Hiya,

I am going to get a new rig but know very little about computers.  I live in NZ, so the following prices are in NZD (about 75% value of US).  Can you please tell me if this computer will run new games on decent settings for the next 2-3 years, how well would it run AOC? (obviously will be getting on towards the end of that time).  I currently play DDO, so if anyone knows of any issues with this rig and that game, let me know! :)

Should I do better or worse than this: 

Thanks for your advice!

ETC Gaming System - Windows Vista  Capable

• AMD Athlon64 x2 4800+ Dual Core CPU
• 160GB Serial ATA2 3GB/S 7200rpm HDD
• 2GB Dual Channel DDR2 800Mhz Ram
• 18x Dual Layer DVD Writer  
• 512MB Geforce 8600GT Video
• Integrated Sound/LAN
• Foxconn ATX302 Tower 350W PSU
• Keyboard + Optical Mouse
• 19" AOC 193FW 5ms wide LCD
• Creative SBS A30 2.0 Speaker
• Windows XP Home OEM With SP2
• no FDD or Modem
• One year Parts & Labour Warranty RTB

I would be hesitant on that build. 

I am gaming with an older system and play DDO with ALL graphics turned to the highest option along with the display of 1680*1050 on a 22" lcd. The following is what I use:

gigabyte pe1000 mo-bo

p4 2.8 prescott (800mhz)

2x 1gb DDR (in dual channel @ 800mhz)

ATI x1950pro 512mb(ddr3) AGP

PSU - forget the name but it's a 650w modular design

My machine has no room for improvement other then spending $500 on an Extreme Edition Pentium that's more rare then a hooker without STD's.

My main concerns with the build you're referencing would be the Video Card and the PSU.  I like to do occasional upgrades with my machines and that PSU isn't going to handle an upgrade to a better video card, or two if the mo-bo supports 2 cards in PCIe.

I can't comment on teh 8600gt other then with an unknowledged opinion - it's kinda weak and a better card should be avaible for a similar price. The 8600 isn't something you're going to hang onto for very long in terms of future gaming and an upgrade will come sooner then later. Maybe get the optional Video card - but check for a better PSU? 

Is the motherboard possess 2 PCIe slots?  You probally wont ever need two cards other then if you go for the "oooh-aaaah" factor, but I suspect you would be dissapointed running that core system while playing Age of Conan.

My old video card could not handle maxed graphics in DDO (ati x850pro 256mb agp)but my current one is great! 

Specs look reasonable... graphics might be weak, and for these kinds of games the graphics card is the most important component.

I don't know the difference between the 8600 GT vs 9600 GT, but I imagine it won't be able to run DDO flat out.  I have the 8800GT (about $200 USD) which can run DDO with everything turned on at 1900x1200.

OK, thanks a lot guys.  It gives me a bit of a bench mark to work a with.

It seems the general consensus that I need to raise the bar in terms of video card, maybe cpu, and def PSU.

I'll do some lookin.

Cheers again!