So, I could use help from anyone that is willing to help. I'm looking at having about 600$ I can spend on my PC from tax returns. It's a pre-made piece of shit from Wal-mart so I'm not going to be able to upgrade just small parts and pieces.
From what I can tell, my motherboard has a LGA1156 cpu socket, which leaves me shit for possibilities to upgrade, and my PSU is at most like 300W. Had a buddy of mine that is into picking out PC parts help, and we made a list. I'm hoping for some more opinions, specifically on the builds compatibility with TF2.
Onto the meat though.
Current PC: http://support.acer.com/acerpanam/desktop/2010/acer/aspire/AspireM3910/AspireM3910sp2.shtml#sup_1
Current Graphics Card:
ATi Radeon HD 4650 512MB
Parts that were picked out:
http://pcpartpicker.com/p/BwC5
Couple side notes. I don't plan on overclocking. Just not something I'm looking at doing. Also, I feel like the system is going to run the risk of running hot with this setup. Any recommendations for a solution to that?
Anyways, thanks for any help I get!
So, I could use help from anyone that is willing to help. I'm looking at having about 600$ I can spend on my PC from tax returns. It's a pre-made piece of shit from Wal-mart so I'm not going to be able to upgrade just small parts and pieces.
From what I can tell, my motherboard has a LGA1156 cpu socket, which leaves me shit for possibilities to upgrade, and my PSU is at most like 300W. Had a buddy of mine that is into picking out PC parts help, and we made a list. I'm hoping for some more opinions, specifically on the builds compatibility with TF2.
Onto the meat though.
Current PC: http://support.acer.com/acerpanam/desktop/2010/acer/aspire/AspireM3910/AspireM3910sp2.shtml#sup_1
Current Graphics Card:
ATi Radeon HD 4650 512MB
Parts that were picked out:
http://pcpartpicker.com/p/BwC5
Couple side notes. I don't plan on overclocking. Just not something I'm looking at doing. Also, I feel like the system is going to run the risk of running hot with this setup. Any recommendations for a solution to that?
Anyways, thanks for any help I get!
You might be able to get by upgrading your current processor. What do you have? I'm assuming you probably have a Core i3. Intel has stopped making 1156 processors, but you can readily buy a used quad core i5 or i7 either from ebay or various tech forums.
The power supply will definitely need to be swapped. You didn't list your processor. And if your case isn't low profile or too small you should be able to fit current mid range video cards (like the 7850).
I would have to look at some pictures of the outside and inside of your case, and possiby have you take measurements, to get a complete picture of what's possible to upgrade your current PC.
If that doesn't pan out, I'd recommend you bump the new system processor to an FX-8320 or Core i5. Or just bump down to an FX-6300 processor. Also to maximize your budget, since it is pretty tight, keep an eagle eye out for Newegg's combo deals and Shellshockers. For instance that 600W Corsair PSU is a great deal, but looks like it's out of stock at this moment in time.
You might be able to get by upgrading your current processor. What do you have? I'm assuming you probably have a Core i3. Intel has stopped making 1156 processors, but you can readily buy a used quad core i5 or i7 either from ebay or various tech forums.
The power supply will definitely need to be swapped. You didn't list your processor. And if your case isn't low profile or too small you should be able to fit current mid range video cards (like the 7850).
I would have to look at some pictures of the outside and inside of your case, and possiby have you take measurements, to get a complete picture of what's possible to upgrade your current PC.
If that doesn't pan out, I'd recommend you bump the new system processor to an FX-8320 or Core i5. Or just bump down to an FX-6300 processor. Also to maximize your budget, since it is pretty tight, keep an eagle eye out for Newegg's combo deals and Shellshockers. For instance that 600W Corsair PSU is a great deal, but looks like it's out of stock at this moment in time.
Yeah, it's a tight budget.
For the processor, it's a Intel Core i3 550. Here's a CPU-Z printout of my PC.
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/6580709/SHIIBEN-PC.html
I know 600$ won't make me a beastly gaming rig, but it should be able to make something that runs TF2 well enough.
Yeah, it's a tight budget.
For the processor, it's a Intel Core i3 550. Here's a CPU-Z printout of my PC.
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/6580709/SHIIBEN-PC.html
I know 600$ won't make me a beastly gaming rig, but it should be able to make something that runs TF2 well enough.
You do a CPU, PSU, and GPU upgrade and you'll have something as good as buying a whole new machine. Just need to make sure the case is big enough/isn't specialized to accomodate a new PSU and GPU.
You do a CPU, PSU, and GPU upgrade and you'll have something as good as buying a whole new machine. Just need to make sure the case is big enough/isn't specialized to accomodate a new PSU and GPU.
You could probably opt for an i5-2500k and probably be fine without a new video card. TF2 is soooooo processor bound it isn't even funny.
You could probably opt for an i5-2500k and probably be fine without a new video card. TF2 is soooooo processor bound it isn't even funny.
Looks like the FX-8320 is actually on sale today on Tigerdirect. 10$ cheaper than the FX-8150. Oh choices, why do you keep popping up?
Looks like the FX-8320 is actually on sale today on Tigerdirect. 10$ cheaper than the FX-8150. Oh choices, why do you keep popping up?
Go with the 8320, it's supposed to be anywhere from 10-25% faster than the 8150 at the same clock speeds(according to these reviews).
Go with the 8320, it's supposed to be anywhere from 10-25% faster than the 8150 at the same clock speeds([url=http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819113285&SortField=1&SummaryType=0&PageSize=10&SelectedRating=-1&VideoOnlyMark=False&IsFeedbackTab=true#scrollFullInfo]according to these reviews[/url]).
I think I'm going to. At this point, unless someone points out something that really needs attention, I'll probably order the parts in the list, but replace the 8150 with the 8320. Might just wait until tomorrow. Not sure if I want to do it pre bar or tomorrow post sober, lol.
I think I'm going to. At this point, unless someone points out something that really needs attention, I'll probably order the parts in the list, but replace the 8150 with the 8320. Might just wait until tomorrow. Not sure if I want to do it pre bar or tomorrow post sober, lol.
Fun update. We determined my case is too small for the parts to comfortably fit. Added in a case.
Updated parts list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/C6L2
I'm at the point I'll admit I'm buying a new PC and just reusing my old HD and DVD tray. The 8320 sale lasts until Saturday, so I think I'm going to do a bit more research tonight/tomorrow morning and see if I could run into any other issues before ordering.
Fun update. We determined my case is too small for the parts to comfortably fit. Added in a case.
Updated parts list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/C6L2
I'm at the point I'll admit I'm buying a new PC and just reusing my old HD and DVD tray. The 8320 sale lasts until Saturday, so I think I'm going to do a bit more research tonight/tomorrow morning and see if I could run into any other issues before ordering.