Computer question

[gunnarthor]

Way off topic but maybe someone here can throw in their two cents.

 

I have a pretty old desktop computer (and a number of tablets which is a different issue). My kids are getting to the point that they want to play some paradox games from steam (EU IV) and some online games on the desktop as opposed to the tablets and they are saying my computer is too old/too slow, sort of like their dad.

 

I have windows 10 and my processor is a AMD FX-6120 Six-Core, my graphics card is amd radeon hd 7450 and i have 10 GB of installed RAM. A quick internet suggests that this is enough for the online requirements for something like world of warcraft and other RPG games. I assume they are enough for the steam games but I haven't checked. Kids say minimum requirements aren't enough.

 

So, two part question - it does seem like my processor and graphics card are a bit dated. If so, is it cheaper to try and buy updated processors and graphics cards and have them installed into my current desktop (of which i have no idea how to do) or is it better to just shop for a new "gaming desktop." And what kind of processor and graphics card should I be looking for?

[Richie the Rally Goat]

Way off topic but maybe someone here can throw in their two cents.

 

I have a pretty old desktop computer (and a number of tablets which is a different issue). My kids are getting to the point that they want to play some paradox games from steam (EU IV) and some online games on the desktop as opposed to the tablets and they are saying my computer is too old/too slow, sort of like their dad.

 

I have windows 10 and my processor is a AMD FX-6120 Six-Core, my graphics card is amd radeon hd 7450 and i have 10 GB of installed RAM. A quick internet suggests that this is enough for the online requirements for something like world of warcraft and other RPG games. I assume they are enough for the steam games but I haven't checked. Kids say minimum requirements aren't enough.

 

So, two part question - it does seem like my processor and graphics card are a bit dated. If so, is it cheaper to try and buy updated processors and graphics cards and have them installed into my current desktop (of which i have no idea how to do) or is it better to just shop for a new "gaming desktop." And what kind of processor and graphics card should I be looking for?

Mod note: since this is the OP it is “the topic”, therefore cannot be “way off topic”.

 

Carry on:

 

Desk tops are relatively easy. Laptops, not so much. My computer building days are quite outdated, but I’d think a processor and graphics card, even high end, would be cheaper than buying new.

 

Processors require you to unseat the heat sink, lift a retention arm, has delicate pins, and needs to be seated correctly with the heat paste. It’s one of the harder replacement jobs that I’ve done, but it’s something any reasonably handy person can do.

 

When replacing the processor I used to replace the heat sink and upgrade that as well.

 

Discharge static and apply fabric softener or anti static spray around your work station.

 

Make sure your new chip set fits your board.

 

Buy thermal paste. If your processor or heat sink come with it, buy it anyways. It’s critical!

 

As far as kind, I’m not sure, I favored AMD back in the day, and with AMD you have a reasonable chance it fits.

 

Graphics cards are a very easy replacement. They just plug into the board and have one or two retainers. Again, I’m dated, but graphics cards used to be pretty inexpensive.

 

There’s good YouTube tutorials out there too, if I were in your shoes, I’d DIY. Then again, I got sick of having to do this stuff continuously and bought a video game console and MacBook

[Hingred]

On 6/29/2020 at 1:42 AM, Richie the Rally Goat said:

Mod note: since this is the OP it is “the topic”, therefore cannot be “way off topic”.

 

Carry on:

 

Desk tops are relatively easy. Laptops, not so much. My computer building days are quite outdated, but I’d think a processor and graphics card, even high end, would be cheaper than buying new.

 

Processors require you to unseat the heat sink, lift a retention arm, has delicate pins, and needs to be seated correctly with the heat paste. It’s one of the harder replacement jobs that I’ve done, but it’s something any reasonably handy person can do.

 

When replacing the processor I used to replace the heat sink and upgrade that as well.

 

Discharge static and apply fabric softener or anti static spray around your work station.

 

Make sure your new chip set fits your board.

 

Buy thermal paste. If your processor or heat sink come with it, buy it anyways. It’s critical!

 

As far as kind, I’m not sure, I favored AMD back in the day, and with AMD you have a reasonable chance it fits.

 

Graphics cards are a very easy replacement. They just plug into the board and have one or two retainers. Again, I’m dated, but graphics cards used to be pretty inexpensive.

 

There’s good YouTube tutorials out there too, if I were in your shoes, I’d DIY. Then again, I got sick of having to do this stuff continuously and bought a video game console and MacBook

As for computer games, I personally prefer to play cs go, and in addition, open cases on https://skin.club/en/cases/open/knife to get skins for weapons.

Good day. I don’t agree with AMD, because I don’t like their processors. I would look in the direction of Intel, and in terms of video cards in the direction of Nvidia, they are top.

[Richie the Rally Goat]

2 hours ago, Hingred said:

Good day. I don’t agree with AMD, because I don’t like their processors. I would look in the direction of Intel, and in terms of video cards in the direction of Nvidia, they are top.

Why don’t you like AMD’s processors?

[a-wan]

With the recent AMD launch of the 7000 series CPU on the AM4, the older AM3 is cheaper.

The upgrade path doesn't exist for the AM3 builds, but they're going to be cheaper since they also use DDR4mmemory.

Something like the Ryzen 5 5800x3d with the extra cache, was the best gaming CPU until the recent Ryzen 7 7800x3d.

The 5800x3d is probably $300 now, a B550 mother board can be had for around 120 with wifi, or even cheaper without wifi. The DDR4 4000 speed memory for 16 gigs is probably less than $100 and a RX 6650 XT, GPU which will do 1080p gaming is probably around $300. Swapping out a a non X3D Ryzen will probably be 50 bucks cheaper. Or hell a Ryzen 7 5700G with the built in IGPU might do 1080p gaming now.

https://pcpartpicker.com/guide/

Can be helpful too.

The 12th gen Intel, still uses DDR4 too, which means cheaper mother board and memory as well.

[james_wash]

On 4/12/2023 at 6:36 AM, a-wan said:

With the recent AMD launch of the 7000 series CPU on the AM4, the older AM3 is cheaper.

The upgrade path doesn't exist for the AM3 builds, but they're going to be cheaper since they also use DDR4mmemory.

Something like the Ryzen 5 5800x3d with the extra cache, was the best gaming CPU until the recent Ryzen 7 7800x3d.

The 5800x3d is probably $300 now, a B550 mother board can be had for around 120 with wifi, or even cheaper without wifi. The DDR4 4000 speed memory for 16 gigs is probably less than $100 and a RX 6650 XT, GPU which will do 1080p gaming is probably around $300. Swapping out a a non X3D Ryzen will probably be 50 bucks cheaper. Or hell a Ryzen 7 5700G with the built in IGPU might do 1080p gaming now.

Can be helpful too.

The 12th gen Intel, still uses DDR4 too, which means cheaper mother board and memory as well.

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Great tips. Simply put, buying a new gaming desktop can be more cost-effective than upgrading an existing one, especially if you don't know how to install new components. When shopping for a new gaming desktop, look for a high clocked processor and a dedicated graphics card with at least 4GB of VRAM. Some popular processor options include the Intel Core i5 or i7 and AMD Ryzen 5 or 7, while popular graphics card options include the NVIDIA GeForce GTX or RTX series and the AMD Radeon RX series. This is enough for playing at medium settings.

And in order to upgrade your PC on your own, you need to read guides and watch a few videos on YouTube, and understand if it suits you at all.

[JasonHuntley]

Thanks for sharing this discussion here. I want to buy a new computer for creating some amazing art. Which program should I learn? I have been searching for some inspiration for creating some art. I already read a few articles based on this criteria. Here is an example link you can see  https://outsidesuburbia.com/blog/how-to-find-inspiration-for-creating-some-art/ Is this well enough? Have a very good day!