The Computer Megathread

[lcyGamma]

Intel doesn't make graphics cards. Intel makes integrated graphics which are built in to the CPU.

Really splitting straws there.

Just because I can't order it in a box and plug it into my motherboard doesn't stop it from being a stuff graphics card. Integrated or not, its job is the same. And the fact is Intel has a reputation for dishing out their crap GPUs.

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[Tokthree]

I am also going with the i5-3570 because it is better than its similarly priced AMD counterparts in terms of speed and features.

Intel graphics cards are terrible but its hard to argue they don't do amazing processors. I would never buy an AMD CPU ever, they always feel like they are trailing second best. In saying that, I do like ATI/AMD graphics cards very much, great value and competitive performance to their similarly priced Nvidia counterparts.

AMD CPU's are good bang for your buck when you're willing to settle with adequate instead of "OGM GOTTA B THE BEST!!!", I spent about £140 total on my CPU and GPU, one being a Phenom II x4 965 BE and the other being a ATI HD 6770, I run Battlefield 3 on high at 40-50 FPS on the largest maps no problem, I spent next to nothing and got way better performance out of it than I was expecting.

Intel is for the enthusiast, the man who wants the biggest and best so he can never have a single slower moment, the man who can afford to splurge on every aspect of his rig, the man who wants to be able to say "Yeah, I render 300k polygons in 10 minutes and I play all the latest games on ultra, what of it?".
Basically, the guy who spends too much money for pointless performance that can't even be used properly.

Besides, intel likes to change their sockets constantly, at least with AMD I'll be good for the next series of processors with AM3+

[rooster767]

So looks like I will be getting my new computer just after Christmas.


In the mean time, I should probably mention I am starting to get problems with my graphics card.

I have an ATI Radeon HD 4670, and it had been causing me quite a bit of problems. Is it possible for a GPU to degrade after a while? Because I have noticed a performance drop in the last month or so. For example, I just played a little bit of Chivalry, and I had to quit due to excessive framerate drops. A month ago, I had a solid 40-60 FPS range. So what is causing this, and if there is a solution, what is it?

[Treynolds416]

Intel doesn't make graphics cards. Intel makes integrated graphics which are built in to the CPU. When you buy an Intel CPU, you're getting the integrated graphics with it. I hate seeing "Intel makes stuffty cards but their CPUs are great"...

Yea this is true. It's easy enough to infer what icy meant though, integrated graphics just can't compete with discrete cards. I think intel tried and failed to make good discrete cards, so they decided to build the gpu right into the cpu in order to keep a competitive edge in the graphics market.

[KoopaScooper]

loving hot
 is this setup good so far? in attachment.

The video card I linked already has VGA on it, the adapter is unnecessary.

can someone direct me to a good laptop that could be used for somewhat heavy gaming at a budget of at most $800 (preferably more around $750)

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834215615

[lcyGamma]

AMD CPU's are good bang for your buck when you're willing to settle with adequate instead of "OGM GOTTA B THE BEST!!!"

Intel is for the enthusiast, the man who wants the biggest and best so he can never have a single slower moment, the man who can afford to splurge on every aspect of his rig, the man who wants to be able to say "Yeah, I render 300k polygons in 10 minutes and I play all the latest games on ultra, what of it?".
Basically, the guy who spends too much money for pointless performance that can't even be used properly.

I dunno, AMD CPU's are often a little cheaper because they are a little bit worse. How this results in real world performance difference, I don't know. But if I'm gonna be buying a good CPU I'd rather spend a few extra dollars getting something that isn't a step behind.

Don't get me wrong, I'm no hardware snob. I've spent all of my life using low end computers and laptops, with the odd Mac in between. Very few of those had AMD CPU's even then, the market share is just bigger for Intel and it definitely gives them an edge to make bigger and better technologies.

[Scout31]

Intel's architecture likes single-core applications, such as games. AMD's architecture likes multi-core applications. AMD would be ahead in visible performance if programmers decided to take advantage of this decade's technology.

[lcyGamma]

Intel's architecture likes single-core applications, such as games. AMD's architecture likes multi-core applications.

Err

[SpreadsPlague]

Really splitting straws there.

Just because I can't order it in a box and plug it into my motherboard doesn't stop it from being a stuff graphics card. Integrated or not, its job is the same. And the fact is Intel has a reputation for dishing out their crap GPUs.

All I'm saying is the terms you're using aren't precise. It's not a "graphics card". They also don't have a bad rep, they're just not as great as dedicated cards, and the fact people around here hate Intel just because Blockland shaders won't work with them doesn't really help.

Yea this is true. It's easy enough to infer what icy meant though, integrated graphics just can't compete with discrete cards. I think intel tried and failed to make good discrete cards, so they decided to build the gpu right into the cpu in order to keep a competitive edge in the graphics market.

The only reason I mentioned it was because he mentioned them separately as if you could buy an "Intel graphics card" which is incorrect.

[lcyGamma]

The only reason I mentioned it was because he mentioned them separately as if you could buy an "Intel graphics card" which is incorrect.

Reading into meaning that wasn't there then aren't you?

All I'm saying is the terms you're using aren't precise. It's not a "graphics card".

Sure, fair enough, GPU is what I meant.

[BubbaGum]

I figured I would just upgrade my computer that I have now because its not extremely ancient so it might save a little money.
Which parts should I upgrade if I want it to be better for gaming ;_ ;
I can post pics about whatever you ask if you specify what it is.

[Momentum]

I figured I would just upgrade my computer that I have now because its not extremely ancient so it might save a little money.
Which parts should I upgrade if I want it to be better for gaming ;_ ;
I can post pics about whatever you ask if you specify what it is.

specs pls

[BubbaGum]

specs pls

[Freek]

I hate to say it but you have a better computer than me. (Aside from GPU, I'm guessing)

[beachbum111111]

I have new specs from a friend: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/qlip

However I don't know if there garbage or not. I would like parts that will last. So can you tell me any of these parts are crap or if I could get better ones for a cheaper or equal price?