Will 2K12 run smoothly on my PC?

[irishrunner16]

I'm not sure which version of 2K12 I should get (I'll primarily be playing offline association). I have a PS3, but am contemplating getting the PC version of NBA 2k12 for the customization/mods.

I have a very low budget (~$100) and am wondering if I'd be ok with only upgrading my video card? Or would I need to upgrade my cpu processor as well to get smooth gameplay and use all the mods? My desktop's specs are:

CPU: Intel Core 2 CPU 6600 @ 2.40GHz
CPU Speed: 2.4 GHz Performance Rated at: 27.072 GHz
RAM: 2.0 GB
OS: Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium Edition Service Pack 2 (build 6002), 32-bit
Video Card: Radeon X1300/X1550 Series
Video RAM 1.0 GB (256MB dedicated)
Pixel Shader version 3.0
Vertex Shader version 3.0
Free Disk Space: 86.0 GB

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

[Andrew]

You should be fine with that processor, I'd say upgrading your video card should be sufficient.

[irishrunner16]

Thanks for the quick reply Andrew! So if I upgraded my video card to something like the XFX AMD Radeon HD 6770 or Sapphire HD 6850 I should be able to play NBA 2K12 on high settings with my processor?

[karlsanada10]

@irishrunner16: 6850 would be future proof. But I think Your Core 2 duo will hold it back a little bit but I believe it can play max. What's your current PSU?

Brand and wattage. upgrade ram to 4GB. 2GB is a bit slow since you're using Vista.

[irishrunner16]

Thanks karlsanada10. Of those two video cards, do you think it would be worth the extra $40 to go with the Sapphire HD 6850, or would the 6770 still allow me to play max settings (or at least close to it)?

My desktop is an XPS 410 and has the Dell power supply, which is 375 watts (model no. L375P-00).

[irishrunner16]

Thanks again for the insight and recommendations. I did a little more research and think that I'm leaning towards the 6770 ($95 on Amazon), although the Sapphire 6850 is tempting at $135.

However, I have found that I will need to upgrade to either a 450 or 500 watt power supply, as my current psu is only 375 watts. Do you have any recommendations for a low-cost power supply for the 6770? I see that Corsair has a 500w for $57, but I'm wondering if there's something similar for a little less.

[Andrew]

You might be able to find it a little cheaper on eBay, brand new from a discount hardware retailer.

[enrgeiz]

Don't cheap out on the psu, a good one will save you more in the long run. I found some cheap brands with high watt ratings to be worse than a decent one with 450w during load

[karlsanada10]

Well, I'm a filipino.

So if you could find this there.

FSP Blue Lighting 500w 80+ Bronze. P2200 ($50)
FSP Epsilon 600w 80+. P3100 ($55)

There. Corsair is a bit overpriced imo.

And

a $40 increase to 6850 is a great jump you know. it's worth it!

[irishrunner16]

Thanks guys! It looks like newegg is having a big November sale, including on Corsair PSUs (500w is around $30 after rebates!) so I think i'm going to go with that one. That'll allow me to get a PSU, the 6770, and more RAM for around 150 bucks.

It will end up being a lot more expensive than just getting the PS3 version of the game, but it seems like the mods add a lot to the PC version and would make Association mode a lot more customizable (more historic teams, players, courts, etc.). If I only play Association mode, do you think I should I go with the PC version and the added cost?

[madicen]

Thanks guys! It looks like newegg is having a big November sale, including on Corsair PSUs (500w is around $30 after rebates!) so I think i'm going to go with that one. That'll allow me to get a PSU, the 6770, and more RAM for around 150 bucks.

It will end up being a lot more expensive than just getting the PS3 version of the game, but it seems like the mods add a lot to the PC version and would make Association mode a lot more customizable (more historic teams, players, courts, etc.). If I only play Association mode, do you think I should I go with the PC version and the added cost?

I would go with the upgrades for your PC, as opposed to the PS3 version. Going that route you are getting a much better version, IMHO (the mods for PC just make the game miles and miles more fun...), as well as taking steps to improve your PC. PC upgrades are a always a plus, and will make life that much easier down the road.

[karlsanada10]

@irish: Oh, so you'll be getting 6770? try getting 6790. Would be much better upgrade.