Suggestions on needed upgrade

qhobbes · Nov 2, 2013

Hello,
I am between the ease of buying a new desktop for my gaming needs and upgrading my current desktop. It is OLD as far as gaming goes and I am no longer able to play the games I enjoy (Shogun Total War II, Rome Total War II, even Hearts of Iron III struggles). I want to be able to play these games smoothly and enjoy the incredible graphics that come along with the game play. As far as games go, I feel like these games aren't THAT demanding comparatively.
With all that said, I am by no means an expert on computers and thus I am hesitating on buying parts to upgrade my desktop. I will attach my specs below. Can someone please help me decide on whether to buy a new desktop with the parts I need or to purchase hardware and install. Which would be more effective?

Processor: Intel® Core™2 DUO CPU E7400 @ 2.80GHz
RAM: 3 GB
Graphics card: GeForce 9300 GE

Thank you!

bignastyid · Nov 2, 2013

I suggest just building your self a new desktop. What were you thinking for a budget?

animal · Nov 2, 2013

I assume that your current computer was a pre-built unit from Dell, HP or the like? If so, your upgrade options are going to be severely limited. I would recommend building your own or buying a newer pre-built. Tell us what your budget would be and we might be able to steer you in the right direction.

endeavour37a · Nov 2, 2013

What kind of MB and PS do you have? If you are looking to be able to work on a rig now and use it for the next few years gaming then got to figure how many parts need to be replaced to make it all work right.

Swordkd · Nov 2, 2013

Yeppers, not really worth upgrading that Pc since it's so out of date. You might be able to buy a new video card and use it now, but you would by far be under utilizing it. However, it would be an upgrade now and something you would be using down the road in a brand new build.

swifty_morgan · Nov 2, 2013

the 775 isn't all that great. replacing the cpu with a faster quad core wouldn't make sense at this point either. you could try over clocking but that won't give you extra cores that some games need.

your gpu is worthless. spend money here first. see how things go. then consider a new platform upgrade.

should have listed entire hardware profile/monitor res and operating system. could have given a more informed response.

qhobbes · Nov 2, 2013

animal :

I am currently looking at this computer. My budget is around $1000 but I am willing to spend what I need to in exchange for quality.

http://www.shopping.hp.com/webapp/shopping/cto.do#anchor-top

Link doesn't work**** it is a HP ENVY Phoenix 810-150se Desktop PC

I have heard about building computers from scratch and how it can be cheaper + you can squeeze a lot more out of what you build. Is this an option? I would not know where to start.

animal · Nov 2, 2013

There are many tutorials and videos on the internet that will explain and show you how to build your own computer, so it's really not that hard.

The link you provided says that model is no longer sold.

Assuming you already have a monitor, keyboard and mouse, you can build a fairly good system for $1000. Many people here would be happy to help.

bignastyid · Nov 2, 2013

Build your own here's a list of parts for a gaming rig thats around your budget.
PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1Wrqw
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1Wrqw/by_merchant/
Benchmarks: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1Wrqw/benchmarks/

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($219.99 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 Plus 76.8 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($25.99 @ Mwave)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z87X-D3H ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($139.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($63.75 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 770 2GB Video Card ($334.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: Corsair Carbide Series 300R Windowed ATX Mid Tower Case ($79.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: SeaSonic 620W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($14.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($84.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $1084.66
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-11-02 16:06 EDT-0400)

endeavour37a · Nov 2, 2013

Do you plan on overclocking your rig (the CPU or GPU)?

endeavour37a · Nov 2, 2013

A non Over Clocked rig to take a look at, just for the fun of it......

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4570 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor ($189.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Xigmatek GAIA SD1283 56.3 CFM CPU Cooler ($31.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Asus H87-PRO ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($114.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($63.75 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.98 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: Asus GeForce GTX 770 2GB Video Card ($329.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: Fractal Design Arc Midi R2 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($82.49 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: SeaSonic 650W 80 PLUS Gold Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($89.99 @ Amazon)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($16.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($84.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $1065.15
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-11-02 16:44 EDT-0400)

qhobbes · Nov 2, 2013

bignastyid :

I am not sure why my last link did not work. This one should, but it is what I am looking at. For about $200 more dollars, I can buy a factory built machine. I am sure I can follow the tutorials as mentioned by animal, but since there is always a chance that I could mess something up, what does everyone think about this model?

http://www.shopping.hp.com/en_US/home-office/-/products/Desktops/HP-ENVY/E3W48AV?HP-ENVY-Phoenix-810-150se-Desktop-PC

Again, I am no expert, but I was comparing some of the specs from the HP to the home-built kits several people have suggested and the HP seems to be just as effective. In my opinion, the $200 extra might be worth the peace of mind and the limited warranty. Am I crazy?

Swordkd · Nov 2, 2013

Crap video card on that build. nVidia 645...not even worth mentioning. For 1200 dollars, you can build a helluva nice Pc.

endeavour37a · Nov 2, 2013

That is a LGA 2011 machine, great office set up but not set up for gaming, the video card is not up to gaming today. There are companies that build game machines for gamers, perhaps look into one of them if you don't think you want to build one. But it's pretty simple really, easier than putting together a bicycle from Sears at Christmas, a screwdriver and pair of pliers can do the job

.

The CPU is more than you would ever need for a great gamer, pretty much a waste of money in that area. The thing is with most all builds like HP and other companies like that is they use the minimum quality of parts to make it work, they look great on paper of course but the parts are not that good. A company that advertises here is Digital Storm, they put together very mice game machines, sort of high end but they are built to last.

You could get all the help here building one if you want to bet the best bang our of your bucks, it is actually good to build it because that way you know it, can upgrade it later with no problems. Once you get started I think you would enjoy putting it together. Just my 2 bits..

Swordkd · Nov 2, 2013

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($219.99 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Intel BXRTS2011LC 74.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($46.67 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: ASRock Fatal1ty Z87 Killer ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($119.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-2133 Memory ($63.75 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 780 3GB Video Card ($484.70 @ Newegg)
Case: Fractal Design Define R4 w/Window (Black Pearl) ATX Mid Tower Case ($79.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: XFX 850W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($94.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($16.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($84.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $1272.05
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-11-02 21:14 EDT-0400)

qhobbes · Nov 3, 2013

endeavour37a :

Well, I think you have convinced me to build my own PC. If it is as easy as you say, then I like the idea of having my own touch on the whole system.

Swordkd just posted a computer that would cost around $1300. I looked up the parts, everything looks great, and I am willing to pursue this route. Since I am a virgin computer builder, if I buy all the parts Swordkd mentioned, they will all come to me and I can watch a tutorial online that will help me put them all together? As easy as Christmas day? Then I will be up and running? On paper it sounds really simple, is this the reality of it all?

Thanks again everyone for your time and patience with me. I want to make sure I am making the right move before I leap.

endeavour37a · Nov 3, 2013

Good, glad to hear that, bicycles in a kit are a pain in the ass to assemble, computers much easier. I will put together a parts list also to look over, much like Swordkd with small changes, it's good to have different points of view, then you can figure out what works best for you.

You will end up with a much much better set up than that HP, that you can be sure of.

endeavour37a · Nov 3, 2013

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($219.99 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Xigmatek GAIA SD1283 56.3 CFM CPU Cooler ($31.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Asus Z87-PRO ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($154.99 @ Microcenter)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($63.75 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.98 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 780 3GB Video Card ($484.70 @ Newegg)
Case: Fractal Design Arc Midi R2 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($82.49 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Corsair Professional 650W 80 PLUS Gold Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($114.98 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($16.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($84.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $1314.85
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-11-03 17:05 EST-0500)

Swordkd · Nov 3, 2013

To compare the two builds just above:

Same Cpu.
The Gaia is a great budget cooler, but the Intel will have more headroom to overclock if heat becomes the issue. There are many better closed loop coolers than the Intel, but this one is a good price and the review I've seen places it as a solid buy.
I like the Asus motherboard, it's been tested and it's a great motherboard. I like the price on the AsRock, and it looks great on paper. Till I see a review though, I'd give the nod to the Asus.
The 2133 set is faster, and has the same CAS latency(9), and is the same price. That's the one I'd get. I checked, and the AsRock motherboard supports other sets that run at 1.6v from g.Skill, and that was my only concern. I'd suspect that the Asus would as well.
Standard 1tb HDD's for both builds.
Same GPU.
Honestly, I don't think you'd go wrong with either case.
I included an 850w Psu just in case you want to possibly SLI in the future, but the 650w from the other build is a great Psu. I like the Gold rating on it as well, I just don't like the price tag. The gold rating will save you money over the bronze, but with the extra money spent to buy it, you'd end up paying more. Build quality is a tie on both units.
He included a BD drive, I didn't see the need to. Your choice.
Same OS.

endeavour37a · Nov 3, 2013

Swordkd :

Ops I am sorry for the optical drive, was left over from another build, I will change as it is not needed as you say. Also changed the memory to 1866, is a bit better than 1600, not sure if 2133 really helps that much, but perhaps it does.

Your assessment of these builds is spot on and accurate, I could add nothing to it useful.

endeavour37a · Nov 3, 2013

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($219.99 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Xigmatek GAIA SD1283 56.3 CFM CPU Cooler ($31.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Asus Z87-PRO ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($154.99 @ Microcenter)
Memory: G.Skill Sniper Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($68.00 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.98 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 780 3GB Video Card ($484.70 @ Newegg)
Case: Fractal Design Arc Midi R2 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($82.49 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Corsair Professional 650W 80 PLUS Gold Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($114.98 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($16.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($84.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $1319.10
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-11-03 17:14 EST-0500)

sora · Nov 3, 2013

Build a new computer and follow one of the many users who posted their PCPartPicker suggestion.

qhobbes · Nov 4, 2013

endeavour37a :

Thank you endeavour37a and Swordkd both for all your help. I will definitely pursue the latest additions. I have one last question just to try all angles available. It relates to the fact that I live in Germany (APO). I am worried about shipping all of these parts here and something happening. www.ibuypower.com apparently can assemble a custom computer for me with all of the specs you mentioned and can ship it to me, however it is more expensive. I think I will be able to get all the parts from your list sent here individually for cheaper than www.ibuypower.com, but am worried about something getting knocked up along the way and becoming dysfunctional. Are hardware parts such as these OK to ship overseas? If so, I will begin ordering and building. If not, I want to take a safer approach.

Swordkd · Nov 4, 2013

Really the only thing to worry about shipping is the case. Worst case it'll come dented and you have to ship it back. Everything else is small and will be packaged well enough to survive easily. Maybe you can buy a case near where you are stationed if you are worried? Let us know, also the builds will change because sales will end and others will commence, so let us know the day before you are ready to order it all.

qhobbes · Nov 5, 2013

Swordkd :

Once again, I really appreciate the help. You guys have made this a lot simpler for me. Will follow you directions and when I am ready to purchase I will check back in. Do you guys literally make the order for me? I guess I just thought this was a website to get advice and whatnot but you actually complete transactions? I was planning on ordering all the parts you listed from each individual seller online. Is there a better option for that?

Suggestions on needed upgrade

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