Unsolved
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July 5th, 2024 20:23
Help Choosing New Pc
Hey all. Hoping for some good discussion here to assist me. This is long a post, but please stick with me as this is sincere, and looking for help.
I am looking at getting a new PC for gaming. I am a console gamer looking to get into PC gaming. I actually bought an Alienware AREA-51 I7-5930K, 32GB Ram, Titan X GPU way back when that was new, 2014 I think. Occasional issues here and there, it had noisy power unit which was rattling but contacted their customer support. Guy came out to the house and replaced it. Quite happy about that although that was 8 years ago or so. So don’t know if service is still at that level.
I have used this as my entertainment hub since the day I got it, using it everyday hooked up to living room tv for movies, YouTube etc. When I got it I intended to game on it but never actually took to it as such and just stuck with my PlayStation and Xbox.
This time I am looking to commit due to improved performance I hear about and fps boost PC gaming provides. I am still keeping my consoles.
I have narrowed it down to these to choices
https://www.dell.com/en-uk/shop/reviewselections/alienware-aurora-r16-desktop/dawr1604nkm?configurationId=e69fbf5e-6334-40c4-88e8-471d320c17d0
https://www.dell.com/en-uk/shop/reviewselections/alienware-aurora-r16-desktop/dawr1604nkm?configurationId=a0d78e0e-4e99-426a-b40f-075391a55a86
The AMD version is cheaper, either one I go with is currently on sale (don’t know when this will end) I can also get another 10% off. Again, I don’t know how long this code will be valid for. They seem to have the 4090 for approx £4000 but if you spec a lower priced model you seen to get it cheaper.
I know from browsing these subs for years people will always shun Alienware (prebuilt in general) and say buy and build yourself. I don’t have the know how or the ability (I could learn but don’t think I’d be good) to build it myself, nor do I know anyone that can. So that isn’t an option.
I have tried to research the 7900XTX version but no one seems to have that version of the R16, only Nvidia versions. But I have watched comparisons of 7900XTX vs 4090. But again these were diy builds with different CPU etc. I have only recently realised companies make their own versions of the GPU cards. I have seen the Dell 4090 being spoke about online but haven’t came across anyone discussing their 7900XTX.
Hoping for some discussion here in hopes people can help steer me right.
As far as gaming goes I play mostly single player and sports simulators (off line career mode not online) not a multiplayer game except for Fortnite which I play with my son. Which I have heard has issues on AMD but there is fixes apparently (don’t understand the jargon haha).
Anyway, I’ve rambled enough. Hopefully I’ll get some good help here.
Vanadiel
8 Professor
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7.1K Posts
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July 5th, 2024 21:24
I would stay clear of Intel CPU's right now:
Stability issues with the Aurora R15 or Aurora R16 desktops. This problem is impacting every manufacturer shipping products with the Intel 13th and 14th generations of the K CPU. For example, the 13900KF or the 14900KF. Replacing hardware will not fix this.
OC Controloption from inside the BIOS or AWCC (Alienware Command Center).OC Controloption from the AWCC utility, where the option is unavailable in the BIOS.If none of the steps above resolved the issue, enter the BIOS setup screens and disable the Intel
SpeedshiftandSpeedstepoptions.(edited)
There is a lengthy thread about the R16 and R15 Intel based systems and the instability issues: Thread
As for what to get, that leaves you in a conundrum as Dell/Alienware do not seem to offer AMD Ryzen based systems anymore. They are all Intel based even the XPS systems. Looks like Dell made the choice to move away from AMD.
I would say if you want to stick with Alienware, you might have to look at Amazon listings but that has specific drawbacks in terms of actual support and Warranty as they are not directly purchased from Dell but instead from a third party.
Something like this is a very nice all AMD gaming machine: R15 Amazon system
As for video cards do not stare yourself blind on advertisements as Nvidia has huge advertisement campaigns that tend to skew the view of best card in their favor. The best card is the one that works best for you.
Many make the mistake of looking directly at the 4090 thinking they need it, when a 4080 or even 4070 might suffice for their needs.
I use a retail 7900XTX and it's a great card and has DP 2.1, while all the Nvidia cards including the 4090 are still stuck on DP 1.4.
Also, there's a refresh coming in 6 months or less for the Nvidia line-up, so don't spend all that money on a 4090 as it will drop down in a handful of months and be replaced by a new line up.
Rosscoe87
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July 6th, 2024 17:17
@Vanadiel thank you for your reply. I was unaware of intel cpu issues. Tried to research elsehwere. People were saying it was due to overclocking and such. Would the fact I don’t plan on touching that make a difference and give me issue free experience when gaming?
I don’t think I will go for 4080. Think it’s the 7900XTX or 4090. Giving how my nature is, although it’s probably overkill, part of me always wants to go for the best option so I don’t get buyers remorse over what I could have got after the purchase. If that makes sense.
redxps630
11 Legend
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16.3K Posts
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82.7K Points
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July 6th, 2024 19:56
Looks like Intel relentless push has got ahead of itself. “ Intel acknowledges that these measures may not fully resolve the instability issues. The company has confirmed that it has yet to identify the primary cause of the problems affecting its 13th and 14th Gen processors.”
https://www.guru3d.com/story/intel-investigates-ongoing-core-i9-stability-issues-even-after-bios-setting-recommendations/