I live in a simple world where higher numbers = better, too. So I use Passmark. It turns the model numbers into a simple number. Higher = better.

http://www.videocardbenchmark.net/


And as everyone else said, your RAM is fine with that. The power supply is really low if you want decent graphics. And the graphics is pretty bad if you want to play decent games.
For your price range, I think you'd be satisfied with the iBUYPOWER AMD FX-Series 8GB DDR3 1TB HDD Capacity Desktop PC Windows 7 Home Premium 64-Bit Gamer Extreme NE660FX

Edit: Also, if your budget is hanging out at 700ish, you may wish to consider just keeping your laptop and getting an XBOX One or PS4 and grabbing a few next-gen games, if you're up for console-playing. It may be more bang for your buck and you won't have to worry about maintenance and whatnot so much.

I actually already plan on getting a PS4, but I'm gonna wait for later down the road after it get's a few interesting exclusives under it's belt. I am both a PC and console gamer, happily so.


And yeah, it's stretching the wallet a little more than I had hoped, but the iBUYPOWER one seems to be the best choice as far as I can see. I just have a couple more questions though, if you folks don't mind.


Firstly, my current laptop that I use for games has a measly 450GB hard drive, and as such I purchased an external 1TB one a while back. You think it's a good idea to switch my external drive over to my new computer when I get it, or leave it with the laptop for a "just in case" kinda scenario?

Second, I'm thinking I'd like to start installing my GOG collection (Easily over 100 games strong at this point) on to some nice physical discs for both collection and insurance purposes. Is there a special kind of disc I should worry about getting, or will any blank DVD do? Also do I need any kind of special software to download and/or install a GOG game to a disc, or is it as simple as putting the disc in and selecting that as the install location? Hopefully it is, lol.

Yes, as much as you can backup them, they last forever. It's "your" data, and your responsibility to manage it.

Yo,

If you were building your own computer (IF) i would have suggested you to go with the newest amd APU processor and the brand new ATI Radeon graphics card (lower end) - as they offer the best bang for the buck, despite what the intel/nvidia fanboys claim.

And no, i am not one for brand loyality - i look at the facts. Anyways, ill see if i can take a peek at some prebuilds later.

#1: I recommend using external hard drives for archival purposes only. They are usually slower than what will be in your machine, and a lot of use will degrade them.

#2: I put my GOGs on regular discs, but if you want them for archival purposes, I would recommend a special DVD. There are archival-grade DVDs that I've used for home movies. Here they are (ref link included) http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000H3B6EO/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000H3B6EO&linkCode=as2&tag=legeofleef-20

If you want to keep them for a long, long time, then this is your best bet. They're more expensive, but they have extra coatings to scratch-resist and thermally protect them (that's my understanding anyway). Just don't be surprised if it's hard to find something read them with in 30 to 50 years.


EDIT: If found this site that talks about how the archival DVDs work: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/461035-REG/Verbatim_95355_DVD_R_UltraLife_Gold_Archival.html

40 Blu-ray blanks = 1000GB = $200. 2x1TB HDD = $120. Which is better?

I5's won't cause problems as such. But you would be better advised to buy a system based on the latest generation ( Haswell), thus I5-4xxx CPUs ( and imho , the sweet spot is the i5-4570 )

The latest AMD FX cpus are not that bad. But they tend to run hot , especially the fx-8xxx ( not to mention the darwinian nightmare fx-9xxx ).

Heh, who said you should use the burner as your first backup solution :-P

They why do you need a drive :)

40 BD-R = $35. 1TB HDD = $2,500.

See, I can throw baseless numbers too.

25 BD-R pack for $17 + $3 shipping at Newegg. You can get a Verbatim 25 pack (highest quality media) for $26 with free shipping (deal until October 21, normally $31).

That's not really relevant to the argument of whether to get a BD-R drive, but I just couldn't let these numbers stand. Someone might think by mistake that you know what you're talking about.

To read original game/movie/audio disks, to burn your personal files (heck, there are 100 GB BD-R disks available out there, you will surely find a reason to use'em), to use it as a second or even third mean of backup. Digital data is fragile, archiving saves your ass, always.