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Hey J. Cache is basiclly short term memory. Any data th...
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Well, as many people will tell you, there are a few thing...
[ Edited ]
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mattsaunders 
Emerging Expert
Posts: 68
Registered: 06-14-2007
Message 2 of 10
Viewed 4,191 times
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Well, as many people will tell you, there are a few things you need to develop a good gaming system. A fast processor, lots of RAM, a large, fast hard drive (or two), a large power supply, and a good video card are the most important features. At present, your best options for gaming in Windows Vista are:
- 3GB or 4GB of RAM (Windows Vista uses a lot of RAM on its own. More RAM = faster, but 4GB is about as much as you'll ever need)
- A 500W+ Power Supply (Stock computer power supplies usually don't have enough wattage to power aftermarket video cards)
- An Intel Core 2 Quad Processor (The fastest processor available today - need I say more?)
- Two SATA (newer, faster interface) hard drives in a RAID 0 configuration (using two hard drives as one for faster performance)
- An Nvidia GeForce 8800 series or ATI Radeon HD2900 video card (or two if your system can support it - these cards are at the top performing graphics cards which give you the highest resolution, frame rates, and amazing detail)
Although there is some difference in opinion on which is THE fastest gaming system, following the above guidelines will ensure that you have a shot at what could be the 'best computer or gamers'
Message Edited by mattsaunders on 06-28-2007 03:50 PM
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06-28-2007 03:50 PM
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Whatever system it is
[ Edited ]
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sdavidson99
Contributor
Posts: 20
Registered: 06-27-2007
Message 4 of 10
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like it was stated earilier, no matter what config you create... power supply is the one crucial thing you will need. I recommed anything above 750W, it sounds crazy but some of the newest High end motherboards require an 8-pin PCI-E Connector which is only available on high end PS. I know the rocketfish 750 has it. and also Thermaltake. but you will pay good money for it.. BUT when it comes to the best gaming machine.. you would want to have a solid start.. hence Power. I just put one in my machine
Message Edited by Crono on 06-28-2007 08:41 PM
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06-28-2007 07:30 PM
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Cache?
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 J_BROWN
Contributor
Posts: 38
Registered: 06-14-2007
Job Title:
Product Expert
Store:
Cambridge
Location: Cambridge,
ON
Message 6 of 10
Viewed 4,144 times
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How important would you say Cache is for gaming? I notice computers having anywhere from 512kb to 4Mb x2. What is it exactly and what does it do?
Justin Brown, Mobile Audio Product Expert
Future Shop Cambridge
18 Pinebush Road
Cambridge, ON
N3C 4L4
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06-29-2007 06:07 AM
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Hey J. Cache is basiclly short term memory. Any data th...
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BenC-K
Visitor
Posts: 7
Registered: 06-14-2007
Message 7 of 10
Viewed 4,136 times
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Hey J. Cache is basiclly short term memory. Any data that moves through the CPU is called a Process. If the computer notices that the same Process is being worked by the CPU over and over again, that Process will get stored in the Cache. Once Process' are inside the cache the CPU no longer has to work on them and the data is ready to be used at any time unti the CPU dumps the cache and starts all over again. Cache is pretty important for Gaming. It allows the CPU to have extra power on hand for anytime it needs it. Let's say you're playing counter-strike and some n00b throws a flashbang grenade in your face. On lesser computers the visual effect of that explotion would create lag (a slow down in performence) for a second or two, which is enough time for said n00b to take you out of the game. But if your computer has enough cache and a decent graphics card then you'll have no lag and you'll be able to run to safety or fight back. You should also note that high cache CPU's like the new Core 2 Duo will only boost performance on high-end games. If the game is 3 or 4 years old chances are that you won't notice a difference between a new Core 2 duo and an older AMD Athlon.
Product Expert,
Yonge and Eglinton Location
Toronto, ON
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06-29-2007 08:56 AM
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Thanks for your reply Big, it's been pretty informative....
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tyciol
Visitor
Posts: 4
Registered: 07-08-2007
Message 10 of 10
Viewed 3,846 times
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Thanks for your reply Big, it's been pretty informative. The Quad-core is listed at having 2.4Ghz, I assume that's on a per-processor basis. I know the hertz alone doesn't determine performance, but for simplicity saying it was, you're saying 2 cores at 2.6 each are better than 4 2.4s for gaming purposes? Right now I'm using a 1.8 so when I get a new PC it'll be an improvement regardless. One thing I'm wondering is if we're including all possible threads here. Even if a game takes up 1, running windows would take up another core right? For people who like to do multitasking, couldn't the other cores take up that role? So if you want to run a chatting program on your headset for your FPS competitions, a processor could handle that, or if you want to run an instant messenger program, or if you want to keep SETI or Folding@Home running in the background while you play. But yeah for purely gaming maybe not... how complicated do you think it would be for game designers to come out with games that run on additional threads to fully take advantage of quad-core technology? Could we petition them to come out with patches that do it for existing ones, or is it too complicated and requires basically a full redesign? One thing I think definately, is for people who browse the internet, chat to people, watch videos, listen to music, since these are all a large variety of multitasks, the quad core is suited for that type of thing, right? According to your criticism, does that mean what Intel's been advertising about being 56% better on their gaming systems to be wrong? They were maybe testing this with double-thread games where you'd experience better performance by a third core taking on Windows and other tasks, but not with the single-threaded games where a second core can easily take care of all other tasks.
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07-08-2007 08:16 AM
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I'm not sure where they put it.
