Computer comparison

[andyconor]

Is there a stickied thread about advice for computers?

I understand that there are threads similar to this, but I'd prefer more direct, contextual and relevant advice. Anyway, I'm looking at 2 computers, mainly to play X-Plane and a few other games (fsx, the sims and minecraft). Simple question - which one would be better to buy for it's capabilities to run these at full settings etc? Thanks in advance.

(I can't get the direct links, so if you're willing to help, could you google them please)

Alienware X51 R2-5476

OR

HP Envy Phoenix 800-030ea Gaming PC

Thanks

andyconor

[Ben Russell]

I wouldn't go anywhere near HP products regardless of specs on paper. They stopped making quality goods many years ago.

[JohnMAXX]

I agree with Ben,  I have had a couple of HP laptops and nothing but problems....

 

I do have a nice Dell XPS desktop and its been a quality product....

 

Dell=Alienware...

[andyconor]

Looks like I'll be going with Alienware at the moment! Thanks for the comments, guys

[Tonka]

You get a much better spec from the HP machine, for less money. I can't comment on whether one brand is better than another, other than to say the support Dell gave one of my ex partners with her laptop was not bad. I've never owned anything personally from either company.

 

Why not look for a local shop or website who can spec and build a machine for you to match the HP one?

Edited March 23, 2014 by Tonka

[andyconor]

I might look into it tomorrow - thanks

[raven1982]

I have an old Alienware M17x laptop and have been really happy with it. However, the cost breakdown over the past few years makes me second guess another laptop purchase like the one I made. I've been looking into smaller boutique pc companies like cyberpower for a micro atx build. Either that or I will build my own. 

 

If you don't mind spending the cash Alienware is a great choice. A few other good smaller companies are Digital Storm, Falcon Northwest, and Maingear. 

[andyconor]

I think I will go with the Alienware - I just don't know enough to start building my own. Thanks everyone

[andyconor]

Would these be sufficient to run x plane?

Thank you

[MercuryMat]

Hi! Do not invest in a fast CPU if you do not invest in a faster GPU. The 750, but mostly the 2GB of memory will be a big bottleneck when you'll fly in complex sceneries with many objects, unless you want to use not so much details, and in this case you'll never use the full potential of the CPU. I strongly suggest to choose a less powered CPU like the 4570 (because x-plane does not take real advantages of multiple cores) and may be overclock it, and invest in a more powerful GPU like for example a 780 or 770 with AT LEAST 4GB of video memory.

Sent from Mad iPad's Tapatalk

[andyconor]

Hi. Thanks, is a gpu the same as a graphics card?

[Kieran]

Yes GPU and graphics card are the same

[andyconor]

Okay cheers - I really know nothing!!

[Ntr09]

originpc.com has some pretty nice systems. They're completely customizable, like building your own without the building part.

 

I would recommend an i5 4670k, GTX 760 or better, and at least 8gb of RAM. Make sure you get a DVD drive for loading X-Plane.

 

-MR

[andyconor]

Is that company English? I'm in England so would prefer. Are the i4670 k etc processors? Or gpus? Will post here again when done all suggested

[Ntr09]

Origin is US based but they probably ship anywhere. They pack in wooden crates as well. The i5 4670K is a CPU, GTX 760 is a GPU.

 

-NR