I'm an [idiot]

[ShortThrow]

Alright, I'm sure you guys get this alot; well, I know you guys do.

I'm an idiot when it comes to computer components and performance, and lately I've become interested in pc gaming (Since my xbox crapped out and I hear pc gaming is better anyways).

I put together a computer about two years ago, just for normal use (school etc.), and it works fine; but I recently attempted to play HL2, and well, my computer failed miserably, as I had pretty much expected.

Right now, here's what I'm sitting with:

Believe me when I say that I know this thing sucks hardcore by gaming standards.


So with all of that said, I come to ask your advice. I would like to simply upgrade instead of build something new if possible, although I think I may end up having to do that since my mobo and **** blows that hard. I'm not so into gaming that I need the best of the best. Sound I could care less about, and of course I already have a decent mouse/keyboard/monitor.

As for my budget, I would like to spend as little as possible, but you gotta pay to play right? I'm willing to spend what I need to in order to play the games that I'm interested in (HL2, Counter Strike?, whatever else kicks ***) with good settings. I've already got a case and possibly a power supply that could work.

I'm hoping someone can step up for me and maybe link me to everything I need to get started. But be kind; I'll basically believe and buy whatever you all tell me to

Anything appreciated!

 

[RepuLse]

hey you have aim? this will be alot easier if not i can just post the links tomorrow

 

[Nukem]

Give the specs of what you want to use first, this way we can say yes/no as to possible use again... (PSU mostly) The newer equipment today needs the juice to run... but what is your actual budget... some people here will tell you to spend 3K when it's not needed. Do you want a machine for JUST gaming, or do you want to do other things with it...

 

[ShortThrow]

Give the specs of what you want to use first, this way we can say yes/no as to possible use again... (PSU mostly) The newer equipment today needs the juice to run... but what is your actual budget... some people here will tell you to spend 3K when it's not needed. Do you want a machine for JUST gaming, or do you want to do other things with it...

I don't know anything about my power supply, my buddy just said it might work lol. I typically only use computers for online forums, aim, and school crap; now just trying to get something where I can do all of that along with gaming.

 

[RepuLse]

then you only need a grand or less to spend

 

[markkleb]

EASY!
first 1 more HDD (same one) and make a raid0 array.

for a mobo, cpu and video card,(mobo $79,CPU $100 Video Card $170)Newest stuff...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813138026
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819103637
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814102612R

For memory($81 after rebate)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820227077

You will need at least a Good 450 watt PS for the video card. If this is too much money drop the video card and PS and get a 7600GT video card (dosent use too much power)

 

[viperman5000]

You don't need another HDD. Unless you have some crazy music collection, I doubt you'll need another.

The motherboard mark suggested should do (I'm not good with motherboards). The CPU looks good for what you're after.

For the video card, I would suggest a 7600GT(it should be more than enough for what you need), $170:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814130017

Memory looks good that mark suggested.

For a power supply, the best you can possibly get (within reason) is this, $90: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817103931

But this should do you just fine (I have it myself), $60: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817148008

 

[bonehelm]

yeah a 7600GT will make Hl2 rock the crap out of your consoleness.

Welcome to PC world

 

[Yoad]

okay i'd go for this combo if it were me on a 1k budget:

Mobo: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813130050

CPU : http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819103735

Video card: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814130017 [what above offerd, good choice!! btw open box is a NO NO and same goes for refubrished]

Memory, i'd suggest 800mhz 'cause AM2 memory controllers work with them much better: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820146106 if its too costy than go for what above offerd.

PSU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817103936
Sums up to 747$ after the rebates, and I didnt calc in the delivery but probably like 760$ after that...

Hope that helped, this combo should work for you for quite a while even for gaming, the cpu is great and can handle much stress aswell.

-Jo.

 

[Nitestick]

in my opinion all you need to do is stick in another 512mb of ram and a half decent AGP graphics card, assuming both upgrades are possible. the reason your system failed would have been because of the onboard S3 graphics and relatively low amount of memory