[byf43]

I think Stalker looks like a game that I'd enjoy playing. For some time my pc has needed an upgrade due to my graphics card breaking down a month ago(currently running on a spare card that's pretty old - and slow). So now I need guidance

I need to upgrade my pc with a new motherboard, processor and graphics card. While doing this I want hardware that'll enable me to play Stalker without having to run on the lowest setting and suffer from delays.

Having said the above I must add that money isn't something I go pick off a tree in the back yard!!! *HINT*

So what would you guys recommend me? Please state maker and model for any hardware that you mention (I'm an amateur when it comes to hardware).

[Intrepid Homoludens]

Whatever you do, stay away from Dell PCs.

[rlpw]

Well I'll warn you if you change all that you might as well get ready to buy Windows again. IT will not recognize a new motherboard and therefore inform you that your code is invalid for your computer.
I do not know the specifics on the game you are wanting to play but I can recommend a builder. Cyberpower Back to School Edition has about the bare minimum of some of the newer games.

If you really want to do this yourself though you need to post what you already have so you can build from that. Like for instance you cannot use your 184 pin DDR memory with a motherboard that uses 240 pin DDR2.

[Melanie68]

Have a look here for some general gaming computer advice:

http://forums.adventuregamers.com/sh...ad.php?t=19285

You can see how that fits with the possible specs that your game might need.

[Dale Baldwin]

Originally Posted by rlpw

Well I'll warn you if you change all that you might as well get ready to buy Windows again. IT will not recognize a new motherboard and therefore inform you that your code is invalid for your computer.

That's not quite true. Yes, it'll tell you your code is invalid, but you can reactivate a number of times without having to pay a penny. Also, just changing the motherboard isn't always enough to trigger the need for reactivation.

[rlpw]

Originally Posted by Dale Baldwin

That's not quite true. Yes, it'll tell you your code is invalid, but you can reactivate a number of times without having to pay a penny. Also, just changing the motherboard isn't always enough to trigger the need for reactivation.

Heck, it killed my code just flashing my BIOS.

The only saving thing I found is that if you look there is usually a spare number on your PC that is different from the one the manufacturer used. Most manufacturers build a HD image then put it on all the computers of that type.

[SoccerDude28]

I hope this one comes to consoles. My PC will weep trying to play it.

[kuze]

I just received my "new" Radeon 9800Pro to complement my 2800XP with 1,5GB RAM, so I installed the STALKER Russian multiplayer open beta right away. It doesn't look too good (at least those two included maps I took a look at), and it runs absolutely fine (I assume about 30-50 fps) on high settings - you won't need a monster gaming rig to play this.

[samIamsad]

Just save the money, wait a couple of years and you can play it on your mobile phone's old_windows_games emulator.

[Fop]

Stalker runs fine on an oldish computer if you use the "static lighting" option. It doesn't look spectacular, but should run well.

[byf43]

Thanks for your comments. The fact is that I'll need new RAM if I buy a new motherboard.

A friend of mine suggests a graphics card named 7800GT. I don't no the maker though?

I'll be satisfied playing Stalker without delays, but at a low setting. It doesn't have to run beautifully at the highest setting. What do you guys have in your pc's?

[SLabyrinth]

I's stay away from the 7900 line. I went through 3 of those cards in under 2 months. There's something faulty with the hardware on those ones. The 7800 line seems to be ok, but if you're going to upgrade might as well buy something with DX10 in it.

I have a 7950 GX2 now. I'm pretty pleased with it (with the exception that Oblivion runs like a turd burglar on it, and by that I mean not at all); I wish I'd have waited for the 8800's but it is what it is. I'll probably upgrade in 4 years, when Vista is finally stable.

If you're going to be an Nvidia card, I'd go with BFG Tech. There lifetime warranty is awesome and they are the only company that has half-decent tech support. I've gone through EVGA and XFX cards as well - I wouldn't deal with those companies again for 20 million dollars.

[kuze]

Originally Posted by Fop

Stalker runs fine on an oldish computer if you use the "static lighting" option. It doesn't look spectacular, but should run well.

Oh, I disagree, STALKER does look absoletly fabelous on my 9800Pro. The sky is particulary tasty, best sky I've seen in any game so far.

[byf43]

Thanks for the extra comments. Right now I'm thinking 8800GTS. I don't want to go more expensive than that. I tried Stalker on my brother's pc which has a 7800SC card. It runs fairly good, but sometimes it lags a bit. I'm without ideas on a processor though. I have an old AMD Athlon now. At the time I got that it was fine, but what's good today i'm not sure?

[jedicri]

Intel Core 2 Duo E6300 or E6400 or the other available duo core cpus available. It depends on exactly how much you're willing to spend.

If you're thinking 8800 card, you might as well upgrade to a brand new Pci-Express system: motherboard, vid card, ram, cpu ---- so the other components won't be the cause for bottleneck performance.

[MdaG]

Is this game coming to the 360 or do I too have to upgrade my PC?

[Kolzig]

Most likely it's not coming. It's always been only for PC in development.

[Fop]

I'd wager not as well.