Since I recently discovered my current PC (HP that I bought about 4 or 5 years ago) is not robust enough to play the new Tex Murphy game, and probably will have problems with newer games yet to be released, I'm starting to look into an upgrade in the next few months. My current PC has 2 Gig of Ram and an older Nvidia card that won't work with the new Tex game.

So what do most of you play on, and how often do you upgrade/replace your system? A friend recommended Alienware computers for gaming. Anyone have experience with those?

Thanks!
Louis

Alienware are usually OK, though they do sell some low end models that aren't really the best for gaming.

You can get a computer with just as good or better specs for less money at eCollegePC.

Current specs (the computer I'm using for reviews) are a homebuilt with

Windows 8.1 Professional, 64-bit
AMD Phenom II X4 905e processor 2.51 GHz
8 GB RAM
AMD Radeon HD 7770 with 2 GB VRAM
ATI High Definition Audio Device (onboard sound)

It's been sufficient for recent games (Moebius and the Dracula games), though RealMyst Masterpiece isn't quite as smooth as I'd like. I haven't tried Tesla on it yet (still not finished downloading it). This computer is a couple of years old now and is adequate as a mid-range. It also has a Windows 7 partition, but I've been using Windows 8.1 for the sake of reviewing games on the "current" version of Windows.

I tend to have a great affinity for my computers and don't upgrade until I run into games that won't play. I'm quite happy to use a 4 or 5 year-old computer if it suits my needs. I'm not saying I don't lust after the fastest and the best! But if it still works for me, then I use it.

I build my own computers so I can control exactly what I put in them for hardware and software. The sheer joy of not having to spend a day getting rid of bloatware on a branded computer is another reason.

Alienware is part of Dell now. I believe they still build great gaming computers, although they are pretty pricey.

EDIT: Good idea, Jenny, to post your current specs. Mine is also home-built about 9 months ago. I play everything from Big Fish games to high end FPS games and so far everything I've thrown at it plays without a hitch on the highest settings.

Windows 8.1 64-bit
Third Generation Ivy Bridge Intel Core i5 3470
8 GB RAM
Overclocked Nvidia GTX 660Ti with 3 GB VRAM

Another option is to have a computer built for you to your specs. On-line companies like CyberPower and EcollegePC are two examples. Another good thing about building yourself or having one built for you is that you get your actual operating system disk in addition to all the driver disks etc. that come with your hardware.

FYI: I went ahead and got an Alienware x51 at what I think is a pretty good price. ($599 from Amazon). It has an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 645 video card. I finished setting it up earlier today, and Tesla Effect is running flawlessly.

I'm not into building my own, and I did check eCollege and they had some nice machines, but I got a better price on this one. (compared to a machine with similar specs on eCollege).

Thanks for all your advice.

Plus, it just looks awesome! The only drawback with those small form factor cases is that you can't upgrade with them. But as long as you stick with casual and adventure games, that GTX 645 will be just fine for awhile.

Have fun with this cool new computer - I'd just like looking at it!

Actually, I've read that you can upgrade them, but there may be some limitations. In any case, I hope this will last me for a while, and I'll be able to continue playing newer games.

Louis

It's not impossible, but getting a power supply that will run a better video card could be a problem. I'm thinking that Jenny found out this one has the power supply in the "brick," not in the computer itself. I'm sure it will be a great computer for a good long while. There will come a time when that GTX 645 won't be enough for even adventure games, but let's hope the rest of the computer will be worn out by then!