Hardware comparison sites?

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  • Chainsaws
    Member
    • Jan 2003
    • 2424
    #1

    Hardware comparison sites?

    I'm toying with the idea of upgrading my games machine but I don't want to spend a fortune on it. When I orignally bought my new motherboard I was under the (false) assumption that it would support the next couple of AMD processor iterations and I wouldn't have to upgrade for a while. When I come to look at components to upgrade the system with my head starts spinning; I just don't have the time or the inclination to keep up with this stuff any more.

    So, if anyone can recommend some great sites that are easy to navigate where I can compare hardware I'd be greatful. Perhaps you can recommend a next step upgrade, that would be even better. I'd much prefer googling reviews on two or three pieces of hardware than searching through everything.

    My current spec:
    ASUS Crosshair Motherboard
    Some DDR RAM - 3GB
    AMD Athlon X2 1.6GHz Dual Core
    Sapphire Radeon x1950 Pro Ultimate 256MB RAM

    There are a few newer games that don't run so well but really I'd just like Left 4 Dead (and probably Left 4 Dead 2) to run a bit smoother and DX10 support would be spiffy. I'm not set on replacing everything, I'm happy to upgrade a minimum of components as long as I'm not wasting money by doing so.

    Whatever anyone can suggest I'd be greatful for.
    One of the three LANers of the Apocalypse!
    -
    The Unforgiven Casual Gaming Group - New Members Welcome
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  • Schleicher
    Member
    • Jun 2003
    • 3174
    #2
    Mebbe ask around for good computer shops around your area? A good one should give you techy guidance and even put the thing together if you dont wanna do it. Also not trying to sell you crap, heh.
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    • westy
      Member
      • Aug 2006
      • 444
      #3
      This is nice > http://www.videocardbenchmark.net/

      But gotta look for stability on video cards too, I had/have alot of overheating problems with my Radeon 3870, full system locks while playing games, not fun. (Better now I have put on a Thermaltake Du-Orb). I have no idea how to look for which cards have most stability issues thou, googling I guess.

      3DMark.com - Share and compare scores from UL Solutions' benchmarks
      http://service.futuremark.com/
      Share and compare benchmark scores from 3DMark, PCMark and VRMark benchmarks. Check out the world's fastest PCs in our Overclocking Hall of Fame.


      Furturemark ORB (Online Result Browser, I think) is somewhat useful for seeing what the hardcore player are using in terms of motherboard and video card makes.

      edit: Shopping in the real world sucks. Much safer to stay inside and online.
      Kept an xmas avatar for 3 year(s).

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      • Thebos
        Member
        • Jan 2003
        • 1023
        #4
        HardOCP.com (particularly like their video card reviews)

        sharkyextreme.com (Find thier weekly price listing useful)

        Newegg.com (find the user ratings/comments useful. Also find the more popular items are a good starting point)
        Give some taffer fire, and you'll keep him warm for the night with one less reason to cause trouble for the master.
        Set a taffer on fire, and he will be warm for the rest of his life, and have no need to bother the master.

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        • TeeJay
          Member
          • Jan 2003
          • 129
          #5
          Tom's Hardware

          Tom's Hardware is an essential site for information about upgrading and building PCs. Their charts and round-ups are great for comparison shopping. I have included links to Tom's Hardware's most recent "Best for the Money" recommendations for CPUs and graphics cards.

          Tom's Hardware: For The Hardcore PC Enthusiast
          http://www.tomshardware.com
          Tom's Hardware helps you buy the best hardware and build the best PC to play, create and work..


          Best Graphics Cards for Gaming in 2024
          http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/best-graphics-card,2404.html
          Here are the best graphics cards for gaming, from high-end to budget solutions.


          The Best CPU for Gaming in 2024
          http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/best-gaming-cpu,2398.html
          Here is the best CPU for gaming.


          It looks like the graphics card will be your main focus. You also might benefit from adding 1 GB of RAM (or more) if you are running a 64-bit OS.
          Last edited by TeeJay; 24 Sep 2009, 04:22 PM.

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