[Skynet]

So, I'm looking to buy a new pc for gaming. Basically, I'm preparing for Star Wars: The Old Republic. What I'm asking is bascially this. Is it worth it to buy a computer with an I7 processor over something a little cheaper with a Phenom II x6?

[Advertisements]

Look into the 2nd gen Core i series(Sandy Bridge) i5 -i7 2xxxx. This architecture has a great price/performance ratio including the Intel Quick Sync function to improve video encoding and processing. These CPU's out benchmark CPU's of equivalent and greater cost and they are more energy efficient in relation to performance output.

In all reality, any newer CPU(multi-core) will do just fine. The amount of RAM and the type of GPU(Graphics Card - Nvidia SLI, ATI CrossFire,DX11 capable,GDDR5 memory, etc.), that the motherboard will support, will make the ultimate difference. Also, going with a 64bit operating system will increase performance and break that pesky 4GB system RAM limitation that hinder 32bit operating systems.

A great graphics card with a strong price/performance ratio is the Radeon HD5770. Though a slightly older card it still outperforms in many ways.

I'm preparing for Star Wars: The Old Republic

Unless you do extensive gaming (i.e. Crysis and Crysis2) there may be no need to overspend on elite system components. The makers of SWTOR have stated that this game will be easly playable on most any newer system. If you currently are spending over $750USD for a new tower you are probably spending too much for just this game.

Edited by Matriculated, 14 April 2011 - 01:29 AM.

[Matriculated]

Look into the 2nd gen Core i series(Sandy Bridge) i5 -i7 2xxxx. This architecture has a great price/performance ratio including the Intel Quick Sync function to improve video encoding and processing. These CPU's out benchmark CPU's of equivalent and greater cost and they are more energy efficient in relation to performance output.

In all reality, any newer CPU(multi-core) will do just fine. The amount of RAM and the type of GPU(Graphics Card - Nvidia SLI, ATI CrossFire,DX11 capable,GDDR5 memory, etc.), that the motherboard will support, will make the ultimate difference. Also, going with a 64bit operating system will increase performance and break that pesky 4GB system RAM limitation that hinder 32bit operating systems.

A great graphics card with a strong price/performance ratio is the Radeon HD5770. Though a slightly older card it still outperforms in many ways.

I'm preparing for Star Wars: The Old Republic

Unless you do extensive gaming (i.e. Crysis and Crysis2) there may be no need to overspend on elite system components. The makers of SWTOR have stated that this game will be easly playable on most any newer system. If you currently are spending over $750USD for a new tower you are probably spending too much for just this game.

Edited by Matriculated, 14 April 2011 - 01:29 AM.