I didn't buy a gaming machine and now I regret it

[Sojik]

A few years ago I bought an HP Pavilion a1677c from Sam's Club. At the time I wasn't really into video games but I needed a new PC for school and business and email and all that. The only games I played were actually text based fantasy games that were more like collaborative fiction than an actual game. The thing came with a nice beautiful 21" monitor and said AMD 64 on the side and all that so I thought maybe I'd try some games on it and that didn't work out too well. I find out today that I have a crappy GPU (I found people on forums saying it's crappy back in 2007). So my question is, should I upgrade or build from scratch? I tried playing Crysis on it -- failed. Assassin's Creed -- failed on low settings. Half-Life 2 -- fail. I play World of Warcraft on it with low settings. I tried BioShock on it and failed too. I want to have a PC that can play those types of games and play the new games coming out this year and the next.

I've been looking over MySuperPC.com and am really tempted to just go for it and build a new PC. My brother who has a much much worse PC (it's a very old Dell) said he'd pay me $300 dollars for this thing which could go toward my budget for the new PC. I haven't set a budget yet since I'm still not sure whether I want to try upgrading this thing or going for it -- but somewhere in the $800-1000 range probably. Unfortunately I'll have to factor in the price of new software, right? So $100-150 for XP or Vista I guess.

I attached my dxdiag file so maybe some of you can give me advice. Is the $300 fair? Can I upgrade and be able to play the games out now and the ones coming out soon? Or should I just build a new system?

 

[erocker]

You will be able to build a very formidable PC for 800-1000 dollars. What country are you located in? I don't think it's going to be worth upgrading your current system

 

[redwings0921]

id be careful of the txt since hes 1 post. if you post it on the thread ill be happy to help you ot

 

[JrRacinFan]

If you dont feel like building new and only going to be doing mid-range gaming. This would treat you well and wouldn't need a new power supply.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121274

 

[Sojik]

I understand Red. The file is long for a forum post so I'll c&p the top for you.

------------------
System Information
------------------
Time of this report: 12/31/2008, 20:13:20
Machine name: RUBY
Operating System: Windows XP Professional (5.1, Build 2600) Service Pack 3 (2600.xpsp_sp3_gdr.080814-1236)
Language: English (Regional Setting: English)
System Manufacturer: HP Pavilion 061
System Model: RC669AA-ABA a1677c
BIOS: Phoenix - AwardBIOS v6.00PG
Processor: AMD Athlon(tm) 64 X2 Dual Core Processor 4600+, MMX, 3DNow (2 CPUs), ~2.4GHz
Memory: 2046MB RAM
Page File: 530MB used, 4431MB available
Windows Dir: C:\WINDOWS
DirectX Version: DirectX 9.0c (4.09.0000.0904)
DX Setup Parameters: Not found
DxDiag Version: 5.03.2600.5512 32bit Unicode

------------
DxDiag Notes
------------
DirectX Files Tab: No problems found.
Display Tab 1: No problems found.
Sound Tab 1: No problems found.
Music Tab: No problems found.
Input Tab: No problems found.
Network Tab: No problems found.

--------------------
DirectX Debug Levels
--------------------
Direct3D: 0/4 (n/a)
DirectDraw: 0/4 (retail)
DirectInput: 0/5 (n/a)
DirectMusic: 0/5 (n/a)
DirectPlay: 0/9 (retail)
DirectSound: 0/5 (retail)
DirectShow: 0/6 (retail)

---------------
Display Devices
---------------
Card name: NVIDIA GeForce 7500 LE
Manufacturer: NVIDIA
Chip type: GeForce 7500 LE
DAC type: Integrated RAMDAC
Device Key: Enum\PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_01DD&SUBSYS_034B1043&REV_A1
Display Memory: 512.0 MB
Current Mode: 1680 x 1050 (32 bit) (60Hz)
Monitor: HP f2105 Wide Flat Panel Monitor
Monitor Max Res: 1680,1050
Driver Name: nv4_disp.dll
Driver Version: 6.14.0011.6921 (English)
DDI Version: 9 (or higher)
Driver Attributes: Final Retail
Driver Date/Size: 12/5/2007 01:41:00, 5773568 bytes
WHQL Logo'd: Yes
WHQL Date Stamp: n/a
VDD: n/a
Mini VDD: nv4_mini.sys
Mini VDD Date: 12/5/2007 01:41:00, 7435392 bytes
Device Identifier: {D7B71E3E-429D-11CF-FA68-402300C2CB35}
Vendor ID: 0x10DE
Device ID: 0x01DD
SubSys ID: 0x034B1043
Revision ID: 0x00A1
Revision ID: 0x00A1
Video Accel: ModeMPEG2_A ModeMPEG2_B ModeMPEG2_C ModeMPEG2_D ModeWMV9_B ModeWMV9_A
Deinterlace Caps: {6CB69578-7617-4637-91E5-1C02DB810285}: Format(In/Out)=(YUY2,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_PixelAdaptive
{335AA36E-7884-43A4-9C91-7F87FAF3E37E}: Format(In/Out)=(YUY2,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_BOBVerticalStretch
{6CB69578-7617-4637-91E5-1C02DB810285}: Format(In/Out)=(UYVY,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_PixelAdaptive
{335AA36E-7884-43A4-9C91-7F87FAF3E37E}: Format(In/Out)=(UYVY,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_BOBVerticalStretch
{6CB69578-7617-4637-91E5-1C02DB810285}: Format(In/Out)=(YV12,0x3231564e) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_PixelAdaptive
{335AA36E-7884-43A4-9C91-7F87FAF3E37E}: Format(In/Out)=(YV12,0x3231564e) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_BOBVerticalStretch
{6CB69578-7617-4637-91E5-1C02DB810285}: Format(In/Out)=(NV12,0x3231564e) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_PixelAdaptive
{335AA36E-7884-43A4-9C91-7F87FAF3E37E}: Format(In/Out)=(NV12,0x3231564e) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_BOBVerticalStretch
Registry: OK
DDraw Status: Enabled
D3D Status: Enabled
AGP Status: Enabled
DDraw Test Result: Not run
D3D7 Test Result: Not run
D3D8 Test Result: Not run
D3D9 Test Result: Not run

-------------
Sound Devices
-------------
Description: Realtek HD Audio rear output
Default Sound Playback: Yes
Default Voice Playback: Yes
Hardware ID: HDAUDIO\FUNC_01&VEN_10EC&DEV_0888&SUBSYS_103C2A34&REV_1000
Manufacturer ID: 1
Product ID: 100
Type: WDM
Driver Name: RtkHDAud.sys
Driver Version: 5.10.0000.5502 (English)
Driver Attributes: Final Retail
WHQL Logo'd: Yes
Date and Size: 10/25/2007 06:29:00, 4623872 bytes
Other Files:
Driver Provider: Realtek Semiconductor Corp.
HW Accel Level: Full
Cap Flags: 0xF5F
Min/Max Sample Rate: 8000, 192000
Static/Strm HW Mix Bufs: 33, 32
Static/Strm HW 3D Bufs: 33, 32
HW Memory: 0
Voice Management: No
EAX(tm) 2.0 Listen/Src: Yes, Yes
I3DL2(tm) Listen/Src: Yes, Yes
Sensaura(tm) ZoomFX(tm): No
Registry: OK
Sound Test Result: Not run



EDIT: I'm in the US. Florida

 

[redwings0921]

thanks =) you should be good to play games with a simple video card upgrade. i believe your vid card input is agp correct? i just put a 7600gs up on ebay, if you want the link pm me. i played all my games fine with a 2.4 ghz proc, 2gb ram, a noname mobo and the 7600gs

 

[wolf2009]

take a look at this builder's guide, this should at least get you on your way to determining the best components out there

http://alienbabeltech.com/main/?p=1239

 

[erocker]

I had some time on my hands. With shipping it will put you at around the $1000 mark.

 

[DaMulta]

www.newegg.com

If your from the good old USA that's where you need to go.'


You can get a killer machine for a grand.

 

[JrRacinFan]

FYI @ redwings

It has a PCI-e x16 slot.

@erocker

nice build

 

[MKmods]

It would be cool to help out ur bro and build yourself another comp from the ground up.

$1000 (less the $300 from ur bro should be plenty to make a very nice comp)

If you ask 100 people what is a good comp ur gonna get 1000 different answers, lol

But basically get a case you like (as long as there is plenty of airflow. Remember you are the one that needs to look at it)

Get a top of the line PS (like a corsair)

To keep the budget reasonable get a mobo that will run Crossfire/SLI so in the future upgrades will be easy and a dual core CPU.

 

[redwings0921]

FYI @ redwings

It has a PCI-e x16 slot.

@erocker

nice build

ooo. i saw agp mode enabled =) my bad

 

[Sojik]

FYI @ redwings

It has a PCI-e x16 slot.

Yes. I understand it's important to note it's NOT a PCI-e x16 2.0

@erocker

WOW! Thanks! Thanks all of you.

 

[JrRacinFan]

Yes. I understand it's important to note it's NOT a PCI-e x16 2.0

Yes, but 2.0 cards are backwards compatible with a 1.x slotted motherboard. If you have the funds and willing to do the build I say go for erocker's! It truly is good. Very good.

 

[oli_ramsay]

This would be a good option if your budget could stretch that far.

EDIT: LOL Damn watermark Subtotal: $1,144.92

 

[Melvis]

If it was me id personaly just get a new GPU, the rest of ya system specs are fine, but if you want to go out and build a new one then yea look at what the other guys are offering

Im still running old school< and im still very happy with it, still plays games just fine

 

[MKmods]

and welcome to TPU by the way

PS: dont give ur bro the 21" monitor...

 

[Sojik]

Assuming I stick to a $1000 dollar budget and my brother gives me $300 dollars the systems these guys are offering sound really great for $700 out of my bank account. I'm looking up reviews right now.

@oli

Thanks for that. I definitely don't want to go over $1000 and your price doesn't factor in Windows. Thanks though.

Edit: RE: Monitor

I won't He has a 19"

 

[MKmods]

The comp erocker listed is a very good one.
Case is very nice but he forgot the PS.

To keep it in budget I would switch over to an AMD CPU and crossfire mobo.(+ will save you the money for the PS) Also swap the 4870 for a 4850.

Here is a good mobo (AM3 Ready)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813138128

CPU
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103272

PS
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139005

and the GPU from Oli's list

 

[JrRacinFan]

Looking at Oli's build you could trade out a few items and barely sacrifice performance:

Video card:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102803

Ram:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145225

Case (dont use the power supply that comes with it):
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811156201

 

[KBD]

yea, erocker put a nice rig for ya. Id just swap the Seagate Barracuda to 7200.10 320GB (with Perpendicular Recording) and optical drive to SATA.


P.S. he forgot the PSU. I'd go with Corsair 520W or 550W, Seasonic M12 or M12-II 500W or PC Power and Cooling 510W.

 

[Sojik]

What website are you taking that SS of btw? Newegg?

 

[spearman914]

This would be a good option if your budget could stretch that far.

EDIT: LOL Damn watermark Subtotal: $1,144.92

Lol. He plays fantasy games, why need a high-end quad like the i7?? Stick with Core 2 or Phenom II.

 

[Sojik]

Well I used to 2 years ago when I bought the PC. Since then I've tried playing other types of games.

Games like Assassin's Creed, Unreal, Crysis, Half-Life 2, Rainbow 6 Vegas 2 and Bioshock.

EDIT: But yeah, I'm not sure I need quad. Are there games that can use the quad yet to make it better?

 

[spearman914]

Well I used to 2 years ago when I bought the PC. Since then I've tried playing other types of games.

Games like Assassin's Creed, Unreal, Crysis, Half-Life 2, Rainbow 6 Vegas 2 and Bioshock.

EDIT: But yeah, I'm not sure I need quad. Are there games that can use the quad yet to make it better?

Still Core 2/Phenom II will do u well for a year or too.