Good Desktop for TF2?

[ZaeZae64]

So yeah, as some of you know I'm a bit of a TF2 addict.
And as some of you may also know my computer is pretty much garbage.
Single core 2.20 Ghz processor, an Intel integrated graphics card and only 2GB of RAM.
So, I've been looking around for a new Desktop. I want one that can run TF2, most Valve games (including Portal 2) on at least Medium setings.
I know I could just build one but I don't really want too. Although I am willing to. but anyway would this be a good Desktop?
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/HP+-+Pavilion+...p;cp=1&lp=1

And also would anyone here recommend Terraria? My friends have it, but I'm not entirely sure if I should get it yet.

 

[Hells Malice]

Pretty much every single standard PC these days can run any valve game on the highest settings.


and as for Terraria...son of a bitch.
I dunno how it's so addicting (perhaps it's the minecrafty-feel) but i've been playing the hell out of it.
I stayed up till 3:30am when I wanted to go to bed at midnight. Totally lost track of time.
For $10 it's absolutely worth it. It's damn fun.

 

[Jamstruth]

Source is outdated. My old PC had a 2.8GHz Pentium D, 2GB of RAM and a nVidia 7900GS and could run Source on highest settings at 30-40FPS (i.e. respectable) Basically any modern PC with a dedicated graphics card (make sure it has dedicated VRAM though) will be able to run TF2.

If you're serious about gaming but don't ahve the money right now I'd say this much: Go for an Intel CPU if possible. The Intel CPUs are better than AMD at the moment and getting an Intel Motherboard will make upgrading to a better CPU (e.g. i3 to i5) a lot easier. Definitely get yourself a low-end dedicated graphics card too. They'll be about $100 I'd imagine.

 

[CCNaru]

http://i1002.photobucket.com/albums/af150/...Guide/Guide.png

"Good" will do wonders... that's what I have atm. anything higher than that is overkill for source engine. (actually "Good" ones run new games fine (Crysis 2)).

 

[ZaeZae64]

Thanks for the help.
I guess I'll go for a Desktop with an Intel CPU then. would this be suitable for Portal 2?
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Dell+-+Inspiro...p;skuId=1677209

http://i1002.photobucket.com/albums/af150/...Guide/Guide.png
"Good" will do wonders... that's what I have atm. anything higher than that is overkill for source engine. (actually "Good" ones run new games fine (Crysis 2)).

That looks like a helpful guide. If I decide to build a computer this should help alot. Thanks.

 

[Jamstruth]

In terms of Processing power the Dell desktop is better BUT the HP desktop does have a vaguely dedicated graphics card, though no dedicated VRAM in the form of an ATi Radeon HD 4200 which WILL run Source engine. I am less than knowledgeable about the specs of an Intel HD Graphics.

The Dell might require a graphics card on top of the price but in terms of processing its a big improvement. Based on the rankings here. This is partly guesswork as I don't know exactly what model each of these CPUs are but knowing vague line and frequency gives me a good guess.
The AMD Athlon II 240e @2.80GHz is at rank 402 with a benchmark of 1,619
The Intel Core i3 550 @3.20GHz is at rank 194 with a benchmark of 3,086
(Note: They're actually in seperate charts. The i3 is in the High-Mid chart and the Athlon X2 is in the Low-Mid chart that should tell you something)
Which makes the Intel based seem like the MUCH better buy in the long run. Its not going to be as sluggish in a few years and if you want to upgrade to an i5 to get TurboBoost I'm pretty sure they use the same socket.

Looking into graphics cards I get a bit offput again. We need to consider the size of the PSU in the Dell Desktop but obviously we don't have that information. You can get some decent graphics cards for under $100 though.

 

[ZaeZae64]

I see.
I'll probably get the Dell PC then.
Also would these Graphics cards be suitable?

Spoiler

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16814130632
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16814131399
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16814500152

I don't want to spend too much on a graphics card if I don't have too.
The only games I'll be playing would be Source games, and other games like Minecraft.

 

[Jamstruth]

ANy of those would suffice. I was running it on way more archaeic hardware at 1360x768 easily.

 

[ZaeZae64]

That's good to know. I'll get the EVGA card then since it's the cheapest.
Again, thanks for the help!