New computer for Fog2

[Jagger2002]

Ok, it may be time for a new computer. I currently have an intel core 2 duo Cpu e8400@3 ghz. I am looking at an intel core i5 2400 @3.1ghz. The e8400 has 2 cores and 2 threads vs the I5 with 4 cores and 4 thread capability. Here is the benchmark comparisons http://cpu.userbenchmark.com/Compare/In ... /2720vs803. And here is a core discussion: https://www.lifewire.com/multiple-core- ... ors-832453. Apparently 4 cores really isn't much of an improvement unless the software is designed to take advantage of 4 cores vs 2 cores. So I am wondering if I will see a substantial improvement with FOG2 with a 4 core 4 thread vs a 2 core 2 thread processor.

[Kabill]

I'm very far from an expert, but checking against the min-specs for the game either of those processors would be fine. Honestly, I think you're main consideration for smooth performance will be graphics power rather than processing power - the game ran fine on my old machine with a 2GB graphics card so you don't need anything outstanding but you you do want some form of dedicated graphics memory (i.e. not an integrated card).

[zakblood]

give me you're budget on what you wish to spend and i'll do you a spec on a pc

with pc's, the brains isn't always the key components, eg

and i5 CPU will be fine, as long as it's paired with a medium to good GPU

same as above, i wouldn;t touch onboard with a barge pole as a upgrade, and go for a pure dedicated GPU

depending on budget, then you can see what else you can get for your money.

[MVP7]

Dedicated GPU is pretty much required if you plan to do anything that involves 3D. Even a machine with a fresh i3 CPU and some dedicated nvidia GPU would probably do better than i5 with integrated GPU with most games. You should also make sure you get enough RAM, 4GB is too little, 8GB would probably be enough to not be a bottleneck with this kind of parts.

Having powerful components doesn't matter if your performance in bottlenecked by some other component, it's the weakest part that defines the performance rather than the best. Store package computers often have one or two decent parts to display on the advertisements but then they have some completely insufficient component(s) that makes everything else irrelevant.

[MVP7]

In my opinion a far better option for ancient Core i5-2400 in same price range would be Core i3-8100: http://cpu.userbenchmark.com/Compare/In ... /3942vs803

GPUs are pretty expensive at the moment (thanks to crypto mining...) but something like AMD RX 550 or GeForce GT 1030 could be a good pairing for i3-8100.

In general there's no benefit in buying old tech (i5-2400 is from 2011), the store prices won't go down that much (unless you get some extremely good discount or can get one used for nickels). Best stick to the current generation of any component and maybe see if the previous gen is available for good discount but if you go further than that, you are not getting good value for your money.

[Jagger2002]

Thanks all for the good advice! I am also looking at graphics cards. My current card, nvidia gt 730, with the intel core 2 gives me between 20-30 frames per second using the shift-Q keys to check FOG2. Which usually is fine. Once in awhile the screen will freeze up for a few seconds. The biggest aggravation is the mouse is a little slow. But if I go up to a 750, the fps should be around 60fps. The benchmark comparison between 750 and 730 is pretty accurate when it comes to the 730-http://gpu.userbenchmark.com/Compare/Nv ... 62vsm12582. It shows the fps just a little lower than what I am actually getting. So I assume the 750 would really be a significant improvement with 60 fps+. Probably get a really nice performance with FOG2.

Zakblood, thanks for the offer. I may take you up on it once I do a bit more of my homework. Also I may time my purchases for a sales time frame. We will see. It will be nice to finally play FOG2 multiplayer.

MVP, seems like everything is a little more expensive than I expected. I was wondering if tarriffs were kicking in. I definitely didn't realize cryto mining was impacting computer component pricing.

Thanks again everyone!

[Jagger2002]

MVP, I just did a benchmark comparison of the core i5-2400 vs core i3-810, and you are right. Same price range but signifcant performance boost with the i3-8100. http://cpu.userbenchmark.com/Compare/In ... /803vs3942

Thanks, looks like the i3-8100 is by far the better choice.

[MVP7]

Are you getting a new pc or updating your current machine? Gtx 750 is old tech and if someone still has it in store they never sold it for reasonable price. Look at the gt(x) 10xx series instead. However if you are updating old machine there’s compatibility to consider and i3-8100 requires a very new motherboard.

edit. It's better to make searches like "best gpu for under 100 2018" and then start looking into those components rather than searching for benchmarks against your current components (this kind of info gets outdated really fast).