Upgrading a low-spec PC for gaming?

[Illinois44]

I'm not very knowledgeable in the aspect of computers, so, if I need to clarify anything or more information is needed, please let me know.

I've got a Dell Inspiron 3847. I received it as sort of a hand-me-down PC from a friend of mine, which he previously used as a basic work desktop. I've been using it as my only computer for some time now, and I've been playing games on it for as long as I've had it.

As you can probably guess, it's quite low-spec (at least, I assume). Most low-intensity games (such as Minecraft or Starcraft II) run at 60-90 FPS, but more high-intensity games (such as CS:GO, ArmA III, or WoW) are anywhere from 30-40 FPS to only 10-20.

I'd prefer not to spend a large slump of money on an entirely-new gaming PC. I'd like to take what I have and simply replace the parts. From what I can tell, it's a pretty small machine, so, I'm not sure what room there really is to do that.

It's got an Intel Core i5 Processor, and 16 GB of RAM. An old computer a friend of mine has laying around has an i7 processor, which I'd assume is better. I'm not sure if it can be implemented into my computer, but if it is, that's also an option.

The DxDiag states it has an Intel HD Graphics 4600, which is what I assume to be a graphics card, but I'm not sure. I've also got a Nvidia GeForce GT 220 card from an old scrapped PC, but I'm not sure how much better it'll be. I'm not sure how to get any other specs, so, like I said, do tell me if you need more information.

So, I'd like to purchase new parts and swap them out. I'm trying to find a good blend between effectiveness and cost-efficiency, but I'm willing to pay a good amount to fix what I've got. Keep in mind I'd also like to keep my current setup, so I'd prefer to keep the cost below the price of simply a new gaming PC. Hopefully upgrading this PC will cost less than an entirely new one; if it's not, please help me determine if this PC is "unsaveable."

I'd really just like to improve my FPS in games. I'm not a super-pro gamer, but I'd like to be able to play those more high-intensity games at a more comfortable FPS (around 50-70, I don't need anything like 90-100). I'm not sure if this is possible, but, I'm certainly going to try.

Thanks in advance!

 

[xtionfuse]

If you have Intel i5 and 16 GB RAM - I am starting to think you have better options of getting a latest generation graphic card. something like gtx 950, gtx 960 or gtx 970 as well. Just to be sure, try posting the exact details of CPU, PSU(Most importantly)

For CPU: http://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch000046.htm
For PSU: http://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch000800.htm

also, since this is Dell computer, just check if you can post Service tag of this computer; www.support.dell.com

 

[Illinois44]

If you have Intel i5 and 16 GB RAM - I am starting to think you have better options of getting a latest generation graphic card. something like gtx 950, gtx 960 or gtx 970 as well. Just to be sure, try posting the exact details of CPU, PSU(Most importantly)

For CPU: http://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch000046.htm
For PSU: http://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch000800.htm

also, since this is Dell computer, just check if you can post Service tag of this computer; www.support.dell.com

The CPU states: Intel Core i5-4460 CPU @ 3.20GHz.
As for the PSU, I'm unable to open my computer at the moment to determine it. I'll try to get info on it quickly.

 

[Ambular]

Intel HD Graphics 4600 is the integrated graphics that come built into Haswell processors. A Haswell i5's not bad at all, and the i7 may not give you significantly better gaming performance (can you find out the exact i7 model number your friend has? That will tell us whether it can be used in your machine.)

But yeah, you definitely want a better graphics solution. A GT 220 might even be worse than the Intel 4600! But anything starting from the GTX 950, running all the way up to the new GTX 1080 would give you a big performance boost.

From what I can turn up, that Inspiron model comes standard with a 300 watt Dell OEM power supply. If that's correct, you'll likely want to replace it with something like this:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139143

Good solid dependable 650-watt unit that should comfortably support a GTX 950, 960, 970, 980ti, 1070 or 1080.

Suggestion: Before choosing any new components, open the PC up and get the measurements of its current PSU, and also the front-to-back and side-to-side space available to install a graphics card.

 

[Illinois44]

Intel HD Graphics 4600 is the integrated graphics that come built into Haswell processors. A Haswell i5's not bad at all, and the i7 may not give you significantly better gaming performance (can you find out the exact i7 model number your friend has? That will tell us whether it can be used in your machine.)

But yeah, you definitely want a better graphics solution. A GT 220 might even be worse than the Intel 4600! But anything starting from the GTX 950, running all the way up to the new GTX 1080 would give you a big performance boost.

From what I can turn up, that Inspiron model comes standard with a 300 watt Dell OEM power supply. If that's correct, you'll likely want to replace it with something like this:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139143

Good solid dependable 650-watt unit that should comfortably support a GTX 950, 960, 970, 980ti, 1070 or 1080.

Suggestion: Before choosing any new components, open the PC up and get the measurements of its current PSU, and also the front-to-back and side-to-side space available to install a graphics card.

Ok, so mainly I'm looking for a new power supply (assuming my current one isn't enough, which I've yet to check) with at least 650 watts, and a new graphics card, preferable Nvidia 950 or above. Awesome! This should make knowing what to buy a lot easier, and from the prices, is around $200-300 total. Thanks a ton!

I'll leave this thread open for further feedback.

 

[Ambular]

Intel HD Graphics 4600 is the integrated graphics that come built into Haswell processors. A Haswell i5's not bad at all, and the i7 may not give you significantly better gaming performance (can you find out the exact i7 model number your friend has? That will tell us whether it can be used in your machine.)

But yeah, you definitely want a better graphics solution. A GT 220 might even be worse than the Intel 4600! But anything starting from the GTX 950, running all the way up to the new GTX 1080 would give you a big performance boost.

From what I can turn up, that Inspiron model comes standard with a 300 watt Dell OEM power supply. If that's correct, you'll likely want to replace it with something like this:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139143

Good solid dependable 650-watt unit that should comfortably support a GTX 950, 960, 970, 980ti, 1070 or 1080.

Suggestion: Before choosing any new components, open the PC up and get the measurements of its current PSU, and also the front-to-back and side-to-side space available to install a graphics card.

Ok, so mainly I'm looking for a new power supply (assuming my current one isn't enough, which I've yet to check) with at least 650 watts, and a new graphics card, preferable Nvidia 950 or above. Awesome! This should make knowing what to buy a lot easier, and from the prices, is around $200-300 total. Thanks a ton!

I'll leave this thread open for further feedback.

Actually, 650 watts is erring on the side of too much capacity rather than not enough. For some of those cards I listed, 550 watts would suffice, but I wanted to cover all contingencies and maybe leave you some room for extra peripherals and future upgrades. Corsair makes a 550-watt version of the same unit I recommended, but with the sale price plus the promo code Newegg currently has for the 650 watt unit, they're the same price right now (and also have the same $20 rebate, though I don't normally factor those in when I figure these things.)

Just for comparison's sake, if you were to put together a full new PC comparable to what you've got now, as-is, you'd likely spend around $500, give or take. With a rock-bottom priced GTX 950 and the PSU I recommended, that would jump to well over $600.

 

[geofelt]

Intel I5 is a very god processor. I7 adds hyperthreads, but few games will use more than 2-3 cores of the I5. I7 upgrade is not likely to gain you anything.

If you are using integrated graphics, then adding a discrete graphics card will be a big boost.
The GT220 would be marginally better, you could try it.
Consider a GTX750ti that does not need a aux 6 pin pcie power connector.
It will run with your current psu and be a relatively big boost in graphics capability.
I doubt you would need more.