As you probably know, I was dumb when purchasing a new computer and got an underdog thing. While it is of course eons better than my former one, it still can't do much of what I need - And 1.4 GHz GRRR, HOW WAS I SO DUMB?! - So I am now considering to get another one after I'm already getting sick of my computer.
Although, there are two things I am curious about before doing so, and I don't want to end up in the same pitfall again - both in getting another underpowered computer, and paying for more than I need to.
1. Would it be worth it to use my former computer as a base for the new one?
As I already have been told, building computers is cheaper than buying a whole rig. But still, I have the chassis of my old computer left to rot here, and while the parts there are so ludicruously outdated(even games from 2002 can barely run in it), there might be still a bit that can be salvaged, so I need to figure out what.
Here are the specs, as told by Speccy:
• Operating System
MS Windows Vista Home Basic 32-bit SP1
• CPU
AMD Sempron 140 (78 °C)
Sargas 45nm Technology
• Hard Drives
75GB FUJITSU MAXTOR S TM380211AS SCSI Disk Device (RAID)
• Optical Drives
Optiarc DVD RW AD-7200A ATA Device
Remember, though, I'm just wondering if it's profitable by using it as a base for upgrading, I'm aware that there's very little that can be salvaged there.
2. What specs should I go for?
Now we get to the actual part. I'm hoping to get a new computer as most of the games in my current one run pretty slowly - while others are borderline unplayable - and I'm fed up of having to deal with 8 FPS(yes, I used a FPS measurer, I really get 8-15 FPS). My games are not very heavy, but I don't want to take any chances, so I need to figure out what parts I should aim for.
Here's the list of games I have or intend to get, and the ammount of power they require:
Games that are old and thus don't require much:
- Need for Speed™: Hot Pursuit™ 2 (Minimal Power)
- Need for Speed™: Underground 2 (Minimal Power)
- Need for Speed™: Most Wanted (Low Power)
- RollerCoaster Tycoon™ 3: Platinum (Low Power)
Games that are borderline old, and require quite a bit:
- TrackMania™ United Forever (Lowish Power)
- Spore (Lowish Power)
- Need for Speed™: World (Lowish Power)
- Need for Speed™: Carbon (Moderate Power)
- Test Drive™: Unlimited® (Moderate Power)
- The Sims™ 2: Ultimate Collection (Moderate Power)
- Team Fortress 2 (Average Power)
Games that are recent and/or demand a lot of power:
Budget? Are you willing to build a new one? Building ends up being alot cheaper and is quite easy to do, although if you can't I can try to find a pre built. I honestly think, that using any parts from your old PC would be completely useless, Sorry.
And you wont be OCing correct?
Oh, I also forgot to ask the questions Karlzhao asked at the bottom of his post.
I'm just going to put this out there, Karlzhao honestly knows more than me about the actual computers so I'd listen to him, although I'll still try to help.
Budget? Are you willing to build a new one? Building ends up being alot cheaper and is quite easy to do, although if you can't I can try to find a pre built. I honestly think, that using any parts from your old PC would be completely useless, Sorry.
Hm, budget's a tricky thing, as I don't really know what price I should settle for. I guess anything under $900 would do, and if it's impossible, just seek for the two cheapest solutions.
Oh, I also forgot to ask the questions Karlzhao asked at the bottom of his post.
I'm just going to put this out there, Karlzhao honestly knows more than me about the actual computers so I'd listen to him, although I'll still try to help.
I knew someone would disagree on the Minecraft part, but I didn't expect Starbound and Driver: SF to be weaker. Either way, they lag a lot on my current computer, so I had just assumed that they're the more powerful type of games.
All three are actually considered extremely easy to run in today's world of gaming computers. If you didn't have Kerbal Space Program on your list you'd do well with a low-end APU build, and would run everything flawlessly with a mid-ranged Pentium/FX + 270X build.
As I expected. But, even with KSP, would it still be possible to not have to pay overly high?
I meant more as in using the chassis of the main computer to install the new parts, so I don't have to spend more on another chassis. The only parts I expected to be able to reuse would be the disk drive and the cooling device, anyway.
Tell us a budget and whether or not you need any of the following:
1. A new copy of the OS
2. A monitor
3. A keyboard, a mouse, or both
Otherwise, we can't help much.
Like I said, the budget would be prefferably up to $900. The OS, I guess I could settle for a new one as the only one I currently have is Vista. I'd prefer Windows 7. I already have a spare monitor and mouse, even if both aren't of high quality(monitor is 1080x760 and mouse is rather tiny).
OCing? What's that...? Overclocking. Although, you probably don't need to do it, only gives a slight performance boost while costing enough more. Plus, it's honestly not the easiest thing to do, and if you really mess up somehow it can burn out your mobo. (Last time I checked)
For 900$, I can put together quite a good build, or I may be able to find an alright pre built, although building really is better.
The case of the old computer, being a pre built, probably has pretty be airflow and is almost definitely too small. A new one that will work will only cost 30-60$
1080 is probably the best resolution for a 900$ PC. And for the mouse, if you're building I can try to see if I can squeeze a good enough mouse in.
Overclocking. Although, you probably don't need to do it, only gives a slight performance boost while costing enough more.
For 900$, I can put together quite a good build, or I may be able to find an alright pre built, although building really is better.
The case of the old computer, being a pre built, probably has pretty be airflow and is almost definitely too small. A new one that will work will only cost 30-60$
1080 is probably the best resolution for a 900$ PC. And for the mouse, if you're building I can try to see if I can squeeze a good enough mouse in.
In this case, I guess I won't overclock.
Ah, so it's cheap? Good to know. I'm not even sure if the current one will work, it's very dusty. And no need for the mouse, I guess I can live with the current one.
Also, when I said $900, I meant up to that price. I'd like if it prefferably would be as cheap as possible, since I don't want to pay for more than I need - but not so cheap that it'll be obsolete in a couple of months, either.
Alright, I'll try to put together a build for you. Could you try the monitor to see if it will work? I'll actually put two builds together unless you know the monitor works before I put them together, one with a monitor and one without. It'll be in a few hours though, I have school to do.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
"Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world."
This is what I came up with quickly. I'll try to do one with a monitor later, someone can just tell me if I did something wrong.
I know everyone seems to be saying the GTX 960 is Overpriced and Not worth it, but in a build like this I would normally use the 285, which after looking at benchmarks, the GTX 960 is equal or better it performance and way better in power consumption. And pretty much equal in price. There is also enough money left over to get an OK mouse which can't really be spent on anything else in this build, in my opinion.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
"Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world."
This is what I came up with quickly. I'll try to do one with a monitor later, someone can just tell me if I did something wrong.
I know everyone seems to be saying the GTX 960 is Overpriced and Not worth it, but in a build like this I would normally use the 285, which after looking at benchmarks, the GTX 960 is equal or better it performance and way better in power consumption. And pretty much equal in price. There is also enough money left over to get an OK mouse which can't really be spent on anything else in this build, in my opinion.
That's overkill really for what he is doing. Plus with his ancient monitor, I recommend him getting a new one.
This is what I recommend:
Don't get this build. KSP performs HORRIBLY on AMD processors.
This is what I came up with. It's nearing the top end of your budget, but it will do much better than Alexx's in KSP and doesn't cost as much as Mallowpuff's if you consider the monitor. I dropped the GPU a bit since none of the games you listed are all that graphics intensive.
I can't speak for low end AMD processors, but my 8370 runs it fine. (with a 970)
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
- AMD 8-core FX-8370 - ASUS Strix GTX 970 4GB - ASUS Sabertooth 990FX - 16GB Kingston Fury Black 1600mhz - Samsung 840 Pro -
- WD Black 500GB x2 - WD Black 1TB - NZXT 630 Black - Coolermaster HYPER 212 EVO -
Don't get this build. KSP performs HORRIBLY on AMD processors.
This is what I came up with. It's nearing the top end of your budget, but it will do much better than Alexx's in KSP and doesn't cost as much as Mallowpuff's if you consider the monitor. I dropped the GPU a bit since none of the games you listed are all that graphics intensive.
I agree that the 960 might be a bit overkill, but for 20$ more I don't see a reason against getting it. (The 280 has a MIR to make it so cheap and chances are the OP won't use it) and don't get me wrong, I always try to keep it as cheap as possible even if the budget is higher because there's no reason to spend a ton.
Although I do agree 120% on that CPU instead of what I posted. And as for a monitor, I run on a 1680x1050 that's has to be like the first flat screen made. (/sarcasm although it is old) But I guess that's just me.
Don't get this build. KSP performs HORRIBLY on AMD processors.
This is what I came up with. It's nearing the top end of your budget, but it will do much better than Alexx's in KSP and doesn't cost as much as Mallowpuff's if you consider the monitor. I dropped the GPU a bit since none of the games you listed are all that graphics intensive.
Thanks for the offer, although I think this will end up being... pretty expensive.
Ah, so it's cheap? Good to know. I'm not even sure if the current one will work, it's very dusty. And no need for the mouse, I guess I can live with the current one.
Also, when I said $900, I meant up to that price. I'd like if it prefferably would be as cheap as possible, since I don't want to pay for more than I need - but not so cheap that it'll be obsolete in a couple of months, either.
He hasn't given us a budget, and you guys are building computers for him.
[quote]Quote from OpelSpeedsterjump
Like I said, the budget would be prefferably up to $900. But I didn't notice the edit in the other post saying he wanted it as cheap as possible, I'll make a new build.
Here is what I came up with that's quite a bit cheaper. If it's true KSP doesn't run well on AMD CPUs, I'm not sure how to make it any cheaper.
Sorry, I didn't even link it. I fixed it now though.
As you probably know, I was dumb when purchasing a new computer and got an underdog thing. While it is of course eons better than my former one, it still can't do much of what I need - And 1.4 GHz GRRR, HOW WAS I SO DUMB?! - So I am now considering to get another one after I'm already getting sick of my computer.
Although, there are two things I am curious about before doing so, and I don't want to end up in the same pitfall again - both in getting another underpowered computer, and paying for more than I need to.
1. Would it be worth it to use my former computer as a base for the new one?
As I already have been told, building computers is cheaper than buying a whole rig. But still, I have the chassis of my old computer left to rot here, and while the parts there are so ludicruously outdated(even games from 2002 can barely run in it), there might be still a bit that can be salvaged, so I need to figure out what.
Here are the specs, as told by Speccy:
MS Windows Vista Home Basic 32-bit SP1
• CPU
AMD Sempron 140 (78 °C)
Sargas 45nm Technology
• RAM
1,00 GB Single-Channel DDR2 @ 381MHz (5-5-5-18)
• Motherboard
M61PMV (AMD Processor model unknown) (40 °C)
• Graphics
931Wx (1024x768@60Hz)
128MB GeForce 6150SE nForce 430 (Foxconn)
• Hard Drives
75GB FUJITSU MAXTOR S TM380211AS SCSI Disk Device (RAID)
• Optical Drives
Optiarc DVD RW AD-7200A ATA Device
Remember, though, I'm just wondering if it's profitable by using it as a base for upgrading, I'm aware that there's very little that can be salvaged there.
2. What specs should I go for?
Now we get to the actual part. I'm hoping to get a new computer as most of the games in my current one run pretty slowly - while others are borderline unplayable - and I'm fed up of having to deal with 8 FPS(yes, I used a FPS measurer, I really get 8-15 FPS). My games are not very heavy, but I don't want to take any chances, so I need to figure out what parts I should aim for.
Here's the list of games I have or intend to get, and the ammount of power they require:
- Need for Speed™: Hot Pursuit™ 2 (Minimal Power)
- Need for Speed™: Underground 2 (Minimal Power)
- Need for Speed™: Most Wanted (Low Power)
- RollerCoaster Tycoon™ 3: Platinum (Low Power)
Games that are borderline old, and require quite a bit:
- TrackMania™ United Forever (Lowish Power)
- Spore (Lowish Power)
- Need for Speed™: World (Lowish Power)
- Need for Speed™: Carbon (Moderate Power)
- Test Drive™: Unlimited® (Moderate Power)
- The Sims™ 2: Ultimate Collection (Moderate Power)
- Team Fortress 2 (Average Power)
Games that are recent and/or demand a lot of power:
- Minecraft (High Power)
- Driver: San Francisco (Extreme Power)
- Starbound (Extreme Power)
- Kerbal Space Program (Insane Power)
And you wont be OCing correct?
Oh, I also forgot to ask the questions Karlzhao asked at the bottom of his post.
I'm just going to put this out there, Karlzhao honestly knows more than me about the actual computers so I'd listen to him, although I'll still try to help.
"Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world."
-Albert Einstein
Current setup: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/PJzPD3
Hm, budget's a tricky thing, as I don't really know what price I should settle for. I guess anything under $900 would do, and if it's impossible, just seek for the two cheapest solutions.
OCing? What's that...?
And alright.
I knew someone would disagree on the Minecraft part, but I didn't expect Starbound and Driver: SF to be weaker. Either way, they lag a lot on my current computer, so I had just assumed that they're the more powerful type of games.
As I expected. But, even with KSP, would it still be possible to not have to pay overly high?
I meant more as in using the chassis of the main computer to install the new parts, so I don't have to spend more on another chassis. The only parts I expected to be able to reuse would be the disk drive and the cooling device, anyway.
Like I said, the budget would be prefferably up to $900. The OS, I guess I could settle for a new one as the only one I currently have is Vista. I'd prefer Windows 7. I already have a spare monitor and mouse, even if both aren't of high quality(monitor is 1080x760 and mouse is rather tiny).
OCing? What's that...? Overclocking. Although, you probably don't need to do it, only gives a slight performance boost while costing enough more. Plus, it's honestly not the easiest thing to do, and if you really mess up somehow it can burn out your mobo. (Last time I checked)
For 900$, I can put together quite a good build, or I may be able to find an alright pre built, although building really is better.
The case of the old computer, being a pre built, probably has pretty be airflow and is almost definitely too small. A new one that will work will only cost 30-60$
1080 is probably the best resolution for a 900$ PC. And for the mouse, if you're building I can try to see if I can squeeze a good enough mouse in.
"Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world."
-Albert Einstein
Current setup: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/PJzPD3
In this case, I guess I won't overclock.
Ah, so it's cheap? Good to know. I'm not even sure if the current one will work, it's very dusty. And no need for the mouse, I guess I can live with the current one.
Also, when I said $900, I meant up to that price. I'd like if it prefferably would be as cheap as possible, since I don't want to pay for more than I need - but not so cheap that it'll be obsolete in a couple of months, either.
"Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world."
-Albert Einstein
Current setup: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/PJzPD3
I know everyone seems to be saying the GTX 960 is Overpriced and Not worth it, but in a build like this I would normally use the 285, which after looking at benchmarks, the GTX 960 is equal or better it performance and way better in power consumption. And pretty much equal in price. There is also enough money left over to get an OK mouse which can't really be spent on anything else in this build, in my opinion.
"Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world."
-Albert Einstein
Current setup: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/PJzPD3
That's overkill really for what he is doing. Plus with his ancient monitor, I recommend him getting a new one.
This is what I recommend:
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant
CPU: AMD FX-6300 3.5GHz 6-Core Processor ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-970A-UD3P ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($76.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: Corsair XMS 8GB (1 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($48.88 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: XFX Radeon R9 280 3GB Double Dissipation Video Card ($174.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: NZXT Source 210 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($29.98 @ OutletPC)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($49.99 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($16.98 @ OutletPC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ OutletPC)
Monitor: LG 22M35D 60Hz 22.0" Monitor ($90.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $723.75
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-01-23 15:34 EST-0500
Gaming PC Specs - Intel i5-2500K ~ ASUS P8P67M-Pro ~ Hyper 212+ ~ MSI GTX 970 OC ~ 8GB DDR3 Ram ~ 250GB Samsung EVO 850 ~ 500GB HardDrive ~ XFX 550w PSU ~ Fractal Core 1000 ~ Windows 8.1 ~ Samsung P2350 1080p Soon upgrading to GTX 1080/R9 490X + 1440p 144Hz
Macbook Pro 15" Retina - Intel i7 ~ 8GB Ram ~ Nvidia GT 650M ~ 256GB SSD ~ 2880 by 1800 Screen <3
I can't speak for low end AMD processors, but my 8370 runs it fine. (with a 970)
I agree that the 960 might be a bit overkill, but for 20$ more I don't see a reason against getting it. (The 280 has a MIR to make it so cheap and chances are the OP won't use it) and don't get me wrong, I always try to keep it as cheap as possible even if the budget is higher because there's no reason to spend a ton.
Although I do agree 120% on that CPU instead of what I posted. And as for a monitor, I run on a 1680x1050 that's has to be like the first flat screen made. (/sarcasm although it is old) But I guess that's just me.
"Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world."
-Albert Einstein
Current setup: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/PJzPD3
Thanks for the offer, although I think this will end up being... pretty expensive.
- http://pcpartpicker.com/p/CnvQgs
Seasonic 620 watts / Asus ROG Strix RX480 / AMD FX 8350 / 8gb Corsair Ram / MSI 990fx / 2 tb Seagate / 120 gb Samsung SSD / Razer Deathadder 2013 / Corsair K65 Keyboard / Phanteks cooler / Asus 23" 1080p 2ms / Asus MG248Q 24" 1080p 1ms 144hz
i5 4690k - Asus Z97-A - 8GBx2 of G.Skill DDR3 1600 - 2xCrucial BX100 500 Raid 0 - MSI GTX 970 Twin Frozr
NZXT Phantom 630 Black Windowed - EVGA SuperNOVA NEX 650W - Windows 8.1 and Ubuntu 15.04
Macbook Pro 13 with 512gb ssd - iPad Air 2
[quote]Quote from OpelSpeedster jump
Like I said, the budget would be prefferably up to $900. But I didn't notice the edit in the other post saying he wanted it as cheap as possible, I'll make a new build.
Here is what I came up with that's quite a bit cheaper. If it's true KSP doesn't run well on AMD CPUs, I'm not sure how to make it any cheaper.
Sorry, I didn't even link it. I fixed it now though.
"Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world."
-Albert Einstein
Current setup: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/PJzPD3
CPU: AMD POOPER 0001 @ 1.4 Hertz
Mobo:Gigabyte instable fire hazard **** PRO edition.
Ram: POOPRAM 1 Byte AA00-00000001
HDD: Seagate Pooparooda 1 byte 7RPM
iGPU: Intel pooper 001 (1 Byte VRAM)
PSU: Napalm PSU 10W Crap certified -999999999999999 ATX PSU.
There was a computer dating back to Adam and Eve. An apple, and a very bad one at that, it only took 1 byte to crash everything.
"If they say IT IS Opposite day .. doesn't that mean IT ISN'T?
The Opposite of Opposite day is Normal day. so in turn, there will never be an opposite day. "
Both of these are spam.