New Computer for FFXIV?

[KingChronn]

I am sure there are probably a bunch of other threads like this so I am sorry for having to create another. I am looking to purchase a new Desktop computer, and since I have just recently gotten into FFXIV I figured I better get one that can run it well. I am not looking for something to run it on max settings, but just so I can play it smoothly and comfortable with even a bit of visual appeal.

Here is the one I was looking at, I heard a few good things about this model and using it for gaming, but what do you guys think?

Asus - Essentio Desktop

Thank you ahead of time!

[Coldfire]

The GPU in that system is garbage. You will need at least a GTX560 or HD6870 to run this game on max settings fluently.

[KingChronn]

I am not looking for something to run it on max settings

I can probably upgrade the graphics card when I purchase the computer, but how about everything else? Is it looking okay?

[Shiroineko]

First I'd like to say that I'm running a GeForce GTS 250 1024 MB card and it runs this game just fine. Sure, it stutters here and there when running through town (which may be more latency-driven), but the card itself isn't even a gaming card and it's rather old at that. In other words, I disagree with the statement that the GPU on that system is garbage. It is several generations newer than mine with 2GB of VRAM, double what I have. Still, in the end a lot of its performance will depend on the power supply, cooling, and component quality. Sure, all video cards are primarily ATI or NVidia, but the same card built by MSI or GIGABYTE is much more capable than a generic brand. After all, the brand is really just the chipset, not the overall device. Still, I wouldn't be too keen on purchasing it, although I'm just the type that builds his own machines. Here's why:

Best Buy is the last place I'd buy a gaming computer, as they only sell very generic boxes and their "coverage plans" charge you hundreds of dollars for something that should be covered by the manufacturer or available from most resellers for half the price they charge. Not to mention that if you do get their "coverage plan" it just consists of college students messing around with your hardware in an attempt to fix it when the only reason they got the job was because they used Microsoft Office and AOL Instant Messenger once or twice. With that said, I have heard of a few times when users got free upgrades because the kids in the Geek Squad didn't know how to handle a problem.

The rest of the stats look decent, although it'd be nice if that "2 PCI" listing stated if they are PCIe x16, PCIe 2.0 x16, etc. Again, none of the brands are listed, such as the Hard Drive maker, so it's hard to determine the overall quality and reliability. Before making the purchase, I'd certainly scour newegg.com considering overall price savings from taxes and the wider variety.

[Shiroineko]

EDIT:

DO NOT BUY. The system comes with a 350 Watt power supply. That was suitable for a gaming machine back in 2000, but nowadays that can barely sustain the hardware it's currently running. The PSU also hints that the components are either underpowered or missing some very necessary cooling components if the system can run with just 350W. I won't tell you what you SHOULD have as a PSU minimum wattage, but I highly advise against anything below 500.

Original post:

I looked up a review by PC Mag and it doesn't seem like a bad buy. Then again, when you're getting paid to review something sometimes you end up with conflicting interests. You can read the review here: http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2388737,00.asp. The $900 price tag isn't too bad, but adding tax and the fact that the case seems ugly and flow-restrictive, it may not be worth it as a gaming machine in the long run.

[KingChronn]

Thanks for the advice Shiro, that was very helpful. Yeah I looked up a few things and apparently I would be paying a lot more money than what that PC is worth. I will be searching around a bit more, thanks!

If I find anything I think is nice I will be sure to post it here first.

[Veridian]

Smoothly, comfortably...not looking to max out your budget...GTX 460

[KingChronn]

DO NOT BUY. The system comes with a 350 Watt power supply. That was suitable for a gaming machine back in 2000, but nowadays that can barely sustain the hardware it's currently running. The PSU also hints that the components are either underpowered or missing some very necessary cooling components if the system can run with just 350W. I won't tell you what you SHOULD have as a PSU minimum wattage, but I highly advise against anything below 500.

Whew, thanks for catching that, I wouldn't have even realized otherwise.

I am going into this with 2,000 dollars but I really would like to spend somewhere just around the 1,000 area. I found another one, again from Bestbuy... I'm not too good at shopping for computers, only having done it one other time myself. I did find this HP that was a bit more expensive (but that doesn't always mean better), again what do you guys think?

HP - H8-1040 < --- Don't even look at this one, heh.

EDIT: Okay so I searched Newegg and I found this much BETTER beast for a cheaper price. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16883229253

[Khalus]

EDIT: Okay so I searched Newegg and I found this much BETTER beast for a cheaper price. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16883229253

If you don't know how or want to build a custom PC, then for a pre-built, this one is good enough for your not wanting a max settings PC...

[buritoslicer]

I am sure there are probably a bunch of other threads like this so I am sorry for having to create another. I am looking to purchase a new Desktop computer, and since I have just recently gotten into FFXIV I figured I better get one that can run it well. I am not looking for something to run it on max settings, but just so I can play it smoothly and comfortable with even a bit of visual appeal.

Here is the one I was looking at, I heard a few good things about this model and using it for gaming, but what do you guys think?

Asus - Essentio Desktop

Thank you ahead of time!

It's a good start, you should have no issues running the game. A graphics card upgrade is probably all you need!

Enjoy your new computer!