Need to update my computer OR get a new one

**lonesome killer** · 09-10-2011 06:35 PM

My computer is from before March 2009. It is HP m9250f. It is prebuilt. I wanted to make my own computer, but I got the computer for about $200. It was an awesome deal and has lasted me 2 1/2 years. However, it is starting to show it's age. I got it cheap b/c someone had returned it to the store. HP fixed it and said the only problem was a "boot hang." I've had an issue since last year where I can not update passed Vista Service Pack 1. I've tried several times and it always fails.

Here's my specs:
Motherboard

IPIBL-LB (Benicia)

Processor

Intel Core 2 Quad Q6700

Memory

4 GB

Video graphics

NVIDIA GeForce 8600 GT

Integrated graphics using Intel GMA 3100

Sound/Audio

Integrated Audio ALC888S

TV-Tuner

Hauppauge NTSC and ATSC

Networking

LAN: 10-Base-T

802.11 b/g wireless USB adapter card

Modem: 56K WinModem

Hard drive

1 TB (2 x 500 GB)

CD/DVD disc drive

SuperMulti 16X DVD(+/-)R/RW 12X RAM (+/-)R DL LightScribe SATA drive

Memory Card Reader

15-in-1 multimedia card reader with infrared receiver

Computer Case

Mid-size ATX

Power Supply

350W

And here's the direct link if you want to see more detailed info.
HP Pavilion Elite m9250f Desktop PC Product Specifications HP Pavilion Elite m9250f Desktop PC - HP Customer Care (United States - English)

The graphics card has done me well for the games I play. I got BF Bad Company 2 a few days ago, and I can't play passed low settings. If I go to Medium or High my FPS drops and my ping goes up to 300-500. Even on low settings I sometimes get low FPS at certain times (like when I'm in the middle of a smoke grenade).

I'm sure this won't be enough for BF3, so I need some advice. I've never built my own PC before. I don't know what parts to keep or upgrade. Also, I've heard something about "Bulldozer" coming and maybe AMD parts will drop in price? Any input would be greatly appreciated.

I want to keep it less than $1,000. Also, I want HDMI output. Also, I need a good gaming keyboard/mouse combo.

**vintagepc** · 09-12-2011 11:47 AM

for a good gaming rig, you want the most budget to be for memory, and your video card, as those tend to be the major bottlenecks.

You can definitely keep the HDDs and optical drive, as well as any PCI cards (tuner, modem, etc.).

Memory you can't really keep, chances are the newer motherboards don't support the older type (all DDR3 now, your system is probably DDR2)

So what you'll be looking at is a new: motherboard, power supply (get at least 500W, video cards are power hungry) memory, CPU, KB and mouse, and of course a nice case to put it all in.

Most of that is all personal preference as to what brands you prefer. As for video cards, I have a nVidia GTS250 (bought it when I got sick of my own 8600) which handles anything I throw at it. Now, you can get a 460 or 480 for relatively little. Don't go with their lower models (e.g. 240,420,520) as those are basically for desk-job PCs and have no grunt whatsoever. Also, more video memory can often give better performance than a slightly faster model. I think that's covered everything, if you have questions, just ask.

**milkshake** · 09-12-2011 12:30 PM

Head over to Reddit's r/buildapc, they have a lot of $600-1000 gaming builds there that you can easily manage.

Bulldozer is an unknown quantity, it is not yet clear if they are worth the wait, early signs are not too encouraging... Right now Intel is still the best bang for gaming buck with the I5-2500K.

something like this -[Build Ready] AMD $800 gaming rig. Trying to get this to play newer games(BF3) on high settings with a a stable 60 fps. : buildapc

or this -
http://http://www.reddit.com/r/buildapc/comments/kbeua/build_ready_800_gaming_pc/

will probably dominate most games for a few years...

**Operator** · 09-12-2011 02:31 PM

Lonesome, if you want, we can walk through a build. Hit me up on steam or shoot me a PM and we can price out a decent rig for you. Or you could buy mine. I'm selling it for less then $1,000. But seriously, if you want to price one out and if you have any questions feel free to ask

Besides, pricing out and picking out hardware is what I really enjoy doing. Which is why I have no life.

**lonesome killer** · 09-14-2011 04:58 PM

Thanks Operator.

I never could figure out Reddit. The links are too confusing for me. I don't know why.

**lonesome killer** · 09-21-2011 08:43 AM

I added you Operator. We really need to talk. I just saw the minimum specs for BF3. I need a new computer.

**cupboardoflove** · 09-23-2011 09:57 PM

The great thing about a desktop is that if you need to keep under $1,000 now is that you can always upgrade your hardware at any time. What I personally would suggest is to spend more on your processor/motherboard now and make sacrifices elsewhere. RAM is cheap, desktop HDs are cheap, and video cards are constantly upgrading.

Personally, based upon your setup, I'd start from scratch.

If you need any suggestions, like Operator, I can help out too. I just did a massive upgrade on my wife's machine as she didn't have the money to purchase a new computer (and I ain't buying her a new one, muhahaha) that included a new hard drive and we maxed out the memory for all under $100.

**lonesome killer** · 09-23-2011 10:02 PM

Yeah great. Post a build here if you would like. I'm also looking for a gaming mouse and keyboard.

**cupboardoflove** · 09-24-2011 01:41 AM

Gaming keyboard and mouse? Gaming keyboard, uh, those exist?

Gaming keyboard, I can't recommend as I'm just using a basic Apple Wireless Keyboard; however, gaming mouse? Logitech G9X. I was able to score mine for $50 new and it was worth every, single penny I paid for it. Mindblowing-ly accurate and the weights give it a great feel. I also bought a Razer Vespula Dual-Sided Gaming Mouse Mat that helps make it rock.

Before I go into specifics on hardware, were you looking to build the PC yourself or go through an avenue like Cyberpower, Ibuypower or one of the other various custom built sites on the internet?

**cupboardoflove** · 09-24-2011 02:00 AM

Just for giggles and because I'm avoiding cleaning this late at night, I built a basic Intel PC off iBuyPower without making massive upgrades:

1 x Case ( NZXT Gamma Gaming Case - Black )
1 x Processor ( Intel® Core™ i7-2600 Processor (4x 3.40GHz/8MB L3 Cache) )
1 x Processor Cooling ( Liquid CPU Cooling System [SOCKET-1155] - [Free Upgrade] Standard 120mm Fan )
1 x Memory ( 8 GB [4 GB X2] DDR3-1333 Memory Module - Corsair or Major Brand )
1 x Video Card ( AMD Radeon HD 6450 - 1GB )
1 x Video Card Brand ( Major Brand Powered by AMD or NVIDIA )
1 x Motherboard ( Gigabyte GA-P67A-D3-B3 )
1 x Power Supply ( 450 Watt -- Standard )
1 x Primary Hard Drive ( 1 TB HARD DRIVE -- 32M Cache, 7200 RPM, 6.0Gb/s - Single Drive )
1 x Optical Drive ( 24X Dual Format/Double Layer DVD±R/±RW + CD-R/RW Drive - Black )
1 x Sound Card ( 3D Premium Surround Sound Onboard )
1 x Network Card ( Onboard LAN Network (Gb or 10/100) )
1 x Operating System ( None- Pre-formatted Hard Drive Only )
1 x Warranty ( Standard Warranty Service - Standard 3-Year Limited Warranty + Lifetime Technical Support )
1 x Rush Service ( Rush Service Fee (not shipping fee) - No Rush Service, Estimate Ship Out in 5~10 Business Days )

The only two items I upgraded were the processor to the basic Sandy Bridge quad-core Intel Core i7 and the memory to 2 x 4 GB sticks as it was only $20 more (which honestly is a pretty sweet deal).

The total after shipping? $823. However, to point out, that's no keyboard, no mouse, and most importantly, uh, no operating system.

You can always upgrade the video card at a later date, however, that requires a higher wattage power supply. Hard drives, honestly, are getting cheaper and solid state would be the ultimate way to go once prices go down.

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