Help with a new computer : Fallout 3

» Thu Apr 22, 2010 3:35 pm

I have the opportunity to get a computer, about a year old, really cheap. Like $60-$80. However I cant read specs for the life of me, I have no idea what any of the numbers/letters mean. So I was wondering if somebody could help me out on this? I'm mainly buying this because of all the great mods you can get for the PC and if I can get a good pc for the price of regular game that would be fantastic.

If anyone can help it would be much appreciated thanks.
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UPDATE:

Graphics Card
NVIDIA GeForce 9500 G
It has Direct X Version X10
2815mb total availabe graphics memory

430GB free of 466

It also has an AMD Athlon II X4 620 Processor.

» Thu Apr 22, 2010 11:52 am

I have the opportunity to get a computer, about a year old, really cheap. Like $60-$80. However I cant read specs for the life of me, I have no idea what any of the numbers/letters mean. So I was wondering if somebody could help me out on this? I'm mainly buying this because of all the great mods you can get for the PC and if I can get a good pc for the price of regular game that would be fantastic.

The motherboard, now im not 100% sure on this but the other computers that are 2 years old had AM 37 motherboards so I am assuming this 1 year old computer might have the AM 37 aswell. But it has an AMD Athlon II X4 620 processor in it. Now im not sure but it might also be this desktop but with a different case: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Dell+-+Inspiron+Desktop+/+AMD+Athlon%26%23153%3B+II+X4+Processor+/+6GB+Memory+/+750GB+Hard+Drive/9941275.p?id=1218198437877&skuId=9941275&st=AMD%20Athlon%20II%20X4%20620%20&contract_desc=null

If anyone can help it would be much appreciated thanks.

That processor, if it is what the computer comes with, would be more than enough to run Fallout 3. The only real question would be with the graphics card. The PC you linked to has an integrated graphics chipset that would not be powerful enough for the game, so if this is indeed what you'd be getting you'd be looking at a graphics upgrade. Another $100 - $150 would get you an adequate graphics card.

We really need more, and definite, information. Do you have access to the machine, where you could run a Dxdiag and then post the results? Or maybe have the owner run the Dxdiag and e-mail you the report?

» Thu Apr 22, 2010 9:01 am

That computer listed has an ATI Radeon HD 4200 chipset, which will only run the game at about low settings. Although you will want to make sure to get the specs of the video card (chipset) and CPU/RAM of the one that you are actually buying. They can change internal parts without changing cases.

» Thu Apr 22, 2010 12:47 pm

OK so I just got to take a look at the computers motherboard. its an ASUS Hybrid CFX. I looked on the ASUS website but couldn't find anything about it.

» Thu Apr 22, 2010 3:53 am

OK so I just got to take a look at the computers motherboard. its an ASUS Hybrid CFX. I looked on the ASUS website but couldn't find anything about it.

What is the CPU and GPU in the computer. Motherboard isnt too important unless deciding upgrading options.

» Thu Apr 22, 2010 4:42 am

Just updated

» Thu Apr 22, 2010 12:40 pm

Just updated

For $60-$80, that PC would be TOTALLY worth it and then some. It'll only pull maybe medium settings, but that's dirt cheap....hopefully it's upgradeable. This isn't some sort all-in-one PC is it? I mean it'll still be totally worth it if it is, but upgradeability will be none.

» Thu Apr 22, 2010 12:10 am

Its definatly upgradable, what else whould i do to upgrade it though? quad core processor, nvidia 9500 graphics card. What could i do to make fallout run on max?

» Thu Apr 22, 2010 2:34 pm

Its definatly upgradable, what else whould i do to upgrade it though? quad core processor, nvidia 9500 graphics card. What could i do to make fallout run on max?

The 9500 isn't that great of a card. As mentioned, you'll probably only be able to set the options to medium. So that should be the first area that you'd want to consider. Especially since DirectX 10 is pretty much an obsolete format now, you'll want something that can run DirectX 11 to future proof your system. I'd consider saving your money and going all out on a 480, though I hear the 460 is a pretty good card as well.

» Thu Apr 22, 2010 11:37 am

The 9500 isn't that great of a card. As mentioned, you'll probably only be able to set the options to medium. So that should be the first area that you'd want to consider. Especially since DirectX 10 is pretty much an obsolete format now, you'll want something that can run DirectX 11 to future proof your system. I'd consider saving your money and going all out on a 480, though I hear the 460 is a pretty good card as well.

Honestly I only plan to play fallout 3 and New Vegas on the computer i'll try to run Gears of War and maybe BF BC2 but above all else I only really want it for Fallout.

If I don't upgrade it at all and leave it with the stuff i previously mentioned will I have problems loading the game, like having it crash and stuff like that. I do also want MODs for Fallout aswell so will even trying to load those will it crash or do you think that I'll be fine for the most part?

» Thu Apr 22, 2010 5:23 am

Honestly I only plan to play fallout 3 and New Vegas on the computer i'll try to run Gears of War and maybe BF BC2 but above all else I only really want it for Fallout.

If I don't upgrade it at all and leave it with the stuff i previously mentioned will I have problems loading the game, like having it crash and stuff like that. I do also want MODs for Fallout aswell so will even trying to load those will it crash or do you think that I'll be fine for the most part?

No you shouldn't have problems loading the game, but you'll need to turn down a number of your graphics options in order to get smooth gameplay. Especially if you add any graphic intensive mods. You'll probably need to avoid things like MMM for example, since it adds alot of new creatures to the Wasteland. If all you want the rig for is Fallout and New Vegas, you should at least consider upgrading to a 9800. That will give you enough horsepower to play the game with fairly high graphics. The 9500 is at the bottom of the 9000 series, it just doesn't have the power to do a good job with graphic intensive games like these. You should be able to get a fairly good deal on a 9800 these days, considering the 9000 series is now 2 lines back. You might even be able to find a used one somewhere for next to nothing.