How well would this computer hold up for gaming?

HollowSkull

Honorable
Jul 6, 2012
9
0
10,510
I don't plan to play at a resolution higher than 1400x900 (I might even play at 1280x720), so please don't look at this computer while thinking about 1920x1080 at 1080p and all. This is my first custom PC, and I don't plan to spend more than $500. MAYBE $550. Also, if I use my old hard drive, could I just reactivate windows with an activation key or something? I don't know too much about this. Thanks!

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/30yJy

CPU: AMD Phenom II X4 965 Black 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($95.98 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.98 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: Asus M5A97 LE R2.0 ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($74.97 @ OutletPC)
Memory: Mushkin 4GB (2 x 2GB) DDR3-1066 Memory ($43.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Hitachi Travelstar Z5K500 500GB 2.5" 5400RPM Internal Hard Drive ($52.95 @ Mwave)
Video Card: MSI Radeon HD 7770 GHz Edition 1GB Video Card ($104.99 @ Microcenter)
Case: NZXT Source 210 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($29.99 @ Microcenter)
Power Supply: Corsair CX 500W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($34.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($19.98 @ OutletPC)
Total: $487.82
 
Solution
You could likely reuse your current hard drive, but running a 5400 RPM drive is less than ideal; best bet would be to get a 7200 RPM drive, and use the 5400 as a media drive.

enemy1g

Honorable
It would likely do well at that resolution; I think even some people use similar parts at 1080p and have good results. So you're probably good to go.

And generally, Windows is tied to the motherboard, so you might have to get a new copy. I've had success installing W7 on multiple computers (switching, upgrading, etc) with the same key. Although only one was in use with said key.
 

HollowSkull

Honorable
Jul 6, 2012
9
0
10,510
Thank you! Ok. So if I use my old hard drive instead, I'll save some money and buy a new copy of windows. Are there any problems with that? I'll come back later with the details of the hard drive (I don't have access to it currently).