Computer vs. Computer for gaming

Kojak

New Member
Need help on what I should choose:

First is from craigslist, here are the stats:
DELL XPS 630i (From 2009)
Intel e8400, Core 2 dual processor 3.0 GHz,
500GB Western Digital SATA 2 HDD 7200RPM
RAM: 4GB DDR2 SDRAM at 800MHz
Nvidia 9800 gt graphics card
Windows 7 x32
and he is giving me a GTX 560 ti 448 Core graphics card with it(not installed)
ALL FOR $300(no monitor)

Second is a custom computer from a local computer shop(2010):
Intel Core 2 Quad Q9550 @ 2.83 GHz
4GB of RAM
500GB Hard Drive
Nvidia GeForce 8400GS
Windows 7 x64
ALL FOR $250(no monitor)

So pretty much, first computer is good gpu, second is good cpu. I'm not looking for a power house, just an upgrade from my 2003 computer. I play games such as World of Tanks, Counter-Strike:GO, Garry's Mod, Arma 2, things like that. I don't really care about extremelly high graphics, I just want the game to run smoothly. The computer shop is letting me use their computer for a 7 day trail, if I don't like it I can take it back. So far I can run all my games, but they have a lack in fps. The loading and such is very fast tough. The Geforce 8400 though is not even meant for gaming so I would change it asap. With the GTX installed in the first option or a new gpu in the second which would be faster? What's the better choice? Is the quad over the duo really needed for what I'm wanting it for? Thanks.
 
Find out what psu's they have, 2nd one seems quite a bit better, and $50 saved can go towards new gpu.

If psu's are shit that means more money to buy a new one.
 
E8400 system all day long. Has a way better graphics card if a lesser CPU. The E8400 was still a fantastic chip for gaming though.

The 9800 GT owns the 8400 GS, and if you're getting a 560 Ti 448 with it, that'll totally smash the 8400 GS to death.

The 8400 GS is very weak indeed and not a card you want to be gaming on.

If you're looking to buy them as they are not change anything, get the E8400 system. If you're planning on adding a better graphics later, get the Q9550 system.
 
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Yeah, the second option I will get a new gpu asap, and possibly a new psu if needed.

So basically the second option with a new gpu would be better than the first with the GTX installed?
 
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Yeah agreed. 8400GS is pretty much about the same as integrated video at this point.
 
Don't really have time to save up, my 2003 computer can barely run long without crashing. I also don't need something new because 1, this is really a computer I'll be using before I go to college, and 2 all the computers I've seen that are new for my price range, is junk.
 
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if he gives you a gtx560ti for free, get that dual core rig and upgrade to a quad and replace the psu. You really won't get much if you don't want to spend like 500 bucks.
You could perfectly build a basic gaming desktop for like 500$, and that'd be a way faster then you would go for these...
 
This is what I'm doing. Staying with the Q9550 and upgrade the gpu. Or get the XPS with the e8400 and put the gtx in it. No new computer, no building. I don't need a brand new computer and don't have the time to build one. I just need to know what would the better option be between these two. $250+gpu and psu(if needed) for the Q9550. or $300 for the XPS and not upgrade
 
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Just get the Q9550 and buy a Corsair CX 600 PSU and a Radeon HD 7850 or 7870 graphics card. That'll give you better performance than an E8400 with a 560 Ti 448.
 
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