EC Needs Computer Advice

Eugene Church · 12-31-2021, 07:39 PM

I need your advice... I am computer illiterate... have very little knowledge of computers.

Hope it is OK to post this here... moderators, delete it if you need to.

When I opened the game today... it first crashed... I followed the instructions on the screen and it came on, but it took several minutes to open and then would take a minute to change each screen.

I decided the best thing to do was shut it down and buy a new computer... I know nothing about computers other than an Intel i3 processor is not as good as an i5 or i7... I think I need at least 512 GB of hard drive... at least 4 GB RAM... currently have an Intel i5 processor, 1 TB of hard drive and 8 GB of RAM.

Should I get Solid State Drive?

I could however go on the OOTP website and navigate OK... the internet seemed to be OK once I go on it.

Looks like I need a new computer... my computer is processing very slowly... takes 10 minutes to boot up... from the desktop to the internet takes 30 seconds... once I get on the internet, it is fine.

After a game crash, OOTP took 2-3 minutes to load... and 30 seconds to load the next screen... I just shut it down and decided to get a new computer.

All I do on the computer is search the internet, store my music library of 7500 mp3 files and play OOTP... nothing else.

Do I need a $500 computer or and $800 computer?... prefer desktop PC because they can be upgraded easier that the All-in-One PC.

Should I buy a Dell or HP PC for $500 or should I go higher around 800$ with better processors or graphics card?... my past 3 computers were built by a IT guy and they worked well, but he doesn't do repairs anymore... they cost around $700.

Should I purchase the Dell or HP extended warranties and for how long... 1 year, 2 year or 3 year... or not at all?

All I do is surf the internet and play OOTP.
Do I need a good graphics card?.
Intel or AMD processor?
Dell or HP?

Here are 3 PC that I have looked at:

Inspiron Desktop
Inspiron Desktop
4.0 (1633)
Est. Value $684.98 Est. Value is Dell’s estimate of product value based on industry data, including the prices at which third-party retailers have offered or valued the same or comparable products, in its most recent survey of major online and/or off-line retailers. Third-party retailer data may not be based on actual sales.
Dell Price $619.99
Save $64.99 (9%)
FREE Shipping
10th Gen Intel® Core™ i5-10400 processor
Windows 11 Home
Intel® UHD Graphics 630 with shared graphics memory
512GB M.2 PCIe NVMe Solid State Drive
8GB, 8Gx1, DDR4, 2666MHz

Inspiron Desktop PC
$779.99
Save $74.99 (9%)
FREE Shipping
10th Gen Intel® Core™ i7-10700 processor
Windows 11 Home
Intel® UHD Graphics 630 with shared graphics memory
512GB M.2 PCIe NVMe Solid State Drive
12GB, 8Gx1 + 4Gx1, DDR4, 2933MHz

XPS 8950
New XPS Desktop
$919.99
Free Shipping
12th Gen Intel® Core™ i5-12600K processor
Windows 11 Home
Intel® UHD Graphics 770 with shared graphics memory
8GB DDR5, 1x8GB, at 4400MHz; up to 128GB
1TB 7200RPM SATA 6Gb/s

Hope you can help me with your advice.

Happy New Year !

Brad K · 12-31-2021, 07:53 PM

I think you have a bad hard drive. If your other stuff will run OOTP maybe just replace the hard drive.

However I kept a 2003 XP machine running as my primary computer until last year so maybe don't pay attention to me.

Eugene Church · 12-31-2021, 09:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brad K

I think you have a bad hard drive. If your other stuff will run OOTP maybe just replace the hard drive.

However I kept a 2003 XP machine running as my primary computer until last year so maybe don't pay attention to me.

Thanks, Brad K... that's remarkable using XP for 17 years.

What I really need to know is how much computer do I need to buy just to play OOTPB and surf the internet.... which brand is best... Dell or HP?
Which processor is best Intel or AMD?

Will a $500 PC with a i3 Intel processor and a standard hard drive and graphics card do the job?

Would it be worth to spend $800 and get a better processor and graphics card?

Or do I need to get a solid state drive?

Brad K · 12-31-2021, 11:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eugene Church

Will a $500 PC with a i3 Intel processor and a standard hard drive and graphics card do the job?

I bought all standard stuff on a cheap Lenovo a 1.5 years ago and it works fine.

Here are the recommended capabilities from the 22 manual

OS: Win10
Processor: Intel or AMD, 32-bit or 64-bit
Memory: 4 GB RAM
Graphics: OpenGL 2.0 or newer, min 256 MB GPU memory
Storage: 20 GB available space

I think a low priced computer with regular hard drive and standard graphics card and 4GB memory will do fine. Just check it against above.

Remember, your current computer worked fine until very recently. And it wasn't OOTP or the internet that changed. It was your computer.

The way your current computer is acting I suggest you copy your data next time you turn it on.

Poonox24 · 01-01-2022, 07:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eugene Church

Thanks, Brad K... that's remarkable using XP for 17 years.

What I really need to know is how much computer do I need to buy just to play OOTPB and surf the internet.... which brand is best... Dell or HP?
Which processor is best Intel or AMD?

Will a $500 PC with a i3 Intel processor and a standard hard drive and graphics card do the job?

Would it be worth to spend $800 and get a better processor and graphics card?

Or do I need to get a solid state drive?

EC I did a ton of research when I got a new laptop a few months ago. Acer Nitro 5. U want 16GB of RAM and an SSD HD.

https://store.acer.com/en-us/nitro-5...-an515-44-r0dl

Eugene Church · 01-01-2022, 08:46 AM

Thanks to Brad K and Poonox24 for their help and advice.

Sweed · 01-01-2022, 09:50 AM

I'll give you my thoughts and do so knowing many will say it is overkill.

As long as buying new I would go with future proofing myself and spend a bit more. I say that knowing it is easy for me to spend your money

. I just retired, live normally IE far from wealthy, and am careful on how I spend my money. I bought a new computer a year ago and spent in the $900 range as I didn't want to find myself short on power in the near future.

I would be thinking memory, ssd HD, and processor (I'd go i5 unless I found a super deal on i7). Decent on board graphics should be ok but OOTP is improving graphics every year so a "cheap" dedicated card might be nice but cards are not cheap these days. Probably the best deals on cards come on new computers with them already installed.

If you're comfortable spending a bit more ($900-$1100) here's a couple of Dells..

One comes with a 1 TB ssd nvme (super fast) and on board graphics.

The other a 512 GB ssd nvme but a 1660 super graphics card. Yes, graphic overkill but certainly future proof for OOTP. I think if you had to buy that card stand alone it would be in the $700 range and that's if you could find one to buy.

https://deals.dell.com/en-us/productdetail/c5ob

https://deals.dell.com/en-us/productdetail/c5oh

Having said that this Inspiron would easily run OOTP at ~$300 less. Comes with a bigger ssd (512 vs 256 the 256 not being nearly big enough IMHO) than the $599 model but less memory. Memory is an easy addition if you decide you want to add a stick and not expensive.

https://deals.dell.com/en-us/productdetail/c5ox

I've never bought extended warranties and have never needed one.

Brad is probably right about it being the HD going bad in your current machine. Replacing could be cheap at $100-150 and if your not comfortable doing it I'm sure Best Buy, or local tech, could do it and move your data. But now your at around $200 that could be used to start over new.

Keep in mind these are just my thoughts as a "layman" when it comes to computers. Experts may "shoot me down" while laughing out loud

Good luck

BaseballGOAT · 01-01-2022, 10:48 AM

I'll disagree with some folks here. Based off your post of what you use the computer for... 512 Gb solid state is more than enough. I have that same size drive with quite a bit of large video files on my hard drive and have more than enough price. I like the looks of the specs on the middle of the 3 you listed. More memory and a faster processor for not a huge bump in cost. Seems like a winning combo to me

Pelican · 01-01-2022, 11:22 AM

First, the problem when it comes to computers is that you will probably get as many different ideas as there are responses. I don’t disagree with any of them. I’m confident that all of the above would run OOTP 22 (and 23….) just fine, if they are in good working order. I play OOTP on a third generation Mac Mini with 16 GB RAM and a 1 TB hard drive. It rocks! From your mention of Dell products exclusively, I suspect you are more of a PC person. I was too, until I bought my first Mac Mini and was sold. The Mini is the perfect way to switch over to Apple, because it is sold as just a CPU. You provide the monitor, mouse, keyboard, speakers, and other peripherals (which you obviously have already). That makes it much easier to upgrade, without having to buy a new monitor and peripherals you don’t need. Just a thought for you. I’m not anti-PC. I use a Dell laptop for work (and loaded OOTP for travel use, too). But I prefer Apple, and was delighted that OOTP offered a Mac version.

Whatever you decide, I totally agree with the advice to spend a bit more to get more RAM, more hard drive space (I have an external HD; but only certain data can reside there), latest graphics, and the best chipset. In the long run, you will save money by being able to keep your computer longer. Think of it this way: from the time you purchase, every new software product (including of course OOTP) will be more, not less, demanding of drive space, RAM, and processing speed. “Software drives hardware”. By investing a bit more at this point, you can put off that next investment by years. If I had been smart enough to add some RAM and hard drive space four years ago, I would still happily be using my second-generation Mac Mini. (Apple did offer $260 to me on a trade-in, which reduced my cost and effectively recycled the computer, a win-win.). Enjoy!!

BPS · 01-01-2022, 11:36 AM

Your first step should be to see if you can fix your current computer.

Three potential solutions to your problem are very low-risk, but you do them at your own risk. And, if your hard drive is failing, you'll want to first back up your important files because if it fails then you might not be able to recover them.

1. Your hard drive might be getting full. In File Explore, right click on your main drive and select properties. Look to see if you're using 85% or more of your drive. If you are, that might be your problem. In any case, do an internet search for "how to run disk cleanup." You can also manually delete large unneeded files and/or programs.
2. Your hard drive has errors. Do an internet search for "chkdsk." You'll want to run: chkdsk /f
3. Windows has corrupted files. Do an internet search for "SFC." You'll want to run: SFC /scannow.

Both 2 and 3 require you get to a command prompt (run as administrator). Your internet searches will tell you how to do this.

Again, the above are very low-risk but sometimes unexpected things happen so you'll do them at your own risk. But, if they solve your problem, you will have saved yourself lots of money. But, back up important files first.

Eugene Church · 01-01-2022, 12:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sweed

I'll give you my thoughts and do so knowing many will say it is overkill.

As long as buying new I would go with future proofing myself and spend a bit more. I say that knowing it is easy for me to spend your money

. I just retired, live normally IE far from wealthy, and am careful on how I spend my money. I bought a new computer a year ago and spent in the $900 range as I didn't want to find myself short on power in the near future.

I would be thinking memory, ssd HD, and processor (I'd go i5 unless I found a super deal on i7). Decent on board graphics should be ok but OOTP is improving graphics every year so a "cheap" dedicated card might be nice but cards are not cheap these days. Probably the best deals on cards come on new computers with them already installed.

If you're comfortable spending a bit more ($900-$1100) here's a couple of Dells..

One comes with a 1 TB ssd nvme (super fast) and on board graphics.

The other a 512 GB ssd nvme but a 1660 super graphics card. Yes, graphic overkill but certainly future proof for OOTP. I think if you had to buy that card stand alone it would be in the $700 range and that's if you could find one to buy.

https://deals.dell.com/en-us/productdetail/c5ob

https://deals.dell.com/en-us/productdetail/c5oh

Having said that this Inspiron would easily run OOTP at ~$300 less. Comes with a bigger ssd (512 vs 256 the 256 not being nearly big enough IMHO) than the $599 model but less memory. Memory is an easy addition if you decide you want to add a stick and not expensive.

https://deals.dell.com/en-us/productdetail/c5ox

I've never bought extended warranties and have never needed one.

Brad is probably right about it being the HD going bad in your current machine. Replacing could be cheap at $100-150 and if your not comfortable doing it I'm sure Best Buy, or local tech, could do it and move your data. But now your at around $200 that could be used to start over new.

Keep in mind these are just my thoughts as a "layman" when it comes to computers. Experts may "shoot me down" while laughing out loud

Good luck

Thank you, Sweed, for such a thorough reply... it is tremendoulsy helpful to me... you gave me specifics, which is what I need.

$1100 is fine... not wealthy, but I don't owe anybody anything... house and car paid for... lived frugally and saved over my lifetime... and it paid off.

Eugene Church · 01-01-2022, 12:43 PM

Really appreciate all of the replies from you.

Thanks to Pelican and BPS, too.

Some very good and thoughtful advice.

Storage space on the 1T hard drive is just 40%... I checked properties to make sure it is OK.

Eugene Church · 01-01-2022, 12:52 PM

My computer is backing up my 7549 song music library on an external hard drive... so far it seems to be working... just very, very slow processing between clicks... once I got the the external hard drive music folder and began copying the songs there, it seems to be processing as normal... it is just about finished... 90% of the songs have been copied.

Hope it will also back up my OOTP leagues on an external hard drive.

Raidergoo · 01-01-2022, 07:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eugene Church

What I really need to know is how much computer do I need to buy just to play OOTPB and surf the internet.... which brand is best... Dell or HP?

Which processor is best Intel or AMD?

Will a $500 PC with a i3 Intel processor and a standard hard drive and graphics card do the job?

Would it be worth to spend $800 and get a better processor and graphics card?

Or do I need to get a solid state drive?

EC,

Here are my opinions.

Dell and HP are interchangeable. I've been personally responsible for the better part of a thousand Dells, but those were Optiplex desktops and Latitude laptops, and those are enterprise grade, not consumer grade.

I have an extremely one-sided personal preference for AMD processors. I don't think that a user like you will be able to tell the difference between the two brands in any manner other than looking at the sticker price. Intel is for typical users, AMD is for computer enthusiasts. In your case, you'll do fine with whatever you get a good deal on.

A $500 i3 with a standard hard drive will play OOTP just fine. I have a major suggestion, and I'll get to that in a moment.

It will almost certainly be worth $800 to buy a better processor, and a basic graphics card. It will make OOTP run better, and you'll gain small improvements here and there. $300 over a five year run is about a dollar a week.

Do you need a solid state hard drive? ABSOLUTELY.

If I may, I believe that when you play OOTP on a PC with an SSD for an hour or two, you will say "How did I ever play this game without one?" It will be like switching from a P-40 Warhawk to an F-15 Eagle. You will zoom using the SSD.

Do not economize on your hard drive. Spend real money on the hard drive.

TC Dale · 01-01-2022, 07:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raidergoo

EC,

Here are my opinions.

Dell and HP are interchangeable. I've been personally responsible for the better part of a thousand Dells, but those were Optiplex desktops and Latitude laptops, and those are enterprise grade, not consumer grade.

I have an extremely one-sided personal preference for AMD processors. I don't think that a user like you will be able to tell the difference between the two brands in any manner other than looking at the sticker price. Intel is for typical users, AMD is for computer enthusiasts. In your case, you'll do fine with whatever you get a good deal on.

A $500 i3 with a standard hard drive will play OOTP just fine. I have a major suggestion, and I'll get to that in a moment.

It will almost certainly be worth $800 to buy a better processor, and a basic graphics card. It will make OOTP run better, and you'll gain small improvements here and there. $300 over a five year run is about a dollar a week.

Do you need a solid state hard drive? ABSOLUTELY.

If I may, I believe that when you play OOTP on a PC with an SSD for an hour or two, you will say "How did I ever play this game without one?" It will be like switching from a P-40 Warhawk to an F-15 Eagle. You will zoom using the SSD.

Do not economize on your hard drive. Spend real money on the hard drive.

I agree with Raidergoo here. SSD drive is your best bet. He gives you some great tips, and I have had AMD and Intel chipsets off and on the last ten years. I haven't noticed much difference. Just keep asking questions that come up you need answered to make the decision you need to get a new PC. Good luck EC.

timmermac · 01-02-2022, 03:24 PM

Honestly, I would go with 16 GB RAM, minimum 1 TB hard drive and a discrete graphics card. Built in graphics chips may not let you do either FaceGen or 3D gameplay. If you do long-lasting detailed leagues, you'll really need the storage space. More RAM=faster processing when autosaving, which I do every game day.

Specs for my current laptop:
I5-9300
1 TB SSD, 2 TB internal HD
32 GB RAM
GeForce GTX 1660 (I think) graphics

Eugene Church · 01-02-2022, 07:06 PM

Thanks to Raideroo, TC Dale and timmermac here on the OOTP Forum and Bottom of the Sixth (via PM).

Really appreciate you guys taking the time to help me and advise me.

I have really gotten some real good advice.

I think a basic computer would do fine for me, but I may spend a little bit more money and go first class and get a rock-solid and long-lasting computer.

Eugene Church · 01-02-2022, 07:11 PM

I just completed backing up my OOTP Dynasty Reports Leagues.

It took about 24 hours for 72 seasons of a 64-team league... complete with Almanacs for each year.

Also got to back up my 7500-song music library.

Both on external hard drives.

Really appreciate our wonderful OOTP Community.
You folks really help me out in so many ways.... computer-wise, graphics-wise and OOTP game-wise.

AdequateRandomGaming · 01-03-2022, 11:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eugene Church

I just completed backing up my OOTP Dynasty Reports Leagues.

It took about 24 hours for 72 seasons of a 64-team league... complete with Almanacs for each year.

Also got to back up my 7500-song music library.

Both on external hard drives.

Really appreciate our wonderful OOTP Community.
You folks really help me out in so many ways.... computer-wise, graphics-wise and OOTP game-wise.

You may already know this, but just in case - make sure you keep all of that good data on that external drive as well as copying it to your new computer. Having your data duplicated in more than one location is the true definition of a backup.

Eugene Church · 01-03-2022, 01:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AdequateRandomGaming

You may already know this, but just in case - make sure you keep all of that good data on that external drive as well as copying it to your new computer. Having your data duplicated in more than one location is the true definition of a backup.

Thank you... will take your advice.

12-31-2021, 07:39 PM	#1
Eugene Church Hall Of Famer Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 35,811	EC Needs Computer Advice I need your advice... I am computer illiterate... have very little knowledge of computers. Hope it is OK to post this here... moderators, delete it if you need to. When I opened the game today... it first crashed... I followed the instructions on the screen and it came on, but it took several minutes to open and then would take a minute to change each screen. I decided the best thing to do was shut it down and buy a new computer... I know nothing about computers other than an Intel i3 processor is not as good as an i5 or i7... I think I need at least 512 GB of hard drive... at least 4 GB RAM... currently have an Intel i5 processor, 1 TB of hard drive and 8 GB of RAM. Should I get Solid State Drive? I could however go on the OOTP website and navigate OK... the internet seemed to be OK once I go on it. Looks like I need a new computer... my computer is processing very slowly... takes 10 minutes to boot up... from the desktop to the internet takes 30 seconds... once I get on the internet, it is fine. After a game crash, OOTP took 2-3 minutes to load... and 30 seconds to load the next screen... I just shut it down and decided to get a new computer. All I do on the computer is search the internet, store my music library of 7500 mp3 files and play OOTP... nothing else. Do I need a $500 computer or and $800 computer?... prefer desktop PC because they can be upgraded easier that the All-in-One PC. Should I buy a Dell or HP PC for $500 or should I go higher around 800$ with better processors or graphics card?... my past 3 computers were built by a IT guy and they worked well, but he doesn't do repairs anymore... they cost around $700. Should I purchase the Dell or HP extended warranties and for how long... 1 year, 2 year or 3 year... or not at all? All I do is surf the internet and play OOTP. Do I need a good graphics card?. Intel or AMD processor? Dell or HP? Here are 3 PC that I have looked at: Inspiron Desktop Inspiron Desktop 4.0 (1633) Est. Value $684.98 Est. Value is Dell’s estimate of product value based on industry data, including the prices at which third-party retailers have offered or valued the same or comparable products, in its most recent survey of major online and/or off-line retailers. Third-party retailer data may not be based on actual sales. Dell Price $619.99 Save $64.99 (9%) FREE Shipping 10th Gen Intel® Core™ i5-10400 processor Windows 11 Home Intel® UHD Graphics 630 with shared graphics memory 512GB M.2 PCIe NVMe Solid State Drive 8GB, 8Gx1, DDR4, 2666MHz Inspiron Desktop PC $779.99 Save $74.99 (9%) FREE Shipping 10th Gen Intel® Core™ i7-10700 processor Windows 11 Home Intel® UHD Graphics 630 with shared graphics memory 512GB M.2 PCIe NVMe Solid State Drive 12GB, 8Gx1 + 4Gx1, DDR4, 2933MHz XPS 8950 New XPS Desktop $919.99 Free Shipping 12th Gen Intel® Core™ i5-12600K processor Windows 11 Home Intel® UHD Graphics 770 with shared graphics memory 8GB DDR5, 1x8GB, at 4400MHz; up to 128GB 1TB 7200RPM SATA 6Gb/s Hope you can help me with your advice. Happy New Year !

12-31-2021, 07:53 PM	#2
Brad K Hall Of Famer Join Date: May 2016 Location: St Petersburg Florida USA Posts: 6,485 Infractions: 0/1 (1)	I think you have a bad hard drive. If your other stuff will run OOTP maybe just replace the hard drive. However I kept a 2003 XP machine running as my primary computer until last year so maybe don't pay attention to me. __________________ Pirates Play Moneyball 1951 to 2008 46,000 views and counting!... Wow, up to 47,000, thank you. Wow, I hadn't checked for weeks. Oct 9 2024 its 79,561. THIS must be a great idea. My consistent detractors didn't show up en masse to argue against it. They didn't show up HERE either.

01-01-2022, 11:22 AM	#9
Pelican Hall Of Famer Join Date: Mar 2021 Location: Wilmington, Delaware Posts: 2,843	First, the problem when it comes to computers is that you will probably get as many different ideas as there are responses. I don’t disagree with any of them. I’m confident that all of the above would run OOTP 22 (and 23….) just fine, if they are in good working order. I play OOTP on a third generation Mac Mini with 16 GB RAM and a 1 TB hard drive. It rocks! From your mention of Dell products exclusively, I suspect you are more of a PC person. I was too, until I bought my first Mac Mini and was sold. The Mini is the perfect way to switch over to Apple, because it is sold as just a CPU. You provide the monitor, mouse, keyboard, speakers, and other peripherals (which you obviously have already). That makes it much easier to upgrade, without having to buy a new monitor and peripherals you don’t need. Just a thought for you. I’m not anti-PC. I use a Dell laptop for work (and loaded OOTP for travel use, too). But I prefer Apple, and was delighted that OOTP offered a Mac version. Whatever you decide, I totally agree with the advice to spend a bit more to get more RAM, more hard drive space (I have an external HD; but only certain data can reside there), latest graphics, and the best chipset. In the long run, you will save money by being able to keep your computer longer. Think of it this way: from the time you purchase, every new software product (including of course OOTP) will be more, not less, demanding of drive space, RAM, and processing speed. “Software drives hardware”. By investing a bit more at this point, you can put off that next investment by years. If I had been smart enough to add some RAM and hard drive space four years ago, I would still happily be using my second-generation Mac Mini. (Apple did offer $260 to me on a trade-in, which reduced my cost and effectively recycled the computer, a win-win.). Enjoy!! Last edited by Pelican; 01-01-2022 at 11:25 AM.

01-01-2022, 11:36 AM	#10
BPS All Star Reserve Join Date: May 2004 Posts: 717	Your first step should be to see if you can fix your current computer. Three potential solutions to your problem are very low-risk, but you do them at your own risk. And, if your hard drive is failing, you'll want to first back up your important files because if it fails then you might not be able to recover them. 1. Your hard drive might be getting full. In File Explore, right click on your main drive and select properties. Look to see if you're using 85% or more of your drive. If you are, that might be your problem. In any case, do an internet search for "how to run disk cleanup." You can also manually delete large unneeded files and/or programs. 2. Your hard drive has errors. Do an internet search for "chkdsk." You'll want to run: chkdsk /f 3. Windows has corrupted files. Do an internet search for "SFC." You'll want to run: SFC /scannow. Both 2 and 3 require you get to a command prompt (run as administrator). Your internet searches will tell you how to do this. Again, the above are very low-risk but sometimes unexpected things happen so you'll do them at your own risk. But, if they solve your problem, you will have saved yourself lots of money. But, back up important files first. Last edited by BPS; 01-01-2022 at 11:55 AM.

01-01-2022, 12:43 PM	#12
Eugene Church Hall Of Famer Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 35,811	Really appreciate all of the replies from you. Thanks to Pelican and BPS, too. Some very good and thoughtful advice. Storage space on the 1T hard drive is just 40%... I checked properties to make sure it is OK. Last edited by Eugene Church; 01-01-2022 at 12:54 PM.

01-01-2022, 08:46 AM	#6
Eugene Church Hall Of Famer Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 35,811	Thanks to Brad K and Poonox24 for their help and advice.

01-01-2022, 09:50 AM	#7
Sweed Hall Of Famer Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Iowa Posts: 6,574	I'll give you my thoughts and do so knowing many will say it is overkill. As long as buying new I would go with future proofing myself and spend a bit more. I say that knowing it is easy for me to spend your money . I just retired, live normally IE far from wealthy, and am careful on how I spend my money. I bought a new computer a year ago and spent in the $900 range as I didn't want to find myself short on power in the near future. I would be thinking memory, ssd HD, and processor (I'd go i5 unless I found a super deal on i7). Decent on board graphics should be ok but OOTP is improving graphics every year so a "cheap" dedicated card might be nice but cards are not cheap these days. Probably the best deals on cards come on new computers with them already installed. If you're comfortable spending a bit more ($900-$1100) here's a couple of Dells.. One comes with a 1 TB ssd nvme (super fast) and on board graphics. The other a 512 GB ssd nvme but a 1660 super graphics card. Yes, graphic overkill but certainly future proof for OOTP. I think if you had to buy that card stand alone it would be in the $700 range and that's if you could find one to buy. https://deals.dell.com/en-us/productdetail/c5ob https://deals.dell.com/en-us/productdetail/c5oh Having said that this Inspiron would easily run OOTP at ~$300 less. Comes with a bigger ssd (512 vs 256 the 256 not being nearly big enough IMHO) than the $599 model but less memory. Memory is an easy addition if you decide you want to add a stick and not expensive. https://deals.dell.com/en-us/productdetail/c5ox I've never bought extended warranties and have never needed one. Brad is probably right about it being the HD going bad in your current machine. Replacing could be cheap at $100-150 and if your not comfortable doing it I'm sure Best Buy, or local tech, could do it and move your data. But now your at around $200 that could be used to start over new. Keep in mind these are just my thoughts as a "layman" when it comes to computers. Experts may "shoot me down" while laughing out loud Good luck

01-01-2022, 10:48 AM	#8
BaseballGOAT Banned Join Date: Dec 2020 Posts: 1,373 Infractions: 0/1 (1)	I'll disagree with some folks here. Based off your post of what you use the computer for... 512 Gb solid state is more than enough. I have that same size drive with quite a bit of large video files on my hard drive and have more than enough price. I like the looks of the specs on the middle of the 3 you listed. More memory and a faster processor for not a huge bump in cost. Seems like a winning combo to me

01-01-2022, 12:52 PM	#13
Eugene Church Hall Of Famer Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 35,811	My computer is backing up my 7549 song music library on an external hard drive... so far it seems to be working... just very, very slow processing between clicks... once I got the the external hard drive music folder and began copying the songs there, it seems to be processing as normal... it is just about finished... 90% of the songs have been copied. Hope it will also back up my OOTP leagues on an external hard drive.

01-02-2022, 03:24 PM	#16
timmermac Major Leagues Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Portland, OR Posts: 449	Honestly, I would go with 16 GB RAM, minimum 1 TB hard drive and a discrete graphics card. Built in graphics chips may not let you do either FaceGen or 3D gameplay. If you do long-lasting detailed leagues, you'll really need the storage space. More RAM=faster processing when autosaving, which I do every game day. Specs for my current laptop: I5-9300 1 TB SSD, 2 TB internal HD 32 GB RAM GeForce GTX 1660 (I think) graphics __________________ Running with the 1950 Braves. Crush the baseball. Drive it before you. And hear the lamentation of the opponent's women. I am king of the diamond! Let there be a grand clubhouse feast! Bring me the finest meats and cheeses in all the land!

01-02-2022, 07:06 PM	#17
Eugene Church Hall Of Famer Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 35,811	Thanks to Raideroo, TC Dale and timmermac here on the OOTP Forum and Bottom of the Sixth (via PM). Really appreciate you guys taking the time to help me and advise me. I have really gotten some real good advice. I think a basic computer would do fine for me, but I may spend a little bit more money and go first class and get a rock-solid and long-lasting computer.

01-02-2022, 07:11 PM	#18
Eugene Church Hall Of Famer Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 35,811	I just completed backing up my OOTP Dynasty Reports Leagues. It took about 24 hours for 72 seasons of a 64-team league... complete with Almanacs for each year. Also got to back up my 7500-song music library. Both on external hard drives. Really appreciate our wonderful OOTP Community. You folks really help me out in so many ways.... computer-wise, graphics-wise and OOTP game-wise.