Hi guys,

I'm looking to get a really cheap computer for my dad with the option of upgrading the GPU so he can play a few modern games. I was specifically looking at getting an Intel i5.. Please let me know what you think about:

http://configure.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?oc=dxps8300_f_1e&c=ca&l=en&s=dhs&cs=cadhs1&model_id=xps-8300

Any of your expertise would be appreciated.

alnite

3,454

February 05, 2012 07:53 PM

That should be okay, depending on how much you want to spend.

What GPU are you planning to get?

shurcool

439

February 06, 2012 01:37 PM

You just have to be careful that the Power Supply in that computer is adequate for a better GPU. You may or may not have to replace it, which will be another $100-150. If replacing it, make sure to use a model that's compatible. At least in the past, Dell systems could be somewhat picky about which PSUs they'd accept. I think the situation is better now, but be sure to look into that.

swiftcoder

18,997

February 06, 2012 03:24 PM

I'm looking to get a really cheap computer for my dad with the option of upgrading the GPU so he can play a few modern games. I was specifically looking at getting an Intel i5.. Please let me know what you think about:

They offer the option of a Radeon 6770 on that machine, for $150. That's a fantastic card for a mid-range part - It should play any recent game at full resolution. Hell, it will max out every game in the Crysis franchise, at full HD.

It's also about as much power load as I would dare put on the PSU they supply.

Tristam MacDonald. Ex-BigTech Software Engineer. Future farmer. [https://trist.am]