New Computer - Need suggestions on hardware

[Palentian]

I'll reiterate that I'm not looking to be able to play in godmode graphics or anything to that nature. Considering the stats of my current laptop, it really is not going to take a lot to "wipe the floor" with my laptop's stuff. xD And with the machine on tigerdirect that I linked, if the only thing that's not so swell is the graphics card, I can always upgrade that further down the road if it's not to my liking.

I totally get that. I just upgraded from a laptop with a 200m vid chip. Doesn't take much to get lost with the new graphics. The puter I got was from Walmart.com. They have a deal with iBuyPower or something. They can build a decent system for not too bad a price. And I was able to get Win7 instead of having to go to 8. I'm very happy with mine. I still get the odd stutter crossing zones, but its amazing playing with more than 20 fps. LOL. And it really is funny that I have to look at my radar to see where I am sometimes, cause it just doesn't look familiar. The world builders did a fantastic job. Its nice to be able to really appreciate it.

[Boskone08]

First, let me add my strong support for an SSD, even a small one - they offer a major benefit for LOTRO. But being retired, I fully understand cost factors. If you choose to defer an SSD (and yes, you certainly can add them later), consider buying a 32GB USB drive as a get-by for LOTRO only until you can get the SSD. IMO, a USB drive gets you perhaps half the benefit of a SSD when used with LOTRO (you can try it on the cheap with your laptop to get an idea of the impact). When you can add an SSD, try to get as much space as you can - having the Op System on the SSD is a big plus, as well as any other software you use regularly. I'd say target 120G as a minimum.

Also, the GTX 650 video card has a pretty low power requirement (64w nominal), esp for its' performance. Many of the other cards cited here have much higher power requirements, along with higher performance. Edit - also check out the new GTX750 - supposed to run off a 300w power supply! I have the 650 and a 650TI (higher power), but the 750 seems to be worth a look. The GT640 has about the same power demand but a bit lower performance, however it may be $20-30 cheaper and still not a bad option.

[Pony-o]

Also, the GTX 650 video card has a pretty low power requirement (64w nominal), esp for its' performance. Many of the other cards cited here have much higher power requirements, along with higher performance. Edit - also check out the new GTX750 - supposed to run off a 300w power supply! I have the 650 and a 650TI (higher power), but the 750 seems to be worth a look.

I have a GeForce 750Ti myself and I can highly recommend that one. In terms of performance-per-Watt nothing comes even close right now.
It may not be on par with high-end gaming GPUs, but it gives decent performance in LOTRO without breaking the bank.

EDIT:
If possible, go with a dual-fan cooler even if it seems oversized for a GPU like this - thermal/noise win-win

[Sapience]

I'll reiterate that I'm not looking to be able to play in godmode graphics or anything to that nature. Considering the stats of my current laptop, it really is not going to take a lot to "wipe the floor" with my laptop's stuff. xD And with the machine on tigerdirect that I linked, if the only thing that's not so swell is the graphics card, I can always upgrade that further down the road if it's not to my liking.

Mar,

I don't know how far you can push your budget but this is a pretty good solution for you. Hits all the right notes and I have personally never had any major issues with Asus products (I own an Asus laptop and all my systems at home are built on their motherboards).
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/asus-desktop-8gb-memory-1tb-hard-drive/1362155.p?id=1219050991245&sku Id=1362155&st=pcmcat1434000500 13_categoryid$abcat0501000&cp= 1&lp=3

As for those with a "why not AMD and Radeon"? Personal preferences aside (I prefer Intel & Nvidia. maybe a carryover from old IT habits), there are usually far fewer reports of issues with NVIDIA cards and with Intel processors. I have no idea why, but there seems to be a clear trend. Just my 2 cents.

[Milithion]

is/will lotro be compatible with AMD Mantle?

[Sapience]

is/will lotro be compatible with AMD Mantle?

No and no plans to add support.

[Mar-Evayave]

There's a similar build for a similar price by ASUS, if Best Buy's an option for you. I tend to trust ASUS more than most other brands, & the one 3-star review on this just seems to be complaining about the graphics card because they wanted to play games that really require more than 1gb video memory. "Asus - Desktop - 8GB Memory - 1TB Hard Drive"

There is a local Best Buy around here, though I guess I can't say if they carry that particular item (but I suppose they could always ship it). It definitely looks like one that at least meets my budget.

First, let me add my strong support for an SSD, even a small one - they offer a major benefit for LOTRO. But being retired, I fully understand cost factors. If you choose to defer an SSD (and yes, you certainly can add them later), consider buying a 32GB USB drive as a get-by for LOTRO only until you can get the SSD. IMO, a USB drive gets you perhaps half the benefit of a SSD when used with LOTRO (you can try it on the cheap with your laptop to get an idea of the impact). When you can add an SSD, try to get as much space as you can - having the Op System on the SSD is a big plus, as well as any other software you use regularly. I'd say target 120G as a minimum.

Also, the GTX 650 video card has a pretty low power requirement (64w nominal), esp for its' performance. Many of the other cards cited here have much higher power requirements, along with higher performance. Edit - also check out the new GTX750 - supposed to run off a 300w power supply! I have the 650 and a 650TI (higher power), but the 750 seems to be worth a look. The GT640 has about the same power demand but a bit lower performance, however it may be $20-30 cheaper and still not a bad option.

I imagine, considering the appearance of things right now, an SSD would have to wait, if I get one at all. I guess I'm not really sure about the cards. I'm just not very computer savvy...

Mar,

I don't know how far you can push your budget but this is a pretty good solution for you. Hits all the right notes and I have personally never had any major issues with Asus products (I own an Asus laptop and all my systems at home are built on their motherboards).
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/asus-desktop-8gb-memory-1tb-hard-drive/1362155.p?id=1219050991245&sku Id=1362155&st=pcmcat1434000500 13_categoryid$abcat0501000&cp= 1&lp=3

As for those with a "why not AMD and Radeon"? Personal preferences aside (I prefer Intel & Nvidia. maybe a carryover from old IT habits), there are usually far fewer reports of issues with NVIDIA cards and with Intel processors. I have no idea why, but there seems to be a clear trend. Just my 2 cents.

Ouch... That is pushing so deep it just struck the bone. xD My brother also uses an Asus and has been pretty pleased with it, from what I understand. The one you share with the Intel/NVidia compared to the one Arestelle shared with AMD (both Asus) seem almost identical except for those two factors (processor and video card), only the AMD one is about $200 cheaper. It'd be nice to find one using Intel/NVidia but with the AMD's price. :/ What a pickle...

BTW, is it just me, or does Best Buy not show the power supply for either of those two...

*edit* My dad agrees on the AMD vs NVidia thing too. If only I could find one nearly identical to the one you shared but with a smaller price-tag. xD

[blackjack2138]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820147247 +

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboB...=Combo.1594758 +

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820231718

thats $460.93 without an OS. That would be more than capable of running LOTRO. The i3 isn't the best but i can be upgraded next year and you'd be fine.


-----------update---------------

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16832416806 add this for another 99 and you've got a complete desktop for 560.93.

[Nymphonic]

Don't forget the high speed internet connection! Not gonna get very far without it!

[Boskone08]

I'm a big fan of NewEgg - they have collected several thousand dollars from me on a number of occasions, and I always felt I got good value and that any issues (and there have been one or two over a decade-plus) would be (and were) resolved to my complete satisfaction. Might not always have been the very lowest possible price, but always close, always fast to ship and always (in my experience) good quality and support.

[Karilis]

I agree that the amd apu is great for this game! I am running an older on a8-5600k and I can run about high graphics direct x 10 with no problem (it costs roughly around $100)
Though the a10 7850k can run this game at full graphics with about 40 fps average (which is great!)

I could suggest intel for gaming, but the truth is, the i7 4820 or 4930 or 4960x are the only cpu's that have the bigger notice for gaming, and they cost $380/550/980 in price ( lowest # to highest)
So I would suggest amd for mid-range prices.
~With the apu GNC, you can't beat price! Microcenter sells the a10 7850k for $150 (which is the cheapest you will find t) (150) (or 180 on newegg/tigre direct)
~An msi A88X motherboard to support it. (70-110)
~4gb-8g of memory, 1600/1866 at minimum for gaming. (30-80)
~60gb ssd +1tb hdd (from Seagate for the hdd) pny/Samsung/Toshiba/intel/ corsair for the ssd . If no the ssd then a 7200gb HDD at least. (60-140)
~Windows 7/8.1 (either work) (100)
~A mid tower case at least. Heat sink or water cooler for cpu, h60i corsair hydro , aterak cooling, or cooler masters. (40-300{full tower chasis})
~350 power supply a least (standard works but +80 Bronze at least preferred) (30-300{1000 watt 80+ gold})
Total price could come out to $550-$600 American dollars.

For cheap affordable, mid game computers, amd's apu can save you a lot!
If you want to upgrade to card too. GTX 750(ti), GT 650(t) r7 250 (though the apu already holds the features of it) or the 7750/7770.
Would cost about an Xtra 100-150

HOPE this helps!!

[Grimdi]

The one you share with the Intel/NVidia compared to the one Arestelle shared with AMD (both Asus) seem almost identical except for those two factors (processor and video card), only the AMD one is about $200 cheaper. It'd be nice to find one using Intel/NVidia but with the AMD's price. :/ What a pickle...

The difference is actually major: the AMD system doesn't have a real graphics card, the HD 8350 is basically just on-board graphics. The GTX 650 however is very capable of running games.
(Also the Intel CPU is also quite a bit better than the AMD FX processor, but that's a minor issue compared to the graphics card).
When it comes to graphics cards for gaming, always go for a GTX when dealing with NVidia, or a model with a 7 or 8 as _second_ digit when dealing with AMD. The first digit in model numbers is practically useless these days for comparing graphics cards (e.g. even a HD 5770 will be faster than a HD 8350).

[Mar-Evayave]

Don't forget the high speed internet connection! Not gonna get very far without it!

lol Don't depress me! I live out with the hillbillies at the very end of the line. There are only two things worse: 1) dial-up and 2) no internet at all. xD

The difference is actually major: the AMD system doesn't have a real graphics card, the HD 8350 is basically just on-board graphics. The GTX 650 however is very capable of running games.
(Also the Intel CPU is also quite a bit better than the AMD FX processor, but that's a minor issue compared to the graphics card).
When it comes to graphics cards for gaming, always go for a GTX when dealing with NVidia, or a model with a 7 or 8 as _second_ digit when dealing with AMD. The first digit in model numbers is practically useless these days for comparing graphics cards (e.g. even a HD 5770 will be faster than a HD 8350).

That's good to know. I'm really leaning towards Intel processor and Nvidia graphics, particularly after my dad agreed with Sapience's opinion. I guess I'll need to do a little more brainstorming.

At least I have a little bit of time before I'd be buying anyway. I still don't have anywhere to put the thing when it arrives. xD

[anthonyx]

lol Don't depress me! I live out with the hillbillies at the very end of the line. There are only two things worse: 1) dial-up and 2) no internet at all. xD



That's good to know. I'm really leaning towards Intel processor and Nvidia graphics, particularly after my dad agreed with Sapience's opinion. I guess I'll need to do a little more brainstorming.

At least I have a little bit of time before I'd be buying anyway. I still don't have anywhere to put the thing when it arrives. xD

There is nothing wrong with the Intel/Nvidia combination. I have ran both and each has their strong points. The question really comes down to money and your budget. For mid range gaming (this is in the 400 - 700 dollar price range) it is hard to beat AMD. You might be able to pick up an okay Intel i3 (or older generation i5) but most likely for the price you will be sacrificing on the quality of the video card, plus you might have to settle for less memory and no SSD. I am speaking generally, and if you did the research, it is very possible you could find a better deal. That is why I second the choice for AMD APU 10 for gamers on a budget. LOTRO is no longer a high demanding graphic game as it was when it came out. It is true that LOTRO is not optimized for AMD graphic cards but then again the code is old and it is not really optimized for any card. Now if money was not an factor (wouldn't that be nice!) then you could go in many different directions.

This thread could be information overload. I hope you find something that works for you and lets you play LOTRO in max settings.

[Sapience]

I'm just going to throw this out there so no one makes any mistakes and ends up unhappy.

Onboard video chips (whether they be intel or AMD) should be avoided. You will have more issues across the board when playing LOTRO with them. We explicitly have said we do not support the use of Intel HD onboard graphics in the past and this should be taken to mean any use of onboad or integrated graphics chips from both AMD and Intel.

Whatever you end up with, make sure you have a discrete graphics card in there.

[cdq1958]

@ Mar, I've run both Intel and AMD chips. They're functionally equivalent. Occasionally one specific line will be better than the other's offerings; but I've had minimal issues with either.

On board video, no matter what, does not play well with LoTRO. Try to get the best addon card you can afford. I've run ATI and NVidia (and some of the licensees that also produce cards) and I've found that the drivers matter more than the cards. I've had a few more problems with Catalyst drivers than I've had with the GeForce ones. YMMV as they say.

Right now, my card and disk are the limiting factors in my system; yet I don't lag unless I have network issues. I do get graphic performance issues if I try to push my system; but that's not a Turbine problem. I missed a big SSD sale and now am stuck since the family had to get a newer automobile. We're in the sticks and reliable transportation are a must. Feet work; but 10 miles to town is a bit much :P. I'm waiting for the next SSD sale and hoping for a sale on 550 or better NVidia GT/GTX cards.

I'm also looking at getting another power supply and a better motherboard and processor combo if I can get a good sale price.

[Karilis]

I'm just going to throw this out there so no one makes any mistakes and ends up unhappy.

Onboard video chips (whether they be intel or AMD) should be avoided. You will have more issues across the board when playing LOTRO with them. We explicitly have said we do not support the use of Intel HD onboard graphics in the past and this should be taken to mean any use of onboad or integrated graphics chips from both AMD and Intel.

Whatever you end up with, make sure you have a discrete graphics card in there.

Unless you have ran the new A10-7700 or A10-7850, then you would understand that the graphics on that processor
is the best on-board video chips atm, I am running an older generation of the apu and can run direct X 10 at very good detail and fps.

I can see you are an Intel/nvidia fan, but everyone here should agree that amd is for the price and their apu's run this game just fine and better than intel HD graphics (with that comparison)

I do not dis agree with Intel/nvidia because I have used that combo and it is great! For this game also,
but for that mid range pay, the amd is the best price!

You and I know that turbine hasn't optimized this game for a while, so just about anything in the past 2 years can run this game just fine.
It's just less of a sacrifice with the apu...

[GozmitJosh]

I will add to the ASUS support.

Majority of my computer parts are asus and have not had any major problems. Yet my experience with alienware and dell, gateway, evga, they have all had some minor annoying problems pop up on me.

[Mar-Evayave]

This thread could be information overload. I hope you find something that works for you and lets you play LOTRO in max settings.

lol You aren't too far off the mark there. Pretty much every other post I have to go find the resident translator and get it in layman's terms. xD

I will add to the ASUS support.

Majority of my computer parts are asus and have not had any major problems. Yet my experience with alienware and dell, gateway, evga, they have all had some minor annoying problems pop up on me.

:P Diehard Dell fan here! Both my laptops (one my mom eventually got and my current one) have done outstanding jobs. This one here (the specs in the OP) is capable of running LOTRO with mostly medium settings (though I purposefully set some on low so that I can set others on high). I average 20-30 FPS in less demanding areas, though I do drop to the teens for the higher areas. For a laptop with integrated graphics and other miseries, this Dell has certainly fought the hard fight! ^_^ They also have had good customer service, from what my dad says, and I think a lot of his workplace's machines are Dell.

I do get ASUS and Acer mixed up, though. Can anyone say whether Acer is good or bad?

[Arestelle]

I think a lot of his workplace's machines are Dell.

I do get ASUS and Acer mixed up, though. Can anyone say whether Acer is good or bad?

Dell's business-end desktops have a better reputation than their home/standard products. ...I did have a (home) Dell laptop that I bought used & that lasted 3 years before the backlight died on me. Worked fine till then, aside from a totally dead battery that I never replaced; I still don't trust Dell. They consistently rank lower in reliability charts (like this).

I don't have experience with Acer, but my general impression is that it's kind of a toss-up between them, Dell, HP, and Gateway. I.e. not great.

[rosey21]

I have had 2 dell desktops both under 3 years old & went belly up. Will never buy from Dell again. I have had Gateways which I loved. My last Gateway was 8 years old & it still worked. Not sure how good Gateways are now, been years since I had one.

[Mar-Evayave]

My mom's Dell (Latitude something-or-other I think) was mine originally, and I got it probably... oh... 5 years ago or so? I got that one refurbished, though, so the actual components are older and/or used. My current one I got probably 3ish years ago and was also refurbished. Both have performed splendidly.

I think my dad dislikes HP, though. Not sure why.

[blackjack2138]

Because most big name brand computers have a reputation for failing. Dell, HP, Compaq, Acer...they all fail and fail far sooner than they should. The only brand I trust is Asus. But I haven't owned one in years, think 2010 or so? I've moved to desktops I've assembled using a fair few Asus parts though.

[Palentian]

Because most big name brand computers have a reputation for failing. Dell, HP, Compaq, Acer...they all fail and fail far sooner than they should. The only brand I trust is Asus. But I haven't owned one in years, think 2010 or so? I've moved to desktops I've assembled using a fair few Asus parts though.

This is like car preference. People always have preferences of brands. I have an e-Machines, for instance, that I've never had problems with. Its about 4 or 5 years old now and still going strong. Most people dislike them, or at least most comments I see online regarding them are negative.

[blackjack2138]

This is like car preference. People always have preferences of brands. I have an e-Machines, for instance, that I've never had problems with. Its about 4 or 5 years old now and still going strong. Most people dislike them, or at least most comments I see online regarding them are negative.

Its true. Some of the brands that are generally disliked will sometimes surprise you and last seemingly forever. Every now and then you get a good one, but in my experience, they seem to die sooner than they should.