What do you think?

[Blackmoore]

I have a friend from work who asked me to build him a new computer. He didn't really give me a budget, but I can't see him paying more than $400-$500. His only request was that the machine meet the recommended requirements for World of Warcraft, and that it run the game without out any PC related lag and slowdown. I think we can do much better than those low recommened requirements for the money. I really have no idea what hes playing on now, and neither does he. He doesn't really know much about the workings of a PC, but im figuring that hes running a machine Pre Intel P4 and AMD XP. So heres the machine I priced out. If you could tell me where I could save money, and where I should improve, and put the money to better use.

WoW Recommended Requirements:

Recommended Requirements:
Intel Pentium IV 1.5 GHz or AMD XP 1500+
512 MB RAM
64 MB 3D graphicscard with Vertex and Pixel Shader capabilitiy, such as an NVIDIA Geforce FX5700 class card or above
Broadband Internet connection
Two-button scroll-wheel mouse

Case: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16811147002

Hard Drive: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16822135106

Motherboard: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16813130475

Ram: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16820141164

CPU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16819103377

Video Card: http://www.newegg.com/product/Product.asp?item=N82E16814130220

Power Supply: Undecided $50 Max

Combo Drive: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16827151061

This whole system is going to run about $555 including shipping. I need to save money somewhere. Also keep in mind, that pretty much anything I give him will be faster than what he has now. Also keep in mind that this isnt going to be a top of the line machine, its going to be a decent mid-level system for a kid who wants to play WoW without system releated lag. Any help is appriciated. Thanks

 

[onyo]

probly downgrade the HD to 40 GB for now, yea thats crap, but probly better than what he has, and he can get another one later if he needs it, but probly wont unless he ripps alotta music/video

for the RAM u could go to your best buy or Frys Elec. and buy a 512 3200stick for 25 bucks

also think about his stuff he has now, lkike if he already has 256 RAM, he can just bu another 256 stick. He could switch out his Optical drive too

 

[GrimReaper23]

probly downgrade the HD to 40 GB for now, yea thats crap, but probly better than what he has, and he can get another one later if he needs it, but probly wont unless he ripps alotta music/video

for the RAM u could go to your best buy or Frys Elec. and buy a 512 3200stick for 25 bucks

also think about his stuff he has now, lkike if he already has 256 RAM, he can just bu another 256 stick. He could switch out his Optical drive too

2nd

 

[Blackmoore]

But as far as a Mid-Ranged system for WoW what do you think. Should I buy a slower CPU and opt for a Gig of ram. Or go for something like a eVGA 6200 and opt for a faster CPU?

 

[DJ-CHRIS]

If he has a pre Athlon XP system it's SD ram

That's a pretty good system, decent CPU good video card