Computer Upgrade.

[Bizzy-]

What would be the best setup for real cheap to play the 2 games I play, TFC and CS. I have a Compaq that was bought back in like 2001 or 2002 that just sits and was wonder what I can do for cheap (possibly under $400, and I know its cheap but don't want to spend that much on it.) The only thing that is done to it was a soundblaster sound card put in a year and half ago but other than that it's in "stock" form. What would I need, new Motherboard, Video card, Memory, fan ect? I know what id want to do with exceed over $400 but we'll see. Or if someone has a good gaming PC for sale under $500 that would work good for what I want. Thanks!

[gosu]

here bro. I don't know but
www.infotechnow.com
they have an okay cheap built comp for sale once in a while so just stop by and check once in a while, also i don't really know, but if you have under 400$ and want to improve ur comp, this is what I'd do.. You can't really expect big difference so I might say you work your way out slowly. I say buy a RAMS if you would, or maybe a bit better graphic card. Nowadays, everyone's moving towards PCI-E, they come out with greatness, also soon u can do SLI's having two graphic cards on your mobo. You can also buy a new mobo and processor with that money, and upgrade others slowly, but I suggest you do everything together, though.. =) I don't got much to say, I was just jabbering...

RAM or Video Card or Mobo + CPU

[illmatiC]

off topic sorta but does anyone know if 2gb of ram makes any dif for hl2/hl2dm/dod:s/cs:s/other hl2 mods?

sorry about hi-jacking your thread bizzy!

[Bizzy-]

off topic sorta but does anyone know if 2gb of ram makes any dif for hl2/hl2dm/dod:s/cs:s/other hl2 mods?

sorry about hi-jacking your thread bizzy!Haha it's cool!

And thanks for the input and site Sad. Take all of it into consideration and will check that site for cheap ones!

any other input would be nice. :)

[gosu]

I don't really know, but I'll tell you this one.
Friend and I have same spec comp, except he uses only 1 gb ram, and I use 2gb ram, we both ran 3dmark06 right after we built our comp and windows, he scored 370 below me. I won't say it'll make much of a difference, but when you're running program and others, you'll tell the difference of speed of works being done. Plus, in future, you'll see the big difference. =)

[illmatiC]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819103535
amd 3200 venice - $159

not sure about the mobo but a non sli one should be around - $75-$100 max

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817103457
enermax 485w psu - $76

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820141423
1gb kingston value ram - $76

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814102635
sapphire x800gt - $129

total - ~$540 + shipping

just re-use your current hard drive(s) + case.

this should handle hl1 easily and do pretty decently for hl2.

and later on down the road if you want more performance all you really gotta do with the above system is upgrade the videocard.

[illmatiC]

someone else here can prolly work on reducing the $550.

[gosu]

ordering from online = no tax
just the shipping.


plus,newegg.com is good site, I also prefer
www.zipzoomfly.com. very nice site, with very nice system, price. =)

[thrash_head]

Case: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811144026
Motherboard: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813138268
Processor: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819104241
Memory: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145505
DVD-RW: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827152058
Hard Drive: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822135106

Total: $360.23

This motherboard has onboad video (if your not a gamer) and will be fine for you for most programs. If you game, since the computer is only $360.23 you can spend a lil on a decent videocard. I'd suggest a 6600GT 128. The Processor is Semperon, I like this brand for "budget gaming" because they run games decent at a very nice price. The Hard Drive is 80gb which should be enough for a while, if you use alot of space we can get a 160gb and that will be enough. So basicly this will last you another 2-3 years if you can stand not having the best computer around.

Videocard: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814125156

Total after Videocard: $490.22

[Janus]

welll done th.

[thrash_head]

Thanks, I think this is going to be my "value" computer for a while untill i can find a better setup.

edit: looks liek newegg did updates, i'll try to re-find all of the parts again tomorrow when i have time.

[ass*assassin]

i do a similar *value* setup for people on the cheap.. i used a sempron processor, ram and 80 gig drive. the only differences i use is that i go with a motherboard with sata interfacing instead of ide..

hmmmm.. looked at your links thrash, they are broken..newegg reorganized their pages so everything has been moved around.. oh well..

[thrash_head]

Case: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811129150
Motherboard: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813138268
Processor: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819104241
Memory: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820145440
DVD-RW: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16827152058
Hard Drive: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16822135106

Total: $360.23

This motherboard has onboad video (if your not a gamer) and will be fine for you for most programs. If you game, since the computer is only $360.23 you can spend a lil on a decent videocard. I'd suggest a 6600GT 128. The Processor is Semperon, I like this brand for "budget gaming" because they run games decent at a very nice price. The Hard Drive is 80gb which should be enough for a while, if you use alot of space we can get a 160gb and that will be enough. So basicly this will last you another 2-3 years if you can stand not having the best computer around.

Videocard: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814125156

Total after Videocard: $490.22


UPDATED: I fixed links and found a new Case, this one has a better PSU than the last case even though its a 350w. Chears!

Total: $367.22 (with better case)