What's the point of upgrading?

[gtafan550]

I'm a PC gamer and I wanted to play GTA IV on my pc but it doesn't meet the requirements, so I could upgrade it but I don't see the point. When GTA IV becomes old and boring and new games come out which will require even more power, you'll have to upgrade again. You might as well buy a console. I works out cheaper in the end. Anyone else agree with me?

[AZAZEL]

A PC isn't just for gaming, though. Consoles are getting more PC'ish, but you can't really replace one with another.

[CharmingCharlie]

No one can answer that for you. You must decide whether PC gaming is for you and it shouldn't be based on just one game You claim that you are a PC gamer yet I fail to see how you cannot run this game, most PC gamers should by now have a decent Duo2core and a 8000 series card or higher. If you don't then seriously you are not a PC gamer.

 

Expecting a game like GTA 4 to run on old hardware is unrealistic after all we don't expect GTA 4 to run on the PS2 do we, I know some people would like it too but it will never happen. It is the steady pace of progress I am afraid and nothing can be done about it.

 

However the option is always open to you to get a console they are incredibly cheap for what they offer and whilst it won't come close to GTA 4 on a PC I guess it is better than no GTA 4 at all.

[the_regular_guy]

Well, i guess it depends on how you upgrade. If you do a bunch of smaller upgrades with maybe a little older and cheaper parts, then it would probably feel like you have to upgrade everytime a new game is released.

But if you do a big upgrade, where you change most parts in one go and choose newer and a little more expensive parts (and then maybe do one smaller update, like more RAM or something), than it would probably last for a couple of years.

And upgrading all the drivers with new versions as they come available would probably also help a little.

 

And then i guess it depends on wheter you want to play all games maxed out or not.

 

[Exkabewbikadid]

Anyone else agree with me?

No.

 

Every GTA I've played was a far better experience on a PC than on a console. Untill consoles start offering k/m support, or controls that are equal to or better than that of k/m, they will continue to offer neutered gameplay (namely in first and third person action games).

 

However, it would be difficult to justify upgrade expenses if you're just a casual gamer. Consoles are obviously more accessible to the masses as well.

 

 

[OysterBarron]

like many people have said its your choice. (if your looking for a console to just play gta on i would suggest a 360 purley for the DLC and the Cheap price of purchasing one)

 

My personal choice is an xbox 360 and a laptop for the internet i can do both at the same time then GAME and surf the net, i just like the ability to put a game in the drive and for it to work strait away im cursed when it comes to PC gaming.

 

I used to love PC gaming just purley for the online Gaming o the days of counter-strike and TFC, now games console come with online gaming too with a much better community as well.

 

and as for the comment about every GTA experince has been better on PC i do not agree, The only thing i enjoyed on PC compared to the console was GTASA multiplayer free roam, but now the console versions have it theres not really mutch point to it in my eyes.

 

but with the extra options the pc has like being able to have 67% more traffic on the road compared to the console versions are serious up points for PC gamers and maybe an upgrade, but yet again i thought star junctions traffic at peak periods was a pain in the console version anyway so adding more cars may just kill the experience, who wants to be stuck in a traffic jam ingame!

[Niko Bellico]

Your choice!

I personally would go for a 360 because i never been a pc gamer,but im am venturing to the pc world soon.

[WelcomeToLibertyCity]

IMO I'd just take the money you'd use to upgrade and buy a 360 pro bundle or elite. It's quite abit cheaper than upgrading all the time.

[Algonquin Assassin]

See this is the reason I stick to consoles for gaming. I just like knowing I can buy a console, and it'll last for years without the need for upgrading to keep up with new games.

 

 

Edited November 24, 2008 by Miamivicecity

[Chargr]

I plan to upgrade, but just for GTA IV and future GTA PC games, because of mods. For other games I'll stick to consoles.

[CharmingCharlie]

 

See this is the reason I stick to consoles for gaming. I just like knowing I can buy a console, and it'll last for years without the need for upgrading to keep up with new games.

So you had to upgrade from a PS2 to a PS3 or a Xbox to a Xbox 360, you still had to upgrade to play GTA 4. This is the thing most of the people that are complaining about upgrading are running ancient single core PC's. I dumped my single core PC over 2 years ago.

 

The dualcore PC I built 2 years ago around the same time as the PS3 launch cost me £80 more than the PS3 did and it will be more than enough to play GTA 4 to the same level if not better than the console version.

 

This may sound a bit snobbish but if you are a PC gamer you should at least be running a decent dual core now (2.4ghz or higher) and a 8800 series card. If you are not running a configuration similar to that then I really can't see how you can claim to be a "PC gamer".

[Gutslab]

See this is the reason I stick to consoles for gaming. I just like knowing I can buy a console, and it'll last for years without the need for upgrading to keep up with new games.

So you had to upgrade from a PS2 to a PS3 or a Xbox to a Xbox 360, you still had to upgrade to play GTA 4. This is the thing most of the people that are complaining about upgrading are running ancient single core PC's. I dumped my single core PC over 2 years ago.

 

The dualcore PC I built 2 years ago around the same time as the PS3 launch cost me £80 more than the PS3 did and it will be more than enough to play GTA 4 to the same level if not better than the console version.

 

This may sound a bit snobbish but if you are a PC gamer you should at least be running a decent dual core now (2.4ghz or higher) and a 8800 series card. If you are not running a configuration similar to that then I really can't see how you can claim to be a "PC gamer".

You miss the fact that there are some PC gamers that religiously follow an old game which doesn't require high-end specs, and runs fine on just about any system. They are pc gamers too. Until GTA IV was announced for the PC, I had never upgraded. I didn't need to. I really only played three PC games(gta:sa, unreal 2k4, and nr2003) for the last five years. Nr2003 has a huge following, there are many online leagues and tons of mods. Which goes to my point you can still be a pc gamer with what you would define as a 'sh*t' computer. But it depends on the person and what they want to play as well. I never really had an interest in new graphic-intensive games like Crysis, or FC2, and gta iv will probably the only game I play on the PC for the next few years.

[Dear x Sergio]

I've found that a console lasts a whole lot longer with what you've got in front of you, i.e. they're not going to release material that requires you to buy/replace hardware. Also, it's a lot simpler to repair your console (on 360 at least) than a pc, unless you know exactly what you are doing. You wait 2 weeks, but it's free under warranty and it's going to fixed properly.

 

When I upgrade my pc (about twice every three years), I usually spend a decent amount of change, and by time a new console comes out, I will have spent more money on my pc than the new console will cost. I prefer console gaming because of the online functionality, and it also enables me to not have to upgrade my pc as rapidly. I just keep it in tune so that it can run the programs I use smoothly.

 

So basically I'd say go with the console.

[Algonquin Assassin]

 

So you had to upgrade from a PS2 to a PS3 or a Xbox to a Xbox 360, you still had to upgrade to play GTA 4.  This is the thing most of the people that are complaining about upgrading are running ancient single core PC's.  I dumped my single core PC over 2 years ago. 

 

True, but what I was getting at is I like that I can buy a console, and it'll last for quite a number of years before I need to upgrade again to a new console.

 

I still buy games for my PS2 which is 6 years old, and I just recently purchased a PS3, so I shouldn't have to upgrade until the next PS comes out. Most likely in another 4-5 years.

 

Another thing I like about console gaming over PC gaming is I can buy any game for my PS3, and don't have to check to see if it'll meet the PS3's requirements. Which suits me, because I know hardly anything about PCs. When people start talking about ghz or whatever I get lost. lol

 

Anyway when I was younger I was into PC gaming, but ever since getting a PS1 in 1997 I've never looked back.

Edited November 24, 2008 by Miamivicecity

[texan1985]

I like to know what i'm gaming with, and with consoles i dont know what's in them(specs) and that bugs me. Not knowing the cooling devices, if there is one, not knowing the temps of it when i use it more than an hour, and not knowing what's wrong if something happens that could easily be fixed. In other words i like to be in control of the platform, and not let the platform control me.

 

not to mention the awful moaning the xbox makes. Sounds like im killing a moose, when i want to relax and play.

[gtafan550]

I like to know what i'm gaming with, and with consoles i dont know what's in them(specs) and that bugs me. Not knowing the cooling devices, if there is one, not knowing the temps of it when i use it more than an hour, and not knowing what's wrong if something happens that could easily be fixed. In other words i like to be in control of the platform, and not let the platform control me.

 

not to mention the awful moaning the xbox makes. Sounds like im killing a moose, when i want to relax and play.

 

 

I'm sure you can find the console specifications online. It's not that hard

[CharmingCharlie]

I know what the consoles specs are and if I had a PC with those specs I would have upgraded it nearly 2 years ago.

[Magic_Al]

I'm currently in the console camp because the bottom line for me is that this is supposed to be FUN. Worrying about PC system requirements and tweaking a game's settings to give the best speed/graphics tradeoff is not fun.

 

Consoles have limitations but at least you know every game is optimized for what you have.

[livejoker]

See this is the reason I stick to consoles for gaming. I just like knowing I can buy a console, and it'll last for years without the need for upgrading to keep up with new games.

So you had to upgrade from a PS2 to a PS3 or a Xbox to a Xbox 360, you still had to upgrade to play GTA 4. This is the thing most of the people that are complaining about upgrading are running ancient single core PC's. I dumped my single core PC over 2 years ago.

 

The dualcore PC I built 2 years ago around the same time as the PS3 launch cost me £80 more than the PS3 did and it will be more than enough to play GTA 4 to the same level if not better than the console version.

 

This may sound a bit snobbish but if you are a PC gamer you should at least be running a decent dual core now (2.4ghz or higher) and a 8800 series card. If you are not running a configuration similar to that then I really can't see how you can claim to be a "PC gamer".

But that's your opinion. If you like to play videogames on your PC way more than on consoles, it's your choice. You or no one on these forums should tell him what to do or what he should do. We all have different opinions.

 

Example: I'd tell him, directly "Get a 360 dude you won't regret" and all that stuff. I generally use my PC for work or playing Gta III (Yes, I know. Old game). It's still fun playing those old games and remembering old times. Plus, I don't need to upgrade

 

OT: The topic-starter shouldn't of asked that question. It all depends on how much money he has. If he'd rather play with a mouse and keyboard or a controller (Or whatever you guys use).

 

I think it's wonderful you're all helping this fellow out, but if he's the kind of guy that likes to hang out with his friends and party, he should get a console (Ps3, Xbox 360) so he can carry it around at a friends place. You can't carry your computer or can install Gta IV on your friends old PC, can you?

 

Anyway, this isn't to offend any of you PC-gamers or to be a console fanboy, but i'd stick to consoles. This has been a raging war because you can upgrade so much more on a PC but you can't carry it around. You could still use a laptop...oh well, this is our opinions.

 

What even if the consoles or the PC has more or less, it's different and every gaming console fits the players choice. He should stick to consoles like the 360 or Ps3, since it can be bought at a cheap price and don't need to upgrade so much.

Especially replacing parts yourself or by a professional. You can just buy a console, take it out of the box, slide in Gta IV and start playing. You just add *For 360, for me, as I know of* a pre-paid card or credit card with an account and you're up for multiplayer (Believing everyone has internet on here -_-).

 

Good job, guys, keep it up

[Hugef1]

 

This may sound a bit snobbish but if you are a PC gamer you should at least be running a decent dual core now (2.4ghz or higher) and a 8800 series card.  If you are not running a configuration similar to that then I really can't see how you can claim to be a "PC gamer".

 

You DID sound very snobbish, but I won't judge you as you might actually have no bills or mortgage to pay for.

 

I'm AM a PC gamer, but I have not got a bottomless pit of money that I can use to buy every new bit of kit as soon as it appears.

 

I can only think about upgrading to a dual core, let alone a quad core, when I have enough cash in savings. This will be in about a year. Bills, food and other essentials come first.

 

 

I have a lot of older games on my comp that I play a LOT, I have some nice bits of kit which make my PC fun to use (decent mouse and keyboard for a start).

 

I won't be able to play GTA4 on my machine at all unless they are talking balls about the min specs, but that doesn't worry or bother me that much. One day I'll get it.

[CharmingCharlie]

 

But that's your opinion. If you like to play videogames on your PC way more than on consoles, it's your choice. You or no one on these forums should tell him what to do or what he should do. We all have different opinions.

The topic creator clearly stated at the beginning he is a PC gamer. I merely pointed out that if he was a PC gamer he would already be running a system that is fully capable of playing GTA 4. I am not actually that interested in "converting" people to the "true" path of gaming as console users seem to be. I just merely pointed out that you can't really call yourself a PC gamer if you don't have a PC that plays most modern PC games.

 

I love the way you ripped into me and how I shouldn't be suggesting that he spend money on a PC then you turn around and try to justify why he should buy some outdated technology in the form of a console.

 

My own personal view is I really don't care what people choose to do and I would never advise them. However I cannot stand people that go "huh huh you have to upgrade your pc to play da game dat sucks". Yes of course it sucks but then it sucks you can't play GTA 4 on the PS2 so people with a PS2 have to upgrade their console to a PS3. That was my point.

 

 

I'm AM a PC gamer, but I have not got a bottomless pit of money that I can use to buy every new bit of kit as soon as it appears.

God not this old chestnut, I am 37 years of age yes I do have bills to pay and no I don't have a bottomless pit of money but I still manage to put some money aside every month so that after 4 years I have around £500 for my next PC rebuild. That's right shock, horror I make a PC last me at least 4 years.

 

The fact you would even suggest you need some "bottomless pit" to play modern PC games makes me suspicious of your motives. At any rate it is unfortunate that you will not be able to play GTA 4 on the PC. I take no pleasure in that and as a GTA fan I would say to you if PC gaming is out of your price range perhaps you should consider a console to play the game. It obviously won't give you the full GTA 4 experience that a PC will give you but it is better than nothing.

[Algonquin Assassin]

 

I'm currently in the console camp because the bottom line for me is that this is supposed to be FUN.  Worrying about PC system requirements and tweaking a game's settings to give the best speed/graphics tradeoff is not fun.

 

Consoles have limitations but at least you know every game is optimized for what you have.

Yeah that's what I was getting at before. With a console you know any game you buy for it will play, because you don't need to check its requirements. Unless you do something completely retarded, and buy a PS3 game thinking it'll play on a PS2.

 

I know PCs offer extra benefits, but at the expense of the stuffing around you have to do, I would rather a console.

 

Like I said before I'm lost when it comes to the technical aspects of PCs. With my PS3 I don't need to know anything, and just get straight into gaming.

Edited November 26, 2008 by Miamivicecity

[GTA3Freak-2001]

This may sound a bit snobbish but if you are a PC gamer you should at least be running a decent dual core now (2.4ghz or higher) and a 8800 series card. If you are not running a configuration similar to that then I really can't see how you can claim to be a "PC gamer".

I am sorry Charlie I'm .1 of a gigahertz away from being a PC Gamer, I guess you'll be wanting my PC Gamer badge and license?

[CharmingCharlie]

 

I am sorry Charlie I'm .1 of a gigahertz away from being a PC Gamer, I guess you'll be wanting my PC Gamer badge and license?  

That's you off my Christmas card list then and you can forget about the country club social this year, which is too bad I was thinking about organising a wet T-shirt contest with the local peasant wenches and they would all wear a T-shirt with :-

 

C:\DOS

C:\DOS\RUN

RUN\DOS\RUN

 

Right I think Jeeves my butler has done enough typing so I will bid you adeiu.

[mrcappo]

that is so true

[Cojage]

This may sound a bit snobbish but if you are a PC gamer you should at least be running a decent dual core now (2.4ghz or higher) and a 8800 series card.  If you are not running a configuration similar to that then I really can't see how you can claim to be a "PC gamer".

I am sorry Charlie I'm .1 of a gigahertz away from being a PC Gamer, I guess you'll be wanting my PC Gamer badge and license?

Haha

 

Yeah, i have a E4500, 2GB ram and a 8600GT. But i don't need upgrading because the only games i play are world of warcraft, samp, Cod4 and world at war, and cs:s all on maximum settings. Hopefully i can run gta4 on 1280x1024 with minimum settings too. I can play everything i want to play. I played crysis and some more recent games too, but i just get bored very quick and don't play those games for long anyway.

 

So i guess if i upgrade my cpu and videocard i would qualify as a pc gamer?

[mkey82]

OK, there are a lot of misconceptions here

 

1) Anyone who tries you convert you to anything is a bloody idiot and should be ignored (except if you are some kind of addict and your family/friends try to get you beck on track; in this case definitely listen to them)

 

2) If you buy a console it will last you 5 something years, right? By this we assume that by the end of its life cycle you'll be playing a half decade old games, right? What makes you people think you can't do the the same with PC? My previous 6 year old PC can still run some modern games. Mostly on minimum to medium (practically console level) at 1024x768 (again, console level). Games like COD4 (medium), Crysis (minimum), Oblivion (minimum to medium). It's definitely doable.

 

3) (expanding on point number 2) Anyone thinking you need to upgrade every six or three months is a bloody moron. Sure, there are people who do just that (I know some). Guys who have more money they actually need so they spend it on the newest gear. In GENERAL case, if you get a new PC at the same time the console is out, you can be sure of two things a) you will be able to game on it, if nothing more then there will be various console ports available (remember, these don't get better with time) b) you will get overall better experience with PC (framerates, loading times etc.)

 

Of course, PC gaming is not for everybody. It takes some know how and consoles have the "plug and play" nature. Everyone's free (or should be free) to choose, just don't talk bullsh*t about stuff you know sh*t about. That's all.

 

4) Console gaming may be cheaper to begin with, but in the longer run, you will have to pay for extra gear (like new TV), more expensive games and not always free online. This stuff adds up. Don't forget, there are a lot of guys out there who buy BOTH consoles as they don't want to miss out on exclusives. This has been said before, lets repeat it - all games made for PC can be run on any (decent enough) PC. That is, if I want to play some old games no problem. If you get a new console and sell the old one, what can you do with the old games? As I understand it, not all PS3 units can emulate PS2 hardware (don't know what's the situation with xbox).

 

5) Why do people (mostly xbox users) say that their online experience by far exceeds anything that has been seen EVAH!!!!111! ? PC online gaming has been present for more then 10 years, what makes XBL so much better then some PC networks (like Steam)? In the PC world of online gaming there is competition. Consoles have one option, that's it. You can either use it or not use it. I guess if I had only one option, I would also consider that to be the best one.

 

If you skipped the above text (don't blame ya), read the following

 

I have nothing against console users nor consoles. What does bother me is when people make various unfounded assumptions and try to pass them for facts. Look back in this thread for examples.