Gaming Computer.

[rugeleyboy]

Hi, I'd like some advice please, my 14 year old son wants a gaming computer for Christmas?

Other than asking and relying on him I'd like to do a bit of investigation myself so my trusted old friends of the wonderful AB?

Help?

[Old_Geezer]

i.e. he wants a high spec one: large memory, fast processor, good graphics.

Not an expert one what is about at bargain prices. Last few PCs I've had I've built. I'd suggest looking at computer sites that review PCs. Find one that is within your price bracket but fast and high graphic (but don't pay for cutting edge/top of the range).

[Buenchico]

It would be useful to know your budget. Hi-spec computers (of the sort required for the best gaming experience) don't come cheap!

For example, this is offered by an excellent supplier (that I'm happy to recommend from personal experience on several occasions) but it's still a ruddy expensive Christmas present!
http://www.accomputerwarehouse.com/product-info/deluxe-gaming-machine-intel-core-i7-16-gb-ram-gtx570-graphics-wifi

[rugeleyboy]

Hi, we were looking around £800.

Thanks for your answers so far.

[rugeleyboy]

Ouch!

[Old_Geezer]

I stress I don't know the specs one looks for at present, but a quick Google came up with this at your price.

http://www.currys.co.uk/gbuk/computing/desktop-pcs/desktop-pcs/pc-specialist-vortex-odyssey-ii-gaming-pc-10139148-pdt.html?gclid=CJHTu6CjjskCFckaGwodx9MJHA&srcid=198&cmpid=ppc~gg~~~Exact&mctag=gg_goog_7904&s_kwcid=AL!3391!3!75234081739!!!g!131946581540!&;ef_id=Vj3CnwAABbqCT1zH:20151113205001:s

You may want to use Google to give you an idea of the market.

[Buenchico]

Here's what PC advisor magazine rates as the best gaming computers. (The article is only a fortnight old):
http://www.pcadvisor.co.uk/test-centre/desktop-pc/best-gaming-pcs-in-uk-2015-uk-may-3338847/

The only two within your budget are numbers 10 and 1 in the list. Neither of them include peripherals but, if you've already got a decent monitor, that probably won't matter.

The Amazon price of £374.95 for No.10 doesn't include an operating system but adding on Windows still won't take you anywhere near to the upper end of your budget. The price of £671.00 for No.1 also doesn't include Windows but there's an option to add on Windows for a total price of £754.00.

I'll leave it to others, who will be far more knowledgeable than me about gaming computers, to tell you whether it's worth paying the extra 300 quid for the more expensive model.

[Buenchico]

Double ouch ;-)
http://www.pixmania.co.uk/office-pc/vibox-vibox-legend-package-20-4-5ghz-water-cooled-desktop-gaming-pc-computer-with-3x-4k-monitors-windows-10-intel-i7-5930k-6-core-2x-nvidia-geforce-gtx-980-graphics-cards-500gb-ssd-3tb-32gb-ram/22331336-a.html#merch=28092

[rugeleyboy]

More than double ouch!! That took my breath away!!

[rugeleyboy]

Thanks guys for your advice.

[VHG]

Generally gaming machines like the PS4 or Xbox1 give more "bang for the buck" than a PC.

One of these gaming machines will cost around £400 but a gaming PC will be at least twice that.

[rugeleyboy]

He's well into his xbox1 but has set his heart on buying himself a gaming pc now? God knows why?

[Old_Geezer]

Well they are more upgradable. Also more versatile. You may even be able to modify games on one. And if you pay a small fortune for the graphics it will beat the games console option.