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Is a new PC a better choice than a next gen console?
- Thread starter Ghost
- Start date
If you have the money (Key thing right here) to keep your PC updated then it's the easy choice IMHO.
Better and deeper exclusives that you can literally play for years. Better graphics on AAA games. A better indie scene. Tons of options for control methods. Better prices on software. The joy of tinkering. Higher resolutions. Excellent 3d support. 120 frames. Backwards compatibility. Emulation for most old consoles is easily available. I mean the library on PC verus any console ever is not even close. Especially since most of the better console libraries (excluding current gen) are playable on it.
Options, options, options basically.
But as I said earlier you are going to want to be able to update it every now and then. I'm on a 2600k/670 on my 'main' PC. I will definitely be upgrading when the next line up of cards comes out because I'm not all that certain 2gb of VRAM is going to be holding up that well in a year or two.
Honestly though if you have any kind of job and are ok at managing money a decent 800ish computer shouldn't be that huge of an investment.
Better and deeper exclusives that you can literally play for years. Better graphics on AAA games. A better indie scene. Tons of options for control methods. Better prices on software. The joy of tinkering. Higher resolutions. Excellent 3d support. 120 frames. Backwards compatibility. Emulation for most old consoles is easily available. I mean the library on PC verus any console ever is not even close. Especially since most of the better console libraries (excluding current gen) are playable on it.
Options, options, options basically.
But as I said earlier you are going to want to be able to update it every now and then. I'm on a 2600k/670 on my 'main' PC. I will definitely be upgrading when the next line up of cards comes out because I'm not all that certain 2gb of VRAM is going to be holding up that well in a year or two.
Honestly though if you have any kind of job and are ok at managing money a decent 800ish computer shouldn't be that huge of an investment.
The only thing that will cause you to run into VRAM issues is if you are increasing your resolution, either through a new monitor or downsampling.
Sportbilly
Member
Not really. Quite a few of the games given a zero came to the PC anyway, and the games that didn't were split between at least 8 consoles (PS 1, 2 and 3, XBox and 360, Gamecube, N64 and Wii, possibly Dreamcast as well).
While my current PC can play getting on for 100 of the 150 games in the list from the last 15 years (even more with emulation), a 360 for example could only play 60 or so. And that's before even considering the viability of the list and its leaning towards well known and AAA games.
Please tell more about these fascinating console MOBAs you mention
World of Tanks (~60M users), League of Legends (~32M users) and Dota 2 (~20M users) beg to differ.Lets see how this looks in numbers for a moment:
PC MOBA genre Top 3 games alone: ~112M players
Wii: ~100M sales
X360: ~78M sales
PS3: ~78M sales
I think you get the point.
This is not correct. New consoles will drive vRAM requirements through the roof in no time.
MackAttack
Banned
You only play 10 games a year?
Yeah, things like i7-3770's with a GT630 advertised as monster gaming rigs are not uncommon. Man, I always get angry browsing through prebuilt PC ads.
Dr Mayonnaise
Member
If you have the money and don't really want the exclusives PS4/XBO are offering than build a PC first. PC is getting MOST of the 3rd party games (the division and destiny would surprise me if they didn't make it to PC) and those 3rd party games will look better on PC if you spend the money; your not gonna get ps4 performance from a 400 dollar PC. Now if games like KZ:SF, Knack, Ryse, Forza 5, Driveclub, and Dead Rising 3 are important to you buy the system that has the games you are most interested in as those games will never come to pc.
As far as consoles bringing PC to its knees I highly doubt it will ever happen again, but if it did and 3rd party devs stopped launching their games on PC; you will still have PC exclusive games like Rome Total War, Dota 2, LoL, most MMORPGS, and Starcraft 2.
As far as consoles bringing PC to its knees I highly doubt it will ever happen again, but if it did and 3rd party devs stopped launching their games on PC; you will still have PC exclusive games like Rome Total War, Dota 2, LoL, most MMORPGS, and Starcraft 2.
In case it wasn't clear, I don't care much for IQ on the PC either. Or framerates.
Most notably I've been having issues where even RIFT won't even run above 20fps on 2x 6950s
GameSeeker
Member
Rift is CPU bound, so you need to upgrade your CPU not GPU.
In that regard I'm running a 2500K at around 4.7GHz. On low.
It's also not the only example
Regardless my point was while I (occasionally) notice graphically fidelity differences between ps3 and PC games, it's not enough for me to care.
And then my life fell apart when I realised I spent more money on one of my graphics cards than I did for the PS3.
Nice time machine you have there.
And that set up is probably ridiculously expensive. What a joke.
I made it pretty clear I was only interested in PC versions that happened at the same time, that was because the whole discussion is moot if you're the kind of gamer who's OK with catching up after the fact. The answer would be obvious, don't buy anything because it will be much cheaper next year.
And I didn't break it down by console because again the thread isn't about picking a console, it's about picking a PC and what you've historically missed out on by picking a PC. If you want to make a thread about whether or not only buying a gamecube was a good move then I've got a spreadsheet that will help you with the data. Spoiler
It wasn't
Many are likely picking up those games based on the upcoming release of Rome 2. I don't really see how those numbers are an issue either way.
http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/digitalfoundry-inside-killzone-shadow-fall
3GB for vRAM, 1,5GB for system RAM. And that is more or less a launch game.
Considering we already have games that push 2gb at 1080p I'm not sure I agree with what you are saying.
I have no doubt my card will probabally run a game like BF4 better then next-gen consoles but as I said in my original post in a year or two I imagine VRAM requirments will have gone up quite a bit.
Which I'm okay with. Like I said earlier PC is more expensive. But it's totally worth it. Maybe not for kids but anyone with a job should have zero issues putting something decent together.
It depends on how much disposable income you have. Like you said, you will pick up the new consoles in a couple of years. Great games on the consoles won't go away, and you'll be able to pick them up at dirt cheap prices (and probably the GOTY editions with all the bundled dlc too).
There are some great things coming out (some sooner than others) that I absolutely must play on PC. Watch Dogs, Titanfall, Star Citizen, Cyberpunk 2077, Witcher 3, Dragon Age 3, Mass Effect 4. I bit the bullet a month ago and upgraded to a haswell i7 pc, knowing that i couldn't afford both this and the new consoles at the same time.
Similar to you, the launch lineup of these consoles was not blowing me away. Of all the games announced, I was most excited in the ones not coming out at launch, so it just made a helluva lot more sense to wait on the consoles and enjoy my new PC for the next 2 years+
As to your query about the inclusion of PC for multiplatform titles, I think developers have already shown their hands. Watch Dogs and Titanfall are both coming to PC. As time moves forward PCs will become more powerful and the consoles will stay the same. If we're already getting PC ports in the launch window, how many more will we get later into the console cycle? Many many many more.
In my opinion it's a worthwhile investment if you can put some serious money into it. Build something that will last 5-6 years with minor upgrades. Get a haswell motherboard so you've got the socket prepared for when broadwell comes out. Get unlocked parts that are overclockable so you can squeeze out some more juice before having to spend money again. Take some time to browse through the I Need A New PC thread.
There are some great things coming out (some sooner than others) that I absolutely must play on PC. Watch Dogs, Titanfall, Star Citizen, Cyberpunk 2077, Witcher 3, Dragon Age 3, Mass Effect 4. I bit the bullet a month ago and upgraded to a haswell i7 pc, knowing that i couldn't afford both this and the new consoles at the same time.
Similar to you, the launch lineup of these consoles was not blowing me away. Of all the games announced, I was most excited in the ones not coming out at launch, so it just made a helluva lot more sense to wait on the consoles and enjoy my new PC for the next 2 years+
As to your query about the inclusion of PC for multiplatform titles, I think developers have already shown their hands. Watch Dogs and Titanfall are both coming to PC. As time moves forward PCs will become more powerful and the consoles will stay the same. If we're already getting PC ports in the launch window, how many more will we get later into the console cycle? Many many many more.
In my opinion it's a worthwhile investment if you can put some serious money into it. Build something that will last 5-6 years with minor upgrades. Get a haswell motherboard so you've got the socket prepared for when broadwell comes out. Get unlocked parts that are overclockable so you can squeeze out some more juice before having to spend money again. Take some time to browse through the I Need A New PC thread.
The current 2GB limits are already being pushed on PCs.
Thanks for your post that makes a lot of sense
I have a lot of questions about this stuff but I think I as you suggest I will read the New PC thread and ask them there instead.
Dr Mayonnaise
Member
I am Inclined to agree with this
I did a test and Crysis 2 on Ultra with everything turned up was eating 1.8GB of my 2GB vram GTX 760 at 1920x1080 and hitting 2GB+ at 2556x1440. That said BF3 on Ultra with everything maxed only takes about 1.5GB at 1920x1080 so I am sure a 2GB card will be fine for the next year or two.
Vulcano's assistant
Banned
Depends on when your exclusives of choice arrive. If you really are the Killzone guy,or the Forza guy, get the machine that plays your games. I haven't gotten my wiiu yet, but I'm the zelda guy so that'll be soon.
Future PhaZe
Member
to be clear, my skepticism is regarding a GTX 680 dropping to single digit frames once VRAM has been exceeded. This hasn't been my experience. Stuttering, certianly, but single digit frames?
I run a 680 SLI setup right now. When I get off work I'll push the VRAM over 2GB via Skyrim mods or something and come back with a more accurate analysis of what happens.
1.5gb of that VRAM is used for stuff that wouldnt normally be in PC version in VRAM. For once 800MB is used for buffers [render targets in slides], which is too much and secondly they have 1.3gb of non-streaming textures, because HDD can be to slow, which You would store in DDR 3 ram on PC. So, KZ:SF demo used around 1.4-1.5gb actual VRAM for rendering.
VRAM requirements wont cross 2gb with 2.5-3gb being some niche exception for a whole generation. And thats of course not on lowest settings.
You can't just compare it 1:1 like that.
PCs have significantly more System Memory that can then be easily streamed to the VRAM. While the PS4 just has one set of Memory that works for everything, and a good chunk of that reserved for the OS.
We have been running next-gen console games for a couple years now. 2GB of VRAM isn't going to cause problems unless you go over 1080p.
Duallusion
Member
Funny you should mention "imposing limiting draconian standards." It's what I would call a mouse/keyboard combo for playing most gaming genres, other then the ones you've mentioned and perhaps a couple of others - and no, shooters aren't among them, 'cause I don't give a shit about "competitive disadvantage". But hey, that's just me.
Steambox wouldn't somehow force developers to incorporate gamepad support in hardcore strategies and other such PC-centric genres either. I just imagined it as PC in a nice box that comes with a gamepad as standard, has OS tailored to be fully operable with a gamepad and has games on its digital market with full gamepad support clearly marked. People could jack in their keyboards and mouses and trackpads or upgrade all they'd want, since it'd still be an open platform. Just more focused on gaming in living rooms.
It'd be best of both worlds, as far as I'm concerned.
Why not just wait until the next gen of cards at this point?
Sportbilly
Member
Yeah, this just illustrates what ghst has said on a few occasions- the terms of reference always seem to be very carefully picked in these debates (games must be AAA, in a certain genre etc etc).
In this case, not only must the PC game have been released at around the same time, but the proposition really should be PC vs All Consoles combined, not a particular console.
A better thread title would be 'Is a new PC a better choice than buying all the next gen consoles?'
SmoothRunningGun
Member
PS4 for exclusives + PC for multi-platform games seems like a good combo to me.
This.
Pick a 3DS/Wii U & PC and PS4 when it is 300 or less and you will have access to every game of every genre.
While i agree with this, it can sometimes evolve into waiting forever for the next best thing with you never actually buying anything.
NinjaCatfish
Member
If I had to choose, I'd go with console over PC. There's something to be said for the ease of use with a console (as much as it has eroded, it still has an edge IMO).
Especially if you use your PC for more than just gaming, which you really should be.
I find that more exclusives come to consoles than PC, and unless you play games on PC you honestly rarely know what you're missing in terms of graphical effects and frame rates.
That said, I'd hate to give up my PC, the option to play PC exclusives and console games prettier is super nice, I just know that I could do without it if I absolutely had to.
Especially if you use your PC for more than just gaming, which you really should be.
I find that more exclusives come to consoles than PC, and unless you play games on PC you honestly rarely know what you're missing in terms of graphical effects and frame rates.
That said, I'd hate to give up my PC, the option to play PC exclusives and console games prettier is super nice, I just know that I could do without it if I absolutely had to.
Nealand Liquor
Member
This is the way I see it, once you chuck all that silly ass fanboy crap out the window. So say you need a new PC right now, regardless of gaming, take the money you would have spent towards a ps4 and add it to you gpu budget. You have to buy a PC, so put your money where it'll serve you best.
'But Nealand' you say 'I don't need a PC right now. My PC is rather good, I can play Bf3 @ 1080p & 60fps with a couple compromises! I really only want to future proof my PC'.
'Well unnamed gaffer friend' I say 'You silly shit, your PC is already future proofed enough for now. Why are you even asking this question you little goof? You should pick up a ps4, wait until gpus get a bit better and come down in price, then upgrade your PC.'
Tl;dr
Need a pc? Going to buy one anyway?
Invest in a killer gpu.
Don't need a PC?
Buy a ps4, wait until prices come down.
'But Nealand' you say 'I don't need a PC right now. My PC is rather good, I can play Bf3 @ 1080p & 60fps with a couple compromises! I really only want to future proof my PC'.
'Well unnamed gaffer friend' I say 'You silly shit, your PC is already future proofed enough for now. Why are you even asking this question you little goof? You should pick up a ps4, wait until gpus get a bit better and come down in price, then upgrade your PC.'
Tl;dr
Need a pc? Going to buy one anyway?
Invest in a killer gpu.
Don't need a PC?
Buy a ps4, wait until prices come down.
If he wants to wait until next year... fine...
But i think a GTX 780 can handle a long term...
problably a HD7970 overclocked can handle 2 more years at least...
I don't really see the point of owning a Wii U currently, but I got PC/3DS right now with a PS4 to come in 2015/2016.
With a slight OC, the 7970 is twice as powerful as the PS4 GPU in raw power, it will be more than fine.
Ps4 won't change. Buy it at launch and you're set. The PC will continue to evolve. If you're debating between the two it would seem to make more sense to go with the static platform first.
I'm planning to stick with a GTX680 for the time being but, unless they are terrible ports, I'll probably play most new multiplats on the new consoles initially. I can't deny it, new consoles are exciting and I enjoy owning games when possible.
I do this but only so I can (hopefully) buy the last gen's best card at a lower price.
copelandmaster
Member
I would think that for some, 6-12 months is a long time to wait. That's a good reason.
Or that maxwell could wind up disappointing like the move from tesla to fermi. Holy hell the GTX 480 was bad. Also, read the I need a new pc thread where countless people are complaining about how haswell let them down.
And let's be real, the 780 is awesome, and will probably trade for at least $400-$500+ on ebay. I'd say that after a year, $100-$200 of that $650 would have been well spent cash anyway, depending on how much you used your card. Rendering stuff in under an hour with Octane and Design Garage is pretty cool.
KoopaTheCasual
Junior Member
Honestly, this is what it boils down to, if you're not swayed by exclusives. Your call OP.
Fall of the Samurai came out last year, though. So I bet it accounts for a significant chunk of those sales.
megabytecr
Member
I still have a backlog for my PS3. Last games I will buy are TLOU followed by GTA V. I will concentrate on the Wii U and 3DS games for a while. The Wii U library will grow with quality titles in the months to come and 3DS library is already solid.
Next year I am getting a new PC for Multiplats and for MP gaming. I will decide just by 1 or 2 MP titles, don't have the time to play more than that. Looks like CoD plus TitanFall or Destiny. Not going to touch anything by EA.
I am sure I am going to look at some PS4/XB1 exclusives in the future with desire, but I am going to hold off, if a certain platform builds a lot of exclusives I might pick it up 3-4 years from now.
Next year I am getting a new PC for Multiplats and for MP gaming. I will decide just by 1 or 2 MP titles, don't have the time to play more than that. Looks like CoD plus TitanFall or Destiny. Not going to touch anything by EA.
I am sure I am going to look at some PS4/XB1 exclusives in the future with desire, but I am going to hold off, if a certain platform builds a lot of exclusives I might pick it up 3-4 years from now.
Yeah like it won't lead to
'I DONT EVEN KNOW WHY NEXT GEN CONSOLES ARE COMING OUT. I HAVE A PC~~~~'
I love your optimism. You're wrong though. Right now there are single player games that can demonstrably exceed 2GB vRAM usage, BF3 MP on ultra settings being one of the offenders.
Please tell more about these fascinating console MOBAs you mention
Lets see how this looks in numbers for a moment:
PC MOBA genre Top 3 games alone: ~112M players
Wii: ~100M sales
X360: ~78M sales
PS3: ~78M sales
I think you get the point.
This is not correct. New consoles will drive vRAM requirements through the roof in no time.
No they won't. I don't think you guys under stand that a gpu has a limit to how much texture data it can render before getting bogged down .. It's not infinite.
That's not the same as texture streaming which its switching in/out textures as you go.
my bet is next gen consoles won't even use 2gigs for VRAM for a long time if ever.
There is a reason games like bf4 has to have lower texture quality.
What kind of an idiot compares the player count of FREE to play games with console hardware sales?Please tell more about these fascinating console MOBAs you mention
Lets see how this looks in numbers for a moment:
PC MOBA genre Top 3 games alone: ~112M players
Wii: ~100M sales
X360: ~78M sales
PS3: ~78M sales
I think you get the point.
e.
D
Deleted member 125677
Unconfirmed Member
I think so. You'll have a pretty fucking big launch library on steam waiting for you!
Probably because i actually am interested in those things. For example BF 3 uses as much VRAM as it can, because of their texture streaming engine, also ultra uses 4x MSAA, which takes at least 400-500mb alone in deferred rendering engine.
And how am i wrong? Console will use max 6gb of ram for games, but mostly 5-5.5. Half of that is max they will be using for pure graphics, rest will be stuff You store in system ram on PC.
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