Hello there everyone! My name is Colin and I'm new to TomsHardware, but glad to be here. 😀 I'm basically here to try and get some help from someone/anyone on picking some compatible parts to build a new machine. That is IF I have the means to do so. My budget is set and I probably wont be running into any extra $$ anytime soon due to my health and disability etc. etc. blah blah. I want to make this post as correct as I can by following the requested method provided by the OP's here.
So let me start off with why I want this upgrade/build. It's a long story, but I don't want to bore you to death so I'm going to make it very quick for ya. I had a decent custom system, Got Dragon Age Inquisition along with a new graphics card I was really excited about (For Christmas and my Birthday), broke my CPU (Long sad story), graphics card get's sent back to newegg and I get a new CyberpowerPC system for close to $400. Was that fast enough? hehe 😉
Ok, so I was going to put my crappy old Radeon HD 6850 into this new CyberpowerPC and take out the trash that came with it. Well it wouldn't fit. I also then noticed this new computer didn't have any dvd-rom/writer slots with it, or any room to add another hard drive or even upgrade anything else for that matter! Now Newegg will let me get a refund if I decide fast enough what I plan to do. The CyberpowerPC specs are can been seen by clicking on the word in this post. Also, let me go ahead and show you the specs I had in my custom computer before I go ahead and answer the questions provided by TomsHardware.
My Custom PC:
Windows 7 Home 64-bit
6GB of DDR2 ram 2x 2gb cards and 2x 1gb cards (I was going to go for an upgrade to 8GB until I thought about the graphics card and decided to get that, but as you know.. I had to send it back)
CPU: AMD Phenom II X4 940 3Ghz (Socket AM2+) (Now broken and replaced with an old Phenom)
MB: MSI model: MS-7374 nForce 750a SLI
GPU: AMD Radeon HD 6850
Power Supply: Thermaltake TR2 RX-550
Case: It's a crappy Cyberpower case that looks like this. It only has those tiny vents in the front and all three fans are broken. The front one BARLEY has any room because the metal decks are in the way and would block any airflow anyway.
Note: After just recently tinkering around with this system, I can't get it to start for longer than 2 seconds all of a sudden. No matter what I try. So something could now be broken and not used if I build a new computer. Hopefully not the Power Supply though. The motherboard does get a solid orange light when plugged in. I don't think it's the old CPU I just put in because it worked before and it was loading widows before it started doing this.. just my luck I guess hah!
Alright so that's what I have. Oh, by the way.. let me show you what put this idea in my head.. go to this link I'm gonna post and look in the comments at the first set of computer parts the guy shows picked from pcpartpicker.com for just under $400! The price has changed since then, but they are always changing. Here is that link. Whatcha think?? Now I'm going to copy and paste the questions provided by this site and answer them for ya. The most important thing for me would be the graphics card I suppose. I would like to play new games at mid-level or so, but I can't be picky obviously. The reason I'm asking for other people to pick the parts for me are because I haven't messed with this stuff in over 10 years and I just don't understand all the specs to everything and why similar looking parts can be so different in price. Also, incompatibility with the parts would be hard for me to avoid. I've been reading, looking, researching and reading more, but now I'm just burnt out!
lol Frankly I'd be nervous even building the thing, but I know there are guides on here to help me with that. Gee I feel like this is so much reading and work to put on you people. Just know that I thank you so much in advance for ANY comments, help or advice! Ok on to the form!!
IMPORTANT ADDED NOTE: After more researching, I realize this whole plan of mine might very well be unlikely. Although that sucks there is nothing I can do. Maybe in the worst case scenario, I could build a new computer and just have to use my old HD 6850 GPU most probably forever..it would be better than nothing. I don't know if it would even be compatible with modern motherboards though. Ok, just wanted to let you know I'm prepared for bad news.
Approximate Purchase Date: e.g.: The closer the better
Budget Range: (e.g.: 300-400): $400 After Rebates
System Usage from Most to Least Important: Downloading and watching movies. listening to music, surfing and some good gaming (I usually have lots of small programs open when I'm not playing a game)
Are you buying a monitor: No
Parts to Upgrade: Mobo, CPU, GPU (Wishing), and RAM (Should be able to re-use my power supply if it will be compatible. That's the Thermaltake TR2 RX-550PP. Also the crap case if I have to but I'd need new fans)
Do you need to buy OS: OMG this just blew everything out of the water fore me!! 🙁 I tore the house apart looking for my OEM copy of windows 7 and found it. Now I just read the comment below! WoW.. So.. I guess Yes, I need another one if there is no way around it. I can't believe my windows was good for one install! Maaan, looks like I typed this whole thing and spent the day reading and researching for nothing. Unless there is some magical answer out there.. Gee
Please note that if you're using an OEM license of Windows, you will need a new one when buying a new motherboard.
Preferred Website(s) for Parts: newegg.com probably. pcpartpicker.com is helpful for finding rebates on things though.
Location: City, State/Region, Country - we need to know where these parts are being assembled and whether there are good store-only deals available: New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168 USA
Parts Preferences: by brand or type: Probably AMD because it's cheaper
Overclocking: Don't know anything about it
SLI or Crossfire: Not important to me, I just want ONE good GPU before I can dream of two.
Your Monitor Resolution: 1024x768
Additional Comments: Naww that will be it for now.. pretty bummed about the windows license thing so I'm thinking I'm screwed again.
And Most Importantly, Why Are You Upgrading: I think I covered that up top and probably way too much lol... I got a new game. Ordered a balling graphics card. While waiting like a kid for candy, I checked out my CPU because the temps were way to high and... it was stuck to the heatsink and got ripped out. Then the worst thing was, instead of spending more time trying to separate the two, I tried to jam it back on and broke a bunch of pins..🙁
WELL I guess that about does it! I thought I'd take about 15 min. to type this up, but it's been literally about 3 hours!! So I have to get some sleep. Thanks again to anyone who takes the time to read this and offer any advice/help. You're the best!!
Colin
So let me start off with why I want this upgrade/build. It's a long story, but I don't want to bore you to death so I'm going to make it very quick for ya. I had a decent custom system, Got Dragon Age Inquisition along with a new graphics card I was really excited about (For Christmas and my Birthday), broke my CPU (Long sad story), graphics card get's sent back to newegg and I get a new CyberpowerPC system for close to $400. Was that fast enough? hehe 😉
Ok, so I was going to put my crappy old Radeon HD 6850 into this new CyberpowerPC and take out the trash that came with it. Well it wouldn't fit. I also then noticed this new computer didn't have any dvd-rom/writer slots with it, or any room to add another hard drive or even upgrade anything else for that matter! Now Newegg will let me get a refund if I decide fast enough what I plan to do. The CyberpowerPC specs are can been seen by clicking on the word in this post. Also, let me go ahead and show you the specs I had in my custom computer before I go ahead and answer the questions provided by TomsHardware.
My Custom PC:
Windows 7 Home 64-bit
6GB of DDR2 ram 2x 2gb cards and 2x 1gb cards (I was going to go for an upgrade to 8GB until I thought about the graphics card and decided to get that, but as you know.. I had to send it back)
CPU: AMD Phenom II X4 940 3Ghz (Socket AM2+) (Now broken and replaced with an old Phenom)
MB: MSI model: MS-7374 nForce 750a SLI
GPU: AMD Radeon HD 6850
Power Supply: Thermaltake TR2 RX-550
Case: It's a crappy Cyberpower case that looks like this. It only has those tiny vents in the front and all three fans are broken. The front one BARLEY has any room because the metal decks are in the way and would block any airflow anyway.
Note: After just recently tinkering around with this system, I can't get it to start for longer than 2 seconds all of a sudden. No matter what I try. So something could now be broken and not used if I build a new computer. Hopefully not the Power Supply though. The motherboard does get a solid orange light when plugged in. I don't think it's the old CPU I just put in because it worked before and it was loading widows before it started doing this.. just my luck I guess hah!
Alright so that's what I have. Oh, by the way.. let me show you what put this idea in my head.. go to this link I'm gonna post and look in the comments at the first set of computer parts the guy shows picked from pcpartpicker.com for just under $400! The price has changed since then, but they are always changing. Here is that link. Whatcha think?? Now I'm going to copy and paste the questions provided by this site and answer them for ya. The most important thing for me would be the graphics card I suppose. I would like to play new games at mid-level or so, but I can't be picky obviously. The reason I'm asking for other people to pick the parts for me are because I haven't messed with this stuff in over 10 years and I just don't understand all the specs to everything and why similar looking parts can be so different in price. Also, incompatibility with the parts would be hard for me to avoid. I've been reading, looking, researching and reading more, but now I'm just burnt out!
lol Frankly I'd be nervous even building the thing, but I know there are guides on here to help me with that. Gee I feel like this is so much reading and work to put on you people. Just know that I thank you so much in advance for ANY comments, help or advice! Ok on to the form!!IMPORTANT ADDED NOTE: After more researching, I realize this whole plan of mine might very well be unlikely. Although that sucks there is nothing I can do. Maybe in the worst case scenario, I could build a new computer and just have to use my old HD 6850 GPU most probably forever..it would be better than nothing. I don't know if it would even be compatible with modern motherboards though. Ok, just wanted to let you know I'm prepared for bad news.
Approximate Purchase Date: e.g.: The closer the better
Budget Range: (e.g.: 300-400): $400 After Rebates
System Usage from Most to Least Important: Downloading and watching movies. listening to music, surfing and some good gaming (I usually have lots of small programs open when I'm not playing a game)
Are you buying a monitor: No
Parts to Upgrade: Mobo, CPU, GPU (Wishing), and RAM (Should be able to re-use my power supply if it will be compatible. That's the Thermaltake TR2 RX-550PP. Also the crap case if I have to but I'd need new fans)
Do you need to buy OS: OMG this just blew everything out of the water fore me!! 🙁 I tore the house apart looking for my OEM copy of windows 7 and found it. Now I just read the comment below! WoW.. So.. I guess Yes, I need another one if there is no way around it. I can't believe my windows was good for one install! Maaan, looks like I typed this whole thing and spent the day reading and researching for nothing. Unless there is some magical answer out there.. Gee
Please note that if you're using an OEM license of Windows, you will need a new one when buying a new motherboard.
Preferred Website(s) for Parts: newegg.com probably. pcpartpicker.com is helpful for finding rebates on things though.
Location: City, State/Region, Country - we need to know where these parts are being assembled and whether there are good store-only deals available: New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168 USA
Parts Preferences: by brand or type: Probably AMD because it's cheaper
Overclocking: Don't know anything about it
SLI or Crossfire: Not important to me, I just want ONE good GPU before I can dream of two.
Your Monitor Resolution: 1024x768
Additional Comments: Naww that will be it for now.. pretty bummed about the windows license thing so I'm thinking I'm screwed again.
And Most Importantly, Why Are You Upgrading: I think I covered that up top and probably way too much lol... I got a new game. Ordered a balling graphics card. While waiting like a kid for candy, I checked out my CPU because the temps were way to high and... it was stuck to the heatsink and got ripped out. Then the worst thing was, instead of spending more time trying to separate the two, I tried to jam it back on and broke a bunch of pins..🙁
WELL I guess that about does it! I thought I'd take about 15 min. to type this up, but it's been literally about 3 hours!! So I have to get some sleep. Thanks again to anyone who takes the time to read this and offer any advice/help. You're the best!!
Colin
So that's awesome.
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