Hardware & Technical Computer Build to run Elite Dangerous

[Dr Wookie]

Hi guys,
depending on how my laptop handles the alpha (possibly poorly), I am thinking of getting a compact desktop, alienware x51 for about $1200 (700 quid). I know I could probably do it cheaper myself but I've not got the time or the interest ! Anyway, here are the specs... do you think it's enough?


Processor 3.4 GHz Intel Core i7-4770
RAM 8 GB DIMM
Hard Drive 1 TB
Graphics Coprocessor NVIDIA GTX 660
Graphics Card Ram Size 1536 MB

Thanks

 

[Abysinth]

Hi guys,
depending on how my laptop handles the alpha (possibly poorly), I am thinking of getting a compact desktop, alienware x51 for about $1200 (700 quid). I know I could probably do it cheaper myself but I've not got the time or the interest ! Anyway, here are the specs... do you think it's enough?


Processor 3.4 GHz Intel Core i7-4770
RAM 8 GB DIMM
Hard Drive 1 TB
Graphics Coprocessor NVIDIA GTX 660
Graphics Card Ram Size 1536 MB

Thanks

That looks like it's a shared graphics card rather than a dedicated graphics card...

If it were me, I wouldn't, not for games. It's fine for 'normal stuff' though.

 

[Squicker]

That looks like it's a shared graphics card rather than a dedicated graphics card...

If it were me, I wouldn't, not for games. It's fine for 'normal stuff' though.

660 is a dedicated card.

However, I'd be inclined to get an i5 and spend the savings on a better GPU.

 

[Dr Wookie]

660 is a dedicated card.

However, I'd be inclined to get an i5 and spend the savings on a better GPU.

The machine is billed as a gaming desktop, and earlier versions were pretty well reviewed.

Graphics cards make little sense to me, but from what I've read, the machine only supports 150 W graphics cards.... Some people have managed to put in a 760, but there's not much room for bigger cards. I have no concept of what that means in real terms, maybe you do?

 

[KING5TON]

Hi guys,
depending on how my laptop handles the alpha (possibly poorly), I am thinking of getting a compact desktop, alienware x51 for about $1200 (700 quid). I know I could probably do it cheaper myself but I've not got the time or the interest ! Anyway, here are the specs... do you think it's enough?


Processor 3.4 GHz Intel Core i7-4770
RAM 8 GB DIMM
Hard Drive 1 TB
Graphics Coprocessor NVIDIA GTX 660
Graphics Card Ram Size 1536 MB

Thanks

I'm starting to feel like a broken record here.
I'm also assuming you haven't the time to read through this thread either?

If you don't want to build it yourself then fair enough but there are options.
I notice you're in the US so the websites I could give won't be much help but there should be retailers in the US that allow you to pick which parts you want and will build it for you. These are generally much cheaper that prebuilds especially since you can customize the machine to your exact needs.

 

[Greeboski]

The machine is billed as a gaming desktop, and earlier versions were pretty well reviewed.

Graphics cards make little sense to me, but from what I've read, the machine only supports 150 W graphics cards.... Some people have managed to put in a 760, but there's not much room for bigger cards. I have no concept of what that means in real terms, maybe you do?

hmmm , i would be very concerned about the life expectanct of the Power Suply Unit with any physical GPU in there.
if it will only run up to a 150W then either the current GPU is onboard (as previously sugested by another) or the system is already dangerously close to the PSU max output (in which case the PSU will burn out in about a year)

 

[Dr Wookie]

I'm starting to feel like a broken record here.
I'm also assuming you haven't the time to read through this thread either?

Sorry, I've not read the thread in detail, because while I can understand things like GB and GHz, these numbers don't really mean anything in today's computing when combined with other numbers.

I'm assuming you've not read my previous post where I said that I have no interest in building my own machine ?! I've done a bit of research, but gaming isn't my main hobby. This article here shows that in real terms that the difference between a $5000 gaming pc and $700 gaming pc is pretty small.

hmmm , i would be very concerned about the life expectanct of the Power Suply Unit with any physical GPU in there.
if it will only run up to a 150W then either the current GPU is onboard (as previously sugested by another) or the system is already dangerously close to the PSU max output (in which case the PSU will burn out in about a year)

The 150W is for the graphics card only... the total power is 330W. You can replace the memory, graphics card or hard disk but you can't just plonk in new components without taking other components out.

 

[Cody]

... the total power is 330W.

I'd say that's underpowered - for the GTX 660, you'd want at least 450-500W system power.

 

[Squicker]

The machine is billed as a gaming desktop, and earlier versions were pretty well reviewed.

Graphics cards make little sense to me, but from what I've read, the machine only supports 150 W graphics cards.... Some people have managed to put in a 760, but there's not much room for bigger cards. I have no concept of what that means in real terms, maybe you do?

So what this boils down to is that the machine has limited longevity because your upgrade path is not simple, for two key reasons:

1 - PSU is low power and most graphics cards pull a lot of power. I have 1000W in my desktop for example. This is overkill but I like to be prepared!
2 - the form factor is slimline and therefore a lot of GPUs will be too big to comfortanly fit in the machine. This is what people allude to re big cards.

I personally think you have made the right choice choosing a prebuilt system for 3 reasons:

1 - Warranty\sale of goods act type things are complex because the burden of proof is on you if something is wrong. If someone supplies your system as a unit, you just tell them to deal with any issues.
2 - There's not a lot of money to be saved these days in doing it yourself. Depending on your salary, the time you spend doing it costs more than it does to pay someone to build it for you. Certainly for me 1/2 a day building a PC is a financial loss in terms of generating my own consultancy revenue. All our circumstances are different though!
3 - who really wants to **** about building a PC?? Apologies to those that do, but I can't think of anything more dull!

So in reality, only reason 1 applies to us all, but that is strong enough if you ask me. Especially as I can tell from your posts you are not a PC expert (no shame in that).

For the money you spent on the x51 you get could a system from a more reputable vendor that would have more upgrade options for the future IMO http://www.chillblast.com/Systems-from-L751-L1200/

 

[Dr Wookie]

I'd say that's underpowered - for the GTX 660, you'd want at least 450-500W system power.

Yeah, one of the reviews mentions that it's a partly gimped version of the card; this causes me some concern. However, another reviewer says they get >30 fps in Crysis 3 with high settings. That sounds pretty good, given the Crysis series' reputation.

 

[Squicker]

Yeah, one of the reviews mentions that it's a partly gimped version of the card; this causes me some concern. However, another reviewer says they get >30 fps in Crysis 3 with high settings. That sounds pretty good, given the Crysis series' reputation.

The UK price of the X51 is higher than say this: http://www.chillblast.com/Chillblast-Fusion-Batwing2-Special-Limited-Edition-PC-FUS-HURR13.html

Which has latest gen GPU. It's a Core i5 but if you read the thread there is very little advantage to having an i7 in gaming terms. I have several i7s but I own a technology company and tend to use them for lots of things but i can tell you in real gaming terms they are no better than any of my friends' i5 systems.

I realise you are in the US but I am giving you a benchmark I am familiar with. I personally think the x51 is over-priced for what you are getting and I believe you can do better.

 

[Dr Wookie]

So what this boils down to is that the machine has limited longevity because your upgrade path is not simple, for two key reasons:

1 - PSU is low power and most graphics cards pull a lot of power. I have 1000W in my desktop for example. This is overkill but I like to be prepared!
2 - the form factor is slimline and therefore a lot of GPUs will be too big to comfortanly fit in the machine. This is what people allude to re big cards.

I personally think you have made the right choice choosing a prebuilt system for 3 reasons:

1 - Warranty\sale of goods act type things are complex because the burden of proof is on you if something is wrong. If someone supplies your system as a unit, you just tell them to deal with any issues.
2 - There's not a lot of money to be saved these days in doing it yourself. Depending on your salary, the time you spend doing it costs more than it does to pay someone to build it for you. Certainly for me 1/2 a day building a PC is a financial loss in terms of generating my own consultancy revenue. All our circumstances are different though!
3 - who really wants to **** about building a PC?? Apologies to those that do, but I can't think of anything more dull!

So in reality, only reason 1 applies to us all, but that is strong enough if you ask me. Especially as I can tell from your posts you are not a PC expert (no shame in that).

For the money you spent on the x51 you get could a system from a more reputable vendor that would have more upgrade options for the future IMO http://www.chillblast.com/Systems-from-L751-L1200/

Much appreciated (as is everyone else's input). I'm in the US at the moment, so UK computer sites don't really apply to me

EDIT: you posted while I was writing the last one . There is an i5 version that's like $200 cheaper. There's also a couple of other machines that I'm looking at that are i5 rather than i7. I'll have a closer look at those too .

EDIT 2: wow, that Batwing thingy looks horrendous ! One of the criteria that I have is it doesn't look like it's aimed at a 14 year old! It's also kinda big... I may have another move coming up soon.

 

[Greeboski]

The 150W is for the graphics card only... the total power is 330W. You can replace the memory, graphics card or hard disk but you can't just plonk in new components without taking other components out.

yes i know , but a 330W is very low power these days and at the top end there are 1500W monsters.

whatever is ''under the hood'' there is a realistic probability of the PSU saying no if you try charging your tablet/phone/ipod from that machine's usb.

im just trying to be helpful in pointing out that the PSU is going to be short lived



edit , if you can get the PSU upgraded then do so. as over 50% spare power makes so little differance in life expectancy you would not need more than a 500W in that machine (and then you would only have to worry about physical space if upgrading the graphics card)

 

[Squicker]

Much appreciated (as is everyone else's input). I'm in the US at the moment, so UK computer sites don't really apply to me

Hi, yes I saw that after I finished writing! Bit of English imperialism there!

But, I think the case will be the same for you in the USA. I think you have better options, perhaps as the other chap said, you pick the bits they build it. People here can help you, I will help you.

Yeah, one of the reviews mentions that it's a partly gimped version of the card; this causes me some concern. However, another reviewer says they get >30 fps in Crysis 3 with high settings. That sounds pretty good, given the Crysis series' reputation.

30fps is really not all that. It is passable, but I would not be happy with it right now and I'd be aware of the fact a current game only mustering up 30FPS would mean there was something around the corner that would make me drop below that point.

But, I am quite an avid gamer, and you may be happy with 30fps, I'd just think I was on the tipping point of being out of date very soon...

 

[Squicker]

yes i know , but a 330W is very low power these days and at the top end there are 1500W monsters.

whatever is ''under the hood'' there is a realistic probability of the PSU saying no if you try charging your tablet/phone/ipod from that machine's usb.

im just trying to be helpful in pointing out that the PSU is going to be short lived

This man speaketh the truth. With 330W you decide you want to add a new hard disk or something and you probably are out of juice. The key to a good system that gives good bang for buck is not designing yourself into a corner.

 

[Erimus Kamzel]

Hi guys,
depending on how my laptop handles the alpha (possibly poorly), I am thinking of getting a compact desktop, alienware x51 for about $1200 (700 quid). I know I could probably do it cheaper myself but I've not got the time or the interest ! Anyway, here are the specs... do you think it's enough?


Processor 3.4 GHz Intel Core i7-4770
RAM 8 GB DIMM
Hard Drive 1 TB
Graphics Coprocessor NVIDIA GTX 660
Graphics Card Ram Size 1536 MB

Thanks

I wouldn't touch an Alienware, they seem to always be massively overpriced.

Those specs could be put together from somewhere like newegg.com for around $1000. But you'd need to build it yourself.

If you don't want to do that then try this site...

http://www.cyberpowerpc.com/system/CyberPower_Z87_Configurator

You can pick the components you want and they will build it for you. You may be able to put something together on there cheaper and better than the Alienware 51.

One thing though is if its just for gaming I'd ditch the I-7 and get a quad core I-5 instead and put the money you save into a better graphics card. From what I gather the difference in gaming performance between an I-7 and I-5 doesn't justify the price difference - the money is better invested in the graphics card.

 

[Rochester]

Hi,

Hoping anyone can recommend a good memory card capable and reliable to run Elite D?My 5 year old PC just bit the bullet with what I suspect a duff graphics card; here are the basics of my rig:

Processor Intel Core 17-860 (2.80G) 8MB cache
RAM 8gb corsair dual DDR3 1600mhz
Graphics: 2gb ATI Radeon 4870x2

Potential new cards I have been recommended by PC Specialists for my rig are as below, cost wise I’m thinking of the 2gb or 3gb NVIDIA as here Radeon are generally rubbish. Any recommendations?

2gb NVIDIA GTX 770
4gb NVIDIA GTX 770
3gb NVIDIA GTS 780
2gb AMD Radeon R9 270x
3gb AMD Radeon R9 280x
4 gb AMD Radeon R9 290x

 

[Rochester]

Sorry I accidentally posted twice, erased now.

 

[tsh]

Beware the cheap PSU - when it dies (any PSU surely will), there is a good chance of taking out the rest of the computer.

 

[Dr Wookie]

Hi, yes I saw that after I finished writing! Bit of English imperialism there!

No worries, I'm also English, just a long way from home !

30fps is really not all that. It is passable, but I would not be happy with it right now and I'd be aware of the fact a current game only mustering up 30FPS would mean there was something around the corner that would make me drop below that point.

I grew up playing games in the 80s ! So a) 30 FPS is fine for me, and b) I don't worry about dropping a few settings.

I wouldn't touch an Alienware, they seem to always be massively overpriced.

Those specs could be put together from somewhere like newegg.com for around $1000. But you'd need to build it yourself.

If you don't want to do that then try this site...

http://www.cyberpowerpc.com/system/CyberPower_Z87_Configurator

You can pick the components you want and they will build it for you. You may be able to put something together on there cheaper and better than the Alienware 51.

One thing though is if its just for gaming I'd ditch the I-7 and get a quad core I-5 instead and put the money you save into a better graphics card. From what I gather the difference in gaming performance between an I-7 and I-5 doesn't justify the price difference - the money is better invested in the graphics card.

Very useful advice, thanks! Alienware does seem to have changed its business model... one of the reviews specificially said that they have stopped selling their luidcrously priced systems since no-one was buying them. I'll definitely check out cyberpower though

EDIT: The PSU is external, so hopefully it wouldn't take everything else with it!

EDIT 2: aargh! That configuration page makes me want to punch things! Then lick things. Then go for a nap.