I've started traveling and I want to be able to keep in touch with my family with a webcam. My laptop XPS16 handles it fine but my old desktop (AMD 3800) doesn't. Video is choppy and I'm sure it isn't the broadband.
I'd like to be able to play newer games as well. I would like to keep it under 1000 excluding monitor and OS. I'd take my 3800+ and use it as a backup in the basement, but I could reuse the case (Coolermaster Centurion 5) and powersupply (450W Truetec).
So I'll need CPU, Mobo, Graphics and Memory at a minimum.
Great. I was looking at the the Phenom X3 as a good upgrade choice for me. For the 700 bucks it looks like I would be able to play most games I like (FPS games and old Descent 3) with that vid card.
Am I right in thinking the CPU is what is holding back my video conference quality (Skype)?
It's not the CPU you need to be concerned about - it's the 450W PSU. How many 6 pin PCI-e power connectors does it have? The 4870 wants 2. The 4850 wants 1.
What size/resolution monitor are you using?
I lied. It is an Antec TRUEPOWERII TPII-550 550W ATX12V SLI Certified CrossFire Ready Power Supply - 2 PCI-e connectors.
I believe it is a 20 inch LCD. 1680X1050 HD ready (Sceptre).
This might be a good option but, for just a couple dollars more I could have a second CPU and move my existing one to the basement for a backup or playing multiplayer games in house (over wifi).
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