What really makes the difference?

[Ruin]

After looking into setting up a computer for FF14 for over a week now, im kinda left with one question. What is really gonna make the difference.

It seems like I keep getting answers like "there is no reason for more than 4 core processor" or "no reason for more than 4GB RAM"

So before I buy, I ask for last opinions on this. Is it really the graphics card that will make the main difference as long as I get quad core and 4GB RAM? It seems to me like I should just grab a phenom2 and get a radeon hd 8550+ for now and it will run it really run well. I mean like im not seeing enough evidence that an i7 processor or 6GB+ RAM is gonna make that much of a difference for FF14. Any last opinions appreciated

[KOS-MOS]

I was in the same situation quite few days ago. I did some researching before deciding on anything.

Basically, what people say about the 4 GB memory: It's true. You won't need more than that unless you work really heavily with your computer. After 4 GB your performance improvement vs. money you'll pay for additional memory will fall behind on the Cost x Efficiency chart. Same thing applies to choosing anything higher than a Quad Core processor.

Choosing a better Processor is one of your main goals; secondly, don't be cheap with your graphics card: These are probably the most notorious 2 components that will affect your performance.

Lastly: The third (optional) upgrade you can think of: A Solid State Drive (SSD) instead of regular HD. They will lower your loading times considerably and will enhance your multi-tasking experience. If you can't afford one, get a high capacity HD @7500.

There are numerous videos on youtube showing how a SSD will lower your load times and help you multi-task. Take a look at them.

So basically my upgrade order would be:

Processor (Not higher than Quad Core)
>
Graphics Card
>
Memory (Provided you are not at 4 GB)
>
SSD
>
Memory (Provided you are already at 4 GB)

Adjust that to your budget and be happy!

[Ruin]

I did mean to put Radeon HD 5850, but ok thanks for input.

I still dont know exactly what processor to get tho, the i7 is such a huge price difference than say phenom 2

[Adajer]

I think the i5's have 4 threads on the dual cores. The i5 & i7 quad cores have 8 threads. All AMDs cpus have one thread per core. Thus making i5 dual cores < AMD x6 < i5 & i7 quad cores. Correct me if I am wrong.