Plz suggest mid level gaming rig below USD400

[kaptandeath]

Hi currently i own dell gx270, which is a fine comp except cannot play even low end games.

I mostly use this comp for surfing net and some times for word or excel. But i cannot play any descent games on this comp.

So can any one suggest me a good rig that fits these conditions;

1. must be below usd 400/- . i already have monitor 17'', hdd 60gb, mouse, keyboard, speakers and windows xp sp3. So these can be excluded from parts i will be needed to buy.

2. must be able to play games at medium level at resolution 1024*768 pixels only. I dont use any higher resolution and not planning to.

3. the system need not be too mush future proof. ie, I will be using this comp for maybe 2-3 years max and will buy a descent one latter. Because right now I am in a very tight budget

4. I will mostly be using this new comp for internet surfing and sometimes playing games at mid level settings.

5. I want a stable system. my current comp I leave on for 2-3 weeks continuously and it has never crashed in last 2 years. I had bought this second hand for usd 80/- 2 years back. Its very stable.

Thanks

 

[batuchka]

Hmm actually at such low resolutions for games i the best/cost effective upgrade may just to add a better discrete card hehe

 

[kaptandeath]

I want to add a AGP card to it but its too much problem. it has to be low profile 32bit only and also i will have to upgrade my power supply. its too much headache.

i love my current comp but really sometimes i need to play games. so i think i will buy a new comp. can you suggest.
thanks

 

[batuchka]

On top of my head

A2X2 240
AM3 785G
2GB DDR3
HD 4670
Rosewill mATX case 120mm fans capable
OCZ 550

Reuse everything else

 

[batuchka]

Hmm could do a wee better i guess
Stuff from Egg: $293 AR

Case from tiger direct $30
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4950634&CatId=32
$323 AR total

 

[kaptandeath]

wow thanks a lot.

i will check it out although it looks way better than my current machine.

i have 1 question. will it be better to spend less on cpu and mobo and more on graphics card?

thanks a lot

 

[batuchka]

Most of the time 100% hell ya! But in your case ...1024 x 768 gaming i can't see how a HD 4670 is even tickled in that resolution so you could save up and get a better GPU once u move out of your current LCD?