Is this computer good enough for decent gaming experience? (cost £600)

[wych]

So I am looking at buying a new computer, been searching for weeks for the best deals and researching reviews on parts, but it's hard to see if this model is good or if it's bottle necked by something i'm not seeing/understanding and will struggle to play current games.

Mainly I play WoW, my current PC struggles on medium settings, especially in raids/cities, often falling to <1 fps, so i'd like it to be able to play WoW easily on top settings without issue.

I'd also like to be able to play other games coming out that I may be interested in reasonably well, I understand it might not be able to play it at massive resolutions and get 60 fps.

So without further ado here we go:

Processor: Intel® Core™ i3-4130 Processor (3.4 GHz, 3 MB cache) [Fourth generation]
Windows 8.1
Storage: 1 TB HDD, 7200 rpm
RAM: 8 GB DDR3
Graphics card: AMD Radeon R7 260X 2 GB GDDR5


Ethernet Gigabit Ethernet (10/100/1000)
USB 3.0 x 4
USB 2.0 x 2
Video interface- HDMI x 1
DVI x 1
DisplayPort x 1
Audio interface 3.5 mm jack


Optical drive DVD/RW
Optical drive speeds Read: DVD 24x, CD ROM 48x
Write: DVD 24x, CD ROM 48x
Expansion card slot PCIe x 1
Sound 5.1 Surround Sound


As the title says, this is available for £600 with 1 year warantee, i'm not really comfortable with building my own so I don't mind if this is a bit more expensive than buying parts and doing it myself.

If I have left anything out please tell me, and if i've done anything wrong and the thread needs to be locked, please let me know what and i'll fix it

Thank you

[zoomgpally]

So I am looking at buying a new computer, been searching for weeks for the best deals and researching reviews on parts, but it's hard to see if this model is good or if it's bottle necked by something i'm not seeing/understanding and will struggle to play current games.

Mainly I play WoW, my current PC struggles on medium settings, especially in raids/cities, often falling to <1 fps, so i'd like it to be able to play WoW easily on top settings without issue.

I'd also like to be able to play other games coming out that I may be interested in reasonably well, I understand it might not be able to play it at massive resolutions and get 60 fps.

So without further ado here we go:

Processor: Intel® Core™ i3-4130 Processor (3.4 GHz, 3 MB cache) [Fourth generation]
Windows 8.1
Storage: 1 TB HDD, 7200 rpm
RAM: 8 GB DDR3
Graphics card: AMD Radeon R7 260X 2 GB GDDR5


Ethernet Gigabit Ethernet (10/100/1000)
USB 3.0 x 4
USB 2.0 x 2
Video interface- HDMI x 1
DVI x 1
DisplayPort x 1
Audio interface 3.5 mm jack


Optical drive DVD/RW
Optical drive speeds Read: DVD 24x, CD ROM 48x
Write: DVD 24x, CD ROM 48x
Expansion card slot PCIe x 1
Sound 5.1 Surround Sound


As the title says, this is available for £600 with 1 year warantee, i'm not really comfortable with building my own so I don't mind if this is a bit more expensive than buying parts and doing it myself.

If I have left anything out please tell me, and if i've done anything wrong and the thread needs to be locked, please let me know what and i'll fix it

Thank you

I got no experience with intel's i3 CPUs, but I heard they are usually replaced with i5 if you can afford it.

I'm also quite sure nvidia generally works better with wow than AMD

HDD and RAM: Need more info, preferably including brand

Note: My 2 year old(really damn outdated) prebuilt costing 875£ when new(equally good now would probably be 500 max) is running wow with over 100 fps outside raids and only dropping below 40 when 200 people want to kill some world boss

Edit: Motherboard model may also be good to know, you can usually find it by digging around producer's website for prebuilt

[wych]

I got no experience with intel's i3 CPUs, but I heard they are usually replaced with i5 if you can afford it.

I'm also quite sure nvidia generally works better with wow than AMD

HDD and RAM: Need more info, preferably including brand

Note: My 2 year old(really damn outdated) prebuilt costing 875£ when new(equally good now would probably be 500 max) is running wow with over 100 fps outside raids and only dropping below 40 when 200 people want to kill some world boss

Edit: Motherboard model may also be good to know, you can usually find it by digging around producer's website for prebuilt

Thanks mate, unfortunately none of the information is on there ( http://www.pcworld.co.uk/gbuk/deskto....html#longDesc ), i'll try to find out more.

[Deleted]

As the title says, this is available for £600 with 1 year warantee, i'm not really comfortable with building my own so I don't mind if this is a bit more expensive than buying parts and doing it myself.

What about "not comfortable" about building a custom computer ? Maybe can you upgrade your current pc instead of building a new one from scratch ?
For 600£, you can upgrade a current pc with higher range component, if the base is good.
If you want to go this way, can you post some details about your current computer, so we can give you advices ? cpu, ram, gpu, and psu

[wych]

What about "not comfortable" about building a custom computer ? Maybe can you upgrade your current pc instead of building a new one from scratch ?
For 600£, you can upgrade a current pc with higher range component, if the base is good.
If you want to go this way, can you post some details about your current computer, so we can give you advices ? cpu, ram, gpu, and psu

I'm just not a very tech savvy person and although I understand people can get stuff cheaper by upgrading/building new computers, id rather spend the extra money than stress about getting all the parts and putting it together correctly, especially as my real life is quite busy currently.

My current PC is a Dell Inspiron 'case' and half of the ports don't even work anymore, it's about 5 years old I think so id rather just bring a new one in.

I guess my overall point is, is that computer reasonably good for its price and does it have the ability to play new PC games at a reasonable level, or is the processor too weak?

[chazus]

Is there an option for a 4330 instead of the 4130? Either way, the new i3's are quite good for the cost... of course 'for the cost' becomes sort of a moot point. The price is actually pretty decent. An identical system would run about £500 or so. My only complaint is the video card. Is there an option to upgrade that?

[wych]

Is there an option for a 4330 instead of the 4130? Either way, the new i3's are quite good for the cost... of course 'for the cost' becomes sort of a moot point. The price is actually pretty decent. An identical system would run about £500 or so. My only complaint is the video card. Is there an option to upgrade that?

Unfortunately no, it's sold as a unit and no parts are changeable on it. Most websites now seem to have little customisation available that I'm looking at

[Deleted]

Ok.
I'll definitly advice you a 4 core CPU (i5)
Look at ukgamingcomputers.co.uk/eos-i5-gaming-pc-p-117.html
Add an OS if you don't have a windows licence available.
Then you can tune it with a better GPU, or more RAM. All available option for these components are worth it. Deal with your budget.

[wych]

Ok.
I'll definitly advice you a 4 core CPU (i5)
Look at ukgamingcomputers.co.uk/eos-i5-gaming-pc-p-117.html
Add an OS if you don't have a windows licence available.
Then you can tune it with a better GPU, or more RAM. All available option for these components are worth it. Deal with your budget.

Thank you very much! That seems perfect for what I want, much appreciated!

[zoomgpally]

I'm just not a very tech savvy person and although I understand people can get stuff cheaper by upgrading/building new computers, id rather spend the extra money than stress about getting all the parts and putting it together correctly, especially as my real life is quite busy currently.

My current PC is a Dell Inspiron 'case' and half of the ports don't even work anymore, it's about 5 years old I think so id rather just bring a new one in.

I guess my overall point is, is that computer reasonably good for its price and does it have the ability to play new PC games at a reasonable level, or is the processor too weak?

There are also online shops where you can pick parts, they build it and ship it complete.
Only one I can name is komplett.no, a Norwegian site which may or may not ship out of Scandinavia(I know it also ships to Sweden)

I believe i managed to track the computer down for more details:
http://www.cyberpowerpc.com/system/C..._Configurator/

Gaming Chasis: Cooler Master N600 w/ USB 3.0, Side Panel Window
Laser Engraving: None
Internal USB Expansion Module: None
Neon Light Upgrade: None
Extra Case Fans: Default case fans
Noise Reduction Technology: None
CPU: Intel® Core™ i3-4130 3.40 GHz 3MB Intel Smart Cache LGA1150
Freebies: None
Performance Tuning Protection Plan by Intel: None
Venom Boost Fast And Efficient Factory Overclocking: No Overclocking
CPU / Processor Cooling Fan: Asetek 510LC 120mm Liquid Cooling CPU Cooler - Enhance Cooling Performance (Single Standard 120MM Fan)
Coolant for Cyberpower Xtreme Hydro Water Cooling Kits: Standard Coolant
Motherboard: MSI B85M-P33 mATX w/ Military Class 4, GbLAN, 1 Gen3 PCIe x16, 1 PCIe x1
Freebies: None
Intel Smart Response Technology: None
RAM / System Memory: 8GB (4GBx2) DDR3/1866MHz Dual Channel Memory (ADATA XPG V2)
Video Card: Integrated onboard Graphic
Freebies: None
Video Card 2: None
Freebies: None
Video Card 3: None
Power Supply: 350 Watts - 350W Power Supply
Hard Drive: 1TB SATA-III 6.0Gb/s 32MB Cache 7200RPM HDD (Single Drive)
Secondary Hard Drive: None
Hard Drive Cooling Fan: None
External Storage: None
USB Flash Drive: None
Optical Drive: 24X Double Layer Dual Format DVD+-R/+-RW + CD-R/RW Drive (BLACK COLOR)
Optical Drive 2: None
External Optical Drive: None
Sound: HIGH DEFINITION ON-BOARD 7.1 AUDIO

I'm unable to find more information about the HDD

Ram is last one on this list: http://www.adata-group.com/index.php...iid=220&lan=en
Detailed here: http://www.cyberpowerpc.com/spec/get...ATA%20XPG%20V2)

I would never recommend upgrading a 5 year old prebuilt(except replacing/adding an additional HDD or replacing broken parts)

Can somebody please recommend a international or UK webstore that builds computers with customer's choice of parts?

Edit: While you can customize at cyberpowerpc.com, it seems they only ship to US, maybe also Canada

[chazus]

Look at ukgamingcomputers.co.uk/eos-i5-gaming-pc-p-117.html
Add an OS if you don't have a windows licence available.

Eh. They're prices aren't anything special. An i5 with OS, and the same card comes to 700.

However their i3 systems, with an OS, come out to 430... and then you can buy a nice 150 GPU separately and just pop it in

[zoomgpally]

Eh. They're prices aren't anything special. An i5 with OS, and the same card comes to 700.

However their i3 systems, with an OS, come out to 430... and then you can buy a nice 150 GPU separately and just pop it in

And even if you are too scared to install a GPU, there should be some local PC repair that can do it for cheap, or even a friend that will do it for free.

[wych]

Ok taking into account what was said above I looked around more and saw a site selling computers that you can customise, unfortunately the basic package seems to be integrated graphics but I changed it:

http://www.meshcomputers.com/Default...omepage_dtbox3

I managed to find this for £613

Cougar SPIKE Mini Tower Gaming Case - Black USB3.0
400W Desktop Power Supply
MSI B85M-E45 Intel® B85 uATX Motherboard
New 4th Generation Intel® Core™ i5-4570 Quad Core Processor (3.2GHz, 6MB Cache)
8GB DDR3 1600MHz Memory (2x4GB) Kit
1GB NVIDIA GeForce GTX 650 GPU - 384 Cores,DVI,mHDMI
No solid state drive
No memory card reader
1TB SATA III 6Gb/s, 7200rpm, 64Mb Cache, 8ms Hard Drive
24x DVD Writer (read/write CD & DVD)
5.1 High Definition onboard sound card - 6 Channel Cinema sound
High Speed Network Port (Supports High-Speed Cable / DSL / Network Connections)
Microsoft Windows® 8.1 - 64 bit inc. DVD & Licence

- - - Updated - - -

And for comparison I found a very similar deal on the same site but with an i7 processor, if this is better?

http://www.meshcomputers.com/Default.aspx?PAGE=PRODUCTCONFIGPAGE&USG=PRODUCT&ENT=PRODUCT&KEY=1071018&UTM_SOURCE=homepag e&UTM_MEDIUM=online&UTM_CONTENT=SPECIALIST_GAMING&UTM_CAMPAIGN=homepage_dtbox3

Stylish Piano Black Mini Tower Micro-ATX Case (Mesh 6T18)
400W Desktop Power Supply
MSI H61M-P31 (G3) Intel® H61 (B3) uATX Motherboard
Intel® Core™ i7-3770 Quad Core Processor (3.40GHz, 8MB Cache)
8GB DDR3 1600MHz Memory (2x4GB) Kit
2GB AMD Radeon R7 240 (320 Streams), D-Sub/DVI-D/HDMI
1TB SATA III 6Gb/s, 7200rpm, 64Mb Cache, 8ms Hard Drive
24x DVD Writer (read/write CD & DVD)
Integrated 7.1 High Definition 8-channel Audio
High Speed Network Port (Supports High-Speed Cable / DSL / Network Connections)
Microsoft Windows® 8.1 - 64 bit inc. DVD & Licence

Thanks to anyone who replies

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I can edit the i7 computer to have the same graphics card as the I5 as well and it only comes out as £8 more.

[zoomgpally]

Ok taking into account what was said above I looked around more and saw a site selling computers that you can customise, unfortunately the basic package seems to be integrated graphics but I changed it:

http://www.meshcomputers.com/Default...omepage_dtbox3

I managed to find this for £613

Cougar SPIKE Mini Tower Gaming Case - Black USB3.0
400W Desktop Power Supply
MSI B85M-E45 Intel® B85 uATX Motherboard
New 4th Generation Intel® Core™ i5-4570 Quad Core Processor (3.2GHz, 6MB Cache)
8GB DDR3 1600MHz Memory (2x4GB) Kit
1GB NVIDIA GeForce GTX 650 GPU - 384 Cores,DVI,mHDMI
No solid state drive
No memory card reader
1TB SATA III 6Gb/s, 7200rpm, 64Mb Cache, 8ms Hard Drive
24x DVD Writer (read/write CD & DVD)
5.1 High Definition onboard sound card - 6 Channel Cinema sound
High Speed Network Port (Supports High-Speed Cable / DSL / Network Connections)
Microsoft Windows® 8.1 - 64 bit inc. DVD & Licence

- - - Updated - - -

And for comparison I found a very similar deal on the same site but with an i7 processor, if this is better?

http://www.meshcomputers.com/Default...omepage_dtbox3

Stylish Piano Black Mini Tower Micro-ATX Case (Mesh 6T18)
400W Desktop Power Supply
MSI H61M-P31 (G3) Intel® H61 (B3) uATX Motherboard
Intel® Core™ i7-3770 Quad Core Processor (3.40GHz, 8MB Cache)
8GB DDR3 1600MHz Memory (2x4GB) Kit
2GB AMD Radeon R7 240 (320 Streams), D-Sub/DVI-D/HDMI
1TB SATA III 6Gb/s, 7200rpm, 64Mb Cache, 8ms Hard Drive
24x DVD Writer (read/write CD & DVD)
Integrated 7.1 High Definition 8-channel Audio
High Speed Network Port (Supports High-Speed Cable / DSL / Network Connections)
Microsoft Windows® 8.1 - 64 bit inc. DVD & Licence

Thanks to anyone who replies

- - - Updated - - -

I can edit the i7 computer to have the same graphics card as the I5 as well and it only comes out as £8 more.

First link, did you change anything else than GPU? (Link is to the computer without any changes you have made), i'm too tired to look through everything and compare everything.

As for the 2nd computer, the i7 was launched Q2, 2012, i'm not sure if its a good idea to buy something that old as it will be outdated sooner(the i5 is Q2, 2013)

[wych]

First link, did you change anything else than GPU? (Link is to the computer without any changes you have made), i'm too tired to look through everything and compare everything.

As for the 2nd computer, the i7 was launched Q2, 2012, i'm not sure if its a good idea to buy something that old as it will be outdated sooner(the i5 is Q2, 2013)

Just the GPU from integrated to 1GB NVIDIA GeForce GTX 650 GPU - 384 Cores,DVI,mHDMI.

Wow I actually had no idea, in my ignorance I guess I though i7 was newer due to having a bigger number

- - - Updated - - -

Just the GPU from integrated to 1GB NVIDIA GeForce GTX 650 GPU - 384 Cores,DVI,mHDMI.

Wow I actually had no idea, in my ignorance I guess I though i7 was newer due to having a bigger number

Sorry I mean the GPU is the same I just changed the graphics card from integrated to 1GB NVIDIA GeForce GTX 650 GPU - 384 Cores,DVI,mHDMI.

The GPU is the same as the default. This stupid proxy won't let me edit posts though

[chazus]

Again, you can get an i3-4130 system for £438.00 inc VAT, and leave 160 to get whatever video card you want to pop in there, which would be a better performing system than all of those.