First timer looking to upgrade computer. What is worth keeping, if anything?

[annacecilia76]

I had a friend build me a computer about 8 years ago with the following hardware:
Processor: AD Athlon(tm) II X2 240
Motherboard: M3A76-CM, DDR2, 1066, 4×240pin
Graphics: NVIDIA Geforce 8400 GS
RAM: Kingston Value Ram KVR800D2N6K2/4G 4GB DDR2-800 CL6 SDRAM
Harddrive: Seagate Barracuda 500GB 7200 RPM
PSU: ATX KY-500 500W P4

I'm now looking to upgrade so I can play some games, nothing VR, but still decent graphics in 1910x1080. I have never done this before, so even knowing what is decent in my computer and what desperately needs to be replaced is something I don't know. Help!

 

[sizzling]

It's really all to old to refuse, your looking at a complete new build.

 

[WildCard999]

You may be able to reuse the HDD & case which saves you a little bit of money but your going to want to replace the rest of it.

 

[annacecilia76]

You may be able to reuse the HDD & case which saves you a little bit of money but your going to want to replace the rest of it.

Even the PSU? Is it because it’s 8 years old?

 

[WildCard999]

Not really the age but I'm not too sure of the quality and wouldn't want it to cause issues. Someone who knows more about this model may be able to give you a better answer as far as if to use it in a new build.

What is your max budget for upgrades?

 

[annacecilia76]

Not really the age but I'm not too sure of the quality and wouldn't want it to cause issues. Someone who knows more about this model may be able to give you a better answer as far as if to use it in a new build.

What is your max budget for upgrades?

I’m trying to stay below $500 but I’m finding that hard. I’d like quad core, And a decent graphics card, intel 9 series or low 10 (or equivalent) and an SSD, but I don’t know if I’ll use it not being a hardcore gamer with multiple monitors and stuff.

 

[WildCard999]

If you can reuse your HDD & Case this is what I'd recommend. The 1200 can be overclocked to at least 3.4ghz with the stock AMD Wraith cooler and I would hold off on a SSD until you can afford a decent 240gb+ SSD.

$485.85 Before MIR
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD - Ryzen 3 1200 3.1GHz Quad-Core Processor ($109.89 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: ASRock - AB350M Pro4 Micro ATX AM4 Motherboard ($60.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill - Ripjaws V Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR4-3200 Memory ($90.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: EVGA - GeForce GTX 1050 Ti 4GB SSC GAMING ACX 3.0 Video Card ($139.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair - CXM (2015) 450W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($34.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $436.85
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2017-10-15 19:50 EDT-0400

The Ryzen 1200 is much faster then your current CPU.
http://cpu.userbenchmark.com/Compare/AMD-Ryzen-3-1200-vs-AMD-Athlon-II-X2-240/3931vsm4133

If you do need to get a case I would recommend this one as it has good airflow and will fit those parts well.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

Case: Fractal Design - Focus G ATX Mid Tower Case ($44.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $44.99
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2017-10-15 19:55 EDT-0400

 

[annacecilia76]

Wow, thanks a lot! That sounds like a great one. I will give that a shot. Thank you so much! Is the 1050 decent then? I shouldn’t go with a 960 instead?

 

[WildCard999]

No, unless you getting the 960 for cheaper the better choice is the 1050 ti.
http://gpu.userbenchmark.com/Compare/Nvidia-GTX-960-vs-Nvidia-GTX-1050-Ti/3165vs3649

 

[annacecilia76]

How do you overclock CPU?

 

[WildCard999]

It's the process of increasing the CPU speed and slightly increasing the voltage to keep it stable. You wouldn't need to do it now since the CPU is good but later on it's good to do as it provides some extra performance.