PLEASE HELP ME OUT i have an old emachine and i want to turn it into a gaming pc

mike howk · Dec 10, 2014

i have an old emachine desktop and i want to turn it into a gaming pc i dont have the money to buy a new one so i plan on doing it piece by piece. and i want to be able to run games such as euro truck sim, gta 4 and 5 when it comes out, watch dogs.
my pc specs are

Processor Intel(R) Pentium(R) Dual CPU E2180 @ 2.00GHz
Manufacturer Intel
Speed 2.0 GHz
Number of Cores 2
CPU ID BFEBFBFF000006FD
Family 06
Model 0F
Stepping D
Revision A3
Video Card Intel(R) 82945G Express Chipset Family
Manufacturer Intel
Chipset Intel(R) 82945G Express Chipset Family
Dedicated Memory 64 MB
Total Memory 256.0 MB
Pixel Shader Version 2.0
Vertex Shader Version 0.0
Hardware T & L No
Vendor ID 8086
Device ID 2772
Plug and Play ID VEN_8086&DEV_2772&SUBSYS_1B761019&REV_02
Driver Version 7.14.10.1437
Memory 2.1 GB
Operating System Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium Edition Service Pack 2 (build 6002), 32-bit
Service Pack 2
Size 32 Bit
Edition
Version 6.0.6002
Locale 0409
BIOS Phoenix - AwardBIOS v6.00PG
Version 945GCT-M3 V1.10
Manufacturer 945GCT-M3
Date 12/24/07
Display Maximum Resolution 1440 x 900
Sound Device High Definition Audio Device
Driver Version 6.0.6002.18005
DVD Optiarc DVD RW AD-7203S ATA Device
CD Optiarc DVD RW AD-7203S ATA Device
Drive 1
Size 286.6 GB
Free 73.3 GB
Drive 2
Size 11.5 GB
Free 5.2 GB
Browsers
Internet Explorer 9.0.8112.16421
Chrome 39.0.2171.71
Firefox
Safari
Software
Java 7.0.600
Flash 15.0.0.189
DirectX 11.0
.NET 3.5.30729.01
QuickTime
Adobe PDF Reader 9.5.5.316

Vudue Priest · Dec 10, 2014

Ive done that before. Started with a PSU and a GPU and piece by piece upgraded. Kind of have to upgrade 2 or 3 pieces at a time though...

GPU and PSU
CPU and MOBO + Windows (OEM install wont work with new MOBO)
and potentially a case wherever applicable.

aldan · Dec 10, 2014

hey mike,trust me when i say,you cant afford to turn this machine into a gaming machine.there is just nothing to work with.you will need a new motherboard,cpu,gpu.im guessing that your memory is ddr2 so with the new motherboard you will need new memory.i dont see the specs for your psu,but i am thinking your gonna need one of those as well if you plan on a new gpu.the money you would spend on this making a sub par machine would go a long way to building a decent gaming rig.dont mean to sound negative.

Trossa · Dec 11, 2014

You'll have to build a new computer entirely. In the PC world, when you upgrade one component you have to upgrade others. If you want a new video card you'll need a new power supply, but there will be bottlenecks, forcing you to get a new cpu, but it has a different socket so you need a new motherboard and you need new RAM for this motherboard.

Give us a budget you wish to stick to and we'll help you from there

belzoth · Dec 11, 2014

I think you get the idea, but you have to build from scratch and then you can simply sell your current computer. Here is how I judge whether or not you can upgrade the computer or need to start over. I look at the CPU, if it is bad and needs to be replaced you look at the chip set the motherboard is compatible with. If it is not compatible with a good CPU this is the end of the line. If you have to buy a new motherboard and CPU...and then need new Ram, GPU, PSU, etc it's just time to start over.

If you have a good CPU then you can easily upgrade typically. That is why it is important to buy or build a desktop with a good CPU even if you can't afford a good graphics card. A good CPU can last you several years while a graphics card becomes obsolete much faster.

So if you have money for a new build let us know what your budget is and we can help you come up with something. If you don't have the budget for it yet, save up for it and then build it. Best of luck to you and let us know how we can help.

mike howk · Dec 11, 2014

$500-$600 is my budget for the build

belzoth · Dec 11, 2014

mike howk :

Does that include the OS? Or is it just 500-600 for the tower hardward? Also, will you overclock?

mike howk · Dec 11, 2014

What is the is and is it mandatory. And I also have no idea what over clocked is and yes the 500-600 budget is for the tower and hardware

belzoth · Dec 12, 2014

For OS I mean operating system as in windows 8. That runs close to $100. So my question is do I need to include the expense of windows in that $500-
600 budget?

Overclocking is where you give your CPU a little increase in voltage and tell it to run at a faster speed. Basically a CPU can typically run faster than it will run at by default. So by overclocking your CPU you have to do some work and trial and error to find out how fast you can get your CPU to work. It does take some work, but it is very satisfying and gives you a boost in performance. Are you interested in doing this, or does it seem like too much for now? I ask because if you are not overclocking then you can just use the stock cooler your CPU comes with but if you are overclocking then I need to include the $30 cooler to your build that will allow you to overclock.

Trossa · Dec 12, 2014

IF you can stretch your budget get this. Overclock to 4GHz on stock cooler and enjoy. You'll also be able to upgrade to Broadwell. Optical drive isn't needed because you can use a usb to install windows

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Pentium G3258 3.2GHz Dual-Core Processor ($70.98 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z97X-UD3H-BK ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($129.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($74.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($51.85 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: Asus Radeon R9 270 2GB DirectCU II Video Card ($139.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: NZXT Source 210 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($31.98 @ OutletPC)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($49.99 @ NCIX US)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ OutletPC)
Total: $631.75
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-12-12 00:48 EST-0500

belzoth · Dec 12, 2014

Okay, I've got a solid build for you. This PC will play games at a level similar to xbox one and PS4. The final price with discounts is $554.75 so it fits your budget with room to spare if you take the time to take advantage of mail in rebates.

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/tFr4GX
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/tFr4GX/by_merchant/

CPU: Intel Pentium G3258 3.2GHz Dual-Core Processor ($59.99 @ Micro Center)
Motherboard: ASRock Z87 Pro3 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($79.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Team Vulcan 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($51.85 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 750 Ti 2GB Superclocked Video Card ($129.99 @ Micro Center)
Case: NZXT Source 210 Elite (White) ATX Mid Tower Case ($42.99 @ Directron)
Power Supply: EVGA 500W 80+ Certified ATX Power Supply ($24.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224DB/BEBE DVD/CD Writer ($14.98 @ OutletPC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ OutletPC)
Total: $554.75
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-12-12 01:56 EST-0500

Here is a youtube video review on the CPU I picked out here that Trossa picked too. Great CPU for the budget.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5L1irtUW1V8

You can buy different RAM if you want to, just make sure to get 8 GB off DDR3-1600 ram. I chose a cheaper brand for your budget, but you get go corsair or G Skill if you want to up your budget some

For the PSU, I chose a good really cheap one for you. Just make sure it is at least 400 watts and from a good brand.

For the case, a lot of that is just personal preference depending on the look you like the most. So feel free to look around for one that is appealing to you and make sure to double check if it includes fans or not.

For the graphics card, I am a huge fan of the GTX 750 ti. It is phenomenal for the price. The R9 270 that Trossa recommended is also excellent however so either of these cards would be a good choice.

No I understand Trossa's reasoning for not including an optical drive because you can use usb for pretty much everything, but I included one in my build. I've noticed in general, it's just handy to have one and when they only cost around $14 I feel like you might as well put one in. You can always leave it off if you are more in line with Trossa and plan to use USB instead of CDs and DVDs.

I hope this helps. I feel like I've got you a solid gaming rig within your budget. Let me know if you have any comments or concerns. If you do decide to overclock buy a Cooler Master Hyper 212 Evo for the CPU. Let me know if you do plan to do this and I can help you.

Trossa · Dec 12, 2014

I'd go with belzoth's build with one small change- get a z97 chipset motherboard so you'll be able to upgrade to a Broadwell i5 which should last you a good 4 years at least.
It's a shame you can't SLI the 750 ti

mike howk · Dec 13, 2014

I can go to like 700 on my budget if that would make it a little better the reason I want to do my own build is because I can't afford to buy one outright.

mike howk · Dec 13, 2014

And I honetlay have no idea what's good or not so what ever you think is best that's what I'll go with

Trossa · Dec 13, 2014

If your budget is 700 then get a 212 EVO and get an optical drive. Reviews are your best friend right now, reading some about the products in your budget would be very helpful. We try to help but we're not as experienced as the reviewers; it's their job for pete's sake.

belzoth · Dec 15, 2014

If you are looking to go as cheap as possible go with the one I listed earlier. I'm going to put the information again here. This will give you similar graphics to xbox one. I would recommend spending a little more if you have the cash, but if you are limited and want to purchase now, i believe this is your best option. The price is $554.75

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/tFr4GX
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/tFr4GX/by_merchant/

CPU: Intel Pentium G3258 3.2GHz Dual-Core Processor ($59.99 @ Micro Center)
Motherboard: ASRock Z87 Pro3 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($79.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Team Vulcan 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($51.85 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 750 Ti 2GB Superclocked Video Card ($129.99 @ Micro Center)
Case: NZXT Source 210 Elite (White) ATX Mid Tower Case ($42.99 @ Directron)
Power Supply: EVGA 500W 80+ Certified ATX Power Supply ($24.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224DB/BEBE DVD/CD Writer ($14.98 @ OutletPC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ OutletPC)
Total: $554.75
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-12-12 01:56 EST-0500

Now, if you are willing to spend a little more money I think you will be really happy if you do. Below I have a build for you that comes to $668.75. The change involves an upgrade in your CPU. The AMD FX 8350 is one of the best, if not the best, CPU for the price. It is great performance for only $160. It has 8 cores compared to the two of the intel I recommended to you. AMD is still not as good as intel, but for the cost savings since you are a budge, it is a great fit for you. I also included a good cooler for your CPU in this build. You can install it with this cooler even if you don't feel up to overclocking yet. However, when you do want to overclock, you will already have the hardware in place with a CPU that overclocks well.

I also upgraded the power supply a little bit. You now have a 600 watt PSU. Some may think that is more than you need... because it is. I upgraded your CPU and PSU so that you will be ready to upgrade your graphics card in the future. The rest of the computer can accommodate a beefy card like a gtx 970. So you are on a budge now and building this computer allows you to have a great computer now, but it also allows you to upgrade your graphics card in a year or two if you have the funds without the need to upgrade any other components. So for $110 more you will have a slightly better computer now but more significantly you will have a computer that will easily allow you to upgrade in the future. I'm guessing about a year from now you could probably buy a gtx 970 used on ebay for $250. If you decide to go that route then you will be playing all games on ultra at 1080p.

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/tv63dC
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/tv63dC/by_merchant/

CPU: AMD FX-8350 4.0GHz 8-Core Processor ($159.98 @ OutletPC)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($26.75 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: ASRock 970 Extreme3 R2.0 ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($52.25 @ Newegg)
Memory: Team Vulcan 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($51.85 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 750 Ti 2GB Superclocked Video Card ($129.99 @ Newegg)
Case: NZXT Source 210 Elite (White) ATX Mid Tower Case ($42.99 @ Directron)
Power Supply: EVGA 600B 600W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($39.99 @ Micro Center)
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224DB/BEBE DVD/CD Writer ($14.98 @ OutletPC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ OutletPC)
Total: $668.75
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-12-15 00:42 EST-0500

I hope this helps provide you some clarity. You don't have to buy every part I recommend, but use it as a guideline to research some similar parts to make your decisions. If you have any questions feel free to send me a message or reply here. If this helps, please select this as your best answer. Good luck!

Trossa · Dec 15, 2014

I'm not too sure about the motherboard in belzoth's build since you'll need a 9 series (H97, Z97) chipset motherboard to upgrade to Broadwell next year. Again, it's up to you to decide. Just my 2 cents.

PLEASE HELP ME OUT i have an old emachine and i want to turn it into a gaming pc

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