Posted By: GPM
Computer Specs Required? - 09/18/10 06:10 PM
I need to replace my old gaming computer, and I'm wondering about what to look for with respect to specifications as I would be very disappointed if the new machine wouldn't run all my BFG games!
The first thing I was wondering about was Windows 7. It seems that many of the games require Windows XP/Vista, but Windows 7 is installed on all the machines I've looked at. I note that Windows 7 Home Premium won't run XP mode. Is this going to be a problem?
Second, what specs do you all recommend I look for when it comes to running today's larger games?
Many thanks!
Posted By: Draclvr
Re: Computer Specs Required? - 09/18/10 06:40 PM
I know you will get lots of information, but first you might want to take a look at the Window 7 and Games thread stickied at the top of the Glitches forum. We've all been very pleasantly surprised at how well Win 7 is playing our games. I haven't had a BFG yet that didn't play.
I'll let Jenny and Inland explain the XP mode issue, but the bottom line is that the XP mode available in Win 7 Pro on up will not help with gaming as it doesn't support 3D graphics. It is meant to be a business application. What we're finding is that the XP - and even down to 98SE and below - compatibility modes are working extremely well in Win 7 Home Premium.
With that, I'll let the experts weigh in!
Posted By: GPM
Re: Computer Specs Required? - 09/18/10 06:54 PM
Cool! Thank you, Draclvr!
I didn't really think of my question as a "Glitch" (yet!), so I really appreciate the direction to the right thread!!
Posted By: InlandAZ
Re: Computer Specs Required? - 09/18/10 07:29 PM
The system requirements for most BFG games are fairly low - so I couldn't imagine you'd have any issues with a new PC (although, I would try to avoid anything with an Intel Graphics Processor).
Even though Windows Home Premium doesn't support XP Mode it will run Virtual PC (including Windows Virtual PC).
Compatibility under Windows 7 is pretty good, much better than Vista. It's probably not going to be a problem unless you enjoy retro gaming. For those games I use emulation (DOSBox, VPC or VMware).
What price range are you interested in? If you have a specific model you're interested in, post it - we'll look it up for you.