Computer Techies, help me out?

My computer from 2005 has been recently getting constant BSoD and would only turn on after countless tries hitting the on/off button. This beastly HP computer had an upgraded 8600GT video card with 320gb hd, So I think its time for me to get an upgrade. Back then I would use this computer to play CoD4 and MW2 on medium-high graphic settings.

What I'm looking for is a desktop pc without the monitor, keyboard/mouse is optional in order to save some money. My budget is around $450-$550, don't really want to spend that much.

I've never built my own PC before but I think I'd be able to build one without a problem since I've heard that prebuilt PC's are rip-offs. But I did find a couple cheap options for myself:

http://www.amazon.com/HP-P7-1490-Pav...productDetails

I want something that could be used as a cheap alternative to a gaming PC. Something that would be able to play todays current games on medium-high.

This is a great deal for the money.

http://slickdeals.net/permadeal/8652...fi-n-windows-8

I used to build PCs and you're right, it's always cheaper to build you're own than to buy one prebuilt. There a few odds and ends to know, but for the most part it isn't that hard. Check out Newegg.com for a great selection of parts, good prices and fast shipping.

Originally Posted by tock172

I used to build PCs and you're right, it's always cheaper to build you're own than to buy one prebuilt. There a few odds and ends to know, but for the most part it isn't that hard. Check out Newegg.com for a great selection of parts, good prices and fast shipping.

Aftter looking at this site http://www.logicalincrements.com/ I've noticed that the Dell pc previously posted has much better specs than the ones on the website considering their price/spec.

I was thinking of another alternative.. Could it also work if I just upgraded the CPU, MOBO, video card, and HDD while keeping the case, PSU, and other stuff from my current pc?

Originally Posted by L3MONz

I was thinking of another alternative.. Could it also work if I just upgraded the CPU, MOBO, video card, and HDD while keeping the case, PSU, and other stuff from my current pc?

All depends on how good your current power supply is. Secondly, if I am not mistaken, some of the connectors for components that hook-up to the power supply have changed since 2005. Not sure though!

I wouldn't re-use anything from a 7-8 year old computer. There are several paths you may choose when building one. If you don't need something very powerful and want to play games at medium to high settings, some of AMD's APU are pretty good. The cpu may not be as fast as an intel cpu, but the built in gpu is much better than any intel integrated. It can even rival some of the more budget video cards, which would play games at medium to high settings. Something like this is what I'm referring too. This cpu is also the top model in it's class. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819113280

I need a quick response here.

What do you guys think about this pc http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsupport...riesId=5187022 for $400? It's a refurb and comes with an AMD A10-5700 3.4ghz quad core. Seems like a good deal to me, right?

Originally Posted by L3MONz

I need a quick response here.

What do you guys think about this pc http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsupport...riesId=5187022 for $400? It's a refurb and comes with an AMD A10-5700 3.4ghz quad core. Seems like a good deal to me, right?

Seems like a great deal for the price.

I'm not too sure about going for AMD tho. I've always been an intel guy and that chip looks rather cheap as it sells for only $125 on newegg... I'll probably end up buying a new video card and PSU so that will raise the price up a bit more for me. Unless the intergrated card that it comes with is good enough to withstand medium-high graphics?

Originally Posted by 04yfz

This is a great deal for the money.

http://slickdeals.net/permadeal/8652...fi-n-windows-8

I would avoid AMD also. I have never seen one last over any length of time.

I like the one posted above... Though I would try for a W7 downgrade, personally.

Check the following options:

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...ers-_-Spot%207

i used to build desktops for gaming, i don't bother anymore

the "is always cheaper" doesn't hold true anymore considering time invested

you can def have better parts and a better rig however, but, since the prices have come way down on prebuilts, i just don't think it's worth it anymore

get a lenovo if you got the coin

if not, it's a crap shoot

I plan on building my girlfriend a new PC. I'm still trying to learn about the ins and outs of PC building, but it doesn't seem that difficult.

As for the constant BSoD's, how's your RAM look?

Originally Posted by L3MONz

I'll probably end up buying a new video card and PSU so that will raise the price up a bit more for me. Unless the intergrated card that it comes with is good enough to withstand medium-high graphics?

That defeats the purpose of the selected APU. The integrated graphics is rather decent for what it is. If you were to upgrade parts, then you might as well build your own.

Originally Posted by SPDSKTR

I plan on building my girlfriend a new PC. I'm still trying to learn about the ins and outs of PC building, but it doesn't seem that difficult.

As for the constant BSoD's, how's your RAM look?

It's fine I guess. It currently has 4gb of ram but it is only utilizing 3.5 of it since thats all my computer can take.

I have built computers for many years. If you're on a budget you cannot beat AMD. I have had great success with them. Combined APU (CPU + GPU), pick a decent one, compatible MB, HD, 8GB RAM, you're all set.

You can use the case from your old PC but you'll need to get a new power supply (400W should be enough for you from Antec). If you're not adventitious. Then buy a case with a good power supply.

If you go over 4GB of RAM, you'll need a 64-bit OS. You can save more by not running windows (if you already have a copy you're ok). Linux as Steam supports games on it now.

Originally Posted by SPDSKTR

I plan on building my girlfriend a new PC. I'm still trying to learn about the ins and outs of PC building, but it doesn't seem that difficult.

As for the constant BSoD's, how's your RAM look?

http://www.pcmech.com/byopc/