I like my mac but i want games!

[DaBurbs]

Hey everyone, just found this forum. I read some recent posts and noticed a little disrespect from the people asking the questions!? Anyway, i have a powerbook g4 (mac) and i love it, but i can't game like i want to. My little bro just built a small super computer and i've been checking out Counter Strike Source and some other games. I've got the bug and i've gotta get a PC. My question really is: what are my priorities for making a pc that will be a good gamer and not outdate quickly. I'm looking to end up w/ a amd FX chip but theres always new stuff coming out and i don't know if i should wait until the next big thing. i've heard of PCI express 2.0 for instance. I was also wondering what the major differences are in an asus mobo for $199 and the one for $89 what are the speed measurements i should focus on. Phew, that was a mouthful and i have so many more questions, i'll keep researching too! Thanks all.

[mjc]

My question really is: what are my priorities for making a pc that will be a good gamer and not outdate quickly.

Then don't get a PC...go with a console.

Gaming PCs are like *real* sports cars...there is always something more to be done/added/modded/upgraded...

[azzey]

Yes, if you want to stay ahead in the gaming field and play the latest games, you are looking at upgrading quite often. I bought a brand spankin' new GeForce 7900GTX last August, and I'm already looking at upgrading again... In fact, I just built my rig in September, and I just added another gig or RAM this week!

[jlreich]

Unless it's a week or two away, don't worry about waiting for the next big thing to come out. The way computer technology moves you will never get a new machine. ;) Get what's in your budget and will satisfy your needs.

Unless you are a die hard AMD fan go with a Core2 CPU whether it's a Duo or a Quad. The Core2 is the hands down best CPU out right now, and will remain so anytime in the near future.

The best way to insure the best possible upgrade path is to get a very good motherboard. The mobo will dictate what can and can not be put in the machine now and later on. The best motherboards for future proofing right now are the ones with the 6xx series chipsets. The higher the xx the better.

[DaBurbs]

Thanks guys, i like the gaming console idea! Simple too. Great tip about the xx on mobos. What makes the intel duo a better chip?

[jlreich]

What makes the intel duo a better chip?
In a nutshell, the Core2 gets more done in less time while doing it at a lower clock speed, while using less power, while generating less heat than any other desktop CPU. I haven't seen any recent numbers but in comparison to AMD it was beating them out by around 30-40% in most tasks. There are a couple things that AMD beat the Core2 in, but barely. And keep in mind I am an AMD fan. :)

[nokushi0]

Einstein reckoned that time is the fourth dimension. Therefore, shouldn't 3D accelerator cards be called 4D accelerator cards? They do, of course animate as well as render graphics...:confused:

[Variable]

If a video card could manipulate time and space....yes :) But, since it manipulates binary code to simulate depth on a display, it seems aptly named 3D to me.

All things being relative, sometimes playing a game seems to speed up real time doesn't it? You can be playing a great game for what "seems" like an hour but in actuality 3 hours of real time has passed. hmm...

[jlreich]

You can be playing a great game for what "seems" like an hour but in actuality 3 hours of real time has passed. hmm...
I have fell into that dimension many times... :D