Budget Gaming/Business Computer
 

It's time to replace a computer I built back in 2003 for Half-Life 2.

I need a new computer, preferably a build, that will run today's games passibly. I will also run Works and Quickbooks Pro.


I would like to use my old hard drive which is a measly 30 gb 7200rpm so that I can still use XP, and use an external HD for storage. If new games won't run on XP, I don't want to waste money on an operating system if I can buy a ready built computer that includes it.


My two options:

1. Build from scratch but use old XP op system

2. Buy normal desktop but upgrade the graphics card


Side question: Is AMD or Intel better for gaming?

I like Tigerdirect or Newegg unless there is another trustworthy place out there.

Any suggestions are welcome. Thank You.

Ditch your shitty hard drive. They don't even make Microsoft Works anymore.

I need a PC that will win Windows for Workgroups.....suggestions?

You don't want to put an existing XP install on a new computer. Ditch that lousy little 30GB POS and get a new drive. You can't simply drop an existing XP OS onto a new system with a new motherboard anyway, without running into lots of potential issues.

I'd combine options 1 and 2, and build from scratch but use Win7. If you can't afford Win7, you can always pirate it and buy it later when you're able.

Intel is better for gaming on average, but there's lots of exceptions for that. My preference is always Intel when building a gaming rig, but you can do so with AMD if you're that determined to save a little money.

You are a dumbass if you try to play modern games on XP.

Get Windows 7 64 bit and lol at XP.

And get a Geforce 560 Ti. Best bang for the buck.

Get one that has "Chip's Challenge" pre-installed.

You have a 30 GB hard drive and you want to play new games?

Are you going to have just one or two on there at a time?

The installs today are large.

This.

Buy a prebuilt budget i5 system on newegg. Get 8 GB DDR3 in it.

Drop a Geforce 560 Ti in it.

Enjoy 1080p gaming.

I wish I had the time to put an ultimate gaming PC to use, but it would just sit and collect dust due to kids and business booming.

What would you do with 3-400 bucks? It's not about money, I just don't want to waste something that I will never put to full use.

I am a dumbass, but I will heed to your suggestion.


Thanks for the card suggestion, specific equipment suggestions are what I am looking for.

YES.

It already has the Op system installed and a good card will get me going on games.

Thanks!

Then just don't spend quite so much on the video card. Or if you're worried about not playing games to make it worth the purchase, just rely on the onboard video card and leave room for a PCIe card to be purchased later for gaming.

Get a good mobo with all connections you'll need for the next 4 years. Get a cheap power supply <=500W. Get 8GB of cheap RAM. Decent HD.

That's versatile enough to serve whatever purpose you want. Including games.

I didn't know that W7 and W8 were so cheap. That shit used to cost $190-200 back in the day. LMAO

Yes.

I just checked I5 desktops with what Clay suggested. I would end up wasting the power (thanks anyway, Clay).

When I was in my early 20's I spent 3K+ on my computer gaming gear. Don't get old, don't run your own business, and don't have kids if you love to game. :(

I'm in the same boat as I need to upgrade one of my computers. I don't play games on it but my boys do and they have been bitching about how they can only play older games on it.

I have a nice case and new 500W power supply, so I just want to get a mobo, processor, ram, video card and maybe a hard drive (500G in there now). What is the best bang for the buck processor these days?