Minimum computer specs? X-POST...

[otnemem]

I need to buy a cheap PC to run four tables efficiently. I already have the 22" monitor, and I need to buy a very cheap but efficient computer, only for poker, and only for four tables. Are these specs too ugly?
Pentium 3 933 MHz
128 MB of RAM
What minimums would people suggest?
Thanks,
Evan

[TheTROLL]

That'll be fine. You'll get everyone telling you that you need 1GB RAM and a P4 4GHz, but you really don't. The built-in video card may not do 1600x1200, but you can get one that does for $30.

[otnemem]

Thanks. Is installing the vid card easy?

[TheTROLL]

10 minutes, maybe 20 if you've never done it before - there's one slot it will fit in, one way round - then tighten one screw and put the lid back on. There's a couple of recent threads on the computer help forum about cheap video card recommendations, should still be on the first couple of pages of threads.

[randomstumbl]

I used a 633 MHz Pentium 3 with 192 MB of RAM until recently. It worked, but it wasn't ideal. 3 tables was about the most that really ran well and I wasn't able to use a HUD.

Obviously, your processor is much faster, but I have a feeling that you'll need more than 128MB of RAM to 3 or 4 table with Poker Tracker and a HUD. It is fairly cheap and painless to upgrade RAM though.

[otnemem]

How about a pentium 3, 1Ghz with 512 mb of RAM? Goot?

[Paxosmotic]

[ QUOTE ]
How about a pentium 3, 1Ghz with 512 mb of RAM? Goot?

[/ QUOTE ]
Well, if 933 with 128 was good enough, it's a logical assumption that a faster machine will also be good.

[otnemem]

No, I know, but some people seem to have reservations about speed and whatnot, and I also got a PM saying that at 128, PT won't run well... Just want to make sure I'm not wasting my money, cuz I'm able to get a PC with these specs for $150 right now...

[Alobar]

[ QUOTE ]
No, I know, but some people seem to have reservations about speed and whatnot, and I also got a PM saying that at 128, PT won't run well... Just want to make sure I'm not wasting my money, cuz I'm able to get a PC with these specs for $150 right now...

[/ QUOTE ]

You dropped the coin on a 22" monitor, you are a decent enough player (im assuming) to 4 table, why not just spend the $399 it takes to get a bottom of the line dell that will be 800000000 times faster than the pile of junk you are currently thinking about buying for $150?

And yes, that computer will run 4 tables of poker just fine, if thats all you want to do with it.

[otnemem]

I used to four-table on a decent PC. Then, in an attempt to rid my life of poker (probably don't have to explain why), I sold it all (because that's all I used the PC for - Mac guy). Now I'm completely broke because I don't play cards. So I've built up a small bankroll pretty quickly, and basically just have enough between poker and my meager paycheck to buy something that will just cut it... I'll probably upgrade later, but I got my 22 monitor for $80 CRT, and can get this piece of [censored] for $150. If it's enough to four-table, that's all I need... Thanks for the advice, though...

If you are running Windows XP or 2000, I would suggest more RAM. 512MB would be what I think you should shoot for, but at the least 256MB should get you by. 128MB will give you an ulcher and gray hair.

There is also an economic arguement that can be made for a new PC depending on how much money you have and how much money it is going to cost you for the 933MHz machine, as another poster already suggested. For example, a $399 system from a local shop will beat that system in every respect (i.e. CPU speed, RAM, HDD size, and possibly optical drive options) as well as the inclusion of a one-year warranty.