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Considering selling up the PC and going console - am I an idiot?

Discussion in 'Gaming' started by Mister_Tad, 2 May 2008.

  1. Mister_Tad

    Mister_Tad Will work for nuts Super Moderator

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    I've spent very little time gaming on my PC recently, and quite a bit of time gaming on (other peoples') consoles, so I've been thinking more and more that maybe I should just sell up the lot and replace it with something with a lot less horsepower, smaller, air-cooled and not so power hungry. I don't even fire up the big system much for general use, the (very old these days) laptop getting used the most.

    I'm sure I would miss the power for bits and bobs, but I really don't need it for anything other than gaming. I'd miss a few games here and there too, but then again I miss not having certain games on the PC as well.

    I've already got a Wii for "fun" games, so would pick up a PS3 for "serious" games. I'll end up buying a PS3 soon-ish anyway, as soon as I can't rent HD-DVDs any more.

    So, sell up my main rig now, could probably generate 4 figures from it which would more than pay for a replacement and a PS3 with all the trimmings, or just stop the upgrade cycle and let it fizzle out, using it here and there in the mean time, but not using it anywhere near as much as I should be

    Surely plenty of people must have been in the same position at some point. I have a mate that switched back and forth from PCs to consoles at least half a dozen times (at great expense) and now he's been on consoles for a few years, so that must say something.
     
    Last edited: 2 May 2008
  2. MikeTitan

    MikeTitan Ling Ling: 273 Battle Points

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    I'd say 3-5 years ago, buy a console to replace a PC would be bonkers. But considering the power in these consoles, and the games coming out for them, it's hard to pass up. You can keep a console for 2-3 years without upgrading any major parts. Sure you pay 400 for the ps3, and maybe $60 for an extra controller and $60 a new game, but it still ends up being cheaper then trying to keep your PC upgraded to play some of the newer games.

    Granted from what it looks like you have, that isn't too large of a problem, I've just found myself much more content with buying games for my console. Add in the fact my PS3 has a full browser, and wireless it's really hard to ignore. As well the used game market for a console game is another great point. Not sure about a game? See if you can't pick up a used copy for much cheaper or just rent it!

    I was basically in your position a year ago, and could have upgraded my computer to be a monster with the amount I've spent on my PS3 and X-Box but now I've found out exactly how much more I've played my X-Box and PS3 compared to my PC and it's staggering.
     
  3. GoodBytes

    GoodBytes How many wifi's does it have?

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    I don't think it's smart to sell your computer.
    In the sense that you will get little value form it, and most probably not even half the price for a descent low-power computer.
    I say save up, get a console, and keep your computer, either way you will have power from not needing to upgrade for some long time. If you really little use your PC, you can push it with a life span of 5-7 years. Now of course it's hard to predict the future, specially that technology moves faster and faster every day.

    Either you don't really have any exclusive titles for the PS3... I see it as a more as cheap Blu-ray player more than anything, a bit like the PS2 was on release up to end of second year (depends where you live as release dates for games are different) or so. I expect the same thing for the PS3. Specially that to enjoy the PS3 you need one of those big True HD TV's 1080p, and the proper cables, else you will get XBox 360 or even bellow graphics. On a good CRT 27inch latest models (that is what I have) with 16:9 wide screen support my friends PS3 with component cables, looked like Wii graphics but with anti-aliasing and fancy textures (now I understood why Nintendo did not put a crazy graphic card, as on a CRT TV (which most people have) as you really don't see any real difference).

    So it depends, if you have a fancy TV or a compatible computer monitor with HDMI input, then go ahead, if you have a CRT then no, get an XBox 360, at least you'll pay less and won't see any difference (even up close) compared the PS3.
     
  4. GoodBytes

    GoodBytes How many wifi's does it have?

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  5. ComputerKing

    ComputerKing <img src="http://forums.bit-tech.net/images/smilie

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    Keep your rig and stop the upgrading cycle. Trust me. I did this for 1 year and I'm happy. One thing some one here said " Buy Yesterday High End Tech ". He is dam Right. After 1 year the 8800Ultra or 3870X2 Will be for less than 100$ and that will be good price. I have my rig from 1 year now: E6600 / 1950XTX / 2GB and I game on it nicely. I don't want to upgrade it any soon. But I will do project for fun :)

    I'm thinking to get 360 soon. Because here the games are sold cheap like 4$ for each, I don't think you can play online with them but who care? Also 360 will be good in most of games. BUT FPS games I will use my computer.

    But even when I get 360, I will keep my computer. Impossible I sell it or forget about it. I need computer For internet and other work I need to do.

    Just Don't be Slave to the new hardware.
     
  6. Mister_Tad

    Mister_Tad Will work for nuts Super Moderator

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    The 360 is far too noisy for me to even consider using as a blu-ray player

    Additional reasoning behind the console that I didn't mention is that a console would get a 50" 1080p plasma and a beefy surround system, the PC gets a 22" monitor and headphones.

    I wouldn't be going for a console for the value for money side of it (though it would certainly work out cheaper than spending around £5-700 on the PC every 18 months). The main reasoning behind it would be:
    - I seem to enjoy gaming a lot more on a console recently
    - Co-op gaming with friends round
    - The console would get used far more, as the PC is tucked away in the study
    - It seems a waste to have a high-end PC and only switch it on once in a blue moon, since my last upgrade I've played 7 games on the PC, working out at around £100 for each game then.

    As I said, I'm buying a PS3 either way. What I'm trying to figure out here is whether I really need a high end PC, instead replacing it with either a low/mid-range setup, or even a nice new laptop to use as my main system.

    For the last several years I've upgraded religiously every 12-18 months, and thinking back with the amount I've actually used the system, the only reasoning behind it seems to be just for the sake of having the fastest shiniest PC bits available.
     
  7. ComputerKing

    ComputerKing <img src="http://forums.bit-tech.net/images/smilie

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    When you sell it the money it gets = LOW end PC. I mean when you sell it, It will lose the main value by 70 % or more. Mean it will be lose of Money and everything.

    You keep your high end PC for now on. Don't upgrade. It will last more than Low end PC and it will still rock the hell out.

    Just keep it and get PS3. This sounds the best solution you have.

    I wanted to sell my system and get combo cheapo computer. But I thought on it. When I sell it I will buy with the same amount of money the slow PC so why I sell it ? I keep it better for me.
     
  8. samkiller42

    samkiller42 For i AM Cheesecake!!

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    The 360's aren't really noisy, unless your playing a game, let me explain. When my network was working properly, i was streaming videos from my PC onto the xbox, but i couldn't hear the xbox due to other noises such as the 5.1, and its the same when watching DVD's too, i don't hear the drive when watching them, for that some reason. Now, when playing a game, i tend to just drown out the noise of the drive because im more interested in the game, not the noise my 360 is making. Now, if i didn't own a 360 already, i would definatley pick one up, mainly due to the fact that xbox live is such a laugh, and is so so good, while PS Net is still small, and nothing much, however, having said that, i would also be seriously considering the PS3 for the Blu Ray.

    Now, to answer your question, As you have made your mind about the PS3, stick with that, but also keep your PC, there will be a time when the console becomes boring, and you just fancy that quick frag on BF2/CSS etc.....

    Hope this helps

    Sam
     
  9. Mister_Tad

    Mister_Tad Will work for nuts Super Moderator

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    Should mention, have never played BF2, CSS, UT or any other online games, never intend to either, not my bag baby.

    So the general opinion here is keep the PC then I guess, though probably not the best of places to ask for an unbiased opinion :lol:

    I'm just having trouble with the fact that this morning when I switched it on, its was the first time its been on in 2 weeks. The last time it was gamed on was when I played through Crysis two months ago. Seems a waste really, worth around £1000-1200 parted out at the moment, and will only carry on dropping. Could keep it for a year, sure, at which point it will be virtually worthless and unable to play games how I'd like to, so it will just be a massive, unnecessary, power hungry general use PC.

    A nice 13" notebook, a decent sized NAS and a PS3 seems far more appealing atm, meh :sigh:
     
    Last edited: 2 May 2008
  10. DougEdey

    DougEdey I pwn all your storage

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    I found that when I moved from PC to 360/Wii about a year ago I didn't notice the lack of high end PC. I have a laptop which is fine for my work and internet browsing and if I want to play a game I just boot the console in the background, flip a switch on my monitor and I don't have to worry about a game crashing due to incompatabilities of anything driver related, it just works.
     
  11. DarkLord7854

    DarkLord7854 What's a Dremel?

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    Sell the Wii+gear and get a PS3. I sold my Wii and bought a 360, thought I'd regret it.. I don't. Lovin it.
     
  12. kenco_uk

    kenco_uk I unsuccessfully then tried again

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    If you get a solid NAS box with plenty of upgradeable storage, go for it. Just make sure it's got bloo leds and an overclocked fan.
     
  13. steveo_mcg

    steveo_mcg What's a Dremel?

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    Personally i'd part out the bulk of the pc and get a slightly slower/older (939 even) one from the boards, you'll still have ample processing power on tap and be able to game (slightly less detail) if you feel the need. Plus you'll have the cash to buy a PS3 and a few games then when the current consoles start on the down cycle, ie looking less good compared to a mid/high end pc, you can buy a whole new top end pc and probably still have saved money than a 12 month rolling upgrade cycle.
     
  14. Hiren

    Hiren mind control Moderator

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    Exactly what I did a few months back (except with a 360 not a PS3). I've found there are few PC games that keep my attention for more than 5 mins, the consoles in our flat get way more use (especially when we have friends round).
     
  15. Mister_Tad

    Mister_Tad Will work for nuts Super Moderator

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    The Wii isn't going anywhere, ever.

    I'm half considering keeping the Areca controller I'm using now and throwing it in to a home-brew box, would certainly allow a lot more flexibility than a 4 disk standalone NAS, and would perform leaps and bounds ahead. Not quite as elegant though.

    This is one thing I'm concerned about, sure consoles are appealing now because a even a top-spec PC can't do massively better, but in 2 years time when the shine has worn off I could feel different. I'd be reluctant to have going back to PC in mind in even a few years time really, which is why I'm really having a hard think about it. This has just come as a result of having too much stuff and not enough time to play with it all, I wouldn't feel so bad about having a £300 console collecting dust.

    Do you find that you miss the oomph of a proper PC? Which laptop did you go for? I'm leaning on a 13" Dell XPS, though at £900 with all the bells and whistles its not exactly cheap.
     
  16. Krikkit

    Krikkit All glory to the hypnotoad! Super Moderator

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    I think you're right _tad - you've basically stopped using the PC, so a console might work out much better for you. It doesn't sound like you're too much of an FPS freak either, so you probably won't miss the keyboard+mouse combo (which, regardless of other people's opinion, is the ONLY way to play FPS properly).

    It seems a shame to say it - but I'd get rid of your PC, grab a nice notebook, PS3 and a few toys.
     
  17. Blademrk

    Blademrk Why so serious?

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    Last game I bought for the PC was UT3 and I only played that for a day or two (admitedly, that's because my PC isn't that well spec'd and UT3 looked the same (graphics wise) as the original Doom did).

    Go for the PS3 (if you really want BR playback - 360 doesn't do BR), and if you feel you can get a good deal for your current PC and happy to get a lower spec lappy then go for it.
     
  18. Jipa

    Jipa Avoiding the "I guess.." since 2004

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    I'd imagine playing on a PS3 with a fullHD screen is already pretty pleasant experience graphic-wise, but I just CAN'T USE THE DAMN CONTROLLERS! There's the reason why I can't even imagine myself swapping PC to a console, using the damn pads for anything but race simulators just makes me cry blood. I tried X360 and Saint's Row a while back and it was a nightmare.

    If you feel that you aren't addicted to mouse and keyboard then just go for it.
     
  19. Hiren

    Hiren mind control Moderator

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    Nope didn't miss the "oomph" at all. I went for a Dell XPS M1330, came to just under £850ish.
     
  20. oasked

    oasked Stuck in (better) mud

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    I have to admit that Dell XPS M1330 is damn sexy, but for working nothing beats a desktop. Of course, it doesn't have to be particularly poweful. :)

    After my exams I'm seriously considering an Xbox 360 or PS3, not sure which though as they can both play GTA IV.
     

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