Shopping for a new computer.

[5292nate]

O.K. So I'm helping my parents shop for a new computer, and I would like to know a few things, so I can make sure that the one we get, will run RailWorks. So I'm looking at one on amazon now. http://www.amazon.com/HP-P7-1490-Pavilion-Desktop/dp/B009X8EC90/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1359605392&sr=8-6&keywords=Desktop+Computer#productDetails Any recommendations?

This PC has,

Processor; 3.6 GHz A-Series Dual-Core A6-5400K
RAM; 6 GB DDR3
Hard drive space; 1024 GB SATA
OS; Windows 8
Video Graphics;
AMD Radeon HD 7540D Graphics. Up to 3GB Graphics System Memory (Total System Memory 6GB DDR3 SDRAM). Up to 3031MB Total Available Graphics Memory as allocated by Windows 8

If this won't give me great results in running RW, let me know. My Folks have been wanting the best value for the best price, and have trusted me to help them in our search.

Thanks in advance!

[5292nate]

How easy is that? I'm with you. I can't stand the win 8. I MUCH prefer windows 7.

[buzz456]

I'm not sure about through Amazon, but I am certain that new computers with Win7 are available with this equipment. The video card is a step up from mine (maybe two steps) the rest about what I have and mine runs RW just fine.

[artimrj]

This is where I bought my last 5 HP computors.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Desktop-Com ... 2600050009

Scroll through there and see if there is something to fit your bill. They are refurbished and after 5 of them I will not purchase a new one again. All 5 have worked flawlessly. Their refursbished is someone bought a computor, didn't know what to do with it and sent it back for refund.

[buzz456]

I have TSX enabled
anti aliasing FXAA
Anistropic X4
Everything else is wide open and on except Procedural Flora. Don't seem to miss that.

[artimrj]

Ok so what are the cheepest computers out of those fancy referbs that will run railworks full out?

I thought you had somewhere to go and stuff to do?

Anyway I got my last one with a 6 core amd, 8 gig of ram, ati 5750, 2 1TB hds, 9 in 1 card reader, blue ray dvd burner dual layer for $700 and it runs RW great. So look at the specs of the systems.

[arizonachris]

Nate, ditch Win 8, see if they can switch you to Win 7 Home Premium 64 bit. Otherwise, that looks like a really nice PC! However, that onboard video gives me pause. I really don't like onboard. All you can really do is to try it out.

I build all my own PC's and I tend to use the best components I can afford.

[5292nate]

I agree Chris. I didn't like the Win 8 when I saw, it and I did hesitate when I saw that the video was on board, and that it wasn't NVIDIA. Is there a way maybe I can order that part to come with the PC?

[artimrj]

I agree Chris. I didn't like the Win 8 when I saw, it and I did hesitate when I saw that the video was on board, and that it wasn't NVIDIA. Is there a way maybe I can order that part to come with the PC?

You could buy it and install it your self. Just remember to turn the onboard video off in your CMOS.

[5292nate]

My what?

[artimrj]

My what?

Sorry not going there with you. If you don't know what CMOS is then I can't help you any further. Not trying to be a prick but I do not have time to teach you all about computors. Better have someone else install the video board you is all I can say at this point.

[PapaXpress]

Didn't you mean BIOS (a more common term)?

CMOS is the actual chip.

[artimrj]

Didn't you mean BIOS (a more common term)?

CMOS is the actual chip.

I been calling it CMOS for a long time, since my 8086 and figured they are both the same. Either way I amnot about to teach any about it since they are all different from computor brand to brand. I have a Dell at work and they call it the Setup Program.

[PapaXpress]

Yea, the new UEIF.

[glcbn]

I agree Chris. I didn't like the Win 8 when I saw, it and I did hesitate when I saw that the video was on board, and that it wasn't NVIDIA. Is there a way maybe I can order that part to come with the PC?

It is a very simple procedure to enable/disable hardware in your BIOS. But,as posted,if you're not familiar get some help from someone who is......or,educate yourself. The internet is your friend,and a very powerful teaching tool. It just takes a little time.

Greg