Help me pick a used desktop with good CPU for Gaming

LoLCashCow · May 9, 2013

I want to play LoL, but own no desktop. I have a 5 year old asus netbook, but it is not able to handle the game; too much lag, skipping, freezing, etc. I cannot afford a brand new PC, but have been given some used PC choices. I don't know much about computers at all... so I really need some help to pick a decent PC. Some PCs have a video card while others don't. I don't know if it is best for it to have one, or for me to pick one up. Some help there will also be greatly appreciated. I have a pair of old keyboards and mouse so I don't think I need to buy any.

The Basics:

The PC will mainly be used to play League of Legends while playing some music on the background and browsing the web. I will also watch online movies on it. I don't think I will need a big Hard Drive (All Online).

My Budget: Less than $200 USD.

League of Legends
============================
Minimum System Requirements:
2 GHz processor
1 GB RAM (Windows Vista and 7 users will want 2 GB of RAM or more)
8 GB available hard disk space
Shader version 2.0 capable video card
Support for DirectX v9.0c or better
Windows XP, Windows Vista, or Windows 7.
================================
Recommended System Requirements:
3 GHz processor
2 GB of RAM (Windows Vista and 7 users should use 4 GB of RAM or more.)
12 GB available hard disk space
GeForce 8800 or equivalent video card (Dedicated GPU with 512MB+ Video Memory(VRAM))
Support for DirectX v9.0c or better.
Windows XP with the latest service pack installed, Windows Vista with the latest service pack installed, or Windows 7
The latest update to .NET Framework from Microsoft

My used PC Choices:
Note: Since I am dealing with people directly I might be able to ask for a lower price....

[strike]#1 COST: $100.00 USD
HP Desktop Computer: Sticker says HP dc5000 SFF. (HP Compaq Business Desktop dc5000 Small Form Factor?) No PCIe Slot???
3.2GHz Intel Pentium 4 (Single Core?)
3GB RAM
80GB HD
15" LCD + 1 Extra Monitor
No Video Card
->185 Watt PSU<-[/strike]

#2 COST: 100.00 USD
Dell Dimension E520:
1.8GHz Intel Core 2 Duo E6300 (2 CPU)
3.5GB RAM DDR2
250GB HD
19" inch Dell Monitor
Nvidia GeForce 7300 graphics card
->350 Watt PSU<-

#3 COST: $50.00
Custom Desktop PC Built in 2004:
1.5GHz AMD Athlon XP 2400+ (Single Core?)
1GB RAM
56GB Internal Hard Drive?
Dell Flat Panel Monitor - 17" Diagonal
(Waiting for Video Card Answer)

#4 COST: [strike]$75.00[/strike] $50.00
Custom Build 2009/2010
AMD X2 Dual 3.2 GHz Processor (2 CPU?)
4GB RAM - Corsair xms2 DDR
30GB HD
NO MONITOR
1 GB NVIDIA GeForce 210 Video Card
600 Watt PSU: CoolerMaster eXtreme Power Plus
Motherboard - Biostar (MCP6P M2+)

I am still looking into more choices. Hopefully better ones will come as time passes by. Is there any other information I should be asking to make a more informed decision?

Swordkd · May 9, 2013

Only #4 meets recommended system specs. I'd go with that one and buy a new HDD. 30gb's isn't enough, and a new hard drive will set ya back 60 dollars or so(500gb WD Caviar Blue). Of course, you'll have to search for a monitor as well, but I'm sure you'll find something within your budget.

icypyro · May 9, 2013

I would go with #1. It most likely has a Pentium G2130 in it, which is a great budget CPU. You'll want to pick up two things when you buy one of these new PCs: a new PSU, and a new graphics card. If all you're going to be playing is LoL, a Radeon 7750 will work wonders for you, especially since there's the 'what if' part of the build supporting only low profile expansion slots, which the 7750 will support, if the right one is bought.

carowden · May 9, 2013

icypyro :

youre getting a p4 and an ivy bridge pentium mixed up. pentium 4 is an aged single core processor and uses ddr ram if i remember correctly. id honestly go for #2. It has a good cpu in a core 2 duo, a good amount of ram, and it comes with a monitor. my second choice is #4, but as stated you'll more than likely need a bigger hard drive. I would not even consider #1 or #3 to be honest.

LoLCashCow · May 9, 2013

I spoke with the person who owns the 3.2GHz HP Desktop. He gave me details on the PSU and the Chipset(?):

http://imageshack.us/a/img96/648/computerhp1.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img203/5788/computerhp2.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img10/4606/computerhp3.jpg

#1 COST: $100.00 USD
HP Desktop Computer:
3.2GHz Intel Pentium 4 (Single Core?)
3GB RAM
80GB HD
15" LCD + 1 Extra Monitor
No Video Card
->185 Watt PSU<-

He also mentioned that the Desktop is not a tower? It doesn't sit upright it lays horizontal.There is a sticker that reads: HP dc5000 SFF. After I googled it I got a hit for: HP Compaq Business Desktop dc5000 Small Form Factor. http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsupport/TechSupport/Document.jsp?prodSeriesId=403745&objectID=c00244365

I don't think that computer has a PCIe slot. From what I herd a PCIe slot is best when it comes down to gaming. Could someone look at the specs and let me know if I missed the PCIe slot? I only saw 'PCI'.

On a side note I was wondering if I will really need to buy such a big Hard Drive for Option #4? $60 / 500GB. Will the 30GB really not be enough space for Windows XP / League of Legends?

For Option #1 I was given a picture of the chipset(?) and a picture of the system specs. I am not sure if it is a Pentium G2130. I'm not familiar with computers, but in the system window it says: Intel(R) Pentium(R) 4 CPU 3.20GHz 3.19GHz. The chipset(?) picture says on the chip: Intel(R) FW82801EB L524NO21 SL73Z INTEL MC' 02 Taiwan. I hope this information helps clear up the CPU. Could you please let me know?

Mr. Carowden will the CPU with the core duo be enough for league of legends? It says it is 1.8GHz and the minimum recommended requirements for LoL is a 2GHz CPU. Could you p lease let me know your thoughts on that?

Thank you all for helping me

. I am asking the other people what is the power of the PSU their desktop have. Hopefully they will answer soon.

ihog · May 9, 2013

Swordkd :

The Geforce 210 is not equivalent to any card of the 8800 series.

LoLCashCow · May 9, 2013

Hi Guys,

I found out that Option #2 has a 350 Watt PSU. Is this a good PSU? Since it comes with a Graphics card called 'Nvidia GeForce 7300' do you think it will be good enough to run League of legends? The CPU falls below the minimum requirements for LoL, but it has two CPUs.... Would it also be possible to upgrade the Intel Core 2 Duo? Would it be expensive if I did so? Do I need to know the model of the motherboard? Or will it accept any Intel Core 2 Duo CPU?

#2 COST: 100.00 USD
Dell Dimension E520:
1.8GHz Intel Core 2 Duo E6300 (2 CPU)
3.5GB RAM DDR2
250GB HD
19" inch Dell Monitor
Nvidia GeForce 7300 graphics card
->350 Watt PSU<-

On a side note: Out of the two choices GeForce 210 and GeForce 7300 which would be the better Video Card for League of Legends?

ihog · May 9, 2013

Frankly, you aren't going to get anything good in the $100 price range.

elemein · May 9, 2013

I will comment on each build in bolds.

#1 COST: $100.00 USD
HP Desktop Computer: Sticker says HP dc5000 SFF. (HP Compaq Business Desktop dc5000 Small Form Factor?) No PCIe Slot???
3.2GHz Intel Pentium 4 (Single Core?)
3GB RAM
80GB HD
15" LCD + 1 Extra Monitor
No Video Card
->185 Watt PSU<-

^- That simply wont work. An integrated motherboard GPU with a P4 is a dead end. No go. Also, weak PSU and expensive for the parts. Don't bother.

#2 COST: 100.00 USD
Dell Dimension E520:
1.8GHz Intel Core 2 Duo E6300 (2 CPU)
3.5GB RAM DDR2
250GB HD
19" inch Dell Monitor
Nvidia GeForce 7300 graphics card
->350 Watt PSU<-

^- Good for most specs. Except that graphics card is literally ancient. Update it and you have a decent rig.

#3 COST: $50.00
Custom Desktop PC Built in 2004:
1.5GHz AMD Athlon XP 2400+ (Single Core?)
1GB RAM
56GB Internal Hard Drive?
Dell Flat Panel Monitor - 17" Diagonal
(Waiting for Video Card Answer)

^- RAM is low and the CPU is eh. It probably wont cut it.

#4 COST: $75.00
(Waiting for Answer on Maker Brand)
AMD X2 Dual 3.2 GHz Processor (2 CPU?)
4GB RAM
30GB HD
NO MONITOR
1 GB NVIDIA GeForce 210 Video Card

^- A fair build and will probably be able to do what you want. Either go with this with a GPU upgrade or the C2D with a GPU upgrade.

LoLCashCow · May 9, 2013

Hi Mr. elemein,

Between Option #2 and #4 which do you believe has a superior and/or faster CPU (AMD or INTEL)? The main downside I see for Option #4 is the small HD and no Monitor. How much do you think will need to be spent on a new Video Card?

elemein · May 9, 2013

LoLCashCow :

I would go with option 2. Simply because you wont need to buy a monitor, HDD, and the CPUs are dreadfully inexpensive to purchase. A quick search on eBay shows MANY Core 2 Duos with good performance for under 20$.

Go with option #2. As for getting a decent GPU, the minimum I'd reccomend would be a Radeon 5450. These can be found for 30$ and will do just fine. Though if you have the money, I'd strongly reccomend a Radeon 6670, these can be found for 50$ and will play LoL very well.

The current CPU is fine, but can be upgraded very cheaply, and I reccomend upgrading it.

LoLCashCow · May 10, 2013

Hi Mr. Elemein,

I received an update from the person who sells PC #4:

"The computer was custom built/upgraded between 2009-2010.

RAM - Corsair xms2 ddr (2x 2GB sticks)
Power Supply - CoolerMaster eXtreme Power Plus (600w)
Motherboard - Biostar (MCP6P M2+)"

It looks like #4 also has a stronger PSU 600 instead of 350. Are the Intel CPUs better than the AMD? Will the 350 Watt PSU be enough for the new GPU or will I have to upgrade the PSU also?

Kisianik · May 10, 2013

I will comment on upgrading #2

#2 COST: 100.00 USD
Dell Dimension E520:
1.8GHz Intel Core 2 Duo E6300 (2 CPU)
3.5GB RAM DDR2
250GB HD
19" inch Dell Monitor
Nvidia GeForce 7300 graphics card
->350 Watt PSU<-

CPU can be upgraded up to Q6700, which is expensive, so Q6600 will work, can get on eBay now for about $55 and free shipping http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_sacat=0&_nkw=q6600&_sop=15

I will have to look into cooling a little bit more.
350 watt PSU Dell branded is usually real 350 watt PSU - good, it may have even 6 pin GPU power.

So what people say?

DaPotatoes · May 10, 2013

Go with option 2 and upgrade gpu to http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102988. Then go and get a upgrade to 4gb of ram.

elemein · May 10, 2013

LoLCashCow :

Try what Kisi said. A Q6600 is a great processor, and still very relevant, even in today's world of Ivy Bridge.

It's not that the AMD is "slower", it's a lot more complicated than that. It's that the C2D has a MUCH better upgrade base. It will stay relevant longer and be more upgradeable. LGA 775 is a great socket that still has a good following of support, even today. Get option 2, get an upgraded C2D or C2Q. Depending on price, a better choice than the Q6600 might be the E8600 or E7600, as LoL only really utilizes two cores.

However, atleast get a 5450, preferably a 6670.

A 350W PSU is sufficient to run a C2D alongside a 6670, or a Q6600 with a 5450, any more and you're cutting it a little close to the margin of safety. I would personally go with the C2D+6670 option.

LoLCashCow · May 10, 2013

Hi everyone

,

I like that idea very much. The only thing is that it goes over my budget.

$100 - PC System
$55 - CPU
$50 - GPU
$??? - 4GB RAM
$??? - Cooling (Someone mentioned it?)
--------------
$210 +++

The owner of the computer system did say he can sell me the pieces I needed. I was thought maybe I could ask him for the motherboard, case+psu, and.... Well, I guess that is it? I mean, I basically would have to buy the CPU, RAM, and GPU + Monitor if I do not pick it up also.... Do you think the current Fan will work with the new CPU? If so, I would have to buy the fan also. I am not even sure how much to offer for the case/MB/PSU(+Monitor?) combo....

From the looks of it the price offered would have to be below $50.00 so I can spend the other $50+$55 on the CPU/GPU then I guess another $50? on the RAM.... That would bring me close to $200.00.

Or should I just buy a new MB? I know the main issue here is my budget, but I got some debts going and it is all I got.

This is what the owner said to me:
"I am pretty firm on price. At $100, I can probably get more for just the hardware.
19" monitor = $60; RAM = $35, Video Card = $20. Plus the computer comes with Office 2010 and Adobe Photoshop.
"

I searched E-bay for the Dell Dimension E520 Motherboard and found it on ebay. It looks like most people are selling it for 25+10 shipping on ebay. Though there is someone selling it for 10, but it is a 22 day auction.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-OEM-Dell-Dimension-E520-520-5200-Motherboard-WG864-90-DAY-Warranty-/251271751117?pt=Motherboards&hash=item3a80f6a5cd

I was wondering if the motherboard is a good choice to buy by itself/used?

http://www.discountelectronics.com/product?product_id=4550&product_model=61

elemein · May 10, 2013

LoLCashCow :

I'm having trouble understanding. The 100$ you're paying does not cover the monitor and the motherboard?

But let's touch on the other things...

RAM : 3.5 GB is enough. No need to go higher. Stick with Windows XP or Windows 7 with SuperFetch disabled. No need to spend money here.

Cooling : The stock fan will work. Don't worry about it.

CPU : Don't bother upgrading the CPU yet. Get the computer, get a new GPU, and try it out; if you're satisfied with the current CPU, don't upgrade. Simple as that; if not, then come back and we'll help ya out, but that current CPU is actually very capable.

LoLCashCow · May 10, 2013

Hi Mr. Elemein,

The $100 USD includes the complete computer system and the monitor. Sorry if it was confusing. The owner did say to me that I can buy individual pieces instead of the whole computer system and the monitor.

Would it be best to just buy the entire system as is? Or should I buy the case, motherboard, and PSU by themselves at a low price and pick up the other items on ebay?

Kisianik · May 10, 2013

LoLCashCow :

Can you ask owner to give you prices by parts, as detailed as you can convince him - if you could save something on CPU that would be good, so you would use those money toward upgrade, the same applies toward other parts. I am not expecting owner do so detailed break up, but who knows, try.

LoLCashCow · May 10, 2013

Okay, I will ask the owner. If all fails what would be a good used motherboard I could buy off craiglist or ebay? Could someone give me some suggestions? Thank you in advanced

elemein · May 10, 2013

LoLCashCow :

Don't hassle the seller excessively and dont buy a motherboard elsewhere if it'll just be a max of 10$ off; not worth the shipping time or likelihood it's DOA.

Buy everything except the GPU, and haggle from there.

Kisianik · May 10, 2013

If Dell monitor included in price, I would say you need at least monitor, motherboard, memory, power supply and hard drive - those are expensive parts which you have to keep to save money, video card must be changed and processor will have to be changed in the future, so minus those two, how much it would save you. This information is for you, when asking first ask for all parts, and if the owner will be hesitant to break his system that much, ask about the price first without video card and next without video card and processor.

LoLCashCow · May 11, 2013

Hi Everyone,

Okay, thank you. I will ask the owner very carefully and won't push him. Today I was also told by the owner of PC#4 that he is willing to let his gaming computer go for only $50 instead of $70. I was wondering if this would be a considerable price over the current PC#2 option? I also found someone who is wiling to sell an LCD monitor for less than $50. PC#4 is using a BIOSTAR MCP6P M2+ motherboard and after looking at the list of CPU it can take in newegg the selection seems more limited than the intel? I am not sure how long I will keep the desktop that I will get. I am planning on moving by the end of this year/beginning of the coming year and I won't be able to take the desktop with me. This is why I currently have my asus netbook. I just want to play League of Legends at the moment. Please let me know your thoughts. I apologize for all the questions

. Thank you

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813138111

elemein · May 11, 2013

LoLCashCow :

If you're not going to be keeping it for long, then I have to go against what most people will say.

Firstly, if you're gonna be ditching it soon; there's no point in getting a good base to start out with. Option 2 is great, but you're looking for it to be as cheap as possible.

Second, get more info on the CPU from owner 4. Is it an Athlon? Athlon 64? Etc. etc.

Third, the fact that owner 4 upgraded the computer shows that he gives a crap about it. Which is important. It shows that the fans didnt live their life at 100%, the HDD wasnt fragmented for it's life, the CPU didnt spend it's life at 80c, the GPU didnt just stretch it's legs by occasionally playing Farmville. It shows it's been taken care of; and that's a good thing.

So really, get that info; once we get that, option 4 is looking very likely. 50$ is a great price.

LoLCashCow · May 11, 2013

Hi Mr. Elemein,

The owner of PC#4 told me the CPU is an Athlon 64. I asked him if the CPU is over clocked and he said no. He told me though that it has a heavy duty fan and that it very well could be over clocked if I wanted to do it. I think the CPU might be this one: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103191

People in the reviews say this CPU runs very hot because of the wattage. The owner doesn't remember the name of the fan/heat sink he uses. My guess is that it might just be a generic one?

Help me pick a used desktop with good CPU for Gaming

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