Need help rebuilding old computer

[dons93]

So I have some extra cash and was looking into getting some new parts for my computer. I have mainly been using my laptop since my pc is kind of slow and still on windows xp. I would like to speed it up and be able to use it regularly again for gaming and whatnot. I have no idea what I need when it comes to rebuilding computers so any advice would be awesome.

Specs
Operating system: Windows XP Professional
System model: DH55HC_
Processor: Intel(R) Core i3 CPU 540 @ 3.07GHz (4 CPUs)
Memory: 3254MB RAM
Graphics card: Intel HD Graphics (Core i3)

 

[random5]

gaming? just get some mid range GPU which that CPU could handle like GTX 750 or R9 260X etc.

If you want sometihng more serious you need full rebuild,new cpu,new mobo,new graphics card,new RAM sticks,new PSU most likely too.

 

[dons93]

Do you think that would speed it up? For example, when I go into google chrome it takes some time to load and it's just not as fast as it should be and I can tell the difference. Any ideas what I could do to make it fast again?

 

[random5]

reinstall windows, update drivers,clean PC physically, if you want your PC to FEEL fast get a SSD. Though personally I wouldn't invest into that PC ,jsut ditch it and get a new one, plenty great gaming builds out there for 500-600$,can make you a couple if you wish.

 

[dons93]

If you could link some good builds that would be awesome since i've been trying to find some good builds but I just get lost with all the specs, etc. Also, another question about the SSD. Would an external SSD work? because I might do that and get a new GPU and update the drivers, clean the pc, etc.

 

[random5]

well you're not installing OS on an external SSD ain't you? would suggest internal one. As for the builds:
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD FX-6300 3.5GHz 6-Core Processor ($88.89 @ OutletPC)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($28.88 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-970A-UD3P ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($74.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-2133 Memory ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($52.89 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: XFX Radeon R9 270X 2GB Double Dissipation Video Card ($179.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Enermax ECA3253-BW ATX Mid Tower Case ($34.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: EVGA 500W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($29.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $538.61
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-12-09 15:49 EST-0500

or intel:
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4460 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor ($172.94 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-H81M-HD3 Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($59.88 @ OutletPC)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-2133 Memory ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($52.89 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: MSI Radeon R9 270X 2GB Video Card ($163.98 @ Newegg)
Case: Enermax ECA3253-BW ATX Mid Tower Case ($34.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: EVGA 500W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($29.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $562.66
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-12-09 15:51 EST-0500

Mind in you can salvage some parts of your PC, like case and HDD so the actual prices for you would be lower.

 

[dons93]

I'm liking that first build a lot. Thanks for your help man!

 

[tiny voices]

I would get the i5 build for sure.

FPS starts at the CPU and even with the same GPU in both those systems, the i5 build will have MUCH higher minimum FPS and WAY less frame variance. In short the i5 will give a NOTICEABLY smoother game play experience than the 6300 even when using the same GPU.