How to upgrade a PC I was given?

[jackshiels]

Hey there folks, your advice is much appreciated.

I was recently given an old PC by a friend and am wondering how much it will cost to get "up to speed" so I can run Battlefield 3 on it. I don't know a whole lot about PC building, but the case has an "Emerald 965G GF" logo on it. I reckon it is this motherboard (or some derivative of it): http://www.gigabyte.com/products/product-page.aspx?pid=2393#sp . The processor is a 2.2Ghz Core 2 Duo.

So to run BF3 it looks like I'll need a new graphics card, processor and some extra memory. Is it safe to assume that this could be done? Can I just buy the parts and replace them as needed?

Thanks again!

 

[ponder]

I reckon it is this motherboard (or some derivative of it): http://www.gigabyte.com/products/product-page.aspx?pid=2393#sp . The processor is a 2.2Ghz Core 2 Duo.

Open the case and get the exact MB details!

If that is indeed the MB then look at http://www.cpu-upgrade.com/mb-Gigabyte/GA-965G-DS4(rev._3.3).html for supported CPUs.

Go with a quad core CPU, the best you can get.
RAM 4-8GB
GPU whatever your budget allows, you can always use this in your next build.

Look at www.carbonite.co.za for second hand stuff. Buying new stuff for that PC makes no sense as you might as well buy a new MB/CPU/RAM&GPU of newer tech.

 

[CataclysmZA]

I agree with Ponder, a second-hand Core 2 Quad (like the Q6600) should be perfectly suitable. Most I'd suggest you spend on a GPU is R3000, anything higher than that is a waste for 1080p gaming. DDR2 RAM will be a bitch to find at good prices, but aim for 4GB minimum and 8GB maximum. BF3 frequently can consume more than 4GB of RAM, so its worth going for the full monty.

Also, have a look at the PSU and try see how old it is (look at manufacture date). It may require replacement as well.

 

[jackshiels]

Thanks for the info - I'm gonna check those out... !