PC Help

Discussion in 'Gaming + Technology' started by Dr. Pit Lazarus, Jun 24, 2015.

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  1. Dr. Pit Lazarus

    Dr. Pit Lazarus Angelic Web Developer Gold VIP

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    Update: http://devinity.org/threads/pc-help.1007/#post-9233

    So... my family is deciding whether to upgrade or get a new PC to replace our family PC as it is getting quite old (and progressively getting slower and slower). It is a HP Pavilion p6520f, not the PC I use. If I'm going to upgrade it, I would get a new HHD, PSU, and add a graphics card. This PC is going to be used for general use (web browsing, YouTube, MS Office) and some gaming (as my brother plays on it and is done with playing games at 7-20 fps). He wants to play games at least average of 30fps on BF3, ArmA 2/OA, Dota 2, Gmod DarkRP, and MMOFPS like AVA on low quality (doesn't care about quality of graphics). This PC doesn't need to be the fastest computer ever, more of a low-mid range PC. Our budget is under $450 USD, but would like to spend as little as possible.
    Copy and pasted from here for your convenience.
    Mobo: H-RS880-uATX (Aloe, AM3 socket, AMD 785G chipset)
    CPU: AMD Athlon II X4 635 (4 core @ 2.9GHz)
    GPU: Integrated ATI Radeon HD 4200 graphics (256MB dedicated)
    Memory/RAM: 6GB (PC3-10600 MB/sec)
    PSU: 250W
    Form: Mid-size ATX
    QUESTIONS:
    1. Is it worth upgrading the current PC or building a new PC (DIY)?
    2. If it is worth upgrading, what parts/brands would you recommend? (PSU, GPU) I was thinking about the Zotac ZT-70601-10M and Corsair Builder 430W, but would the CPU be fine?
    3. If not, is this a good build? Will the CPU/GPU bottleneck? http://pcpartpicker.com/p/KNJPWZ
    4. Any tips for DIY PC builds and ordering parts online?

    I might be getting a new PC as well. Not another cheap laptop. (Depends on how much the family PC will cost.)
    Also, if you have any spare PC parts that you're willing to ship, please post them here. :3
    ASUS X55U
    Chipset: AMD A68M
    CPU: AMD APU E2-1800 (2 core @ 1.7GHz)
    GPU: AMD Radeon HD 7340 Built-in E2-1800 (2 Core)
    Memory/RAM: 4GB (DDR3 1333 MHz SDRAM)
    Display: 15.6" 16:9 HD (1366x768)
    Storage: 500GB 5400rpm
    OS: Windows 8.1
     
    Last edited: Jul 27, 2015
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  2. Rollie

    Rollie Devine Member Gold VIP

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    If it's a laptop just buy a new one if its a desktop check to see what your case can hold and what's comparable and if you want it to be really fast add a ssd
     
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  3. JDMallDAY

    JDMallDAY Member

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    I would go with getting a new pc if you say the computer is old. I just have one question do you know how to build a pc?
     
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  4. Dr. Pit Lazarus

    Dr. Pit Lazarus Angelic Web Developer Gold VIP

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    It is a desktop pc and a hdd is fine. I looked into the motherboard and there is nothing blocking the PCI-e 2.x x16 slot.

    As much as possible, I would like to upgrade it, but if it's not worth it I'd be fine with building a new pc. Just because when I get MY PC, I'd like spend a bit more than the family pc. No, I have not built a pc before. But I have been doing some research and watching some walk-through videos of people assembling pcs.
     
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  5. JDMallDAY

    JDMallDAY Member

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    Well here are two links. Those two links are computers that are great for gaming and stuff.
    $400
    $500

    You are just going to need to buy a wireless adapter to connect to the internet, buy a software program (windows), and a disc reader.
     
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  6. Decap

    Decap Super Radman

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    I would say that your best bet is to salvage the parts that are useful from your old pc (such as the hdd, fans, power, etc,) then replace the old outdated parts (mobo, cpu, gpu,). Measure the case to make sure that the mobo you get will be the right size and will fit.
     
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  7. Dr. Pit Lazarus

    Dr. Pit Lazarus Angelic Web Developer Gold VIP

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    Would it be okay if I just keep everything and only replace the 250w power supply and add a GPU? I'm thinking about the CORSAIR CX500M 500W MODULAR and a ZOTAC ZT-70401-10PP.
    This PC is not going to be used for things like overclocking or a super fast CPU, doesn't need heavy multitasking.
     
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  8. Decap

    Decap Super Radman

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    In that case yes, but you need to be sure that the mobo will be able to handle the new cpu. Otherwise that should be good since it's not a gaming pc.
     
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  9. Dr. Pit Lazarus

    Dr. Pit Lazarus Angelic Web Developer Gold VIP

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    It is going to be a gaming PC, but not high end gaming. It's going to be able to play games that are a few years old, like BF3 and ArmA2.
    Also, I'm adding a graphics card, not a CPU.

    The only requirements for a gpu to be compatible with a motherboard is one PCie x2.x x16 slot and space in the case for the gpu, right? Nothing else?
     
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  10. Decap

    Decap Super Radman

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    Ah sorry I read that wrong. But yes you are correct, as long as it is compatible and there is enough space you should be fine. Regardless if you still have issues once you upgrade you will just need to upgrade more components.
     
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  11. Dr. Pit Lazarus

    Dr. Pit Lazarus Angelic Web Developer Gold VIP

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    Away from that family PC, now to my new PC.

    http://pcpartpicker.com/user/drpitlazarus/saved/3PbfrH
    Please actually read my entire post. :heart:

    Would this be a decent build to replace my laptop? I'm not sure what processor I need but I plan play games like BF3, Guns of Icarus Online, and of course gmod with better fps (10-30 fps on flood currently, no matter what settings) in at least medium quality. I don't plan on playing anything like Crysis 3 anytime soon. I'm guessing that a GTX 750 Ti will do. I would like a processor that can handle heavier multitasking (something like having Chrome, Hammer, VLC, and Gmod open without losing too much performance). I also would like it to handle 3D modeling better (3DS Max) so I can finally finish that Pit skin. I think I should go with i5 processor... I don't need my PC to be ultra-fast, so no SDD. I do not plan on doing anything like overclocking the processor or gpu and doing SLI or crossfire. For the case, I'd like a mini-ITX form factor, which I picked Cooler Master Elite 130.

    It would be very much appreciated if you are willing to ship a spare processor to me that you might have. Yes, I'll pay the shipping.
    I would like to save some money as I still need to buy a monitor, keyboard, and mouse. My budget is less than $525 USD.
    Would this keyboard/mouse combo be fine? I just need a functioning keyboard and mouse. http://pcpartpicker.com/part/cooler-master-keyboard-sgb3010kkmf1us

    I'm open to any suggestions and feedback that you may have. Thanks. :heart:
     
    Last edited: Jun 27, 2015
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  12. Roflcopter Rogers

    Roflcopter Rogers Least From The East Platinum VIP

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    I can ship a crappy monitor if needed
     
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  13. Dr. Pit Lazarus

    Dr. Pit Lazarus Angelic Web Developer Gold VIP

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    That would be great... But it would help if you told me what size the monitor is (diagoninal in inches), max resolution, and if it has at least one HDMI input, DVi-D input, or D-Sub/VGA. Preferably HDMI and the DVi-D inputs.
    [​IMG]
     
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  14. Roflcopter Rogers

    Roflcopter Rogers Least From The East Platinum VIP

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    e15t3r monitor and the blue thing on the picture. Also can ship a Logitech Keyboard K120 (it makes a lot of noise)
     
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  15. Dr. Pit Lazarus

    Dr. Pit Lazarus Angelic Web Developer Gold VIP

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    That monitor must be old as I can't find any info on it. I would like at least 19" monitor at 1600x900. I think the keyboard/mouse combo I want is better than the cost to ship a keyboard like that. Are the keys faded and sticky?
     
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  16. Roflcopter Rogers

    Roflcopter Rogers Least From The East Platinum VIP

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    No the keys are not faded nor sticky actually it looks almost brand new.
     
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  17. Dr. Pit Lazarus

    Dr. Pit Lazarus Angelic Web Developer Gold VIP

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    Got all my components except the case today. :D

    CPU: i3-4170 3.7GHz 2C/4HT LGA 1150
    Mobo: MSI H81M-P33 LGA 1150 (mATX)
    RAM: Crucial Ballistix Sport 8GB (2x 4GB) DDR3-1600MHz
    PSU: Corsair CX500M
    HDD: WD Blue 1TB 7200RPM 64MB Cache
    Case: Rosewill FBM-02 (mATX)
    Total: $328.94

    No GPU because of unexpected car repairs... I guess I can see how well the Intel HD 4400 graphics performs.
    I was going to get a Zotac GTX 760, but after watching some videos of the GTX 750 Ti, I'm not so sure.
    [​IMG]
     
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  18. Roflcopter Rogers

    Roflcopter Rogers Least From The East Platinum VIP

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