used pc parts

[DamnImDumb]

i was wondering if buying a desktop pc with an i5 2400 with 8gb of ram and a 500gb hard drive is worth it for gaming , i am planing on buying a used hd 7970 for the build also .
this will be my first pc build as i am only 13.
ps. i would buy a 500w psu also

 

[Trafalgar747]

If you don't mind used, parts its worth it. What is your budget for the PC however and which country do you live in? Do you already own an parts that you want to use in the build?

 

[clarkjd]

The problem with used parts is there is no warranty. You buy it, it doesn't work, you buy a new part.

 

[geofelt]

Used parts are fine, assuming you can test them and see that they work.
You need to know your prices.
Go to ebay and look for the part in used condition.
Then filter on completed auctions.
In green, you will see what such a part actually sold for.
For example, the 7970 is about a $75 card.

Better, yet, look for a used complete pc that you can work with.
They often sell for less as a complete pc than the parts are worth.
And, it will include the os which is a $100 item.

You probably can not buy on ebay at 13, but look at craig's list.
Many offerings there are wildly over priced, but you can find some bargains on complete pc's.
They are not sold on ebay because the cost of shipping a case is substantial.

If you buy a psu, you might need more like 550w for a 7970 which is old tech and power hungry.
Here is a chart for other options:
http://www.realhardtechx.com/index_archivos/Page362.htm

Whatever you do, buy a quality psu. Seasonic, antec, xfx, for example.
Here is a quality list:
http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/id-2547993/psu-tier-list.html

 

[geofelt]

The problem with used parts is there is no warranty. You buy it, it doesn't work, you buy a new part.

Intel processors will have a 3 year warranty; no need to prove purchase, the spec number tells the age.
Ram typically has a lifetime warranty.

 

[DamnImDumb]

i live in ireland and my budget would be around 500 euros

 

[DamnImDumb]

and i have a lenovo thinkcentre now but it only has a pentium e5400 and 2 gb ram and the case is too small for a gpu

 

[geofelt]

and i have a lenovo thinkcentre now but it only has a pentium e5400 and 2 gb ram and the case is too small for a gpu

You have some options.
Can you provide a link with the detailed description of your pc?

If I am not mistaken, it has a pcie x16 slot which can accommodate a low profile graphics card.
GTX750ti or even a GTX1050ti which can run off of the pcie slot power only.
Usually, you can accommodate 4gb of ram if you buy a new ram kit.
The processor might be able to be upgraded to a E8600 or Q9650

You have the advantage of a nice case and an installed os.

Performance can be improved if you upgrade the hard drive to a ssd.