First Gaming PC

[LotroFTW]

I am very new to gaming on the PC, and I might not be able to build my own PC, but I could give it a go. I want to be able to play LotRO on at least high graphics, if not ultra high. My budget is low, so I would settle for less. Right now, I'm playing on low graphics, and I'm not very satisfied. Any help is appreciated. Thanks!

PS I'm also on Windows XP... does that affect performance?

 

[tiny voices]

What is your budget?

 

[LotroFTW]

Under $500 would be good... I know that isn't realistic so I could settle for more.

 

[tiny voices]

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i3-3220 3.3GHz Dual-Core Processor ($129.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: ASRock B75M-GL Micro ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($67.55 @ Newegg)
Memory: Mushkin Radioactive 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($49.98 @ Outlet PC)
Storage: Hitachi 500GB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($54.98 @ Outlet PC)
Video Card: HIS Radeon HD 7770 1GB Video Card ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Cooler Master Elite 430 ATX Mid Tower Case ($39.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair Builder 500W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224BB DVD/CD Writer ($16.98 @ Outlet PC)
Total: $497.45
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-03-04 18:22 EST-0500)

This will suit your needs very well.

 

[LotroFTW]

Thank you for the quick reply! I really appreciate the help!

 

[tiny voices]

Anytime. This will be a great PC for your needs and will even play much more demanding games comfortably at medium settings.

 

[LotroFTW]

Great! I can actually afford this one

One more question though... does the generation of Windows (i.e. XP, Vista) affect how it plays?

 

[tiny voices]

You want to get win7/8. XP limits alot of things. Vista.......is complete and total junk.

 

[LotroFTW]

Haha... I have Windows 7, is it worth risking the upgrade on this machine (a short term fix before I get the PC you listed above)?

AMD Athlon 64 X2 Dual Core Processor 4200+
2.20 GHz, 2 GB of RAM
Physical Address Extension
(not sure if a good display of specs, kinda new to this)

 

[tiny voices]

No, get a whole new machine. Buy all the parts I listed and build it.

 

[LotroFTW]

Best answer selected by LotroFTW.

 

[LotroFTW]

Ok, thanks again!

 

[tiny voices]

Anytime. Always glad to be able to help!