I already have a large Fractal Design Pop XL Silent case, but most of the hardware inside is extremely old: an AMD A10-5700 APU, 16GB of mixed DDR3 memory, an Asus GT 740 graphics card, a 400GB hard drive, an optical drive, and a very low-end 250W power supply. I also have an MSI GTX 980 in storage, although I currently cannot power or test it, plus two 8GB DDR5 laptop modules intended for another machine.
My family may help me purchase newer parts, and I would like to end up with a reasonably capable gaming computer either immediately or through upgrades over time. Should I replace the core components in this system, or would it make more sense to start with a newer used or prebuilt computer? If I build from parts, which components should I prioritize and what kind of budget should I expect? I am also looking for reliable computer hardware stores or system-building services in Iowa or Illinois. I know of Micro Center locations around the Chicago area, but I am not sure what other local options are available. I have a parts list in mind, but I am unsure whether it is still a sensible build.
5 Answers
A reasonable entry-level direction would be a modern six-core Ryzen processor, a compatible motherboard, 16GB of matched DDR4 or DDR5 memory depending on the platform, a 1TB SSD, a 650W power supply from a reputable manufacturer, and a current graphics card. The existing case can be reused if you like it. If the GTX 980 tests good, it can serve as a temporary graphics card, but it is old and lacks newer features, so plan to replace it later. Do not connect it to the current 250W supply.
The case is the only substantial part worth carrying forward, and the DDR5 modules may be useful in the laptop if they are the correct SO-DIMM type. The A10 platform, mixed DDR3 memory, GT 740, old hard drive, and 250W power supply are not good foundations for a current gaming PC. You would realistically need a modern CPU, motherboard, RAM, graphics card, SSD, and power supply. The old parts might be worth a small amount to someone building a vintage system, but I would not spend money upgrading them.
The GTX 980 could still be better than the GT 740 if it works, but it should be tested first and would require a suitable power supply.
For in-person shopping, there are not many dedicated PC hardware stores left in the area. Micro Center is useful if you can reach one, and Best Buy may carry selected parts. Otherwise, reputable online retailers such as Amazon or Newegg usually provide more choices and better pricing. A shop can assemble the computer for you, but assembly fees can be significant, so compare that cost with building it yourself or buying a completed system.
I would not upgrade the existing platform. Even a very inexpensive modern CPU and motherboard combination will be a much better starting point than putting money into the A10 system. You could sell the laptop memory and perhaps list the older parts individually, but I would not expect much for them.
The budget is the most important missing detail. Gaming expectations, resolution, refresh rate, and whether you need a monitor or Windows license will change the parts list substantially. Before visiting a store, decide how much you can spend and what games you want to play.
A 650W unit should be plenty for a modest system with the GTX 980 or a lower-power modern graphics card, but quality matters more than simply choosing the highest wattage.