Only the default (TGN Light) theme for now. Dark them is also coming back soon. Then CSN. Then Wrestlin' Nation. A lot of WIP stuff right now. There are a couple of things still not working either. Sorry.
I know someone who owns an XPS system (he paid for the very high level system.) He likes it and it plays BF2 just fine, but he paid a LOT for it, IMO.. (near or above $3k, if I remember correctly.)
I always recommend building your own... you can get all of the parts you need from newegg.com and the end result (price) would be a more powerful rig for less money than any XPS system you can buy...Hell, you can build a rig that could outperform any XPS box for a lot less $ if you know what you're doing.
If you can't do it, learn... If you are an advid gamer; being able to build your own systems is almost a must (just like knowing how to tweak your OS & OC your hardware.) Or see if you know anyone who can build it for you.
But, to answer your other question... if you must go with an OEM box, I would recommend Dell... you tend to get more "bang for your buck". Also, Dell systems seem to handle gaming better than any of the other OEM rigs that I've seen, (could simply be because most people I know who own OEM rigs, own Dell.) The other reason why I recommend Dell is because they are more "upgradable" than some of the other OEM boxes out there. For example: extra RAM banks and support for aftermarket RAM seems to be better than other OEM PCs, extra PCI slots, and you can actually replace the CPU if the mobo will support upgrades.) My only harp against OEM boxes is that the powersupplies seem to be underpowered, and upgrades, add-ons (such as an video card upgrade) sometimes cause power issues due to the PSU not being able to supply the extra load.
But, to answer your other question... if you must go with an OEM box, I would recommend Dell... you tend to get more "bang for your buck". Also, Dell systems seem to handle gaming better than any of the other OEM rigs that I've seen, (could simply be because most people I know who own OEM rigs, own Dell.) The other reason why I recommend Dell is because they are more "upgradable" than some of the other OEM boxes out there. For example: extra RAM banks and support for aftermarket RAM seems to be better than other OEM PCs, extra PCI slots, and you can actually replace the CPU if the mobo will support upgrades.) My only harp against OEM boxes is that the powersupplies seem to be underpowered, and upgrades, add-ons (such as an video card upgrade) sometimes cause power issues due to the PSU not being able to supply the extra load.
HTH
I wouldnt say that at all, Dell are run of the mill PC's unless you spend top wack, you can get a Evesham or Mesh that has the same sp[ec for a lot less and for 3K (as above) you might as well get an alien ware - PLUS DELLS have pentiums in them - so nuff said there really!!!
I know someone who owns an XPS system (he paid for the very high level system.) He likes it and it plays BF2 just fine, but he paid a LOT for it, IMO.. (near or above $3k, if I remember correctly.)
I always recommend building your own... you can get all of the parts you need from newegg.com and the end result (price) would be a more powerful rig for less money than any XPS system you can buy...Hell, you can build a rig that could outperform any XPS box for a lot less $ if you know what you're doing.
If you can't do it, learn... If you are an advid gamer; being able to build your own systems is almost a must (just like knowing how to tweak your OS & OC your hardware.) Or see if you know anyone who can build it for you.
That's a good point - knowing how to build your own PC - do you know any resources or websites where I can potentially pick up this new hobby?
I did notice that good video cards are in VERY tight supply right now. It's almost impossible to find a X850 XT card on ebay (AGP) for less than $350. :hmm:
www.guru3d.com is a great forum with tons of educated users on PC hardware and 3d video cards.
Look in the General Hardware forum for a How-to-Guide on building your own PC.
Krycek, being that Dell uses pentiums means nothing. I use an Athlon 64 and really it performs quite well.
AMD's are powerhouses for gaming but are average in regular processing (the casual internet browser.)
Hardcore Gamer= AMD
Casual uneducated home user= Pentium
Server and/or xtremely important data= Pentium
My computer runs BF2 on all high and its got around a grand in it. I would venture to say it would outbench almost any XPS system too (and if it didnt, i could make it do so for less than the 2 grand difference)
That's a good point - knowing how to build your own PC - do you know any resources or websites where I can potentially pick up this new hobby?
I did notice that good video cards are in VERY tight supply right now. It's almost impossible to find a X850 XT card on ebay (AGP) for less than $350. :hmm:
Actually, for a decent tutorial, with a parts list to reference as well, pick up the latest "PC Gamer" magazine at your local bookstore. There is a very extensive photo tutorial this month on how to build your own rig. Each step is photo illustrated with nicely detailed captions.
Check out www.newegg.com for components. Very good prices and fast shipping. I built my rig for about $2k, which dell didn't offer the same components to compare to. The cheapest they had that was barely close to my specs was over $3k.
www.guru3d.com is a great forum with tons of educated users on PC hardware and 3d video cards.
Look in the General Hardware forum for a How-to-Guide on building your own PC.
Krycek, being that Dell uses pentiums means nothing. I use an Athlon 64 and really it performs quite well.
AMD's are powerhouses for gaming but are average in regular processing (the casual internet browser.)
Hardcore Gamer= AMD
Casual uneducated home user= Pentium
Server and/or xtremely important data= Pentium
My computer runs BF2 on all high and its got around a grand in it. I would venture to say it would outbench almost any XPS system too (and if it didnt, i could make it do so for less than the 2 grand difference)
I would agree with everything you said... AMD owns gaming, hands-down. I recently built an AMD64 (3200) system for my brother. We used Windows XP Pro x64 edition.
Now, I've been an IT guy for almost 10 yrs now, and have worked on windows servers that have 8 3+GHz Xeon procs. All that considered, I've never seen anything faster than that one single processor AMD 64 box, (with Win XP x64 installed.).. It just FLEW!
I have an XPS myself that I purchased about 6 months ago.
P4 3.4 GHz Extreme Edition
1 GB DDR 3 @ 533 MHz
2x 74 GB Raptor HDs @10,000 RPM
ATI X800XT PCIe
I have already upgraded the memory to 2 GB. I had absolutely no issues adding more memory with the power supply or space. One of the XPS selling points is that it is easily upgradeable as far as power and space go.
If I had to do it again, I kind of wish that I saved some money and built the rig myself. I did look into building my own PC but I worried about crossing wires or screwing up something and frying everything. Since then I have found some decent tutorials on building your own PC so I would probably do it myself.
One more thing, don't go with Alienware. They are even more over priced than Dell. You are just paying for the name with them.
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