Wanting to turn my PC into a Gaming Rig, what parts do I upgrade?

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Budget Gamer

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Firstly I must say I know nothing about computer parts.
Well what I want to do is be able to play games like Battlefield 4, Arma 3 and DayZ on at least high 720p.
I also would like to record my gameplay using an Elgato (taxes the CPU quite a bit more than the HD PVR 2. I could get the HD PVR 2, but I can get a used Elgato $40 cheaper and use that savings toward upgrading) and then edit/render the videos.

This is what I could find of my computer specs. If you need any more info. let me know and I will try to find out more.

Acer Aspire M3400 Motherboard (Chipset AMD 880G) (not even sure if this is the motherboard or the factory case name?) Direct X11

Case measures (outside of case) 14 3/4 in tall x 7 in wide x 15 3/4 long (front to back)

Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit

CPU: AMD Athlon II x2 215 2.7GHz AM3 socket

4 GB DDR3 RAM 1333MHz

ATI Radeon HD 4250 (1908 MB?)

577 GB HDD 7200 RPM (that's what C Drive shows)

300 watt PSU

20 inch monitor capable of 1080p

I know the whole thing is underpowered for gaming, but could I just upgrade the graphics card or just the CPU or both to reach my goal?

I was doing a bit of research on some CPUs and GPUs, but I am not sure if they will even be compatible with my setup.

For CPU's I was considering spending up to $140:
AMD FX 4130, FX 4350, FX 6200, FX 6350, FX 8320 and I found a i5 2500k for $120, but that one might sell before I can get it (pretty sure the Intel won't even fit my mobo).

For GPU's I was considering spending up to $140:
GTX 560 Ti, Radeon HD 7850 or GTX 570

Not sure if it would be better getting a $100 CPU and spending $180-200 on a better GPU?
I know I will surely need a better PSU, but I have no idea what to get and what all parts are compatible with what.

Basically I have about $280-300 or maybe less to spend on upgrading my system (PC tower).
So if you could spend that much, what would you recommend upgrading?
Or should I sell my current PC for maybe, I don't know how much it's worth, $140? and add that to my budget and start from scratch or find someone selling their used gaming PC for around $400?

Sorry for the long post and many questions, I just really have no idea and don't want to buy something and find out it won't be compatible.
I will be buying used parts to get the best performance parts at a lower price.
 
Solution
Tom Tancredi
For 2012 and older games the old way of 'just adding a GPU' was effective as mostly it was rendering and not much CPU, if it wasn't to 'low end' to inhibit the reading of the data from the HDD to the RAM to the CPU to 'process' on what to do with it and figure out 'Oh GPU' . But with the newer games (AC3, BF4, etc.) 2013 demonstrated smarter AI and specific Physics effects that required NOT a GPU rendering, but a CPU calculation method, and the more CPUs (Cores) you had the better the processing of that information. Further the MINIMUM of 4GB of RAM just for the game also signalled the need to have at least 8GB of RAM now as the norm, with many gamers going for 16GB or more as the 'norm'.

So planning things as they are, if you wish to...
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L Helps

L Helps

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All of the cpu's you're considering won't fit on your mobo because it's am3 and not am3+ the i5 is from intel and needs a socket 1155 so that wont fit either.
For the gpu you cant get a better gpu because you're limited by your psu, so if you want to change that you also need a new psu.
I don't think you can get better(close to the fx series) cpu for that system.
 
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06yfz450ridr

06yfz450ridr

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Wolfshadw

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Unable to find a specific CPU Support List for your motherboard, but I suspect you'd be safe with another Athlon II or Phenom II processor. I don't think the FX series processors are going to be supported and you're right that no Intel processor is supported.

Another problem with off-the-shelf systems is that they usually come with anemic power supplies (just enough to power the standard configuration). Any significant upgrade (say adding a decent graphics card) also requires the owner to purchase a new power supply.

Keeping it under $280, here's what I'd probably suggest.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: AMD Athlon II X4 645 3.1GHz Quad-Core Processor ($74.34 @ SuperBiiz)
Thermal Compound: Arctic Silver Ceramique 2 Tri-Linear 2.7g Thermal Paste ($3.98 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: Gigabyte Radeon R7 260X 2GB Video Card ($149.31 @ Mwave)
Power Supply: Antec Basiq 500W ATX Power Supply ($49.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $277.62
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-01-16 10:02 EST-0500)

Again, while I'm fairly certain it's supported and given this version of the M3400 uses the this processor, I cannot say with 100% accuracy that the processor will work with your motherboard.

-Wolf sends
 
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06yfz450ridr

06yfz450ridr

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that processor is am3 so it will not work since fx is am3+ like most phenoms i believe.

since you really cant tell what the mobo supports since its an oem board your better off just upgrading to a better board and see what will work with it, that way you can support new cpus that will be even better.

for 120 you can get a fx 6300 which is much faster than your current cpu
 
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B

Budget Gamer

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So it seems I also would need to get a better mobo and psu as well.
If I were to upgrade, I think I would want at least a 3.4 GHz quad core CPU. For GPU I would like at the very least a Radeon HD 7770 or equivalent with at least 1GB GDDR5. Would like to be able to overclock both if that would give the best performance for my money. I have no idea on motherboards, so recommendations are welcome. Don't really care which brands, just looking for the best combo in my budget. And I don't know what PSU to get and not sure if I need things for better cooling for these upgrades.

Okay, so just to make it simpler, if you had $400 to build a decent gaming rig, what would you recommend getting
CPU, GPU, Mobo, PSU, etc. maybe even a new case?
What kind of results would you think I would get playing Battlefield 4 or Arma3 with this set up?
 
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maxalge

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Actually some variants of your computer model came with phenom 2 x6's installed so that's a good thing for your upgrade dreams.

Install cpuz and post back with mainboard manufacturer and model, you can see it under the "mainboard" tab.

CPUZ


I'm sure you have a pcie slot so that's good.

You are also going to need to open your computer and look at the power supply sticker and post back with all the details such as wattage, and amps on the 12+ rail and such.


You most likely will need to upgrade your power supply before you can install a more powerful GPU.



Good luck
 
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B

Budget Gamer

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Oh, just read Wolfshadw's comment, well I guess upgrading is not really possible for my budget to get the results I want. I guess the best thing to do is sell my PC and try to find a used decent gaming rig with Windows already on it locally...

Just looked online at local classifieds and I already saw some rigs within budget that are better than what I could have upgraded my current rig to.
Thanks for the help everyone, really cleared things up for me fast (with the mobo being a limitation and upgrading it would cost even more for a new OS license basically barely improving my performance within budget).

I will see about selling my PC first, then I will search again and ask later which rig you guys think I should get within my budget that I find.

THANKS!!!
 
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FLanighan

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What I sometimes do for people who want a gaming rig ASAP but don't have a ton of money at the moment is to get them an underpowered $50 dual core CPU and a decent midrange video card ($150-200), then a few months later they upgrade to something better like an i5 or an FX.

You don't have to build a completely new computer from scratch. Just reuse some of the crappy parts you currently have and gradually upgrade as more money comes in. Believe it or not you can still game decently on an athlon II X2 even though its not ideal. And assuming your motherboard has a PCI-e slot and not just integrated graphics you can reuse that as well.

I would just buy a new PSU and video card for now... everything else is good enough to at least run the games on low settings. Beware that you might need a new case to fit the PSU and a new motherboard if it doesn't include a slot for the video card.
 
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Wisecracker

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Your Big Problem is you are a mere few weeks late as new AM3 processors have become scarce. You should make a move and jump now (for around $100) on an AM3 CPU.

Your AMD 880G will likely take any 95w Deneb quad, or AthlonII -- X3 Rana or Propus X4. Good luck. Hurry.

Here's the Thermaltake TR2 TR-600 600w for $45 before $20 rebate.

The Radeon HD 78xx-series is looking thin, too. Here's the PowerColor Radeon HD7870 GHz Edition 2GB for $190 before $30 rebate, or, the best deal for you might be the HD 7850 2GB at $150 before $30 rebate.

Your graphics is the OLD integrated HD4250 on the motherboard, or maybe, a lower-end 'HTPC' discreet card. We need to fix that :)

The higher the resolution you can run -- the better. The x2 215 @ 2.7GHz will push either of the cards, but it's holding you back. You need more cores (!) and a higher clock-speed from your CPU.

Here's the AMD Athlon II X3 450 Rana 95w for $100.

Don't wait. Don't hesitate. Jump :bounce:

:lol:



 
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B

Budget Gamer

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Thanks FLanighan, I just am thinking of selling my PC and buying a already built up one. That way it saves me the hassle of scraping together parts and from researching/finding out what parts are all compatible and usually used rigs are usually at great deals with better parts than what I could get for the same price if I were to upgrade my current PC.

By the way guys, if I do sell my PC, is there anything I should do before selling it? Like wiping the hard drives so any personal information or pictures are gone so the new owner won't have that in their possession?
 
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B

Budget Gamer

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Hahaha, I really appreciate that Wisecracker!

I think upgrading my current PC wouldn't be worth it as it's upgrades are limiting and probably the best parts I can get for it using the current Mobo, probably still wouldn't bring me to my desired results I want when playing games such as BF4 and Arma 3 on high settings 720p.
So I am pretty sure it would be best to buy a used decent gaming rig locally.

Thanks again everyone, no more need to posts more parts, unless you think upgrading this PC would be better than buying a used rig.

 
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Wisecracker

Wisecracker

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You will not be able to purchase a comparable gaming rig for $280-$300.

You should start with your power supply, and snag the HD 7850 at a minimum. An HD7870 will give you 20% better frames in Battlefield and really slay 720p. try and find a new CPU like the "AMD Athlon II X4 645 3.1GHz Quad-Core Processor" for $75!

That's $310 before $50 in rebates. You win.

 
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B

Budget Gamer

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Umm, how much do you guys think I could sell my current PC tower for (just the complete tower, no monitor or anything else)? I have no idea how much it would be worth (in America USD). Works perfectly fine, just not strong enough to play intense games on great graphics.

And is there anything I should do to the computer before I sell it, if so, how? Like completely wipe the hard drive so the new owner doesn't have any of my personal information or pictures, etc. and so there is a fresh Windows 7 with nothing on it.
 
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B

Budget Gamer

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Thanks again Wisecracker.

Hmmm...I'm still thinking about it. I just think if I did buy a used already decent gaming pc for about $400, it would be more future proof since it would have a AM3+ or intel mobo.

But with the HD 7850 or 7870 and Athlon II X4 645 3.1 GHz, would I need to upgrade my Mobo? What PSU would these need? Any extra cooling needed?
 
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Wisecracker

Wisecracker

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You're not a really smart budget gamer, are you? :lol:

The real value is in your chassis, OS, motherboard and RAMs. You could likely only sell it for half or less ... than it would cost to replace it.

Whereas, I suspect the cost of a comparable gaming rig 2x that of your upgrade. Just sayin'

An HD 7870 will work just dandy. You'll get 60+ in 1080p...
BF3-1920.png


You'd have a better chance of selling that :D

 
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B

Budget Gamer

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I appreciate the help. Like I said, I have no idea about computers.

Would a AMD R9 270x work in my current set up? Found one for the same price as the HD 7870. I think the 270x is better?

There is a used PC for $400, would this be better than my PC even if I upgraded to the parts you recommended? When I said buy used rig vs upgrade, I ment sell my PC for $100 or so and add that to my $300 budget = $400+ budget.

Used PC specs below:
GIGABYTE GA-790FXTA-UD5 AM3 AMD 790FX SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX AMD Motherboard
4GB of G.Skill Ripjaw 1600 ghz Memory
AMD Phenom II X4 955 Black Edition (O.Ced to 3.8)
SAPPHIRE Toxic Radeon HD 6950 2GB 256-bit GDDR5 (Unlocked so its a 6970)
Seagate Barracuda 7200 500 GB Hard drive
plus more...

There are other used PC's with better CPU's (AM3+ and Intels), but they had in weaker graphics cards)

I know the graphics card wouldn't be as powerful as the one you suggested, but overall would the performance in gaming be better in this used rig or in my current one upgraded to what you recommended?
Just to have an idea. Is the graphics card the most important part for intense gaming? Although I do know all parts are a factor.

I was looking into better CPU's over the Athlon and Phenom. such as the AMD FX series because I hear Arma is mainly CPU intensive. So I am unsure what part upgrade would bring the most significant improvement.

Sorry for the newbie-ness....
 
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06yfz450ridr

06yfz450ridr

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no it doesnt you call up and tell microsoft its a motherboard swap and they will give you a new key


either way that rig will be much better that your current setup, hopefully you can overclock a little on that board too
 
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Tom Tancredi

Tom Tancredi

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No Microsoft will NOT give you a 'new key' just because you changed motherboards. They are very explicit in the terms. If the OP has a 'off the shelf' system (i.e. walked into Walmart bought a HP compter) that license is ONLY tied to that Make / Model PC period and is NOT transferable to any other computer, even if he used the same 'case' over, the CPU/BIOS/Mobo is all different. If the OP has the system 'built' then the license will most likely be a 'off the shelf copy of Windows' or a SysBuild Windows Edition, which can be reused on any hardware the OP wishes.

Again: HP/Dell/Etc. maker : NEW COPY OF WINDOWS CLEAN INSTALL + NEW KEY out of pocket for the OP.
 
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F

FLanighan

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You could probably get like $100-200 USD for your current computer, but the cost of a new chassis, HDD, motherboard, and ram would be well over $200.

Here's what you should get:

500w PSU ($40)
AMD Radeon R9 270 ($200)

then once you can afford it, buy a phenom II x4 on ebay for no more than $100.
 
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Tom Tancredi

Tom Tancredi

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For 2012 and older games the old way of 'just adding a GPU' was effective as mostly it was rendering and not much CPU, if it wasn't to 'low end' to inhibit the reading of the data from the HDD to the RAM to the CPU to 'process' on what to do with it and figure out 'Oh GPU' . But with the newer games (AC3, BF4, etc.) 2013 demonstrated smarter AI and specific Physics effects that required NOT a GPU rendering, but a CPU calculation method, and the more CPUs (Cores) you had the better the processing of that information. Further the MINIMUM of 4GB of RAM just for the game also signalled the need to have at least 8GB of RAM now as the norm, with many gamers going for 16GB or more as the 'norm'.

So planning things as they are, if you wish to do 2013 and forward (aka NexGen) gaming, your budget STARTS at $700 (that includes Windows) and normally will be around the $1K mark to achieve the expected
around 50FPS, 1080P, High Graphics, 64Map BF4 standard. This means at least a i5 core or AMD FX 8xxx as the minimum, until this new Haswell chipset is on every store shelf, which then will allow a i3 core the same level as a current FX 8xxx performance (SIGH, AMD please get your act together already).

While previously I would normally suggest either handing off this computer to a friend / family, maybe might get $100 for it, really with the prices of a brand new PC only $249, the resell value is extremely low. Further for only $349 at Walmart you can grab a i5 system, then as noted for a PSU (though I wouldn't buy that one that cheap they are notoriously poor quality and actually may only output 430W or so instead of 500W) and a GPU added to the computer, your good to go but still way above your 'gaming for a couple hundred' your seeking.

Newer offerings I seen on SlickDeals you can score a i7 Haswell, 8GB Ram, 1TB drive, DVD, Windows for only $550 (considering it is a i7 and the brand new Haswell chipset at that this is a steal!) then again just add PSU and GPU and your set with serious gaming power for under $800, but in all these cases the suggestions are based on BEING ON YOUR OWN building it, which is HIGH risk if you are not familiar enough with building PCs and such ideas as breadboarding.


 
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