Upgrade old Dell, buy a new computer, or build one?

[fstrobel]

I have a Dell Dimension E520 (http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/dime520/en/SM_EN/specs.htm)

Intel Core 2 Duo; 4 GB of RAM. The desktop is at least 5+ years old but I have upgraded the hard drive and the graphics card.

The system isn't powerful enough to run newer PC games and I am wondering if I could simply replace the existing motherboard and processor with something new or if it makes more sense (cost, performance, etc.) to build a new system.

I appreciate any tips and recommendations.

 

[sadams04]

Build a new one if you are comfortable with the building process. Any upgrades to the Dell would be limited and show minimal gains for their costs. Fill out the form in the link below and I am sure the forum can put together a parts list for you...

http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/261222-31-build-advice

 

[geekapproved]

It might help to tell us what graphics card you have upgraded to? We don't know what your limiting component is without knowing that.

If it's a decent card, you can upgrade the mobo/cpu/ram for around $200.

 

[delluser1]

I have a Dell Dimension E520 (http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/dime520/en/SM_EN/specs.htm)

Intel Core 2 Duo; 4 GB of RAM. The desktop is at least 5+ years old but I have upgraded the hard drive and the graphics card.

The system isn't powerful enough to run newer PC games and I am wondering if I could simply replace the existing motherboard and processor with something new or if it makes more sense (cost, performance, etc.) to build a new system.

I appreciate any tips and recommendations.

It's an mBTX box, can't replace the MB

 

[geekapproved]

Oh, so that answer is basically build a new system from scratch and don't buy Dell crap again.

 

[delluser1]

^+1

 

[pure_drivel]

Part list permalink: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/5tyb
Part price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/5tyb/by_merchant

CPU: Intel Core i3-2120 3.3GHz Dual-Core Processor ($125.35 @ Compuvest)
Motherboard: Intel DP67BAB3 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($115.99 @ Mwave)
Memory: Patriot Viper Xtreme Series, Division 2 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($34.99 @ Microcenter)
Hard Drive: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($97.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: Asus Radeon HD 6870 1GB Video Card ($177.86 @ Newegg)
Case: Antec Three Hundred Illusion ATX Mid Tower Case ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Antec 750W ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($89.99 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: Lite-On IHBS112-04 Blu-Ray/DVD/CD Writer ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (64-bit) ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $882.14
(Prices include shipping and discounts when available.)
(Generated 2012-03-07 13:18 EST-0500)

 

[kawininjazx]

If you are going to spend $880 on a PC, might as well spend an extra $70 and get an i5.

 

[Onus]

Unless you're planning on a second GPU, you could power that with a good 500W PSU like an Earthwatts.

 

[fstrobel]

Best answer selected by fstrobel.