Macster
10-22-2007, 01:01 PM
I'm surprised by all the worries and concerns about having to upgrade computer systems for the upcoming title "Train Simulator 2" As most of you know that Holiday 2008 is still 14 months away which gives one plenty of time to discover and think about what they'll actually need.
That famed GeForce 8800GTX that is running around $650 will be replaced by even a more extreme graphics card by the time TS2 is released. That once high priced card in 2007 now runs you around $150-250 Street in 2008
Also take note now that Intel's Quad Core processor, IE the QX6850, by release of TS2 in late 2008, will probably be in the low $200-300 range as the new generator of 45nm processors are released. AMD's quad core platform should be hitting the market soon dropping Intel's price even more.
For those that also haven't taken notice, DDR3 is now out and about. New motherboards are coming out to support the new and acclaimed faster memory.
Sure, you can price your computer out now, save it on your hard drive, top specs even. It may come at or about $2000 but again by Holiday 2008, that same system could easily be only $900-1000
We've come a long ways from what Train Simulator was to what it will become and we should embrace it openly. I have the open option to upgrade my system now or I can wait to see if the Socket will change for the new generation of Intel processors so I don't waste $200 on said "new" motherboard..which by the time it hit the shelfs at your local Best Buy, Fry's Electronics, CompUSA, etc. It's already outdated.
Keep an eye on prices between now and Christmas of this year, mainly on memory. Ignore the sales, keep note of just how much Memory will go up and down. Technology changes at such a rapid rate that even if you were to build a PC now to meet the strictest gaming requirements out there and I'll take Crysis again will be my example);
To even get Crysis to run at Maximum settings, AA, etc, you need the following...You can play Crysis on Low with most common computer systems. Onboard graphics are not supported....
Windows Vista Ultimate with latest updates
Intel Quad Core based processor
4 to 8 GIGS of RAM!
14 gigs of Hard Drive Space
GeForce 8800Ultra 768MB GDDR3
That is at least a $3,000 system right there.. Just for ONE game!
But come a year from now, as new and improved components come onto the market, building a system to meet Crysis' strictest requirements will only run you at least $900 to $1,500 at most.
The key is also to be patient and to SAVE your money. Even if your 15-16, going on dates with the ladies, you can still save your pennies and get a kick butt system for cheap.
Finally.. consider building your own system. It can be cheaper and last much longer than that EMachines your sitting at right now....
Brian Bundridge
Kent, Washington
That famed GeForce 8800GTX that is running around $650 will be replaced by even a more extreme graphics card by the time TS2 is released. That once high priced card in 2007 now runs you around $150-250 Street in 2008
Also take note now that Intel's Quad Core processor, IE the QX6850, by release of TS2 in late 2008, will probably be in the low $200-300 range as the new generator of 45nm processors are released. AMD's quad core platform should be hitting the market soon dropping Intel's price even more.
For those that also haven't taken notice, DDR3 is now out and about. New motherboards are coming out to support the new and acclaimed faster memory.
Sure, you can price your computer out now, save it on your hard drive, top specs even. It may come at or about $2000 but again by Holiday 2008, that same system could easily be only $900-1000
We've come a long ways from what Train Simulator was to what it will become and we should embrace it openly. I have the open option to upgrade my system now or I can wait to see if the Socket will change for the new generation of Intel processors so I don't waste $200 on said "new" motherboard..which by the time it hit the shelfs at your local Best Buy, Fry's Electronics, CompUSA, etc. It's already outdated.
Keep an eye on prices between now and Christmas of this year, mainly on memory. Ignore the sales, keep note of just how much Memory will go up and down. Technology changes at such a rapid rate that even if you were to build a PC now to meet the strictest gaming requirements out there and I'll take Crysis again will be my example);
To even get Crysis to run at Maximum settings, AA, etc, you need the following...You can play Crysis on Low with most common computer systems. Onboard graphics are not supported....
Windows Vista Ultimate with latest updates
Intel Quad Core based processor
4 to 8 GIGS of RAM!
14 gigs of Hard Drive Space
GeForce 8800Ultra 768MB GDDR3
That is at least a $3,000 system right there.. Just for ONE game!
But come a year from now, as new and improved components come onto the market, building a system to meet Crysis' strictest requirements will only run you at least $900 to $1,500 at most.
The key is also to be patient and to SAVE your money. Even if your 15-16, going on dates with the ladies, you can still save your pennies and get a kick butt system for cheap.
Finally.. consider building your own system. It can be cheaper and last much longer than that EMachines your sitting at right now....
Brian Bundridge
Kent, Washington