How much does RAM, processors, and harddrive size/speed effect gaming

A few questions about computing power needed to run games like WoW and FEAR.


While I know the obvious answer, just how important is each of these components for gaming? Can I get cheaper RAM (like 512M's), for example, and still get decent framerates and graphic quality so long as if I have a top of the line GPU (ie 7800)? just how much of the gaming exsperiences hinges on these components? What is the recommended amount of RAM and hardrive space needed to run new games?

... I am somewhat of a laptop/computer noob, so thanks for your time and answers!

 

you should be able to away with a slower processor, if you have more ram and a better video card.. and by slower, i dont mean 1.4ghz celeron..im talking 1.6ghz, 2gb ram, x1600 or 6800...even a x700/6600 (it might be pushing it though)..i would get the best processor you can afford...with the best performance per dollar ratio...no sense in spending $200 more for a chip that is faster by 100mhz...

hard drive space isnt a huge factor..of course you need to have abit extra space..if this is pure gaming machine, then go for the 7200rpm as it will help load times by a little bit (there is a heat factor though).

pb,out.

 

AMDs have the best processors when it comes to gaming, just because their architecture is better than Intel's. I think you defo need more than 512MB of RAM if you are thinking of building a gaming rig - a gig is the norm,99% of the time. Processors don't greatly affect your gaming performance (like pb said) - the first priority goes to the video card, and then the RAM.

 

Here is what I am planing on purchasing:

http://www.pctorque.com/builder.php?cart_id=1&recent_id=4846

is this overkill or is it a good bet?

I should mention I am attending art school in the fall and will probably be using this for Photoshop ect as well as for gaming...

 

Like pb said concentrate on getting a fast hard drive and a lot of ram. I would say a PM 1.6 is the pure minimum. I would go with a PM 2.0. I use 2GB of ram. It is really nice for games like BF2 which hog it all. Unfortionatly I only have a 5400rpm hard drive. I would get a 7200rpm hard drive for sure. When I play CoD I have some slow downs when my laptop accesses the hard drive. I need to upgrade it.
Hope this helps,
Tim

 

Ouch!! I still can't believe you are planning on spending $1000 more for a laptop with the same components as the XPS, but to each his own!!

For gaming, just remember the biggest factor will always be your graphics card. Then, you will want AT LEAST a gig of RAM, but it is usually cheaper to just buy from newegg. Your processor isn't a big factor, but it is nice to get the best one you can, until you hit the ones with high price jumps (usually the 2.0 PM is the best bang for the buck). Some games are somewhat processor intensive. Finally, your hard drive speed will actually have little effect on your in-game play. It will usually just effect you load times. But as was pointed out, if your computer needs to access your HD in game (due to too little ram, or in some large games) you will notice more of a stutter.

So basically, it goes GPU>RAM>CPU>HD
Although if your CPU is already good, you're better off bumping up to a higher HD speed than buying an even better CPU, if you understand what I am trying to say :/

 

The Sager is a superior machine, so if you don't mind spending the extra money, it's well worth it. I would suggest waiting a month for the updated 5720 with the Core Duo.

This is how it goes for performance

GPU #1, RAM #2, CPU #3.

The graphics card is the bottleneck for most people. If that is weak, it doesn't matter how much RAM or how fast of a CPU you have, you're still going to have poor 3D performance. Second is the RAM. With 512MB of RAM, 7900GTX, and an FX-60, you're not going to have a great experience because of the lack of RAM, even though everything else is top-of-the-line. The games will studder a lot because of the little RAM and thus the computer will have to use the Page File on the hard drive for memory.

Third is the CPU. This is not unimportant, and does matter, but only to a certain extent. I would go for the mid-range processor of any given model . .for example, in an Athlon 64, I would go for a 3500+ or 3700+, in a Pentium M, a 1.86 or 2.0, and a Turion, ML-34 or -37. Those are just a few examples.

Chaz

 

drop the resolution to 1680x1050..sine gaming at 1900x1200 will be very hard with good settings.

next, drop the processor down to a 760 (2ghz), and up the ram to 2gb.

thats what i would do...i would also add a dvd burner, but that is just preference.

pb,out.

 

Nice... thanks for all your time/answers gents!


I have been wondering wheater or not to buy the XPS or the 5720.

Is the extra $ worth it, or does it not justify itself?


Sublime, you care to argue it out with Chaz over this issue. I could use some solid facts

 

i would go with the 5720..the dells just arent built with quality, IMO..

pb,out.