[iSpam]

So I like to game, and I want to make my computer better for gaming. I wanted to upgrade my graphics card and my cpu. I was thinking about buying a Nvidia 560 GTX and a Intel Core i3-2120 Sandy Bridge 3.3GHz LGA 1155 65W Dual-Core Desktop Processor Intel HD Graphics 2000 BX80623I32120. Both mainly due to price. Right now I have a Nvidia 9500 GT and a intel pentium 4 processor. I know a bit about hardware but not to a great extent. If you guys could keep it below or around the $150 range with suggestions that'd be appreciated

[prunejuice]

Originally Posted by iSpam

If you guys could keep it below or around the $150 range with suggestions that'd be appreciated

If you have a Pentium IV right now, you should plan on spending a little more money than that.

You basically need a full, new system.

[iSpam]

Well, that blows. I'm not looking for top of the line, but would I even be able to use a 560 GT?

[dustyjay]

You would also need a new Motherboard for the i3 processor.

[iSpam]

well ****. How much would you say it would take to build a decent gaming computer myself?

[Elvandil]

From parts?

Maybe $1500.

[crjdriver]

Since the cheapest nvidai 560 is approx $175 or so, I highly doubt you are going to upgrade for $150. A modern mb, gaming type cpu, ram, and video card are going to run at least $600 or so. You most likely need a new pw supply as well so add another $75~100 or so. If you have an old ide type hard disk and or ide type optical drive, you will need to replace those as well since most modern mb do not have ide connectors.

Really for $150 you can buy a new mb and that is about it.

[iSpam]

well I've found some Nvidia 560s for like 125 on newegg.. I appreciate the info though. I think I'm going to end up making a new computer

[crjdriver]

The ones you found for $125 are SE models. These are NOT up to the performance of a real 560.
The se has a slower clock speed AND slower memory. In short you are spending money on something that may or may not do the job you want it to do.

[iSpam]

ahhh see I wasn't aware of that, thanks for that little bit. what is SE and how can I tell?

[crjdriver]

It tells you in the name ie 560, 560ti, 560se. The regular 560 is around $175 or so and the 560ti is around $240 or so. You might find a slightly better price with a rebate however you are not going to find a real 560 for $125 at least not now; it a few months the prices might come down a little.

[iSpam]

well thanks for that. do you have any example of a motherboard I should buy?

[crjdriver]

I am currently using this mb/cpu combo and it works very well; overclocks to 4.2gig and temps stay in the mid 50s
Motherboard
CPU

[crjdriver]

Note you can get a cheaper mb without some of the options of the one above. Here is a little cheaper version of the same basic board.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131773