How do I make this computer better?

[Voltor]

Hey guys, I'm new here and I am not that knowledgeable when it comes to computing hardware. If you need any other information about my computer please let me know (And preferably where to find it,) Also, I do apologize if this isn't the correct section to post this in. Thank you

Installed RAM: 8 GB

Intel Core i3-4160 CPU @ 3.60 GhZ

System type: 64 bit Operating system. x64-based processor.

Graphics Card:  Intel HD Graphics 4400

      If I missed anything please let me know. 

[Celsiuss]

You could always make it better by installing better hardware, not quite sure what ypu're asking for.

[TetraSky]

Depends on your need.

What are you planning to do with this machine?

 

For gaming, you might want to get a dedicated GPU, maybe upgrade the CPU as well.

[SLAYR]

Welcome to the forums.

 

What do use the computer for?

 

For general tasks something like an ssd can be a great way to speed up your computer, and fairly cheap at $40 for 120Gb one.

 

If you do gaming things like rendering a better dedicated gpu could help, or upgrading to something like an i5 4460, or i7 4790 for more cpu intensive tasks.

[AlphaGamer46]

4 minutes ago, Voltor said:

Hey guys, I'm new here and I am not that knowledgeable when it comes to computing hardware. If you need any other information about my computer please let me know (And preferably where to find it,) Also, I do apologize if this isn't the correct section to post this in. Thank you

Installed RAM: 8 GB

Intel Core i3-4160 CPU @ 3.60 GhZ

System type: 64 bit Operating system. x64-based processor.

Graphics Card:  Intel HD Graphics 4400

      If I missed anything please let me know. 

As @TetraSky said, I'd upgrade your CPU and get a dedicated GPU. A great CPU/GPU combo for you would be an i5-4460 because you wouldn't have to upgrade your motherboard and an RX 480.  You can get all these components online.

[Wolther]

Well, regardless of what this PC is for, adding an SSD might be the best upgrade you could go for atm. It all depends on your budget.

If you could give us some more details that'd be great

[Voltor]

6 minutes ago, TetraSky said:

Depends on your need.

What are you planning to do with this machine?

 

For gaming, you might want to get a dedicated GPU, maybe upgrade the CPU as well.

 

4 minutes ago, SLAYR said:

Welcome to the forums.

 

What do use the computer for?

 

For general tasks something like an ssd can be a great way to speed up your computer, and fairly cheap at $40 for 120Gb one.

 

If you do gaming things like rendering a better dedicated gpu could help, or upgrading to something like an i5 4460, or i7 4790 for more cpu intensive tasks.

Thank you! I mainly use it for general use, but I do play some games. Nothing that requires too much power.

3 minutes ago, AlphaGamer46 said:

As @TetraSky said, I'd upgrade your CPU and get a dedicated GPU. A great CPU/GPU combo for you would be an i5-4460 because you wouldn't have to upgrade your motherboard and an RX 480.  You can get all these components online.

I'll check it out, thanks a lot

3 minutes ago, Wolther said:

Well, regardless of what this PC is for, adding an SSD might be the best upgrade you could go for atm. It all depends on your budget.

If you could give us some more details that'd be great

It's mainly for general use with some games that don't need too much power. What are some good SSD cards for that?

[kappakali]

Well, depending on your budget and what you plan to do with your computer.. a dedicated graphics card would be fantastic, and if you could possibly get a cheap SSD and/or upgrade the CPU to something better..

 

an i5 4460 and an RX480 gpu would be good.

[TetraSky]

If all you do is mainly "general use" (meaning things like web browsing) and the occasional game, your current setup is fine. Though if you want to play some high end games, you'll need a new GPU. The CPU itself is more or less good enough for budget gaming.

You may also need a new power supply if your current PC doesn't have a 400~500W PSU at the very least if you want to add a GPU.

[antisleep]

6 minutes ago, Voltor said:

It's mainly for general use with some games that don't need too much power. What are some good SSD cards for that?

You can get 120gb SSD for $40 and 240gb for $65

 

These are some good examples at those prices.

120gb

A-Data Premier SP550 120GB 2.5" Solid State Drive  ($36.88 @ OutletPC) 
PNY CS1311 120GB 2.5" Solid State Drive  ($39.99 @ Best Buy) 

240gb
PNY CS1311 240GB 2.5" Solid State Drive  ($64.99 @ Best Buy) 
OCZ TRION 150 240GB 2.5" Solid State Drive  ($62.99 @ Newegg) 

[YedZed]

SSD is best for buck for most builds. And a 750 Ti can do some light gaming like GTA V or Fallout 4.

[Voltor]

1 minute ago, antisleep said:

You can get 120gb SSD for $40 and 240gb for $65

 

These are some good examples at those prices.

120gb

A-Data Premier SP550 120GB 2.5" Solid State Drive  ($36.88 @ OutletPC) 
PNY CS1311 120GB 2.5" Solid State Drive  ($39.99 @ Best Buy) 

240gb
PNY CS1311 240GB 2.5" Solid State Drive  ($64.99 @ Best Buy) 
OCZ TRION 150 240GB 2.5" Solid State Drive  ($62.99 @ Newegg) 

Alright, I'll look at those .  Thanks. 

 

Are there any GPU's that you would recommend? @SLAYR posted a i5 4460  earlier. Is that good?

[antisleep]

Could you maybe install Speccy and send us a screenshot of your system specs just to help us out a bit.

http://filehippo.com/download_speccy/

 

Also what's the brand and wattage of your power supply? It'll help us know if you have enough power to install a discrete gpu.

 

Edit: No need for screenshot, just click File>Publish Snapshot and paste the link here.

[Voltor]

39 minutes ago, antisleep said:

Could you maybe install Speccy and send us a screenshot of your system specs just to help us out a bit.

http://filehippo.com/download_speccy/

 

Also what's the brand and wattage of your power supply? It'll help us know if you have enough power to install a discrete gpu.

 

Edit: No need for screenshot, just click File>Publish Snapshot and paste the link here.

Where is the file button? 

Here's a gif: https://gyazo.com/dc571a54b880a0dfa2bc29d5591424c3

[antisleep]

17 minutes ago, Voltor said:

Where is the file button? 

Here's a gif: https://gyazo.com/dc571a54b880a0dfa2bc29d5591424c3

Download and install speccy from the link I provided. When it's done, click File>Publish Snapshot>Proceed?>Yes

 

Then copy and paste the link here. Something like http://speccy.piriform.com/results/xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

[Voltor]

36 minutes ago, antisleep said:

Download and install speccy from the link I provided. When it's done, click File>Publish Snapshot>Proceed?>Yes

 

Then copy and paste the link here. Something like http://speccy.piriform.com/results/xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

That has things like names so Id rather not post it.

Would SC's work fine?

https://gyazo.com/5d19e0ec4b7c352e4911510f3dc9b26d

https://gyazo.com/0cbdee61d0fd20ad3c6645460d2ebc34

https://gyazo.com/4ff14786ee039160c82922196fa6f220

https://gyazo.com/c6e65f44a6de54de401ea727bb937d26

https://gyazo.com/d0d0f8824444d8e61b20c45bfc9e1ce0

 

[Gokufighther]

if you have an extreme budget, there are r7 370's for sale on ebay for $120 or you can pick up an older 7950/70 for around the same price.

 

if you are looking new, a rx 470 for around $150 (launch aug 8th) will do the trick!

[antisleep]

Just needed to know some info about your mobo.

 

I don't know much about dell PC's but if it looks something similar to the pic below then there should be no clearance issues with the gpu I'm recommending.

 

 

PCPartPicker part list

Storage: A-Data Premier SP550 120GB 2.5" Solid State Drive  ($39.99 @ Newegg) 
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 950 2GB Video Card  ($109.99 @ Newegg) 

^You could wait a few days for the release of RX 460 or 470 ranging from $110-170
Other: Sata Cable ($2.79 @ Newegg)

^For connecting the SSD to your mobo
Total: $152.77

[YedZed]

19 minutes ago, antisleep said:

Just needed to know some info about your mobo.

 

I don't know much about dell PC's but if it looks something similar to the pic below then there should be no clearance issues with the gpu I'm recommending.

 

 

PCPartPicker part list

Storage: A-Data Premier SP550 120GB 2.5" Solid State Drive  ($39.99 @ Newegg) 
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 950 2GB Video Card  ($109.99 @ Newegg) 

^You could wait a few days for the release of RX 460 or 470 ranging from $110-170
Other: Sata Cable ($2.79)

^For connecting the SSD to your mobo
Total: $152.77

I'm pretty sure there's a sale on eBay now where you can get a manufacturer refurbished 160gb SSD for ~$40