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Where can I get a decent old computer for $100-150?

Discussion in 'Techno-Magic' started by jeremy_, Feb 2, 2009.

  1. jeremy_ Gems: 1/31
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    Remove all ads!
    I need a old PC tower that has a CD and DVD burner(though CD burner is a must, DVD burner would be cool but isnt neccessary).It needs to be able to play at least fairly newer games, maybe games made from up to 2005 or 2006 if possible.I just need the tower, I have a decent moniter already.Anyone know where I might acquire this?
     
    jeremy_, Feb 2, 2009
    #1
  2. Taluntain

    Taluntain Resident Alpha and Omega Staff Member ★ SPS Account Holder Resourceful Adored Veteran Pillars of Eternity SP Immortalizer (for helping immortalize Sorcerer's Place in the game!) New Server Contributor [2012] (for helping Sorcerer's Place lease a new, more powerful server!) Torment: Tides of Numenera SP Immortalizer (for helping immortalize Sorcerer's Place in the game!) BoM XenForo Migration Contributor [2015] (for helping support the migration to new forum software!)

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    Where do you live? E-bay or your local equivalent should do the trick. Though your price range probably isn't realistic for a computer that could decently run 2 or 3 year old games...
     
    Taluntain, Feb 2, 2009
    #2

  3. jeremy_ Gems: 1/31
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    jeremy_, Feb 2, 2009
    #3

  4. 1Lzard Gems: 1/31
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    [​IMG]
    Build your own! Avoid prepriotory (pre-made) boxes, period!!!

    Anyone with a 'screw-driver' can build a new box, eh? And usually cheaper than buying one.........LOL!

    Plenty of places on the web to teach you how!
     
    1Lzard, Feb 2, 2009
    #4
  5. Taluntain

    Taluntain Resident Alpha and Omega Staff Member ★ SPS Account Holder Resourceful Adored Veteran Pillars of Eternity SP Immortalizer (for helping immortalize Sorcerer's Place in the game!) New Server Contributor [2012] (for helping Sorcerer's Place lease a new, more powerful server!) Torment: Tides of Numenera SP Immortalizer (for helping immortalize Sorcerer's Place in the game!) BoM XenForo Migration Contributor [2015] (for helping support the migration to new forum software!)

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    jeremy_, I suggest you check the system requirements for the games you're most likely to want to play and then see if what you're buying would run it. My advice would be not to buy anything with less than 160GB hard drive, 2GB RAM and an NVIDIA 8600GT (or ATI equivalent) if you want to run games like Oblivion. Run, as opposed to watch a slide show. So the box you've linked is definitely not up to the task.

    I've seen and read about way too many bad results and consequent headaches by DIY computer builders, so unless you REALLY know what you're doing, I wouldn't suggest building your own. Swapping components or adding RAM is one thing, but doing the whole thing on your own - much more tricky. Not really tricky in putting it all together, but making sure that what you've put together also works properly.
     
    Taluntain, Feb 2, 2009
    #5
  6. Chandos the Red

    Chandos the Red This Wheel's on Fire

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    I really agree with that. It's not as easy as it looks. But that Dell has integrated graphics, and it's only AGP on the upgrade. I'd run from that one if you want to play TES IV.
     
    Chandos the Red, Feb 4, 2009
    #6
  7. Merlanni

    Merlanni Veteran New Server Contributor [2012] (for helping Sorcerer's Place lease a new, more powerful server!)

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    Were do you live? We can point you to the right stores. Whatever you decide to buy, we respect it en will help. Enough of us here know what we are doing.

    I second Chandos. Not that one.
     
    Merlanni, Feb 4, 2009
    #7

  8. Stu Gems: 20/31
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    I ran oblivion on a 3.0GHz Pentium 4, 1gb of ram and a nVIDIA 6600GT - I probably wouldn't suggest going to far below that. The box you listed was probably alright for the CPU and RAM, but for gaming you really want a decent video card, which it lacked entirely (it had onboard graphics)

    Keep checking ebay, or maybe go to your local computer store (just a small one, don't go to any major chains) to get a quote - often they can put the parts together on request.

    Building is kinda tricky - replacing stuff is easy enough but setting up all the small cords and jumpers for the first time is quite difficult.
     
    Stu, Feb 11, 2009
    #8
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