technology Looking to buy a gaming rig

[Steel Accord 6,660]

So with the release and ad spam of Knights of the Fallen Empire everywhere I turn, my chaffing under the restrictions of the Mac book have only been exacerbated.

 

The problem is, I've never bought a PC before, this very machine was a gift. So I am seeking advice with the following specific questions.

 

-Is there a separate device I can buy that will allow my Mac to run these games alone?

 

-(If not) what is the cheapest machine I can save up for, screen, keyboard, and mouse included?

 

Thank you.

[Sir Xarthas VI 470]

There are a few sites in which you can pick every part of your computer build. (A good one is PC Part Picker)

 

But if you're looking for a decent pre-made computer, then Alienware isn't a bad choice. Their pc's got some decent power, and are relatively cheap.

[Codelyy 1,289]

@@Steel Accord. Hey there Steel Accord, Since your asking for computer advice, I'm moving your topic to the media discussion forum

[Steel Accord 6,660]

There are a few sites in which you can pick every part of your computer build. (A good one is PC Part Picker)

 

But if you're looking for a decent pre-made computer, then Alienware isn't a bad choice. Their pc's got some decent power, and are relatively cheap.

 

Yeah I'm not exactly tech savvy so I would not be able to pick every part with any kind of informed choice. I think I might try the latter option.

@@Steel Accord. Hey there Steel Accord, Since your asking for computer advice, I'm moving your topic to the media discussion forum

 

Right, sorry, I wasn't really sure if it fit in "media" because it's about the hardware.

[Countess Coloratura 204]

Newegg has a lot of nice prebuilt gaming rigs/laptops too. 
And also accessories. 

Any idea of what range of specs your looking for?
I've built several PCs. And if you need any help lemme know. 

Also, I am more familiar with Nvidia GPU/Setups. 
But if you want, I could help you serch up a nice rig. 
I go to newegg.com for all my PC parts and accessories. 

If you dont mind me asking, what kind of games and such are you going to try to run?

[Steel Accord 6,660]

Newegg has a lot of nice prebuilt gaming rigs/laptops too. 

And also accessories. 

 

Any idea of what range of specs your looking for?

I've built several PCs. And if you need any help lemme know. 

 

Also, I am more familiar with Nvidia GPU/Setups. 

But if you want, I could help you serch up a nice rig. 

I go to newegg.com for all my PC parts and accessories. 

 

If you dont mind me asking, what kind of games and such are you going to try to run?

 

Mainly I would like to run Star Wars: the Old Republic, along with some other games only on Steam that my Mac can't play. Nothing so high fidelity like Call of Duty or what have you. More older xbox titles. (Dragon Age: Inquisition springs to mind.)

[Countess Coloratura 204]

Mainly I would like to run Star Wars: the Old Republic, along with some other games only on Steam that my Mac can't play. Nothing so high fidelity like Call of Duty or what have you. More older xbox titles. (Dragon Age: Inquisition springs to mind.)

Oh ok, that should be easy to find. 

For what your going to play you can maybe get a nice rig possibly under 1k. 

But if you want, I can do some searching on newegg and give some recommendations. 

Is your price range under 1k or more? 

[Steel Accord 6,660]

Oh ok, that should be easy to find. 

For what your going to play you can maybe get a nice rig possibly under 1k. 

But if you want, I can do some searching on newegg and give some recommendations. 

Is your price range under 1k or more? 

 

Under if it can be helped and thank you so much for going to the trouble.

[Countess Coloratura 204]

Under if it can be helped and thank you so much for going to the trouble.

No problem, I'll start looking for what you can. 

I should be able to find a nice rig under that. 

 

Any other preferences you may want?

[Steel Accord 6,660]

No problem, I'll start looking for what you can. 

I should be able to find a nice rig under that. 

 

Any other preferences you may want?

 

Well I'm not really sure, again, not the least bit tech savvy. So I'm not sure what I could specify beyond "play games." When my parents first asked me what kind of car I would like, I just told them four wheels and an engine.

[Countess Coloratura 204]

Well I'm not really sure, again, not the least bit tech savvy. So I'm not sure what I could specify beyond "play games." When my parents first asked me what kind of car I would like, I just told them four wheels and an engine.

Operating system I meant. Windows 8 or 10? 

Hard to find a Windows 7 nowa days.. :/ 

All I can see on newegg is windows 8.1 and 10. 

[Steel Accord 6,660]

Operating system I meant. Windows 8 or 10? 

Hard to find a Windows 7 nowa days.. :/ 

All I can see on newegg is windows 8.1 and 10. 

 

All of the above? Seriously no clue what the difference would be as long as they can all play the games.

[Countess Coloratura 204]

All of the above? Seriously no clue what the difference would be as long as they can all play the games.

Ok, I was doing some searching in the mean time and found several lower priced ones. 

 

These seem pretty good for the prices. 

 

But if you have any questions about any of these, do not hestitate to let me know. 

 

If you give me a few lists of games you plan on playing I can check the specs of the game to make sure they mean the required requirements or beyond. 

 

I tried to keep it under your budget you were asking, but of course. The more better PCs do get more expensive. And also to note, custom build could tend to get up in price as well. 

 

So yea here is some links to the PCs I was checking out in the mean time.

 

Like I said, any questions feel free to ask. I'll try to answer them to the best of my knowledge. ^^

 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883102038

 

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883227507

 

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883102080

 

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883102057

 

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883272020

 

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883272037

 

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883102077

 

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883103853

[Steel Accord 6,660]

@,

 

I will, thank you so much for your help as it is. 

[Countess Coloratura 204]

@,

 

I will, thank you so much for your help as it is. 

No problem, willing to help anytime.

[Adri 52]

are you willing to build a custom desktop (which is generally cheaper) or are you wanting a pre-built 

Edited October 30, 2015 by Adri

[Steel Accord 6,660]

@,

 

Okay so just a few titles that are windows exclusive that I would like to play just as an example.

 

 -Fallout 4

 

-Skyrim

 

-Batman: Arkham Knight

 

-Vampire the Masquerade: Bloodlines

 

-Battleborn

 

-Overwatch (though I think that will be Mac compatible)

are you willing to build a custom desktop (which is generally cheaper) or are you wanting a pre-built 

 

I can't build one custom as I don't know how to.

Edited October 30, 2015 by Steel Accord

[Blaze Bronson 343]

PCMR here, I'd love to help aswell! 

 

It seems you are going for a desktop not a laptop right?

That's a good idea, as it's a lot cheaper.

 

I can review links to pre-built towers, but I honestly don't know where to look for them myself. I buy parts and build them, so that's where my knowledge resides.

 

Have you considered building it yourself? 

It might sound very technical and difficult indeed, but it's not far away from legos actually. Also, you will most often get a better PC, and a at a cheaper price.

 

Skim through this video on just 11 minutes to get a general idea on how it works 

Generally it's just putting 6 different pieces into a cabinet. 

 

 

@, Mentioned some builds, of those I'd recommend

 

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883102038&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-Skimlinks-_-na-_-na-_-na&AID=12087162&PID=5491482&SID=skim15364X795042Xa8d6c9efd1ddc6e3fbee77d88bdb0b8f&utm_medium=affiliates&utm_source=afc-Skimlinks

A pretty balanced build, but also definitely on the lower end. It's very comparable to the Playstation 4.

 

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883227507&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-Skimlinks-_-na-_-na-_-na&AID=12087162&PID=5491482&SID=skim15364X795042Xff5112ad172aa65a34602fa8bf2d6d63&utm_medium=affiliates&utm_source=afc-Skimlinks

A bit more powerful, but the CPU is unnecessarily expensive. Essentially, you should be able to find one that is equally cheap but with more performance.

 

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883102057&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-Skimlinks-_-na-_-na-_-na&AID=12087162&PID=5491482&SID=skim15364X795042X5bc51b0f58edd1b24a427787c2812b7e&utm_medium=affiliates&utm_source=afc-Skimlinks

Even one bit more powerful, but has the same issue as last one, as it has the same CPU. Also at this point, the CPU is somewhat holding you back.

 

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883103853&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-Skimlinks-_-na-_-na-_-na&AID=12087162&PID=5491482&SID=skim15364X795042X9947ddbe9ed4696287b0bb47fb36172d&utm_medium=affiliates&utm_source=afc-Skimlinks

This one actually has a CPU with much more power than you need, but that's not necessarily a bad thing! That means you can easily upgrade only the graphic card down the line. Sounds nice to only pay 200$ for a new graphics card in about 3 years and getting a PC as good as new? 

 

However, all of these can be trumped by a computer you build yourself 

[Adri 52]

@,

 

Okay so just a few titles that are windows exclusive that I would like to play just as an example.

 

 -Fallout 4

 

-Skyrim

 

-Batman: Arkham Knight

 

-Vampire the Masquerade: Bloodlines

 

-Battleborn

 

-Overwatch (though I think that will be Mac compatible)

 

I can't build one custom as I don't know how to.

If you take the time to learn what the various components are of a computer and how to piece the puzzles together, it's definitely worth it since you could save several hundred dollars down the road. For example, you can build a rig right now for about 400-500 USD which can run GTA V on around normal settings, which is pretty decent (perhaps even cheaper if you buy used parts)

 

But if you're not willing to at the moment, I can try to find a budget desktop for you

 

Also if you see desktops with a processor such as the i7-4770, I wouldn't buy it because the i7s are generally overkill. You're better off with an i5 or a Pentium processor which is considerably cheaper with not much performance lost

Edited October 30, 2015 by Adri

[Countess Coloratura 204]

PCMR here, I'd love to help aswell! 

 

It seems you are going for a desktop not a laptop right?

That's a good idea, as it's a lot cheaper.

 

I can review links to pre-built towers, but I honestly don't know where to look for them myself. I buy parts and build them, so that's where my knowledge resides.

 

Have you considered building it yourself? 

It might sound very technical and difficult indeed, but it's not far away from legos actually. Also, you will most often get a better PC, and a at a cheaper price.

 

Skim through this video on just 11 minutes to get a general idea on how it works 

Generally it's just putting 6 different pieces into a cabinet. 

 

 

@, Mentioned some builds, of those I'd recommend

 

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883102038&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-Skimlinks-_-na-_-na-_-na&AID=12087162&PID=5491482&SID=skim15364X795042Xa8d6c9efd1ddc6e3fbee77d88bdb0b8f&utm_medium=affiliates&utm_source=afc-Skimlinks

A pretty balanced build, but also definitely on the lower end. It's very comparable to the Playstation 4.

 

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883227507&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-Skimlinks-_-na-_-na-_-na&AID=12087162&PID=5491482&SID=skim15364X795042Xff5112ad172aa65a34602fa8bf2d6d63&utm_medium=affiliates&utm_source=afc-Skimlinks

A bit more powerful, but the CPU is unnecessarily expensive. Essentially, you should be able to find one that is equally cheap but with more performance.

 

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883102057&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-Skimlinks-_-na-_-na-_-na&AID=12087162&PID=5491482&SID=skim15364X795042X5bc51b0f58edd1b24a427787c2812b7e&utm_medium=affiliates&utm_source=afc-Skimlinks

Even one bit more powerful, but has the same issue as last one, as it has the same CPU. Also at this point, the CPU is somewhat holding you back.

 

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883103853&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-Skimlinks-_-na-_-na-_-na&AID=12087162&PID=5491482&SID=skim15364X795042X9947ddbe9ed4696287b0bb47fb36172d&utm_medium=affiliates&utm_source=afc-Skimlinks

This one actually has a CPU with much more power than you need, but that's not necessarily a bad thing! That means you can easily upgrade only the graphic card down the line. Sounds nice to only pay 200$ for a new graphics card in about 3 years and getting a PC as good as new? 

 

However, all of these can be trumped by a computer you build yourself 

^

Good info here! I built my PCs. 

I always recommend a good custom build. 

That way you can pick the parts you want and know what you want to run on it. 

 

Learning to build PCs are not really hard as they can be pretty simple once you know the basics of building it. 

 

But if you want a nice beefy computer might wanna invest into something more powerful, that can possibly upgraded. 

Or go with a build. There is places where you can build your own PC on a site, and they put it together. 

 

Just look at the recommended specs of the games you play, study those cards/specs. 

Or use game-debate and compare what system your building on how it will run those games. 

And go from there. 

 

If you need help with any of that. We're all here. 

 

 

 

 

[Blaze Bronson 343]

If you need help with any of that. We're all here. 

Exactly this. As I said, I'm a PCMR (PC Master Race), which essentially is a sub-reddit group about PC's; for passionate PC builders and gamers (with a bit of console mockery thrown in  ). So I am very happy to help 

 

Of the games you listed, Batman: Arkham Knight is probably the most demanding, partly due to bad porting from the consoles (damn you consoles!)

In order to run it properly, I'd recommend stronger builds than those listed. However, not necessarily more expensive. A 750$ build should pull it with ease, and last you a long time also.

[Steel Accord 6,660]

@,

 

Ugh so much to keep track of. See this is why I would just rather buy one, one and done. Just thinking about all those steps makes me brain hurt. And I'm a writer, an expert in mythology and film. This just isn't my field. 

[Countess Coloratura 204]

@,

 

Ugh so much to keep track of. See this is why I would just rather buy one, one and done. Just thinking about all those steps makes me brain hurt. And I'm a writer, an expert in mythology and film. This just isn't my field. 

I understand, I apologize if it sounded like I was forcing the issue of learning and what not onto you. 

I understand, if one person cant build one or have no interest or cant. Buying on is best choice to go with.

[Steel Accord 6,660]

I understand, I apologize if it sounded like I was forcing the issue of learning and what not onto you. 

I understand, if one person cant build one or have no interest or cant. Buying on is best choice to go with.

 

No it's fine none of you made it feel like you were impressing such upon me, just unintentionally demonstrating my inadequacy in this field. Which is, of course, not your guy's fault. Let me put it to you this way, you know that young teenager that's basically a walking tech department, that was my brother.

 

So now that I have to make some hardware purchase myself, I need something I can just plug in and start up.

[Countess Coloratura 204]

No it's fine none of you made it feel like you were impressing such upon me, just unintentionally demonstrating my inadequacy in this field. Which is, of course, not your guy's fault. Let me put it to you this way, you know that young teenager that's basically a walking tech department, that was my brother.

 

So now that I have to make some hardware purchase myself, I need something I can just plug in and start up.

Very much understandable. And no problem.