So I chose to upgrade my PC, rather than buy a PS3...

[snoogans460]

Well fellow UT3 fans, I was in quite a dilemma earlier tonight. To cut a long story short (or not), I went into Circuit City with the intent on upgrading my PC for UT3 (basically lugging my entire rig there).

After arriving, I also decided to take a gander over to the PS3 section, being that my itch to play UT3 in all its glory on a 40 inch Samsung, was taking over any logical reasoning stirring within my cranium.

Anyhow, I'm an extremely loyal Xbox fan - but tonight, I was willing to turn to the dark side because of my love for Unreal and UT3.

After much debate and a little employee persuasion, I ultimately decided to upgrade my PC, rather than purchase a PS3 for relatively the same price.

Honestly, dropping the dough on a glorified Blu-Ray player just didn't make sense - especially considering the only game I care about (and would even play) is UT3.

I mean, if it's a matter of being patient until the 360 version is released, then so be it. My Unreal console itch will then be cured with 1080p visuals and a superior online service.

In the mean-time, I figure that my PC gets daily use and will serve to benefit the most from this upgrade (eVGA e-GeForce 640MB 8800 GTS and dual quad processor I believe).

Otherwise, in a couple months when UT3 arrives on the 360, a PS3 would serve no further use (much). So basically, a slick PC upgrade will last for a good year or two - while the PS3 would only get a few months worth of play-time.

Just outta' curiosity, has anyone else had the UT3 itch so badly, that they were in a similar predicament? I'm not gonna' lie, but UT3 is PS3's system seller at the moment.

After all, I almost made an expensive impulse buy, just for this game. Thankfully, I was already meaning to upgrade my PC anyway, so buyer's remorse won't be an issue.

Geez, sorry for my long rant.

[wanda_jackson]

I think you made a bad choice. Take a look at how long PS2 games were made. You think you can use the same PC to play PC games for that long? No way!
Don't get me wrong, I love PC games, but the consoles are just starting to look like a smarter buy. I've dumped a ton of money into my computer a little at a time trying to play these games, only to be disappointed that they only played the game "so so." With a console, you can play it, or you can't.

[supreal]

You made the right decision. PC is the superior gaming platform if you care about quality. Consoles are for kids and casual gamers, if you're serious about your video games the PC is the only way to go!

[Rujman]

Good choice.

[xi0s]

Wise decision. Bravo!

[snoogans460]

I think you made a bad choice. Take a look at how long PS2 games were made. You think you can use the same PC to play PC games for that long? No way!
Don't get me wrong, I love PC games, but the consoles are just starting to look like a smarter buy. I've dumped a ton of money into my computer a little at a time trying to play these games, only to be disappointed that they only played the game "so so." With a console, you can play it, or you can't.

Bad choice? Possibly. I fully understand that my PC will only have a short shelf-life, and the PS3 will be around for even longer.

However, my 360 already gets the job done on the console front and it's always nice having a killer PC. Since I have the money now, upgrading my computer seems more logical. Besides, the PS3 will always be around and eventually drop in price.

Like I mentioned previously, my computer gets everyday use for other functions other than gaming - while the PS3 would only get minimal play-time.

Not to mention, once the 360 version of UT3 is released, I'd have absolutely no reason to keep playing the PS3 version. Therefore, I'd be stuck with a very expensive Blu-Ray Player at best, and wouldn't have an upgraded PC because I stuck all my money into the PS3.

[supreal]

Short shelf life? That 8800 GTS you bought already owns the PS3.

[Mosh]

Good job... it's better to get an actual PC than a nerfed PC aka. console. Because with hard drives, keyboard, mice... that's exactly what consoles have become. Everything except the Wii which seems to be an actual console.

Just my 5 cents. Get a PC and something totally different, and you'll have the largest scale of games to choose from.

[snoogans460]

Short shelf life? That 8800 GTS you bought already owns the PS3.

LOL. I sure hope so considering the price. Again, the PC just seems like a better investment.

[Kaching]

You made the right decision. PC is the superior gaming platform if you care about quality. Consoles are for kids and casual gamers, if you're serious about your video games the PC is the only way to go!

Ask Fatality and Toxic about their purse winnings on PC compared to console and then try the kiddie quote.

MLG the console league and other console venues seem to be where the cash is for the serious gamers and logically so when MS and Sony have invested interest.

I have not heard of any grotto bash with the bunnies at the Playboy mansion for the PC kickoff of UT, but Cliffie and the GOWer's get to check all the sweetness. Makes me sad I tell ya

Reality is if you are about competing and pushing the envelope and testing your metal, console has the corporate backing to make it happen.

Now if they would only wake up to the keyboard and mouse issue there may be hope.

[Scoobydooby]

buying and building your own rig is way more satasfying than using a generic console. And I won't ever be caught dead fragging without a keyboard and mouse.. PC4L

Good Choice OP!

[supreal]

I really don't care about the fact that there is more money in console gaming. All I care about is having the best quality platform possible. I'm not denying the consoles have a bigger market to pander to. I would still rather drive a Ferrari than drive a Toyota.

[Obscurite]

I'd say you made a good decision, though if you were to get the ps3, it wouldn't neccesarily be the wrong decision either. Sure your upgrading the PC every year or two, but the only reason why that happens is because PC games become more and more intensive graphically and in complexity.

[Merzbau]

Honestly, you're the only one who can judge whether or not this was the right decision for you, and it sounds like you're happy with your choice, so that's good. I can't say I don't agree with you, though. The PS3's a nice piece of hardware, but software support is still straggling behind the 360, and between a 360 and a modern PC you can run most of the top-shelf games coming out these days. And I'm surprised nobody's mentioned one of the PC's main advantages, namely that you can do other things besides play games on it

[Tmorgan71]

Hate to burst your bubble, but UT3 won't be in 1080p on the crapbox. I didn't even know it was capable of 1080p output, I thought crapbox only did 720p or 1080i ? Anyway it was only released in 720p for PS3, and there is no way crapbox will get a 1080p version especially when it's not capable of it in the first place. Also consoles aren't for "kids and casual gamers". I am as "hardcore" as it gets, sure I still play games on PC, but not as much as my PS3.

[clarkportman]

Hate to burst your bubble, but UT3 won't be in 1080p on the crapbox. I didn't even know it was capable of 1080p output, I thought crapbox only did 720p or 1080i ? Anyway it was only released in 720p for PS3, and there is no way crapbox will get a 1080p version especially when it's not capable of it in the first place. Also consoles aren't for "kids and casual gamers". I am as "hardcore" as it gets, sure I still play games on PC, but not as much as my PS3.

i have a ps3 too, b ut honestly the whole purpose and history of the console was bringing video games to kids and casual gamers that is why consoles were designed for the casual audience and what is refered to as hardcore is pc. its where gaming came from and where it continues to come from. though honestly i never understood the term hardcore gamer. everyone likes playing games everyones a gamers. these labels just seems stupid in my opinion.

[DeathmooN]

OP is a troll/xbox fanboi.

[Sev1512]

You made the right decision. PC is the superior gaming platform if you care about quality. Consoles are for kids and casual gamers, if you're serious about your video games the PC is the only way to go!

Is this a joke?

Video games for the PC is the only way to go?

Sorry but we all dont have the money to throw around for a high priced high end PC.

I have been playing video games since the early 80's with the Atari then NES.
Been playing ever since. I am dead serious about my video games, and I never even tried a PC game. Why? Because I like sitting on my couch with my big screen HDTV using a controller, rather than being hunched over a KB/M at a desk with my puny monitor.

People have different tastes. To me yours is garbage. To you mine is garbage. No need to distastefully trash consoles.

[richcz3]

PC was the wiser choice because you already spend more time on your PC. Cost per time used makes more sense. The PS3 would be for one purpose and as you say the purchase would be for one game. You shouldn't buy a console to play one game.

[supreal]

Ok well let me rephrase: "If you're serious about playing fast FPS games, the PC is the only way to go!"

I don't have a problem with consoles, they are great. But for games like UT3 the PC is far superior.

[Tmorgan71]

Ok well let me rephrase: "If you're serious about playing fast FPS games, the PC is the only way to go!"

I don't have a problem with consoles, they are great. But for games like UT3 the PC is far superior.

WRONG AGAIN...

[Sev1512]

Ok well let me rephrase: "If you're serious about playing fast FPS games, the PC is the only way to go!"

I don't have a problem with consoles, they are great. But for games like UT3 the PC is far superior.

A perfectly fine statement. Thank you. I know everyone has their preferences.
You must admit there is alot of PS3/console bashing in this forum.

Its rather unwelcoming. I really thought the PC guys would be glad others got to enjoy this game.

With that type of an attitude, its hard to imagine, there will be many user mods for the PS3.

[TheDeviot]

I personally think the cost argument is bunk.

You can take any midrange PC (Dual core, 2GB, 300GB+) $500-$700
Add a decent videocard (Let's say 8800GT it's the sweet spot) $300

You have a computer that's on par with consoles. If you want a high end monitor too? Ok factor that in. ($1000 32" LCD)

Now figure you started with a decent machine. Two years in maybe you buy a quad core cpu (Let's assume the mobo handles it) by that point they've probably fallen a lot $150

Two years later our 8800GT is becoming weak so we buy a new midrange card to get one last hurrah for our aging machine. And next year we'll put it in our new pc to save money if we want $200

Initially we're $800 - $2000
Year two $950 - $2150
End of life $1150 - $2350

Now we'll take the PS3
We probably want the "Good" PS3 so that's $700
Now we want extra controllers (3 x $50) $150
Figure sure we want the $2000 Bravia TV we saw $2000
Now our PS3 didn't include HDMI, and we're paying at a retail chain $70
And maybe we want a USB KB, and decent USB mouse for UT. $15, and $30

Out the gate we come to $2965
Now let's remember that while Sony says they'll keep it around for 10 years we all know that by year 4 or 5 we may have either a successor or a competitor's new high horsepower system. So just like the PC eventually our game box is obsolete.

The Xbox 360 would come out to around the same after you add the hd dvd player and wi fi

The Wii is about the only system you could make a cost argument on.
But even that you can get the nice TV, and component cables, and controller shells bringing up your tab.

My point isn't to bash one over the other all four options are great.
But when you add it up is it really much different? I'd say no.
Either way in 4 years you're on your next machine.

[clarkportman]

I personally think the cost argument is bunk.

You can take any midrange PC (Dual core, 2GB, 300GB+) $500-$700
Add a decent videocard (Let's say 8800GT it's the sweet spot) $300

You have a computer that's on par with consoles. If you want a high end monitor too? Ok factor that in. ($1000 32" LCD)

Now figure you started with a decent machine. Two years in maybe you buy a quad core cpu (Let's assume the mobo handles it) by that point they've probably fallen a lot $150

Two years later our 8800GT is becoming weak so we buy a new midrange card to get one last hurrah for our aging machine. And next year we'll put it in our new pc to save money if we want $200

Initially we're $800 - $2000
Year two $950 - $2150
End of life $1150 - $2350

Now we'll take the PS3
We probably want the "Good" PS3 so that's $700
Now we want extra controllers (3 x $50) $150
Figure sure we want the $2000 Bravia TV we saw $2000
Now our PS3 didn't include HDMI, and we're paying at a retail chain $70
And maybe we want a USB KB, and decent USB mouse for UT. $15, and $30

Out the gate we come to $2965
Now let's remember that while Sony says they'll keep it around for 10 years we all know that by year 4 or 5 we may have either a successor or a competitor's new high horsepower system. So just like the PC eventually our game box is obsolete.

The Xbox 360 would come out to around the same after you add the hd dvd player and wi fi

The Wii is about the only system you could make a cost argument on.
But even that you can get the nice TV, and component cables, and controller shells bringing up your tab.

My point isn't to bash one over the other all four options are great.
But when you add it up is it really much different? I'd say no.
Either way in 4 years you're on your next machine.

actually the ps3 price dropped you can get one for 400 or 500 now, but still i agree they are all good decision and the difference between them are minimal so you really can't make a wrong decision which is a good thing lol. game on

[KanoBlade]

It's not the hardware people, it's the games, regardless of power and price, a weaker system (or vice versa) with "funner" games is always the better system.

For the most part that is, 2000k for one game does seem like overkill...

[Sev1512]

It's not the hardware people, it's the games, regardless of power and price, a weaker system with "funner" games is always the better system.

For the most part that is, 2000k for one game does seem like overkill...

QFT

I dont like the games PC has to offer. I also dont like the way a PC game is controlled.

I do however like Sony, and the PlayStation brand, and all the games PlayStation has to offer.

I didnt just buy a PS3 for UT3. It just so happened to be available for it.

[Kryogenic]

Hate to burst your bubble, but UT3 won't be in 1080p on the crapbox. I didn't even know it was capable of 1080p output, I thought crapbox only did 720p or 1080i ? Anyway it was only released in 720p for PS3, and there is no way crapbox will get a 1080p version especially when it's not capable of it in the first place. Also consoles aren't for "kids and casual gamers". I am as "hardcore" as it gets, sure I still play games on PC, but not as much as my PS3.

Before you bash the xbox you might want to get your facts straight. The video settings can be adjusted to 1080i or 1080p. I actually own a 360 and an HDTV, and I have mine set to 1080... which looks great.

I've thought about getting a PS3 to check out Home and to play UT3, but I know I'd just end up buying the game again for my xbox. The PC version is great, but I love some controller action, plus the voice chat on xbox live works and people use it... even when you wish they wouldn't.

P.S. Do you have to be a zealot for one console or the other? Can't you admit that each console has something to offer?

[Mosh]

By the way, DON'T get the 8800GTS 640. The 8800GT and new 8800GTS 512 beat it out of the water. The 8800GTS 512 is more expensive, while the 8800GT is less expensive. The 8800GT (512) is still the sweet spot.

Ah and screw the PS3 and Xbox360. Wii for teh win! If you go casual, do it well and go all the way!

[slinky3761]

I am a pc person , but had to come here and say there are other games for the ps3 and you don't have to worry about the circle of trust. I like Drakes and k&l. Motor storm, now come on gotta like motor storm. Anyway Play UT3 the way it was ment to be played and developed on the pc. Although there is nothing wrong with playing it on the ps3 either. Just is more interesting to me atleast on the pc, cause i can develop etc. I just don't think ps3 would do great in development well maybe you could run maya, 3dmax etc. on the ps3, but for now it is the pc. If all you do is game well then game which ever way you prefer.Just my 2 cents.

[KanoBlade]

The actual cost of either a PS3 or PC doesn't matter, it's value, everyone has different reasons for getting the same thing too.

[snoogans460]

PC was the wiser choice because you already spend more time on your PC. Cost per time used makes more sense. The PS3 would be for one purpose and as you say the purchase would be for one game. You shouldn't buy a console to play one game.

That's kinda how I feel. Bottom line is this... if the 360 version of UT3 was currently available alongside the PS3 version, I'd obviously buy the 360 one.

Even then, I'd still have the urge to upgrade my PC while I could care less about purchasing a PS3.

Therefore, my decision to upgrade my computer just feels right, while purchasing a console for one game that'll eventually be available on 360 anyhow sounds ridiculous.

Either way I win, since I'll be able to enjoy UT3 on both PC and then the 360 eventually.

[linkgun]

That's kinda how I feel. Bottom line is this... if the 360 version of UT3 was currently available alongside the PS3 version, I'd obviously buy the 360 one.

Even then, I'd still have the urge to upgrade my PC while I could care less about purchasing a PS3.

Therefore, my decision to upgrade my computer just feels right, while purchasing a console for one game that'll eventually be available on 360 anyhow sounds ridiculous.

Either way I win, since I'll be able to enjoy UT3 on both PC and then the 360 eventually.

You do realize that at this point, the 360 version would not have any support for mods, unlike the PS3, regardless of whether the tools were available or not?

[KanoBlade]

You do realize that at this point, the 360 version would not have any support for mods, unlike the PS3, regardless of whether the tools were available or not?

The details regarding the Xbox 360's version of UT3 haven't been confirmed, we don't know what they're planning although we can assume a lot.

[btcomm]

When you think about it, a ps3 cost about the same amount as a pc upgrade.

Like me for instance, 2 GB ddr2 ram 55 bucks, 8800GT 512 MB version is about 250, 256 MB version is about $200. New motherboard and 2.66 ghz core2duo for $200 bucks, it was a deal at frys.

The nice monitor, already have it. Good sound card, already have it. Good speakers, already have it, good mouse and keyboard, already have it, hard drives, already have it, dvd burner, already have it.

With the 256 MB version of the 8800GT which has shown to be just as good as the 512 MB version except for on very high resolution you can have your upgrade for about 500 bucks, 550 if you get the 512 MB version of the card. Thats what I did anyway, not too expensive and plays UT3 very well, also not too bad with crysis.

[snoogans460]

The details regarding the Xbox 360's version of UT3 haven't been confirmed, we don't know what they're planning although we can assume a lot.

You're absolutely right that details on the 360 version are scarce. However, it'll be well worth the wait with the extra time Epic has to develop this bad boy.

Again, for me it's just a matter of being patient for a console version. Truthfully, I'm more a console gamer at heart, but still love dipping into the PC scene to maintain a healthy gaming balance.

Besides, if I really need to, I can always find a PS3 for cheap in the coming months. Getting around to actually upgrading a PC is more work, so I'm glad to have now officially taken care of that.

W

hen you think about it, a ps3 cost about the same amount as a pc upgrade.

Like me for instance, 2 GB ddr2 ram 55 bucks, 8800GT 512 MB version is about 250, 256 MB version is about $200. New motherboard and 2.66 ghz core2duo for $200 bucks, it was a deal at frys.

The nice monitor, already have it. Good sound card, already have it. Good speakers, already have it, good mouse and keyboard, already have it, hard drives, already have it, dvd burner, already have it.

With the 256 MB version of the 8800GT which has shown to be just as good as the 512 MB version except for on very high resolution you can have your upgrade for about 500 bucks, 550 if you get the 512 MB version of the card. Thats what I did anyway, not too expensive and plays UT3 very well, also not too bad with crysis.

Heck ya... purchasing a PS3 isn't exactly cheap. If you decide to splurge for the $500 edition, you then need a warranty which can run anywhere from $50-$100 bucks depending on the store.

Factor in the $40 bones for tax, $60 for the game, $50 for an HDMI cable, and possibly another $50 for an extra controller... you're pushing a good $800 dollars to get your feet wet with the PS3.

[maxerus]

Yes the 8800 is the chit BUT Windows has and always will SUCK!! You must say its kinda nice to pop a game in and KNOW it will play. I feel lucky as hell any time that happens on a pc. Also I put over 4K u.s. into my pc only 3-4 years ago and it cant play new pc games worth a crap. Not what i expected when i paid 10X more then the ps3.

So yeah if you have cash to burn go for it. But think, how many pc only games came out this year, and then tell me its a better gaming platform.

And BTW if UT3 is comeing out on 360 soon and buying a ps3 is a waste then why are you upgrade your pc? Also check blu-ray players some time thay run around $500 u.s sooo how dose that make the ps3 an expensive player? You 360/microsoft fan boys need to think twice type once cuz ya sound like some fools.

FYI: ps3 is 1.8 tara flops 360 is only 1 tara flop thats 80% stronger
And anyone that doubts the power go to the folding at home web page and check out how ps3 has turned 1 years work in to 2 weeks.

http://www.terrasoftsolutions.com/sh.../cellebration/

Just a few of Terra Soft's PS3 & Cell Blade Customers

Atmospheric Sciences Research Center
Aerospace Corp
Argonne National Lab
Astek Corp
Columbia University
Computational Research Labs, India
Digital Video S.p.A
Dream Works
Florida Institute for Human and Machine Cognition
General Dynamics Robotic Systems
Georgia Institute of Tech, College of Computing
Georgia Southern University
Honeywell-Defense Avionics Systems
Isilon Systems
Los Alamos National Lab
Lawrence Berkeley National Lab
LG Electronics
MIT Lincoln Lab
Naval Post Grad School
Naval Underseas Warfare Center
Oak Ridge National Lab, DOE
Purdue University

SAIC
Sodankyla Geophysical Observatory
Stanford University
University of Alaska
University of Akron, Ohio
University of Buffalo, New York
University of California, CalTech
University of California Davis, CS Department
University of Delaware
University of Kentucky, Center for Visualization
University of Maryland, Laboratory for Physical Science (LPS)
University of Minnesota
University of North Carolina, Charlotte
Uviversity of Utah
Uppsala University, Department of Cell & Molecular Biology
U.S. Army Research Lab
U.S. Airforce Research Lab (AFRL)
U.S. Food & Drug Administration
U.S. Naval Air Warfare Center
U.S. Naval Post Grad School
Wright Patterson Airforce Base

[maxerus]

You're absolutely right that details on the 360 version are scarce. However, it'll be well worth the wait with the extra time Epic has to develop this bad boy.

Again, for me it's just a matter of being patient for a console version. Truthfully, I'm more a console gamer at heart, but still love dipping into the PC scene to maintain a healthy gaming balance.

Besides, if I really need to, I can always find a PS3 for cheap in the coming months. Getting around to actually upgrading a PC is more work, so I'm glad to have now officially taken care of that.

W

Heck ya... purchasing a PS3 isn't exactly cheap. If you decide to splurge for the $500 edition, you then need a warranty which can run anywhere from $50-$100 bucks depending on the store.

Factor in the $40 bones for tax, $60 for the game, $50 for an HDMI cable, and possibly another $50 for an extra controller... you're pushing a good $800 dollars to get your feet wet with the PS3.

Soo 400 for ps3 40 tax 60 for a game and what do ya know since i have a HD tv i already have a hdmi cable and i dont need a second controller do you have one for your pc or even need one? Ive never played a 2 player game on pc. So my price comes to 500 , and even if i add hdmi 2nd controller and 100 warranty thats 700 not 800.
p.s. you dont need a warranty with the ps3. It dose not have a light ring to go red.

[Tagen]

I think your biggest mistake was going to Circuit City.../vomit.

And yeah, I got the itch. The time between demo and gold release I built a new box. Got a lot of really good deals but still it was money that didnt really NEED to be spent. Just wanted to.

But I dont regret it.

[Matfei]

You think you can use the same PC to play PC games for that long? No way!

You can if you properly maintain it and don't treat it like sh*t.

PC is the driving force behind games getting better and looking better. If consoles were the only things, we'd still have games looking like FF10.

[maxerus]

buying and building your own rig is way more satasfying than using a generic console. And I won't ever be caught dead fragging without a keyboard and mouse.. PC4L

Good Choice OP!

Ermm FYI you can use keyboard and mouse in UT3 on the PS3. And many at 1up.com like the ps3 ut3 over the pc ut3 due too "just crazy moment speeds" in the pc version that matched with slow fire rates on some weps gets you like a 20% hit rate. Not fun imo.