I'm looking for some advice on upgrading my outdated Dell Inspiron 3668 i3 core work computer, which hardly runs a browser anymore. I want to improve it enough to play some basic FPS games with my friends, but I really don't know much about hardware beyond basic functions. I'm not keen on spending over $2,000, so I need something that fits my budget—ideally around $1,000 to $1,500 if I save a bit. I'm also a bit scared to start a build since I worry about buying the wrong components or breaking something. Any suggestions on how to get a setup that can handle at least some gaming without all the flashy RGB stuff would be great!
2 Answers
First off, what’s your budget looking like? Since your computer is pretty outdated, upgrading may not get you far. I'd say if you’re aiming for something solid, around $1,200 could get you a decent setup for basic games like Valorant or CS2 at good frame rates. You can even go for an $800 rig, but you might have to settle for lower performance. Let me know if you're open to saving a bit for something better!
Honestly, upgrading the Dell isn’t worth it at this point; it’s pretty much e-waste. I suggest diving into PC building guides on YouTube. Understand the parts like motherboard, CPU, GPU, etc., and figure out what gaming experience you want. For basic esports games, aim for a budget CPU and GPU combo that can handle 1080p gaming without breaking the bank!

Got it! With that budget, I'd recommend leaning towards building if it saves you money. With a bit of patience, you can certainly manage to play those games just fine!