World of Warcraft®

I'm not very tech-savy, and i don't know how to build my own computer, nor do i know anyone who can. So i am a bit limited to premade computers.

I was wondering how well this computer can run WoW?

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Alienware+-+Desktop+-+6GB+Memory+-+1TB+Hard+Drive/4819186.p?id=1218535466777&skuId=4819186&st=alien&cp=1&lp=2

I hope that URL is correct. If not it's an Alienware model number ax51-1063bk

How well will this computer run WoW? Settings wise..

Thank you.

You could run on mostly high with some settings on ultra

It's about 20% weaker than a 4850 for reference

Definitely not worth the price, check out youtube if you want to figure out how to build a computer

it's basically just legos that light up

I was actually just thinking about doing that.

There are really only two problems i worry about before i would consider building my own computer.

1.) What are all the parts i need.

2.) Don't some parts not run well together, or in some cases, not at all together? So i want to make sure i get all the right parts.

An example would be the casing. Will any casing do, or do i have to make sure i get the right one that will fit all the other parts into it nicely?

Thank you for replying though :)

The only parts that you would usally end up having a compatability problem is the cpu and the motherboard (since intel and amd cpu's use different sockets) but as long as you read before you buy it shouldn't be a problem.

If you're building a pc the parts you'll need are:
Case
Motherboard
CPU
RAM
Graphics card
Power supply
DvD drive
Harddrive
Windows
Optional: blu-ray, SSD

I suggest taking a look at kalg's guide http://us.battle.net/wow/en/forum/topic/5592454629

Honestly since your not to computer savy like you said ill give you a word of advice, do NOT buy alienware its overpriced garbage. if your looking to run just WoW anything normal will do, you could buy a dell inspiron 570 which is like 480.00 USD dollars that will come with monitor, keyboard, ect. and buy a radeon HD 6670 graphics card which is like 90 bucks and youll run wow on all ultra settings easy.

How well would the Dell Inspiron with the upgraded graphics card perform in raids, and 40v40 bg's? Settings and framerates wise?

Thanks for the help btw :)

Any reason why it has to be a Dell or Alienware?

I've never put a computer together. But talk about odd synchronicity, i just spent all day trying to piece together a computer using your guide for the first time. For my first attempt, i don't think i did too badly.

But i think i may have decided to try and build one. Would this work well?
CPU- Intel i5-3450 (Btw. What's the difference between 65W and 77W processors?)
Motherboard- BIOSTAR B75MU3
RAM- Wintec 8gb (2x4gb) DDR3 1600
Graphics Card- Radeon HD 6870
SSD- 120 Intel 520
Power- PC power and Cooling MK3 500W
Harddrive- Seagate Barracuda 1 TB 7200 (There are 2 of these. One with 32mb cache, and one with 64mb cache. Which is better?)
OS- Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit OEM
DvD- Lite-on DvD ROM
Case- HAF 912

I i have never built a computer before, so I'm really not sure if all this will work together, or if i got the right parts/brands. Or am i missing anything?

Any suggestions or corrections?

Thanks :)

The build works.

65W must be referring to the "S" model. These are "electricity saver" models, that you shouldn't bother with.

The one with 64MB cache would be better for the hard drives.

You should go to newegg and read the star reviews for the various parts. The advantage of this is that you will know weird little quirks about the various bits and how to best install them. Also watch videos about how to build your PC. I have built 5 pcs now - all worked really well.

I actually have a problem because I find it difficult to part with outdated but still working PCs.

Also I wouldn't do any builds without an aftermarket cooler like a CM 212. They run quieter and cooler at load and they don't cost too much. I feel they usually install easier and have a backplate so it feels more sturdy as well.

They way I see you are spending all that money on the other stuff and the extra 30 bucks is well worth it. With my first two PCs I used the stock heatsinks and those little fans make a racket at load. WHereas a big aftermarket heatsink fan has a pleasant 'woosh' noise.. not a Bzzzz kinda of annoying sound.

All of these parts i looked up on Newegg, and i looked at the reviews for each one.

I don't really have tons of money to spend really. The total price of parts listed above is really pushing it for me. But, having played MMOs for over a decade, and having to deal with 5 fps or less in most raid encounters and some bg's is getting to me. Mind you, all my settings are on the lowest, too.

I'll look into the CM 212. Though with everything adding up, im beginning to wonder how much power this computer is going to draw, and how high my electrical bill is going to be.

Also, do accessories, like paint and notepad come with one of these parts, or do you have to download them from somewhere?

<--- remember, I'm a novice :P

Paint (if it still exists) and Notepad should be included with the operating system.

This is the power supply i was thinking on getting.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817703035

Also, 2 more quick questions. I was watching a video on youtube about how to put together a computer, and they mentioned installing a fan over the CPU. Does this fan come with the CPU or did i forget to get one? All that i am planning on getting is listed above. So i hope I'm not missing anything.

The other question is, i did some reading on the SSD which made me wonder, do i download windows 7 and the game on the SSD? And with an SSD, what is the HDD for then?

Thanks for the help btw :)

The power supply will work.

The CPU will come with a stock fan.

You will want to install Windows 7 and all non-gaming programs on the SSD. Only install the games that you really want to see speed boost on, as games take up a large amount of space (compared to non-gaming programs). You will also want to stash all documents, music, movies, etc. (data files) on a mechanical hard drive, as well as all other games.

Ok... so to clarify, it would be windows 7 and WoW, and everything else on the hard drive... right?

Since i've never had an SSD before, when you go to download things on your computer, will you be able to choose where the programs go? Like to the SSD or to the HHD?

Windows 7, all non-game programs/applications (like word processors, web browsers, etc), and games you want to see speed boost on would be on SSD.

Data stuff like music, movies, documents, and all other games should be on the hard drive.

Yes. Most programs will let you customize where you can install stuff to.

Ok, cool. Thank you all very much for the help. I really appreciate it! :)

Ok, Quick question about the motherboard.

I was going to get a Biostar B75MU3+ motherboard, but after multiple people told me Biostar wasn't a very good motherboard, then told me Asus was much better. On newegg, the B75 boards by Asus don't exactly have great reviews which makes me a bit wary, and the Z77 board is just out of my price range (Unless i absolutely have to). So i've returned to consult with superior knowledge on which motherboard would be good.

Anyone know of a good reliable Asus b75 motherboard that would fit my needs and fit into my case.
This is my PC specs as of late.
CPU - Intel i5-3450 3.1ghz
Motherboard - Biostar b75mu3+ (place holder until a find a better one, if needed)
RAM - Corsair xms3 ddr3 1600
Video - Sapphire Radeon HD 6870
Power - PC power and cooling Silencer MK3 600w 80 bronze
HDD - Western Digital 1tb 7200
Case - HAF 912

Thanks again :)

"ASUS is the best!" is just a stereotype, as is "BIOSTAR is terrible!". With motherboards, unless if it is known widely for defects, they are all going to be pretty good. There are just as many as "My ASUS board was DoA" as there are "My ASUS board rocks!", as you will see "BIOSTAR is cheap, but works perfect!" as there are "BIOSTAR board came DoA!".

On my guide, I added few more B75 alternative motherboards, including ones from Gigabyte, MSI, and ASRock.

ASUS should only be bought if you really need a specific feature they are offering over the competition.