Budget computer.

[GonzoBuddha]

Alright. I'm attempting to purchase/upgrade/whatever a computer that will allow me to game (Guild wars/Guildwars2/BF3) at a medium setting with playable fps.

My question for you good people is this: ..Will this work? If not, please suggest something to me that will.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883157204&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-RSSDailyDeals-_-na-_-na&AID=10521304&PID=4176827&SID=bwvmjxpmlzv6

-Updgrading the GPU to: http://www.amazon.com/XFX-Radeon-HD6770-PCI-Express-HD677XZNLC/dp/B004Z5GRVW/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1334168474&sr=8-3

Also, would an upgraded/better CPU be necessary? (Sorry if this is a stupid question..)

Thanks in advance for any answers.

 

[sharkbyte5150]

If people know your budget, easier to make recommendations.

 

[GonzoBuddha]

I apologize for not including that in my post. My budget is around $450.

 

[sharkbyte5150]

Assuming you're not confident in building yourself, here's a stronger budget gaming PC. You can get more performance for the money by building yourself though.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883229310

 

[killermoats]

I own a computer store and get this question a lot.
That is a tight budget but it is possible. Off the top I'm not a huge fan of pre built boxes especially refurbs as you linked.
AMD has the new FM1 socket "APU's" and that would work well for you. I recently built a new system, quad core with 4gb of ram and good enough video for what you want to do for about that 450 mark. It was also quality name brand parts. I'll post a detailed parts list later today.

 

[sharkbyte5150]

I always favor Intel over AMD, especially for gaming, the i3 or i5 series is unbeatable, but AMD is more favorable on the budget end. The GPU you chose is certainly better than the integrated graphics, but you can always add on later once you can afford it. Personally, I never buy anything refurbished, ESPECIALLY not HP or similar brands. Not nearly as upgradeable.

 

[killermoats]

Agreed Intel is a better chip, AMD works for most of the world on the budget

 

[GonzoBuddha]

Assuming you're not confident in building yourself, here's a stronger budget gaming PC. You can get more performance for the money by building yourself though.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6883229310

Thanks for the suggestion - I was also considering this PC, but was turned off by the APU. I think it would be better long-term to be able to upgrade the CPU and GPU independently. However, I did read something here about being able to add in a GPU to this computer somehow.. Is this true?

I'm not totally against building myself. Any suggestions?

 

[GonzoBuddha]

I own a computer store and get this question a lot.
That is a tight budget but it is possible. Off the top I'm not a huge fan of pre built boxes especially refurbs as you linked.
AMD has the new FM1 socket "APU's" and that would work well for you. I recently built a new system, quad core with 4gb of ram and good enough video for what you want to do for about that 450 mark. It was also quality name brand parts. I'll post a detailed parts list later today.

Thanks. I'd appreciate the specifics of that 450 build.

 

[killermoats]

With the APU just think of it like onboard video. Just cause a motherboard has it does not mean you can not throw in a monster video card later. only current limitation is the FM1 socket procs are at max quad cores. I'll assume they will come out with 6's and 8's in the future.

 

[killermoats]

Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 64-bit - OEM 99.99

AMD A6-3650 Llano 2.6GHz Socket FM1 100W Quad-Core Desktop APU (CPU + GPU) with DirectX 11 Graphic AMD Radeon HD 6530D AD3650WNGXBOX 109.99

Western Digital Caviar Blue WD5000AAKX 500GB 7200 RPM SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive 89.99

ASUS F1A75-M PRO FM1 AMD A75 (Hudson D3) SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 HDMI Micro ATX AMD Motherboard with UEFI BIOS 104.99

ASUS DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS Black SATA 24X DVD Burner - Bulk - OEM 19.99

Antec Three Hundred Illusion Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case 54.99

CORSAIR Builder Series CX430 V2 (CMPSU-430CXV2) 430W ATX12V v2.3 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Power Supply 44.99

CORSAIR Vengeance 4GB 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model CMZ4GX3M1A1600C9 24.99

Total on this shows 544.92 + Shipping
Most of these products or similar products on newegg have rebates and combo discounts. When I bought it I had a $25 discount and $40 in rebates so that brings it down to right about $475.

Note, I spend a little more on cases cause I love Antec. You can save by swapping out to your preference.

I build systems with parts that have a history of success and have lots of upgrade potential.

 

[sharkbyte5150]

'moats system will be FAR more upgradeable in time, if you think you can do it that's the way to go, and as he said onboard graphics or APU don't mean you can't use your own, just think of it as backup video if your card fails.

 

[GonzoBuddha]

You guys are great, I think I'll go with what you suggested.. I can't thank you enough for the help.

 

[GonzoBuddha]

Best answer selected by gonzobuddha.