Upgrading old PC

[ryan1190]

So I have an older HP p6107c desktop, a costco special. Specs can be seen here: http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?cc=us&lc=en&dlc=en&docname=c01742891

 

Friends come over sometimes, and I have one main rig that runs most games, and a laptop that can run some games. I was wondering if there is any way I can upgrade the p6107 to be able to run moderately-demanding games, such as tf2 or even planetside 2 (this might be a stretch). It runs low-powered games ok, such as minecraft(20 fps) and x-plane 9(30-40 fps). Just wondering if I can squeeze a little more performance out of this rig.

 

Looking at the windows experience index, the cpu seems to be fast enough, but the clear bottleneck is the graphics. Right now it uses the integrated Intel chipset built into the mobo. I've been looking into some upgrades that I think will be worth it, but I want some other opinions.

 

This is the card I'm thinking of purchasing to fix the graphics bottleneck: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814131440

 

Since the card will probably need more than the 250-watt psu can supply(again, open to opinions), I will upgrade the psu to this unit: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817152032

 

Please respond if you think this is or isn't worth my $70.

 

Thanks for reading

[Coombzy]

I have had experience with upgrading an OEM PC sometimes the power supply is modified and any other one wont fit check that first before considering it also get a good brand one.

[WoodenMarker]

Even the card is low power consumption, I'd get an 80+ or higher psu.

As for the gpu, I wouldn't go lower than a 7770. The 7770 is a great value card--try and find a cheap one.

[carolkarine]

get a decent PSU + GPU and bam, you're golden.

 

and if you've got some more money, new mobo and CPU.

 

both upgrades should be about 2-300 USD (so 2-300 for the PSU and GPU, and 2-300 for the mobo and CPU)

 

if money is a problem, get a 7750. you don't really need to worry about your PSU for that card cause it doesn't need any extra power connectors.

[DeViLzzz]

I would choose a more reliable brand for the psu than you have chosen and as for the video card not a bad choice.  I think a 9800 GT would also work for you.  Quite honestly if you look hard enough you should be able to find some good deals on people getting rid of older cards.  A little while ago I sold a 9800 GT for $30 and it was in working order.  Just make sure you ask to see the card work before buying it or do your best to buy it from someone you know you can trust.  I currently have loaned out a rig that is similar to your pc but it was built by me and it still is a nice little pc.

[carolkarine]

Even the card is low power consumption, I'd get an 80+ or higher psu.

As for the gpu, I wouldn't go lower than a 7770. The 7770 is a great value card--try and find a cheap one.

he could do that, but I wouldn't put a GPU that needs extra power connectors in a rig with a bad PSU.

 

you need to get a PSU+GPU.

[sabot]

I would get the corsair cx430 for the power supply since it is a lot more reliable and has better power delivery. I would put a little more money into the gpu and possible get a 7770 or 650

You can get 560 for pretty cheap if you look around http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814134137

[samuelohagan]

A 9800 gt would be perfect for you, take a look on ebay I found a few that cost $25

as for the power supply get a corsair cx 430 because it is really cheap. :P

[Ashwin]

There might be a cpu bottleneck, but for what you need from your system, I don't see why not?

[ryan1190]

Thanks so much everyone, I'll take all your suggestions into consideration. An upgrade is obviously worth it!

[sabot]

Yay good luck with it! There are always sales so hopefully you can find a great deal!

[grayperview]

9800GT would run hot in that case, and will need a 500watt PSU

 

A GTX460 would be a nice solution though, runs much cooler and much beefier and go cheap on ebay.