PC vs Xbox

[Flex]

I know this is an age old question. But I would like to have a look at this in much more detail.
Comparing the specs and pricing of building your own Computer with similar specs to an Xbox one, with everything else that you need to game properly and enjoy it without cutting corners.

So the XBOX One Specs look as follows:

Optical Drive

Blu-Ray/DVD [1]


RAM

8GB DDR3
Clock: 2133MHz Bandwidth: 68.26 GB/s
+ 32MB eSRAM
Bandwidth: 204 GB/s(102 In/102 Out)


CPU

8 Core AMD custom CPU
Frequency: 1.75 GHz [5]

GPU

Clock Speed: 853 MHz(originally 800 MHz)

Shader Cores: 768
Peak Throughput: 1.31 TFLOPS [6]

Storage

500 GB (5400 rpm)

You can get the standard Xbox One with 1 control and no games for +- R5 999.00 on Takealot.

You will also need a screen to play the Xbox On with sound. So I chose the cheapest 19 "HD JVC Screen on Takealot for R1699.00

This adds up to R 7 698.00


Now for the PC i will try and use one supplier to keep the pricing consistent as possible. I will be using Eve Tech.
I am in no means marketing them. I am just familiar with their site

We will need the following:
Case
Power Supply
Mobo
CPU
RAM
GPU ( Radeon HD 7790 or similar. Closest Alternative I could find was the R7 360)
Screen
Speakers/Headphones
Mouse
Keyboard

Evetech have ready built systems. As a first time gamer, I doubt they will be able to build a PC themselves, and would have to take the parts to a PC shop and pay labour. SO here that is already done and don't need to take into consideration.
I chose the cheapest option, and modified it a little bit, to get the similar kind of RAM and GPU. Unfortunately I could not find a Similar CPU here, so the PC has a better CPU to start off with.

PC Case: Standard Black Case - Included
Power Supply: Standard 400W Power Supply - Included
Processor: AMD FX-6300 3.5GHz (6 x 4.1GHz Turbo) 14MB Cache Six-Core - Included
Heatsink & CPU Fan: Standard Heatsink & CPU Fan - Included
Motherboard: MSI 760GM-P23 AM3+ Motherboard - Included
Memory: 8GB DDR3 1866Mhz High Performance Gaming RAM [ + R449.00 ]
Graphics Card: MSI R7 360 2GB GDDR5 Overclocked Edition Card [ + R1,299.00 ]
Sound Card: Integrated 6 Channel HD Audio - Included
Primary Hard Drive: 1TB WD Blue 7200RPM 64MB Cache HDD [ + R849.00 ]
Secondary Hard Drive: Not Included
Main Optical Drive: 24x Dual Layer DVD +/- Writer - Included
Secondary Optical Drive: Not Included
External Hard Drive: Not Included
Memory Card Reader: Not Included
Network Adapter: Integrated Gigabit Network - Included
Bluetooth: Not Included
Fan Controller: Not Included
Case Lighting: Not Included
Fire Wire: Not Included
LCD Monitor: LG 20" Slim 1600 X 900 HD LED Monitor [ + R1,399.00 ]
2nd LCD Monitor: Not Included
Keyboard & Mouse Combo: Standard Keyboard & Mouse [ + R199.00 ]
Keyboard: Not Included
Mouse: Not Included
Mouse Pad: Not Included
Headset: Not Included
Speakers: Creative A120 2.1 Stereo Speaker System [ + R449.00 ]
Operating System: Not Included
Antivirus & Security Software: Not Included
Office Software: Not Included
Warranty: 2 Years Return To Base (1st yr. Parts & Labour, 2nd yr. Labour only) - Included

This adds up to R9 747.00

Keep in mind that this is without OS, and hopefully you have your own.

There are a few differences between the PC and Xbox Specs, making the PC a bit better such as the HD being twice the size and the CPU being much better on the PCU. The Ram is however faster on the Xbox.

If you look even further I am sure you will be able to get cheaper PC parts, but this is just a very rough indication.

So for the difference of just +- R2000.00 you can get a pc that is slightly better than an Xbox. Worth it?

 

[Tom]

Ok firstly let me just state that i am a PS4 guy through and through, but I also have a more than decent Gaming Laptop that wipes the floor with the current gen consoles.

The main question for me is not what is better, but more a case of what allows me to play the games i want. I am seriously hoping that the X-Box live thing for PC becomes a reality and that all the games available on X-Box become available on PC, with cross platform play. Mainly because then all my bases are covered. But if Microsoft do this, i do think that there will be no point to having an X-Box at all. A PC is so much more versatile. You cant really put an X-Box next to a PC and compare them, because a PC is so much more than a gaming machine. If you can get everything on X-Box on PC i think paying an extra R2000.00 is a small amount for the added benefits of a PC.

The thing that it comes down to for me is Exclusive games.

 

[PsychoFish]

You're comparing Apples and Oranges, this will always be the case in comparing PCs and consoles. The PC is a much more flexible and versatile platform than the Xbox, but if you judge the Xbox on its ability to be a general purpose device it will lose every time.

a better comparison would be the Alienware Steam Machine @ $459.00 USD vs XBox One Elite Bundle (1TB) @ $499 USD

But effectively you're still comparing two different things. The CPU and GPU setups are different, yes the XBONE is x86 based, but you cannot compare it to say an i3 or i5 processor, hell you can barely compare it to a similar AMD CPU. The GPU is also custom built. With the PC you are always going to deal with drivers and other parts of hardware abstraction.

Ultimately there is no way you can do a fair head to head comparison between a console and a PC

 

[DieGrootHammer]

Pretty much exactly what the others have said. You simply cannot compare the two with each other. It's all about what you want from your machine, and which games you want to play. Get the Xbox One if it has exclusive games you want to play, and get a PC if you want to get access to PC released games. Also it's about how you want to play; sitting on the couch in front of your TV with a controller in hand, or with a keyboard and mouse. Totally different experiences and totally different games.

I love my Xbox as it gives me access to any and all new games that launches that my PC would not be able to play, and thus I don't feel the need of upgrading my PC. But even playing on both systems, the experience is so much different and incomparable.

 

[Flex]

You're comparing Apples and Oranges, this will always be the case in comparing PCs and consoles. The PC is a much more flexible and versatile platform than the Xbox, but if you judge the Xbox on its ability to be a general purpose device it will lose every time.

a better comparison would be the Alienware Steam Machine @ $459.00 USD vs XBox One Elite Bundle (1TB) @ $499 USD

But effectively you're still comparing two different things. The CPU and GPU setups are different, yes the XBONE is x86 based, but you cannot compare it to say an i3 or i5 processor, hell you can barely compare it to a similar AMD CPU. The GPU is also custom built. With the PC you are always going to deal with drivers and other parts of hardware abstraction.

Ultimately there is no way you can do a fair head to head comparison between a console and a PC

Very true yes. I do not like using alieanware as a comparison though, because you pay so much for that little alien head on the device.

I know they are used for 2 totally different things. But you do get people that ponder between an Xbox and PC for their first GAMING machine. So was looking at it from that perspective, and buying a normal xbox and a normal tower pc and comparing the pricing of similar specs, not exactly the same specs.

But I do understand 100% what you are saying

 

[DieGrootHammer]

Very true yes. I do not like using alieanware as a comparison though, because you pay so much for that little alien head on the device.

I know they are used for 2 totally different things. But you do get people that ponder between an Xbox and PC for their first GAMING machine. So was looking at it from that perspective, and buying a normal xbox and a normal tower pc and comparing the pricing of similar specs, not exactly the same specs.

But I do understand 100% what you are saying

Even then, if it is their first gaming machine, it's still about their technical skills and willingness to dabble in technical aspects. With PC's you will always have driver issues, fiddling with resolutions, fiddling with settings, changing things and all that jazz. With consoles, it's just a matter of downloading the game and playing. No fuss about settings and what not. So for a full on non-techie, I would say go for the consoles. But still it's not as easy as that, what if they want to play real time strategic games or older games? Then PC would be better. The crux of the matter is it's all about the games, about the games, no spec sheets....

 

[FarligOpptreden]

Pretty much exactly what the others have said. You simply cannot compare the two with each other. It's all about what you want from your machine, and which games you want to play. Get the Xbox One if it has exclusive games you want to play, and get a PC if you want to get access to PC released games. Also it's about how you want to play; sitting on the couch in front of your TV with a controller in hand, or with a keyboard and mouse. Totally different experiences and totally different games.

I love my Xbox as it gives me access to any and all new games that launches that my PC would not be able to play, and thus I don't feel the need of upgrading my PC. But even playing on both systems, the experience is so much different and incomparable.

I've got my gaming desktop PC permanently hooked up to a 48" TV that's mounted above my fireplace (with HDMI cable running through conduit in the wall for minimalist appeal) and I will play games console-style there when I get the time to do so.

 

[Flex]

Even then, if it is their first gaming machine, it's still about their technical skills and willingness to dabble in technical aspects. With PC's you will always have driver issues, fiddling with resolutions, fiddling with settings, changing things and all that jazz. With consoles, it's just a matter of downloading the game and playing. No fuss about settings and what not. So for a full on non-techie, I would say go for the consoles. But still it's not as easy as that, what if they want to play real time strategic games or older games? Then PC would be better. The crux of the matter is it's all about the games, about the games, no spec sheets....

As i mentioned with Evetech they setup the whole thing for you. Can install all the drivers and OS as well.
So it will basically be the same as the Xbox. Plug and Play with no hassles

 

[PsychoFish]

As i mentioned with Evetech they setup the whole thing for you. Can install all the drivers and OS as well.
So it will basically be the same as the Xbox. Plug and Play with no hassles

Not quite, go and install a title, then the very next thing you want to do is crank up the resolution and possibly graphics settings to get an optimal playing experience on the PC (yes even with SteamOS) on the XB/PS side it's jack in the disk and play no need to go and adjust resolution or any graphical options at all.

 

[Flex]

Not quite, go and install a title, then the very next thing you want to do is crank up the resolution and possibly graphics settings to get an optimal playing experience on the PC (yes even with SteamOS) on the XB/PS side it's jack in the disk and play no need to go and adjust resolution or any graphical options at all.

Nvidia Optimizer?

 

[Flex]

Ok firstly let me just state that i am a PS4 guy through and through, but I also have a more than decent Gaming Laptop that wipes the floor with the current gen consoles.

The main question for me is not what is better, but more a case of what allows me to play the games i want. I am seriously hoping that the X-Box live thing for PC becomes a reality and that all the games available on X-Box become available on PC, with cross platform play. Mainly because then all my bases are covered. But if Microsoft do this, i do think that there will be no point to having an X-Box at all. A PC is so much more versatile. You cant really put an X-Box next to a PC and compare them, because a PC is so much more than a gaming machine. If you can get everything on X-Box on PC i think paying an extra R2000.00 is a small amount for the added benefits of a PC.

The thing that it comes down to for me is Exclusive games.

I think LOTS of people base their decision purely off of Exclusive games

 

[PsychoFish]

Nvidia Optimizer?

And if you're not running one of the 355 titles currently supported or if you're running an AMD GPU? Also keep in mind that some titles need to be launched at least once before settings can be automatically applied.

 

[Flex]

And if you're not running one of the 355 titles currently supported or if you're running an AMD GPU? Also keep in mind that some titles need to be launched at least once before settings can be automatically applied.

That is very true. Quite a few things I did not think about that a new user would have to consider

 

[PsychoFish]

That is very true. Quite a few things I did not think about that a new user would have to consider

It's a big issue for PC gaming. People get "the stupids"[SUP]TM[/SUP] when having to deal with a PC for some reason. The seemingly steep learning curve for new gamers/users on PC is what is apparently keeping some people away. The other factor is that there is a lot of uncertainty and doubt linked with loads of misinformation around PC gaming.

I hear some of these on a daily basis, these include:

- You need an i7 for gaming : Reality is that most games WILL NOT take advantage of HT and the increase in performance is mostly related to larger cache on the i7 than the additional cores, etc
- You need a GTX 980/etc etc : Unless you're gaming at 4K resolution on a 4K screen and have the latest games on Ultra graphics settings you don't really need the top of the line graphics card.
- You need a gaming mouse/gaming keyboard/gaming input device : You don't, standard keyboard and mouse works just fine for 90% of games and for most people
- PCs are expensive : See all of the above, they're not, but they're also not JUST gaming devices
- PC games are expensive : HAVE YOU SEEN THE PRICE OF CONSOLE GAMES?!?!

 

[Flex]

It's a big issue for PC gaming. People get "the stupids"[SUP]TM[/SUP] when having to deal with a PC for some reason. The seemingly steep learning curve for new gamers/users on PC is what is apparently keeping some people away. The other factor is that there is a lot of uncertainty and doubt linked with loads of misinformation around PC gaming.

I hear some of these on a daily basis, these include:

- You need an i7 for gaming : Reality is that most games WILL NOT take advantage of HT and the increase in performance is mostly related to larger cache on the i7 than the additional cores, etc
- You need a GTX 980/etc etc : Unless you're gaming at 4K resolution on a 4K screen and have the latest games on Ultra graphics settings you don't really need the top of the line graphics card.
- You need a gaming mouse/gaming keyboard/gaming input device : You don't, standard keyboard and mouse works just fine for 90% of games and for most people
- PCs are expensive : See all of the above, they're not, but they're also not JUST gaming devices
- PC games are expensive : HAVE YOU SEEN THE PRICE OF CONSOLE GAMES?!?!

Oh yes, have definitely heard those before as well.
There are loads of misconceptions surrounding Gaming Computers, especially hardware related. I think it is because there is such a huge variety of parts and combinations that every 2nd game that bought a PC Format has his 2c to add. As where with consoles, you get what you buy, and most people will not even know what lives inside that little box next to their TV

 

[PsychoFish]

Oh yes, have definitely heard those before as well.
There are loads of misconceptions surrounding Gaming Computers, especially hardware related. I think it is because there is such a huge variety of parts and combinations that every 2nd game that bought a PC Format has his 2c to add. As where with consoles, you get what you buy, and most people will not even know what lives inside that little box next to their TV

Not just that, drivers and odd hardware combinations can sometimes cause chaos with game performance which can upset people who don't know all that much about PCs. Consoles have almost no issues with drivers and odd hardware combinations as what the developers deal with is exactly what the end user will have.

 

[Flex]

Not just that, drivers and odd hardware combinations can sometimes cause chaos with game performance which can upset people who don't know all that much about PCs. Consoles have almost no issues with drivers and odd hardware combinations as what the developers deal with is exactly what the end user will have.

I have seen that combination of parts nightmare so many times before!
Some of the pre built Systems that Eve Tech sell are horrendous and a bottle neck fest. And people who don't know any better won't know to look out for these

 

[bradbear117]

PC skills are actually life skills in this day and age, and what better way to learn than getting your PC to run some good games.

Almost everything I know about computers and even aspects of my work has come from my desire to get games to work properly on my computer/s.

Consoles are cool obviously but the bottom line is that the PC is the best place for playing games. From the latest and greatest to the eoldest most retro most obscure games can all be played on a PC.

let us not forget mods. Don't like how something look or acts in a game? Theres probably a mod for that.
from tweaking graphic overhauls to AI behaviour to adjust FOV it can all be done on a PC.
I mean, you can turn Skyrim from an action RPG to full on medievel survivor simulator that includes sexy time. All for free! what!?

Where are you now console? I still want a PS4 though but if you can choose only one at first I always recommend a PC.