Now, according to Sheep, FileTrekker has some upgrade problems. Because see, computers that aren't circa 1997 are expensive. ^_^

As a perpetually bankrupt moron who can under no circumstances afford a current-generation computer, let me educate on the finer points of buying a current-generation computer without a current-generation budget. Also known as "Finding Unicorns: The Cheap Ass IT Guide".



Step 1: Find an LGA1155 computer with 8GB of RAM and a 1TB HDD, but no GPU or pre-installed operating system, at a price tag that would make any netbook shit it's britches.

Well now this is just a refuge in audacity. That good a bargain can't possibly exist, it's way too good to be true. How on Earth is one supposed to fulfill such an impossible objective? Bitch be down like the Kobayashi Maru. Anyone telling you differently is spouting blatant lies. ....I'm subtle! :3

Step 2: Upgrade power supply.

Now, even though such a computer existing is absolutely ridiculous, let's assume for a second that it does. It would probably come with a 300W power supply that barely has enough SATA cords to do it's job. You'd probably want to upgrade it to an inexpensive, powerful and upgrade-ready PSU. Let's say something in the region of 600W that could power an extra two SATA devices and is surprisingly quiet, yet costs 15. Yes, I do like setting impossible goals for you bastards.

Step 3: Install a cheap, yet modestly powerful graphics card.

Because the only person around here who isn't man enough to handle hardware acceleration is Sheep, you're probably going to want a graphics card. I can't be bothered snarking through this bit, so I'll just say that this card will more than suffice for all but the most hardcore graphics whoring.


Assessment:

This computer, so far, has hauled me through many play hours of Star Trek Online, Alpha Protocol, Grand Theft Auto IV, Civilization V, Call of Pripyat, Magicka, X3: Terran Conflict and Trine with little to no trouble. GTA4, X3:TC and Magicka run very comfortably at 1280x720, with the rest all sprinting along at 1680x1050. Pretty much the only way to choke up the GPU is to use high-detail shadows or anti-aliasing in newer games, most other settings can go up to max easily. And yes, FT, you will be able to play Sonic Generations with near-full settings on this. In fact, the game might run faster than Sonic does.

The CPU, though a Pentium, matches entry-level i3s on a punch by punch basis, with the only drawback being the slightly higher thermal profile. While nowhere near as unstoppably thermobaric as AMD components, you'll feel the heat (not a lot, but you will). On the bright side, it's just hot enough to make your desk area comfortably warm without having the central heating on. ^_^

Processor is also Sandybridge so the box can be upgraded to a 16GB PC-12800, Ivybridge i7 evil bitch monster of death.... budget permitting, of course.

Downside is that the built-in audio drivers suck such immense amounts of hourse dick that you'll want to screem. You'll probably want a sound card if you don't use a USB output device with it's own drivers (such as the Microsoft LifeChat LX-3000 headset). A sound card may or may not be made more difficult by the Asus P8H61-MX motherboard only having one full-sized PCI slot. Needless to say, it's picky about what sound cards it will take.



And with that, FT, Sheep and I eagerly await your Starfleet enlistment.

Sweet. You tell me how much this will cost, and I'll explain to Carr & Hulme, Norweb and Salford City Council why I didn't pay the bills this month.

Grown-up stuff. Disappoint.


Still. Total of 280 for the tower, GPU and PSU - bloody steal, IMO. Keep it in mind next time you have some cash to spare.

(Sheep, fix your currency symbols.)

I'll admit, I was expecting you to say something at least twice as much.

I'll look into it I think, when I get chance.

Pro tip, the red bits are hyperlinks. ^^

If I'd bought the i3 version of this computer, then it probably would have been twice as much, actually. Saving eighty quid by opting for the G630 paid for a new PSU, graphics card, and two kebabs. If that's not a score, I don't know what is.