New to PC Gaming - Racing Sims Advice
Discussion
Hi, I have just ordered a new PC and it will be my first desktop after 7 years of laptop ownership - therefore I'm keen to get a couple of good racing sims for it. Up until now I've just stuck with games on the PS2 and am a big fan of Gran Turismo, TOCA and Burnout for fun. The new PC isnt gamer focused, but is a Pentium 4 and hopefully will be ok for some games.
The advice I'm after is what are the best games to opt for? I've seen lots of posts on GT Legends, GTR, etc.. but do I need high spec machinery for this? Also, would it be pointless getting them without a wheel and pedals?
Thanks in advance and looking forward to some PC
The advice I'm after is what are the best games to opt for? I've seen lots of posts on GT Legends, GTR, etc.. but do I need high spec machinery for this? Also, would it be pointless getting them without a wheel and pedals?
Thanks in advance and looking forward to some PC
Hi Mate
Any driving game on the PC will benefit from a wheel and pedals -especially the more realistic sims like GTL and GTR. I think you would be doing yourself an injustice if you didnt get one.
Why dont you post the spec of your PC and we can tell you if you will have any grief? Video card info is also useful. I'd say 128 should be ok for low res gaming and 256 upwards for a better experience.
My advice providing your PC is fine is get GTL and a steering wheel - its a Pistonheads dream game !!!
Just be aware its pretty tricky and requires practice and perserverance if you want to become good.
Steve
>> Edited by lockstock2sb on Wednesday 25th January 13:43
Any driving game on the PC will benefit from a wheel and pedals -especially the more realistic sims like GTL and GTR. I think you would be doing yourself an injustice if you didnt get one.
Why dont you post the spec of your PC and we can tell you if you will have any grief? Video card info is also useful. I'd say 128 should be ok for low res gaming and 256 upwards for a better experience.
My advice providing your PC is fine is get GTL and a steering wheel - its a Pistonheads dream game !!!
Just be aware its pretty tricky and requires practice and perserverance if you want to become good. Steve
>> Edited by lockstock2sb on Wednesday 25th January 13:43
Cheers Lockstock,
The PC is a Dell (nice and cheap!!)
Intel Pentium 4 2.80GHz 1MB Cache
XP Media Centre Edition
512 MB Dual Channel DDR 400MHz (2x256MB DIMM) Memory
160GB 7200rpm Hard Drive (do they make one with V-Tec???
)
17" Flat Panel Monitor
No idea on Graphics Card - any idea what Dells normally come with?
The PC is a Dell (nice and cheap!!)
Intel Pentium 4 2.80GHz 1MB Cache
XP Media Centre Edition
512 MB Dual Channel DDR 400MHz (2x256MB DIMM) Memory
160GB 7200rpm Hard Drive (do they make one with V-Tec???
) 17" Flat Panel Monitor
No idea on Graphics Card - any idea what Dells normally come with?
Ok memory might be a sticking point. I currently have 786mb of mixed crap in mine until i get my 1gb of matched corsair pc5400 Memory and i can see it chugging away on level loads and menu options. You might need another 512mb but its only £30 or so for a basic DIMM.
I'm guessing your Dell will come with at least a 128 nvidia card which should be ok at lower resolutions. If you want to go up a step then expect to pay £140 or so for a mid range card... If you can find out the card spec from dell we can tell you more on how it is likely to run.
Overall i think you might get away with the spec as is, but i think you would definately appreciate the speed the extra 512mb of ram will give you in games at least
Steve
I'm guessing your Dell will come with at least a 128 nvidia card which should be ok at lower resolutions. If you want to go up a step then expect to pay £140 or so for a mid range card... If you can find out the card spec from dell we can tell you more on how it is likely to run.
Overall i think you might get away with the spec as is, but i think you would definately appreciate the speed the extra 512mb of ram will give you in games at least
Steve
As far as I can make out, it will have:-
Integrated Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator 900
Was tempted to upgrade to higher memory, but the cost with Dell was prohibitive. All in I got the above for £405 so pretty happy with the deal. I assume I can upgrade fairly easily as and when I want/need to.
Going back to the Steering Wheel point, I don't suppose you know if the Force Feedback Wheel from Gran Turismo on the PS2 will work? It connects via USB and its just collecting dust at the moment...
Integrated Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator 900
Was tempted to upgrade to higher memory, but the cost with Dell was prohibitive. All in I got the above for £405 so pretty happy with the deal. I assume I can upgrade fairly easily as and when I want/need to.
Going back to the Steering Wheel point, I don't suppose you know if the Force Feedback Wheel from Gran Turismo on the PS2 will work? It connects via USB and its just collecting dust at the moment...
If your wheel is the Logitech Driving force, or Driving Force Pro (I think that's what they are called, the GT 1) then yes, there are some drivers on the web somewhere - Wingman I think, I got the link form this forum so give it a search.
With regards to your graphics, you might struggle but performance should be acceptable in low res, low detail. As for upgrading, you might not have the option, the cheaper intergrated systems sometimes forego the PCI-E or AGP slot (you need to install a new graphics chip into) to keep costs down
With regards to your graphics, you might struggle but performance should be acceptable in low res, low detail. As for upgrading, you might not have the option, the cheaper intergrated systems sometimes forego the PCI-E or AGP slot (you need to install a new graphics chip into) to keep costs down
Can I just point out that my machine (willy swinging time):
P4 2.43 (that funky Northwood core one) only
2Gb PC2700 Ram
2 x 80GB SATA in Raid 1 config drives
Nvidia GeForce 6600GT
Runs very nicely indeed, so really providing you have the basics, and plenty of RAM, you'll be able to run pretty much anything...CPU speed isn't that much of an issue - I just ensured I brought lots of RAM.
Oh, and get a Driving Force Pro, they rock.
I am looking at maybe buying some of those cool aftermarket pedals with a clutch but they cost a bomb and I think that'll be a way off for a while...
Neil
P4 2.43 (that funky Northwood core one) only
2Gb PC2700 Ram
2 x 80GB SATA in Raid 1 config drives
Nvidia GeForce 6600GT
Runs very nicely indeed, so really providing you have the basics, and plenty of RAM, you'll be able to run pretty much anything...CPU speed isn't that much of an issue - I just ensured I brought lots of RAM.
Oh, and get a Driving Force Pro, they rock.
I am looking at maybe buying some of those cool aftermarket pedals with a clutch but they cost a bomb and I think that'll be a way off for a while...
Neil
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