subject: Best gaming computer for WOW Cataclysm, best configuration for maximum gaming performance [print this page] Best gaming computer for WOW Cataclysm, best configuration for maximum gaming performance
From Centaurus Computers.
WOW Cataclysm brings more than just new gameplay - it adds much better graphics features. It will rise minimum system requirements and recommended configurations considerably. New DX11 features will require more than just a basic computer with no discrete videocard. Gone are times when about any computer could run WOW to some extent, it becomes more of a system hogger than before. Check what's the best configuration today to run WOW Cataclysm.
There are many new options today when it comes to choosing WOW computer configuration.
Lets start from the lowest , or minimum recommended setup. It will most often consist of an AMD processor like Athlon II X2 or X3 clocked above 3.0GHz either stock or overclocked. You will need at least 2GB RAM but 4GB is highly advisable, difference is huge. Videocard - could be Nvidia GT 220, better with DDR3 RAM, or GT 240 GDDR5 or GT 430 which is a little slower but newer and has some really nice features. Packed in a case with good cooling with reliable PSU at least 485W - should be reliable brand. Hard drive space, DVD speed do not matter much. Motherboard - if you can choose - get 785G chipset, it's cheap and reliable, fast enough too.
If you want to enjoy WOW Cataclysm in more than just medium settings you will need more firepower under the hood. We recommend at least AMD Phenom II X4 or Intel Core i5 Quad processors. Combined respectively with AMD 880g/870/890 series motherboards or P55 for Intel. 4GB RAM is still enough, though RAM goes down in price and you can surely get 8GB or more - if you want, it's not required for most games. Video card - here you have many options. Starting from Nvidia GTS 250 and 450 and ATI Radeon 5670, 5750, 5770 cards are all great for WOW on High settings. Older 9800GT will be still good too, same as ATI 4670 1GB DDR3 which can still pull most of the settings on high.
If you can afford it - upgrade CPU to the top AMD Phenom II X4 like 955 or 965, and Intel CPU to Core i7 based on sockets 1156 or 1366, latter is better. It will give very nice boost for WOW in 25 man raids in many areas - WOW is CPU dependent and every MHz helps here.
As for the video cards - if you want that computer for more than just WOW look for the mos popular cards today - Nvidia GTX 460 and ATI 6850 and 6870. All 3 can run WOW on Ultra and will have no problems in any other game or application. All 3 are the hits of the season andrecommendedby all major PC benchmarking websites.
Cheapest WOW Cataclysm optimized PC would run you around $800 if you want it on med-high settings. Better price range is around $900-1200, and above that it will be a powerhouse already.
Please note that these recommendations are based on our real world experience, not some syntheticbenchmarksor Blizzard recommendations. Basically all you have to do - kep RAM at 4GB at all times (or above), CPU - Phenom II or Intel Core i5 Quad and above, and video cards at least GTS 250 or ATI 5750 and above. These configs will keep things tight in all raids and instances, not letting you down when you need those FPS the most.
AMD systems are cheaper in general, but intel seems to be a little more optimized for WOW giving same performance benefits as the price premium - proportional. So it does not really matter which platform to get. Just invest as much as you can in CPU (first) video card (second) and RAM (third priority). Don't forget about motherboard chipset too, as well as case and PSu quality, CPU and overall cooling - that can help significantly even with slower CPUs.
Good luck all and hope to see you in Azeroth soon. may the Light be with you!
