System requirements?!? dual core 2.4 ghz / 2.6 ghz pentium or equivalent??

[T-1 Thunder]

PC Minimum System Requirements*:

Windows® XP/Windows Vista®/Windows® 7 (Updated with the latest Service Packs) with DirectX® 9.0c
2.6 GHz Pentium® IV or equivalent AMD Athlon® processor
128 MB PCIe NVIDIA® GeForce® 6600 GT or ATI Radeon® 9800 PRO video card or better
12 GB available HD space
1 GB RAM (1.5 GB required for Windows Vista®/Windows® 7 users)
DVD-ROM drive
Broadband Internet connection
1024X720 minimum display resolution

PC Recommended Specifications:

Windows Vista®/Windows® 7
Dual Core 2.4Ghz Processor
2 GB RAM
512 MB NVIDIA® GeForce® 8800 GTX or ATI Radeon® HD 3870 or better
=============================================

Question #1: Why would the "recommended" processor speed be LOWER than the "minimum"?

Question #2: "or equivalent AMD Athlon® processor"? Does this mean I can find an AMD processor with less than 2.6 ghz to work?

I've tried going on craigslist and typing in 2.6 ghz and 2.4 ghz and not coming up with a whole lot so I'm pretty confused at this point.

I'd like to get a newer PC/laptop. Mine is ancient(1.6 ghz) and won't even run the latest Red Alert game. Trying to get away with spending the least amount here, but still to be able to play software that's more recent(like that new Starcraft). If a lower processor would just prevent me from playing online multiplayer but still let me do campaign, I'd be cool with that.

Thanks.

 

[Silver5656]

the speed is no longer as important (and intel is trying to get away from that). a dual core 2.4 is faster than a pentium 4 2.6. think of a dual core as a pentium 5 (ok, i know this is not even close, but it is a "new" chip)

 

[Silver5656]

depending on the resolution you want to play games at (and whether u want a pc or laptop), any decent pc will run starcraft 2 at 1080p no problemo

 

[Racing86]

Basically the minimum requirements are within 4-5 years of current technology (or so it appears).

If you plan on updating your system, then do so by building your own desktop. I spent $800 back in '08 for a mid-high (now would fall in the mid category) end system. You could buy the same set up for $300-$400 or so.

If you haven't built your own desktop before, then don't worry. It's easy!

 

[UDRider]

Apple and oranges. Few years back Intel and AMD were playing Ghz game pushing more is better. Then with Core and Core II architecture game changed. You can't just look at Ghz between different generations. Bottom line come up with the budget and try to get the latest hardware that would fit in to it. Budget for good CPU, GPU, motherboard. Memory no need to go high end, whatever will work with CPU/MB you choose. As for Desktop vs laptop for the same amount of money you always get more performance out of desktop.

 

[T-1 Thunder]

any decent pc will run starcraft 2 at 1080p no problemo

I have a "decent" laptop now. When I bought a recent Red Alert, it wouldn't play. I only got 1.6Ghz though.

What I wish I could find out is whether a 2.0ghz or 2.2 ghz would run these games, even if I have to lower the res? Does it work like that?

I think Walmart has a Compaq laptop for around $400 right now that's 2.2, would love to get it but don't want to take chances.

 

[mercurial]

Sorry to burst your bubble, but 1.6 ghz anything hasn't been "decent" for at least 5 years.

If you want to run games and spend the minimum $ necessary, stay away from laptops. Take that $400 and buy a low end desktop, which will have the specs of a mid range laptop.

 

[Diezel]

If you want to run games and spend the minimum $ necessary, stay away from laptops. Take that $400 and buy a low end desktop, which will have the specs of a mid range laptop.

+1

Laptops for gaming is a BS market. I know a couple people who bought high end laptops for gaming.. Well those laptops usually run DAMN hot, and tend to eat hard drives and processors (in some models).

 

[T-1 Thunder]

I think you guys are right. This is technically my "work" computer so it can be mobile. None of the work applications need anything bigger, so I can just continue to use this laptop for work and buy a desktop for home. (although I won't be able to play the games when I'm at a hotel or camped on a mountain )

Although for cost, I'd have to add extra money for a desk, a monitor, and account for the extra 20sqft of real estate in my house.

Back to the curiosity, though - a machine with 2.2ghz won't run a program at all that needs 2.6, or could it happen if you lower the resolution or expect delays?

 

[Cycle61]

Depends on how well the software is written. Ideally it would just get really slow. In reality, you will often get crashes and other issues that make it more frustrating than it's worth.

 

[Diezel]

I think you guys are right. This is technically my "work" computer so it can be mobile. None of the work applications need anything bigger, so I can just continue to use this laptop for work and buy a desktop for home. (although I won't be able to play the games when I'm at a hotel or camped on a mountain )

Although for cost, I'd have to add extra money for a desk, a monitor, and account for the extra 20sqft of real estate in my house.

Back to the curiosity, though - a machine with 2.2ghz won't run a program at all that needs 2.6, or could it happen if you lower the resolution or expect delays?

It depends. If the 2.6Ghz is a single core CPU, and the 2.2Ghz is a dual, triple, or Quad Core, The 2.2Ghz machine (which having a slower "clock speed") is a faster "processor".

Think of it like a carb on a car. Is a 1 barrel 26mm bore carb going to out work a 4 barrel carb with 22mm bores? In certain instances it might, but for the general over all aspect, it's not likely.

 

[T-1 Thunder]

Gotcha. Thanks for the feedback. Looks like I'll wait a while longer for prices on these fast machines to come down a little. No Red Alert or SC2 for me.

 

[Diezel]

Gotcha. Thanks for the feedback. Looks like I'll wait a while longer for prices on these fast machines to come down a little. No Red Alert or SC2 for me.

Actually, if you did your homework a bit.. And were willing to make some calls (IE: Dell) they are usually pretty quick to cut you a better deal over the phone.

A machine capable of running Red Alert or SC2 could probably be done for around $500-600 or so.