Computer question

[gunnarthor]

Way off topic but maybe someone here can throw in their two cents.

 

I have a pretty old desktop computer (and a number of tablets which is a different issue). My kids are getting to the point that they want to play some paradox games from steam (EU IV) and some online games on the desktop as opposed to the tablets and they are saying my computer is too old/too slow, sort of like their dad.

 

I have windows 10 and my processor is a AMD FX-6120 Six-Core, my graphics card is amd radeon hd 7450 and i have 10 GB of installed RAM. A quick internet suggests that this is enough for the online requirements for something like world of warcraft and other RPG games. I assume they are enough for the steam games but I haven't checked. Kids say minimum requirements aren't enough.

 

So, two part question - it does seem like my processor and graphics card are a bit dated. If so, is it cheaper to try and buy updated processors and graphics cards and have them installed into my current desktop (of which i have no idea how to do) or is it better to just shop for a new "gaming desktop." And what kind of processor and graphics card should I be looking for?

[Richie the Rally Goat]

Way off topic but maybe someone here can throw in their two cents.

 

I have a pretty old desktop computer (and a number of tablets which is a different issue). My kids are getting to the point that they want to play some paradox games from steam (EU IV) and some online games on the desktop as opposed to the tablets and they are saying my computer is too old/too slow, sort of like their dad.

 

I have windows 10 and my processor is a AMD FX-6120 Six-Core, my graphics card is amd radeon hd 7450 and i have 10 GB of installed RAM. A quick internet suggests that this is enough for the online requirements for something like world of warcraft and other RPG games. I assume they are enough for the steam games but I haven't checked. Kids say minimum requirements aren't enough.

 

So, two part question - it does seem like my processor and graphics card are a bit dated. If so, is it cheaper to try and buy updated processors and graphics cards and have them installed into my current desktop (of which i have no idea how to do) or is it better to just shop for a new "gaming desktop." And what kind of processor and graphics card should I be looking for?

Mod note: since this is the OP it is “the topic”, therefore cannot be “way off topic”.

 

Carry on:

 

Desk tops are relatively easy. Laptops, not so much. My computer building days are quite outdated, but I’d think a processor and graphics card, even high end, would be cheaper than buying new.

 

Processors require you to unseat the heat sink, lift a retention arm, has delicate pins, and needs to be seated correctly with the heat paste. It’s one of the harder replacement jobs that I’ve done, but it’s something any reasonably handy person can do.

 

When replacing the processor I used to replace the heat sink and upgrade that as well.

 

Discharge static and apply fabric softener or anti static spray around your work station.

 

Make sure your new chip set fits your board.

 

Buy thermal paste. If your processor or heat sink come with it, buy it anyways. It’s critical!

 

As far as kind, I’m not sure, I favored AMD back in the day, and with AMD you have a reasonable chance it fits.

 

Graphics cards are a very easy replacement. They just plug into the board and have one or two retainers. Again, I’m dated, but graphics cards used to be pretty inexpensive.

 

There’s good YouTube tutorials out there too, if I were in your shoes, I’d DIY. Then again, I got sick of having to do this stuff continuously and bought a video game console and MacBook