Pre-built computer on a budget - upgradable?

[Pl8]

Hi there,

I'm looking into buying my first desktop pc (I've always used laptops in the past). It will mainly be used to play World of Warcraft and Sims 3, so I'm looking for something that will run those games decently.

Unfortunately I'm on a fairly tight budget, and as I need everything from monitor to mouse I'd really like something that's ok for now, but that I'll be able to upgrade in time. I'm looking into self-build although I'm a bit nervous about it as a total beginner, but then I saw this pre-built computer and it seemed decent, and the seller will upgrade the graphics card to 2gig.

I'd be really grateful if anyone could advise if this PC looks like it would be upgradable at all?

- Case: BitFenix Merc Alpha Tower Case - Black
- Power Supply: OCZ CoreXtreme 500w PSU
- CPU: Intel Core i3 3220 3.30GHz Dual Core CPU
- Motherboard: Gigabyte H61MA-D2V Intel H61 (Socket 1155) DDR3 Motherboard
- Cooler: Stock Intel CPU Cooler
- RAM: Geil Black Dragon 8GB (2x4GB) 1600MHz C11 DDR3 Dual Channel Kit
- Hard Drive: 500GB HDD
- Graphics Card: ATI Radeon HD 7850 1024MB
- Sound: Onboard 7.1 Audio
- Optical Drive: OcUK 22x DVD±RW SATA ReWriter - Black
- Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit Pre-installed


Many thanks!

 

[Jay-Z]

Yes, you can upgrade down the track as with all ATX builds.

Wow and Sims are not that demanding so the i3 and 7850 will be fine.

If you can get this for a good price then go for it.

(sometimes you can save money building your own but that is up to you)

 

[Pl8]

Thanks very much for your answer - do you think it's worth upgrading the 7850 to the 2g? I'd be using a 1920x1080 monitor, and there seems to be some differences of opinions around the place of whether there's a worthwhile difference at this resolution, although the 2g may be better for any future games?

 

[Jay-Z]

The 1GB vs 2GB debate is an interesting one. For a single 1920x1080 monitor you are fine with 1GB 90% of the time. (I run a 1GB 560 ti and 2 x 1920 x 1080 monitors without issue). The only reason to go 2GB on a single monitor is if you are using lots of hi-res textures on a game like BF3.

What is a the price difference? If it is $20 or less then get the 2GB and be done. If not, then think about it more.