Buying a new desktop computer

[shaaaii]

Hi there. I just recently posted a thread in the Sims 3 Help section;
http://modthesims.info/showthread.php?p=3909143



Turns out that my laptop having just a 32 bit operating system and etc is causing my error code 12's. I am looking to now buy a new desktop computer. Here are my system specs and what not..

Windows Home 7 Premium 32-bit (6.1, Build 7601
Presario CQ42 Notebook PC
Default System BIOS
Intel(R) Core(TM) i3 CPU M 350 @ 2.27GHz (4 CPUs)
4096MB RAM
1681MB used, 4440MB available
DirectX 11



I would be so grateful if somebody could help me out with buying an ideal computer for TS3. I'm willing to spend up to about $1500 AUD.

From any of the following sites would be ideal as these are the stores in my area:

http://www.jbhifi.com.au/computers/
http://dicksmith.com.au/computers
http://www.harveynorman.com.au/computers/

[ellacharmed]

AUD1500 = @USD1600

For that price, all I saw in the 3 links you provided are AIO Desktops and desktops with crappy GPUs that won't work for Sims.
Have you read the stickies on here? I especially wanted to know if you had looked around the UMart online site and compare specs, etc or look at their Gaming series to see if any combo caught your eye. The site was mentioned in the sticky where they sell components. I would love to be able to provide you some options to compare against those big-name stores that I wouldn't recommend, because the choices are limited.
I'd like to put together a shopping list because from what I saw, their choices are also not balanced, and kinda heavy on the GPU.
- http://www.umart.com.au/pro/products_listnew.phtml?id=10&id2=78&bid=7&sid=93819 (Intel Core i7 3770K Extreme Pack @ AUD1329.00)
- http://www.umart.com.au/pro/products_listnew.phtml?id=10&id2=72&bid=7&sid=95299 (AMD Turbo Gamer @ AUD1299.00)

But I cannot do that until I get the answers to the questions I brought up in your older thread, copied here for convenience. Since you're coming from a laptop, I'm gonna presume you need a Monitor, Keyboard, Mouse, ie "the works"?
Then when you're ready to spend your money, post
- if comfortable to self-build or want a pre-build (we have successful first-time selfbuilders, so don't be daunted, just take it slow and at your own pace)
- budget: target and maximum amount
- country of purchase
- what is not needed: monitor, DVD, keyboard, mouse, HDD, etc...
- what monitor size you have or if getting new, what size and if multi-monitors setups is in the cards
- purpose: just Sims games or other requirements too?
- any other specific requirements not covered above

[shaaaii]

That price is the maximum I'd spend, I'm sure there's one out there that is more my price range, say $800. Id rather not buy from a site outside of Australia. I just really want the basics, obviously a monitor keyboard mouse etc. Just a normal desktop computer with a guaranteed ability to play TS3 without the error code 12. Just The Sims and the internet. Nothing outrageously fancy. The graphics on my laptop are fantastic, the lag is minimal. I've been desperate for a year and a half now, it's so frustrating! You're the first person to be willing to help me out.

[ajaxsirius]

shaaaii, ellacharm3d wants to know if you already have a monitor, DVD drive, keyboard, mouse, hard drive or anything else that you would be salvaging from a previous computer. Also need to know if you'll be using more than monitor.

You already said you want to play the sims 3 only so that's one question answered, just need to answer the others.

Btw, www.msy.com.au (their website sucks, I know, but they have competitive prices) only charge $70 for assembly and testing and have 27 locations across australia. Worth taking a look if you can't find a pre-built system that's worth your money.

[shaaaii]

Oh my apologies. No, I don't have any of these things but easy fix. :) a pre built computer would probably be a lot easier. I'm not very tech savvy so I'd just like a desktop that I'm guaranteed to not get the error on.

[ellacharmed]

http://www.umart.com.au is in Australia!
Didn't click on the link I provided? They have a pick-up self-collecting service or delivery, but you'd better confirm if that is within your area (read their FAQs, Terms of Service, Warranty periods, return policies, etc). And it was suggested in the sticky because they built the system for you, just like the link ajaxsirius provided...

So, what size monitor: 19", 23", 27" ? Any brand preferences?
How do you connect to the Internet: wired Ethernet cable, or do we need to include a wireless PCIe card, or is a USB dongle sufficient?

As you can see, I really need your input here. I cannot make the decision for you, as I'm not the one paying for or using this machine. And I don't know how the setup is in your home. What is "the basics" in your terms may not be the same in mine. I'd rather buy a good part than a cheap part, so then I'm assured the cheap part won't crap out on me within 2 months which would have taken most of that time troubleshooting instead of me playing Sims, and then having to go purchase the replacement and end up paying twice for the same needed part, like for example a power supply.

So, in order for you to be part of the discussion, so you understand what I'm saying when I ask what casing do you prefer, do you want an SSD, you'd know what I'm talking about. And in order to understand, you have a bit of homework: do all the research and read the tips that the stickies and Archives (select threads in the Archive with muti-pages and lots of views) provide. If a term confuses you - Google it. Google the model numbers for reviews and user experiences. If the explanation is still too filled with techy jargon, ask questions here or provide us the link(s) to the site and we'll try to interpret it to something you understand, maybe using analogies or whatnot.

All the pre-builts in the links you provided, like I already mention, I cannot in good conscience recommend to anyone wanting to play Sims. And especially if you plan to also play SimCity next year (do you?).
And that price does not include Monitors at those sites, I hope you realize? The ones that include monitors are because they are All-In-Ones (AIOs) and not meant for gaming, maybe playing Minesweeper or Solitaire or Facebook games is fine...

[shaaaii]

I did, I just wasn't aware that it was Australian, sorry. The ones you suggested were very high in price too, that was the absolute most I wanted to spend. I wasn't aware that that much had to be spent to simply play The Sims 3. Like I said, my laptop runs it great in terms of graphics and lag wise, I just can't save it and I thought it was just due to my laptop being a 32 bit. Sorry that it is a bit difficult for me to understand that I need so many different things when my only problem was that I couldn't save due to (my laptop being a 32 bit). I connect to the internet through wifi, and I'd rather a screen that isn't really large. The screen I have now is fine, maybe a little bigger. I wasn't aware that I had to know so much just to be able to purchase a computer to play TS3 on. Yes I was going to play Sim City on it but if it's this much fuss then I might just stick with Sims 3. I hope you understand what I'm trying to say.

[Mootilda]

If you want to use a laptop to play the Sims, it needs to be a really good laptop (read: expensive). If you could handle a desktop, you could find an adequate machine for a lot less money.

[Mordant17]

For the sims 3, it's generally cheaper to get a desktop for playing the game and a lightweight laptop for when you need a mobile computer (if you need one), than it is to get one machine that can do both.

But, as ellacharm3d said, start researching! Buying a computer is expensive, so you want to put the time in to figure out what you need! You will probably need to take at least a few days to explore and learn. We can help, but we can't do it all for you.

[ellacharmed]

The ones you suggested were very high in price tooI don't understand. The ones I suggested, the 2 links are AUD1299 and AUD1329 respectively, both less than your budget of AUD1500. I budgeted the leftover for a monitor, keyboard, and mouse.

There's no more 14" desktop monitors (the screensize of your current laptop) in the retail marketplace, the minimum is a 19" or a 21" and all the way to a 27" and the difference of a 21" versus a 24" is around AUD30-60. And how do I know what is too large for you or for the desk? http://www.umart.com.au/pro/products_listnew.phtml?id=10&bid=4&id2=143
I'm not even looking at the 27" and above, because you've stated your budget and usage needs.

In your other thread, you wrote,
I started getting the error code 12. I play with no custom content except for a few of Twallan's mods and the no intro mod, plus a custom world which I'm not able to play anyway. I am able to save once, maybe twice before I get the error.So, I'm really confused on why you're willing to settle for "the basics" again and have the chance of encountering those same issues again. Isn't not educating yourself and relying on Sales people why you ended up with that laptop?

With my USD1820/AUD1780 desktop (complete price with Win 7 + Mac SL OSes, monitor, keyboard, speakers, 128GB SSD, 2TB HDD, optical drive) I'm able to do my world fixes by entering the game and quitting probably 5-10 times per hour to test. While still having CAW, Photoshop, Firefox, screencapture app all running at the same time. Oh and while the game is loading? I might also be watching a movie or following a tutorial...so "the basics" might fit what you need now (just barely) but it might not last long or "grow" with you and cope with future games or needs. And how long did I take to save? A year! I went without playing and modding for a year! I assure you, I'm not rich. :)

So, what I'm trying to advise here is that you really get what you pay for.
And if you cannot afford a good machine beyond the basics, save longer until you have more so you can afford better than "the basics". But I think AUD1500 is a good budget for your needs as you only play Sims. I just really, really need you to read my words properly and do the required research. You'll be better for it, I promise! As it would also meant you can also do some troubleshooting yourself without waiting on a "tech-guy", thus incurring that expense and the time waiting for the guy to fit it in his schedule. Isn't that a win-win situation?

[shaaaii]

Oh the monitor thing is fine, it's not an issue to get one of those from a store. Yes, I would love a great computer! Top notch, that'd be great. But I'm living out of home, have rent fuel food to pay for, so if something cheaper is available that would be ideal as I'd prefer to not have to save for a year. I know people on here have great game play experience with a computer that is maybe $800? As I'm not sure not everyone has 1500 grand lying around or has time to save for it. I do appreciate the help but I've thought that I really don't have the means to save with all my other expenses unfortunately! $800 might by the max but I know people run the sims fine with that :) all I have is a saving problem right?

If you want to use a laptop to play the Sims, it needs to be a really good laptop (read: expensive). If you could handle a desktop, you could find an adequate machine for a lot less money.
Yeah, I've learnt that! I think a desktop is definitely the way to go.

[ellacharmed]

Wait! The budget has decreased from AU$1500 to AU$800? :blink: What happened?

The budget is also indicative of one's upgrade habits - how fast do you upgrade or spoil electronics (with careless usage and no maintenance)...

AU$800 if one tends to purchase "level-entry" components and aim to purchase new systems or upgrade components every year or each time something new or better comes up. Expect PC lifespan around 2-3years with light usage.
AU$1200 if one tends to purchase "mid-range" components and aim to upgrade components only when something breaks. Expect PC lifespan around 3-4years with moderate usage.
AU$1500 if one tends to purchase "high-range" components and aim to not upgrade or purchase new until the PC practically sputters and hisses and begs to be taken out back and put out to pasture.
There's also the "cost is no object, I want the best to last me however long it can last me" folks, which would go for the newest bang-for-buck components at that point of time to maximize warranty and driver availability and other stuff. Which means if one gets an $800 system for moderate usage, the lifespan may very well be shortened. It all depends on usage and how much maintenance one do on the machine.

You have not told me which Umart outlet is closest, or if you prefer another shop altogether...and that you've confirmed warranty and return policies and all that.

(eta) Challenge accepted. Total AU$847.
Had to compromise on some brands/models that I don't normally choose, as the store don't have my first choice that have better User Reviews, but still not much negative feedback (relatively).

no SSD
500GB HDD
last generation's graphics card, while still being all Green YESes on SysReq wiki
no monitor
CPU (http://www.cpubenchmark.net/cpu.php?cpu=Intel+Core+i5-2320+%40+3.00GHz) and Motherboard with "bare basics" - no overclocking capabilities
wireless card included
with a keyboard + mouse combo (wired)
Give or take $50 or so more or less if you change Casing. I feel the computer case is a very personal choice, and depends how many USB ports you need at the front, if you need other ports like eSata/Firewire and Audio jacks, etc.

If you decide to order online from the Umart retailer, then select from the menu on the left: Products --> Desktop Computer --> Customer Configure System or this link (http://www.umart.com.au/pro/build_computer1.phtml?bid=5) (I'm not sure if the page is for Nation-wide or just around that outlet.)
http://thumbs2.modthesims2.com/img/1/5/1/5/0/0/2/MTS_ellacharm3d-1314569-shaaaii.png

[shaaaii]

Yes, unfortunately I don't have the money to spend on a top of the range computer with all my other expenses I have. Unless I save for a year, which by that time I might have just given up on the idea of The Sims.

We don't have any Umarts down here, I'm not familiar with the name at all. But thankyou for doing a bit of research for me and that does sound like a good buy. Wow, all I thought I had to do was upgrade to a 64 bit computer so I was able to save my games, I had no idea I'd have to buy a top notch PC all for that! (as I only play the Sims on my computer, I use a family one for everything else). I thought some simmers played on cheaper computers that worked fine. But if I really need to spend that much to be able to save my game, I guess that's what I'll have to do!

[ellacharmed]

It is all a matter of matching expectations, right? :)
If you have high expectations of maxing out all settings and having all addons, then the PC is gonna be expensive.
If you have low budget, then you cannot expect to have the expectations like the above, because the PC won't be able to take it.

It's a fine juggling act.

And I don't see what's wrong with having to save for a year? By that time, you'll have a nice PC that can kick ass when SimCity and plus any new expansions after Seasons are released. Plus you have all the time to read and let others figure out the bugs and issues and then you can just swoop in and download stuff to fix all that.

Yes, they play on cheaper computers that work fine for a while. But they never come back to tell you when they got a new PC either do they?

[shaaaii]

A year down the track I may not be interested in TS3 at all. My laptop was around $300, the graphics are absolutely fantastic and I've never experienced any lag that I can recall, and I have all EPs and SPs installed. The only issue is the saving, obviously.

You clearly have incredibly high expectations when it comes to your computers, which is great because it means you'll always know what the best is, and you'll have it. But I'd simply like to just be able to save my game. If you're sure that there's no PC's from the stores I listed that would just allow me to save my games then I suppose I'll just look into the ones you suggested. Your help is very much appreciated!

[ajaxsirius]

If you don't want to buy new hardware and you're positive its only the 32bit OS that's causing your problems, you could try buying a new Retail Windows 7 license and then installing the 64bit version over your current installation.

According to http://ark.intel.com/products/43529/Intel-Core-i3-350M-Processor-%283M-Cache-2_26-GHz%29 your processor can accept a 64bit OS.

Even if it doesn't solve your problem and it turns out you need new hardware, you can still carry over your windows license over to your new computer as long as you don't use the old one or you overwrite the old OS with something else. I like linux mint.

Just remember to backup everything you need first, and that since your old hardware came with 32bit Windows, you may not get all the drivers you need in 64bit version.

[ellacharmed]

It is not just the 32bit OS though, ajaxsirius. That laptop has an IGP.
An IGP with an i3 and 32bit OS. Even with a 64bit OS install, it does not detract from the fact the hardware itself is not supported.

[shaaaii]

If you don't want to buy new hardware and you're positive its only the 32bit OS that's causing your problems, you could try buying a new Retail Windows 7 license and then installing the 64bit version over your current installation.

According to http://ark.intel.com/products/43529/Intel-Core-i3-350M-Processor-%283M-Cache-2_26-GHz%29 your processor can accept a 64bit OS.

Even if it doesn't solve your problem and it turns out you need new hardware, you can still carry over your windows license over to your new computer as long as you don't use the old one or you overwrite the old OS with something else. I like linux mint.

Just remember to backup everything you need first, and that since your old hardware came with 32bit Windows, you may not get all the drivers you need in 64bit version.
No, I definitely want to buy a new computer, that's what the thread's about. Just didn't thi n I'd have to spend a whole heap. Thanks anyway though!