G'day,
Was asked to re-post this here. Original post and replies here.
I live in Australia and am looking to set up a gaming PC for ArmA. I have set aside no more than $5000 (AUD) to spend.
Unfortunately, because of some of the hardware and software compatibility issues with ArmA I can't just go out and buy the best specs available. That's a shame because it means that I'm limiting the number of upcoming new games like Crysis etc that I'll be able to play. But I suppose that's just the way it goes.
From research on the net I understand that Arma especially has issues with any of the following a) Windows Vista, b) 8800 video cards, c) using 2 video cards simultaneously (SLI), d) 4GB RAM.
Given that, I'm hoping someone can recommend a rig that I can get put together in Australia that is going to have the best screen-size, FPS', draw-distance, etc etc that I can physically get (without overclocking) while still avoiding compatibility issues. For all I know, perhaps there's an ideal rig setup that even includes Vista, an 8800 video card etc. etc. when chosen wisely.
The system I've come up with so far is (and includes some of the risky elements):
OS: Windows XP Pro x64 (later on dual-boot it with Vista)
Processor: Quad-core QX6800 2.93GHZ.
Video card: 768MB PCIe™x16 NVIDIA® GeForce® 8800 Ultra. I'm thinking I'll leave open the option to get a 2nd 8800 ultra card in the future for other games.
RAM: 4GB (4X1GB) NECC Dual Channel DDR2 800MHz SDRAM Memory
Sound: I just use a Logitech USB headphone so won't need an especially fancy sound card. However, I understand that using onboard sound can reduce game performance.
Monitor: I'm probably going to use a 19" monitor I already have. I might get a wide-screen 20" or 22" inch LCD some time down the track.
Please share with me any of your advice, experience, specs, etc, your take on the rig I've suggested above, or an alternative rig. I appreciate it.
Cheers,
Brad
