • 13925 Posts
I'd go with PC, you can do more things than just game.
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Bebi_vegeta

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#27 Bebi_vegeta
Member since 2003 • 13558 Posts

Id go for PC it's actually cheaper to maintain... The 360 you have to pay for internet, xbox live, repairs, and games that cost $10-20 more... However IF you have a choice to get both I would do so... Nothing is more satisfying to watch your favorite dvds on a 62" HDTV!!!!vc8711

I dont get your point on 62" hdtv.

You can easily hook your computer up to it... but i would prefer a real Hd-dvd player or blu-ray.

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vc8711

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#28 vc8711
Member since 2005 • 25 Posts
I know you can hook up a PC on a 62" but for people like me i like my PC with my 30" moniter instead of the hdtv plus it doesn't look right with a 2 feet tall tower next to my 62"
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Nonam3gamer

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#29 Nonam3gamer
Member since 2005 • 880 Posts

Playing first person shooters on the 360 sucks. I have a pc and a 360 and I am currently upgrading my computer so I can play Bioshock the way its supposed to be played: with a mouse and keyboard. =)aztecnero

I actually find using the 360 controller as better for Bioshock. It's not your average fps and using a keyboard/m combination I find gets annoying after awhile.

Anyways, if you want to spend the least amount of money possible, get a 360 it's cheaper. You can always wait a few months to upgrade your computer.

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Cracker__Jack

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#30 Cracker__Jack
Member since 2003 • 1897 Posts

Playing first person shooters on the 360 sucks. I have a pc and a 360 and I am currently upgrading my computer so I can play Bioshock the way its supposed to be played: with a mouse and keyboard. =)aztecnero

WTH?? Theres Keyboard/mouse adapters for thee 360. Its the exact same thing..

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musclesforcier

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#31 musclesforcier
Member since 2004 • 2894 Posts

[QUOTE="aztecnero"]Playing first person shooters on the 360 sucks. I have a pc and a 360 and I am currently upgrading my computer so I can play Bioshock the way its supposed to be played: with a mouse and keyboard. =)Cracker__Jack

WTH?? Theres Keyboard/mouse adapters for thee 360. Its the exact same thing..

Where?

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ppau08223

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#32 ppau08223
Member since 2006 • 705 Posts

but using it in games is another (i it exsists in the first place)

pc gaming has its own perks and i would recommend it if you have a job and you are passionate about hardware. but i guess if you want to jump to the x360 it is acceptable at this stage of the war as the 30 gives you better grpahics for less. but that of course will change in the coming years and you will have to jump back tp the pc as the comsoles reach the end of their life.

rather than jump around i just stick to pc gaming.

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jed-at-war

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#33 jed-at-war
Member since 2005 • 1335 Posts

[QUOTE="aztecnero"]Playing first person shooters on the 360 sucks. I have a pc and a 360 and I am currently upgrading my computer so I can play Bioshock the way its supposed to be played: with a mouse and keyboard. =)Nonam3gamer

I actually find using the 360 controller as better for Bioshock. It's not your average fps and using a keyboard/m combination I find gets annoying after awhile.

Anyways, if you want to spend the least amount of money possible, get a 360 it's cheaper. You can always wait a few months to upgrade your computer.

The 360's remote is good, but... it will plug into the pc just fine. So, why buy a 360 just to play games with the 360's controller?

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Nonam3gamer

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#34 Nonam3gamer
Member since 2005 • 880 Posts
[QUOTE="Nonam3gamer"]

[QUOTE="aztecnero"]Playing first person shooters on the 360 sucks. I have a pc and a 360 and I am currently upgrading my computer so I can play Bioshock the way its supposed to be played: with a mouse and keyboard. =)jed-at-war

I actually find using the 360 controller as better for Bioshock. It's not your average fps and using a keyboard/m combination I find gets annoying after awhile.

Anyways, if you want to spend the least amount of money possible, get a 360 it's cheaper. You can always wait a few months to upgrade your computer.

The 360's remote is good, but... it will plug into the pc just fine. So, why buy a 360 just to play games with the 360's controller?

Yeah, I was in no way using the fact Bioshock is better with the 360 controller (although fps are generally better in fps's) as a reason to get a 360 :P I personally got Bioshock for the Pc because I could just download it off of steam and it was 10 bucks cheaper. I do use my 360 wireless controller to play it though.

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Wesker776

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#35 Wesker776
Member since 2005 • 7004 Posts

Ya, consoles aren't as durable as PCs. I have gone through 3 GCNs and 1 Xbox.jed-at-war

My NES, SNES, N64, GCN, GameBoy, Gameboy Pocket, Gameboy Color, Gameboy Advance and Gameboy Micro still work 100%. That includes all the peripherals as well (except one generic brand NES controller which died after I dropped it on the floor, but I got it replaced with a Nintendo NES controller). :D

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BrooklynBomber

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#36 BrooklynBomber
Member since 2007 • 1507 Posts

I have a P4 3.0, 1.5gb of RAM & a GT6800GT (Edit: it's 256mb). It's good for most things, but it has problems with more recent games like CoH, Bioshock, even Dawn of War... I've been thinking about upgrading to dual core or upgrading the graphics card, but either which option is more expensive than just buying an XB360 & of course, you get a lot more stability running games on the XB360.


So I'm just about to call it quits with upgrading the PC and give in and buy a 360. Before I do, can anyone suggest any alternative POVs or is this something that others are experiencing too?

S

seonk

Your pc has served you well for years back in the time of the xbox,cube and ps2 so why give up??

You want a 360 but to get decent graphics and online multiplayer you need a hdtv,a 360 and live gold !!

For that price you could upgrade your pc and enjoy dx9/10 games for the next couple of years with free mods/maps!!

I also own a 360 and ps3 but pc is #1 imo.