Computer Upgrade

[LW6W]

My computer isn't the latest model or anything but I've been wanting to upgrade my computer for a few months now. I don't really now much about all these different processors and things that make the computer a whole lot better but I'll post my computer specs and if anyone really knows the best specs for a good gaming pc let me know:

Operating System: Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit Service Pack 1
System Manufacturer: Packard Bell
System Model: ixtreme M3730
Processor: Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Quad CPU Q8300 @ 2.50GHz (4 CPUs), ~2.5GHz
Memory: 4096MB RAM
DirectX Version: DirectX 1
Card name: NVIDIA GeForce GT 430
Manufacturer: NVIDIA
Chip type: GeForce GT 430

[_I_]

build a new pc
c2q was good competition to the amd pii or fx 4-6000

the gt430 is a weak gpu

to upgrade the cpu, youll need a new board, case and ram
to upgrade the gpu, you will need a new psu

the rest is drives

[LW6W]

I was actually thinking of buying a new computer rather than building one. How good are these computers?: http://www.pcworld.co.uk/gbuk/desktop-pc-monitors/desktop-pcs/desktop-pcs/packard-bell-imedia-s2870-desktop-pc-21656682-pdt.html

http://www.pcworld.co.uk/gbuk/desktop-pc-monitors/desktop-pcs/pcs-for-gaming/acer-predator-g3-605-gaming-desktop-pc-21656679-pdt.html

http://www.pcworld.co.uk/gbuk/desktop-pc-monitors/desktop-pcs/pcs-for-gaming/acer-predator-g3-605-gaming-desktop-21656659-pdt.html

[Rove]

Building is better than buying by a lot. I recommend building.

What's your budget?

For upgrades to your existing system you need a better graphics card because that one (GT 430) is crappy. A AMD Radeon HD 7790 should do well enough but you may also need a new power supply unit.

If you were going to get serious about upgrading (over $300-$400 spent on it) then I would recommend building a new system instead I think.

[LW6W]

Is there a serious difference between Nvidia and AMD? Which one is better?

[senseidongen]

Originally posted by LW6W:

I was actually thinking of buying a new computer rather than building one. How good are these computers?: http://www.pcworld.co.uk/gbuk/desktop-pc-monitors/desktop-pcs/desktop-pcs/packard-bell-imedia-s2870-desktop-pc-21656682-pdt.html

http://www.pcworld.co.uk/gbuk/desktop-pc-monitors/desktop-pcs/pcs-for-gaming/acer-predator-g3-605-gaming-desktop-pc-21656679-pdt.html

http://www.pcworld.co.uk/gbuk/desktop-pc-monitors/desktop-pcs/pcs-for-gaming/acer-predator-g3-605-gaming-desktop-21656659-pdt.html

As ever with pre-builts, decent CPU but a GPU that is comparatively weak. A middle-ground between pre-built and home-built (though I fully agree that building yourself is better) is to go somewhere like http://www.pcspecialist.co.uk/pcs/ and use the configurator - you can select what you want and they're generally better value than fully pre-built (especially from PC world - laptops, they're good for, but not desktops)

EDIT:

Originally posted by LW6W:

Is there a serious difference between Nvidia and AMD? Which one is better?

No, there is not (despite what fanboys on both sides will tell you). Generally, AMD offer better value whereas Nvidia has some exclusive tech like PhysX - not enough to say one is better than the other inherantly though

[LW6W]

Thanks for the help much aappreciated

[Rove]

Originally posted by LW6W:

I was actually thinking of buying a new computer rather than building one. How good are these computers?: http://www.pcworld.co.uk/gbuk/desktop-pc-monitors/desktop-pcs/desktop-pcs/packard-bell-imedia-s2870-desktop-pc-21656682-pdt.html

http://www.pcworld.co.uk/gbuk/desktop-pc-monitors/desktop-pcs/pcs-for-gaming/acer-predator-g3-605-gaming-desktop-pc-21656679-pdt.html

http://www.pcworld.co.uk/gbuk/desktop-pc-monitors/desktop-pcs/pcs-for-gaming/acer-predator-g3-605-gaming-desktop-21656659-pdt.html

These are not very good, only the 1000 GBP one has a ok graphics card, the other 2 for 500 and 700 GBP have crappy graphics cards that are not even as good as PlayStation 4 or Xbox One new consoles. The 1000 GBP one is way too expensive for what you get.

Like I say I strongly recommend building your own, it's no harder than a model toy.

Here is what I recommend you to get for under 500 GBP:
http://uk.pcpartpicker.com/p/24hIO
Total: £490.96 + unlisted shipping

[rotNdude]

About the only thing I would upgrade in your existing computer is the video card, but that depends on the make and model of the power supply and what it can deliver on the +12V rail.

If you want to get a complete new system, please post your budget.

[LW6W]

I'm not quite sure. Just seeing what's good and if it's in reasonable price range.

[rotNdude]

These are my general guidelines for costs associated with a new PC if you're building it yourself.

Motherboard $100
CPU $200
Video card $300
8 GB RAM $80
Power Supply $80
Case $70
Windows $100

Total is $930

That doesn't include a hard drive, SSD, optical drive, keyboard, mouse, monitor or speakers/headphones/headset.

[jambutty]

If you were looking at spending a grand at PC world here is one you could build that would cost you less
http://uk.pcpartpicker.com/p/24lHi
and a cheaper AMD version:
http://uk.pcpartpicker.com/p/24lHi
You can always remove the SSDs from both builds and remove one of the GPUs but I would then go for a better single card personally something like a 7970 or GTX 780

[Rove]

Originally posted by jambutty:

If you were looking at spending a grand at PC world here is one you could build that would cost you less
http://uk.pcpartpicker.com/p/24lHi
and a cheaper AMD version:
http://uk.pcpartpicker.com/p/24lHi
You can always remove the SSDs from both builds and remove one of the GPUs but I would then go for a better single card personally something like a 7970 or GTX 780

Your second link is the same as the first. MIght want to fix it if you still have the second build.

[senseidongen]

Originally posted by rotNdude:

These are my general guidelines for costs associated with a new PC if you're building it yourself.

Motherboard $100
CPU $200
Video card $300
8 GB RAM $80
Power Supply $80
Case $70
Windows $100

Total is $930

That doesn't include a hard drive, SSD, optical drive, keyboard, mouse, monitor or speakers/headphones/headset.

Solid advice: the only problem is that the numbers don't translate into £s that easily - a $300 GPU is more like £240 rather than £180, for example

[rotNdude]

Originally posted by senseidongen:

Originally posted by rotNdude:

These are my general guidelines for costs associated with a new PC if you're building it yourself.

Motherboard $100
CPU $200
Video card $300
8 GB RAM $80
Power Supply $80
Case $70
Windows $100

Total is $930

That doesn't include a hard drive, SSD, optical drive, keyboard, mouse, monitor or speakers/headphones/headset.

Solid advice: the only problem is that the numbers don't translate into £s that easily - a $300 GPU is more like £240 rather than £180, for example

Point taken, but a currency converter is readily available.
http://www.xe.com/currencyconverter/

If the OP starts looking at a new system, there are always compromises to the $ amounts for components I've stated.