Gaming PC: Is my build okay?

[DoubleDogg6]

About 6 months ago I started getting into PC gaming, I had an Xbox 360 but didn't like it as much. I bought a new Graphics card and that was it. Now some games work perfectily fine, Borderlands, Borderlands 2, BioShock, Portal 2, Left 4 Dead 2, etc... Others not so much, Assassin's Creed 3, Batman Arkham City GOTY, and some others.

Here is my setup:
Windows 7 64-Bit
Intel Pentium Dual-Core E5400 @ 2.70 GHz (Both cores)
4 GB RAM
EVGA Nivida GT 640 DDR3 2GB

My first question is: Are the reason some games lag so bad is because of my Motherboards processor, it is the one that came with the computer.

Second: If so, what would be a good processor to use. I would like to use Intel, but AMD would be fine if those are better.

Thanks, DD6

[grounded in reality]

some games are more cpu intensive (games with a lot of entities like planetside 2)
others are more gpu intensive ( games with better graphics)

[_I_]

is it used or new?

the e5400 is an older cpu socket 775
the gt640 is a low end gpu

intel is about 5years ahead of amd at this point
going to an i3 or i5 would be better than amd 6core cpus

[DoubleDogg6]

Okay thank you, I understand GT640 is a low end, but I just needed something to get me started. I can run the newer games just fine, but I have to run them on low, which isn't a big deal.

[[IN D] RobbinxDeHood]

The AMD FX-8320 is an amazing processor and it can't be beat for the price. Look at the reviews of it and the comparisons. It is one of the highest ranked CPUs and it is the highest ranked, at least the last time I checked, for the money. I use it and can max out all my games. I would say just get a little more RAM too.

[corsair gamer]

your setup is not that bad a new video card would help heaps (make sure your power supply can handle it) something like a gtx760 would triple your gaming performance .

[DoubleDogg6]

@the wombat - Okay, I went to BestBuy and saw a laptop that had the GTX760, does it require an extra power supply?

[Rove]

Messaggio originale di Double Dogg 6:

@the wombat - Okay, I went to BestBuy and saw a laptop that had the GTX760, does it require an extra power supply?

Laptop is a bad coice. It's not a "real" GTX 760 but rather a GTX 760m with m standing for mobile, 1 small letter 1 big difference. Unfortunately the mobile one is less than 1/2 the performance of the desktop model and not good enough to keep up to PS4 or XB1 consoles.

Both your CPU & GPU are either old or low end and so I think is the rest of your system. At this point you should consider a complete rebuild.

This is as cheap a desktop as I can currently put together to compete vs the new consoles. I wouldn't build a "gaming" machine for less unless you are aware that it won't keep up but just can't find the budget for this.

"Gamebox" budget PS4/XB1 console replacement PC.
http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/user/Rove/saved/2Ppb
Base Total: $483.90
Mail-in Rebates: -$50.00
Total: $433.90

You can install Linux & later Steam OS for free from USB on this or buy your own copy of Windows ($80-$100) or reuse a copy you already have. Installing Windows will probably require a DVD drive, I recommend a DVD burner for $15-$20 if you decide you are going to need one. No point in getting a reader as they are about the same price as a burner and can't burn.

If you would like some better and more expensive ideas please check out my other builds:
http://pcpartpicker.com/user/Rove/saved/