walter22

My computer is desperately in need of an upgrade so I'm looking to build my own as it is the cheaper option the only problem is I haven't built one for a few years now so I'm out of date with which cpu to go for and what socket board and which ram etc etc lol.

I'm going from 1 gb dDr ram and gf gtx 440 ti with a Intel core 2 duo 2 ghz

I want to be able to run battlefield 4 and I only need the case and internals ... Would also like to upgrade to ssd hard drive and a good dvd/cd rewriter drive. I also have a very nice 23" widescreen

Any help much appreciated

walter22

I also heard the new i5 has gfx card built in? If this is the case would coupling it with an agp card be better? (If they even make ago slots anymore)

Mr. Slowly

Core 2 Duo. Brutal. AGP. Classic.

The modern 1150 socket intel processors (i3, i5, i7) all have integrated graphics. I wouldn't expect BF4 to be an enjoyable experience with onboard graphics though. What you should buy depends on what your budget is. I think the i3 is solid enough for the task of gaming. The i5 is a bit more ideal with some future proofing if funds allow.

Here are a couple articles that will give you the pertinent options for your budget. You don't have to read everything, just use the drop down menu to skip to your budget range and pick one of the choices.

CPU: http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/...lock,3106.html

Graphics: http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/...ew,3107-5.html

I have a newegg wishlist from a couple months ago when I helped someone build a mid range gaming computer. It's frugal where it can be.

Case: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811353036
A more expensive case is a great investment if budget allows. Dust grilles and a smart layout go a long way.

PSU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817438012

RAM: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820231544

SSD: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820147248
The Samsung 850 is also a great choice if you can afford it.

Motherboards are a difficult pick. Just sort by 1150 socket and make sure your form factor (ATX, ITX) matches your case. Z chipsets are for overclocking and/or multiple video cards. H chipsets are more affordable but lack the ability to overclock or dual video card.

If you pick your items sensibly, a $700 box will go a long way.

walter22

thats great info thanks for that. currently got a casecom atx 500w, it was cheap and its done the job for the last 4 years, i had it overclocked originally (say 20%) and it handled that fine but would prefer just to run it as standard with a new setup.

what about agp slots, have they been discontinued now?

Mr. Slowly

PCI Express is the new AGP.

You'll definitely need a new power supply. Most of the fittings have changed. The mobo socket has increased in pin count, the CPU rail has increased in pin count, disk drives have new fittings, and video cards have specialized power fittings now. Besides that, the PSU is the unsung hero of the computer.

C U AT 9K

http://www.reddit.com/r/buildapc

Heavens Wing

What's your budget? I've built hundreds of computers (worked for a computer store) and have been in IT my whole life. I've built cheap rigs for gaming and expensive ones. It just depends on your budget.

WeakSi

Budget will be the biggest factor but I've got my rig running on 3 year old parts that weren't even top of the line at the time I built it and I can run BF4 almost maxed out.

Intel for power/speed
AMD for price

RedCelica

If your budget is a little tight, why not reuse your current case? Assuming even a micro atx board, there are a lot of options.

Heavens Wing

OP hasn't replied in almost a month. Maybe he built one already?