Originally Posted by jamesdietz (Post 451772)

I don't have the bucks to go first cabin , but want to buy something with staying power fot the next few years or so.

Originally Posted by jamesdietz (Post 451789)

A short list of recommended online suppliers?I'd say something in the $300.00-500.00 range-something I wouldn't have to replace when BoM comes out ...should i say when/if?
Thanks!

Originally Posted by Blackdog_kt (Post 451826)

A lot depends on what settings you want to achieve.
I'm running the sim fine on mostly medium settings on this:

i7 920 @ 2.7 GHz (the very first that came out, no overclocking at all)
Ati 4890 1GB
3GB RAM
Windows 7 64-bit.

I'd say my main issue the low RAM. There was no win7 when i got it and i didn't want to install xp 64bit or vista, so i stayed with xp 32 bit and got just as much memory as it could utilize.
I think that installing another 3GB of RAM would cure a few small problems and help loading times.

Apart from that, if you want to run higher settings then of course you will need a new graphics card.

Just like everyone else pointed however, the system components must match each other. You don't want to spend money on a fast card if it's going to be held back by the rest of your system, or if your OS can't utilize at least DX10.

As also pointed out already, make sure you have a good power supply. Graphics cards can be very power hungry beasts when working at full load and if your PSU isn't up to it, it could lead to crashes.
In my experience, looking only at the nominal wattage for a PSU isn't enough. It's best to get a unit with a slightly lower nominal wattage from a reliable manufacturer and be sure that it achieves it, than get one of dubious quality just because it quotes more watts on the box.

Also keep in mind that bigger wattage doesn't necessarily mean bigger power bills. In fact, it's usually the other way around because most PSUs start to have increased thermal losses the closer they are to their limits. For example, if you have a PC that requires 400Watts and you try it on a 500Watt and a 700Watt PSU, most of the times the 500Watt PSU will waste more power because it's operating closer to its limits.

Generally speaking, most of the PC components can be upgraded with budget solutions, but there are three things you should generally not skimp on: motherboard (for upgradeability), PSU (for optimal power delivery and fail-safe features) and monitor (for easy and tireless viewing).
These are not only important for your day to day PC usage, but also don't require as frequent upgrades as other components, so it makes sense to pay a bit extra and be set for a longer time. I've had a case where my PSU saved my system, when a power surge/spike occured. The PSU died and got replaced thanks to warranty, but everything else in my system survived. ;)

Originally Posted by BigC208 (Post 451804)

James, you can take your rig to the geeks at Best Buy and get a $500 graphics card. If the rest of your system is as archaic as your graphics card it will not do you much good.

You'll want at least an Intel I5-2500k overlocked to at least 4-4.5Ghz. This will push the GPU to it's maximum performance. Post your full specs and then we can advise you on what to keep or throw out.

Originally Posted by kendo65 (Post 452036)

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/...k,2738-16.html

Above link dates from almost two years ago, but they concluded that in most cases overclocking CPU did not achieve noticeable improvements in most games.

Expect that situation is somewhat similar today, but would be interesting to see tests repeated.

Originally Posted by kendo65 (Post 452036)

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/...k,2738-16.html

Above link dates from almost two years ago, but they concluded that in most cases overclocking CPU did not achieve noticeable improvements in most games.

Expect that situation is somewhat similar today, but would be interesting to see tests repeated.

Originally Posted by Walrus1 (Post 452214)

Can anyone comment on results running a Radeon HD 7750 1 MB card for CloD?

SAPPHIRE Ultimate Radeon HD 7750 1GB 128-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 3.0 x16 HDCP Ready Video Card

My GTX 460 just expired and I need to replace it.

I don't want to spend very much money at this time, and like this one because it is fanless (and therefore silent) as well as cheap and has low power requirements.

In less then a year I will build a new system and maybe splurge on a GTX 670, but until then I would like a stopgap. Expectations will be only for medium type settings and performance.

Originally Posted by jamesdietz (Post 451845)

I'm no PC wizard- I mean I can install a new Graphics Card , but I have no idea how to figure out what my system will handle - that's sort of why I thought dropping it by Best Buy & their Geek squad might be the best thing to do.My system was set up nearly 3 years ago & modified to Win7 & 64 bit when I bought CloD nearly a year & a half ago.I have no problems really except for slow FPS numbers in all the usual places.No patch so far has made much of a difference.The guy that built it is no longer around and so I guess I need some concrete advice on what to do next with what i've got.