I was looking to building a computer and/or acquiring parts so that I could play ArmA 2.

Anything salvageable from this build? I'm hoping to put together a computer that can run the game at a perfect framerate on a reasonable resolution on low to medium settings. Don't need to nitpick too much. I'll buy that future proof machine later when I can. Parents are picky:

SiSoftware Sandra

ID
Host Name : Haus-PC
Workgroup : WORKGROUP

Computer
Model : Compaq Presario 061 ED881AA-ABA SR1650NX NA580
Serial Number : MXF53406S0
Chassis : Desktop
Mainboard : ASUS Amberine M
Serial Number : MB-1234567890
BIOS : Phoenix Technologies, LTD 3.07 07/29/2005
Total Memory : 1.75GB

Processors
Processor : AMD Athlon(tm) 64 Processor 3500+ (2.2GHz, 2.2GHz IMC, 512kB L2)
Socket/Slot : Socket µPGA939

Chipset
Memory Controller : HP RS480 Host Bridge 200MHz, 1.75GB 332MHz 64-bit

Memory Module(s)
Memory Module : Samsung M3 68L6423FTN-CCC 512MB DDR PC1-3200U DDR1-400 (3-3-3-8 2-11-0-0)
Memory Module : Samsung M3 68L6423FTN-CCC 512MB DDR PC1-3200U DDR1-400 (3-3-3-8 2-11-0-0)
Memory Module : Silicon Tech (STEC) 512MB DDR PC1-2700U DDR1-334 (2.5-3-3-7 2-10-0-0)
Memory Module : Micron 8VDDT3264AG-40BG5 256MB DDR PC1-3200U DDR1-400 (3-3-3-8 2-11-0-0)

Video System
Monitor/Panel : Hewlett Packard HP w2207 Wide LCD Monitor (1680x1050, 22.0")
Video Adapter : Radeon X1300/X1550 Series (PS3.0, VS3.0, 256MB, PCIe 1.00 x16)

From what you've listed, the only thing I'd say is even worth considering is the monitor.

Not really, the only thing I would keep is the monitor. :)

The memory is old, if you building a new setup then you'll want DDR3, the CPU too is old, and you don't really want to go pulling stuff out like that. Not sure too much about the graphics card without googling, but I'd say it's pretty old too.

My advice would be sell it and use the money to go towards your new build.

Yeah, I bought that graphics card new almost...6 or 7 years ago now, and it was barely capable then.

What about the RAM, case, and Optical Drive?

You can't make $ with it but don't just throw it away. The best thing you can do with is just gifting it to someone... It's more than enough good for retrogaming, web browsing, office ..

ram
No. you won't even get ddr1 motherboards anymore.

case
yeah. that shouldn't be a problem. but if you are going to put new stuff in old case... isn't it worth spending a little bit of extra money and getting a bran new shiny case?

OD: should not be a problem even if it is old ide model. not much saving tough as new dvd drives are 20 bucks.

what model is your hdd? if it is ide and something around 120GB it needs replacement too.


your situation is not far from mine (except that i upgraded graphic card, hdd and i got brand new monitor 4 weeks ago cause mine died) and we both really need a full upgrade.

RAM is too old, optical drive is probably OK but it's most likely IDE and not SATA and a lot of newer mobos don't have an iDE port anymore - plus they're like 20 to 25 bucks for a new one.
The case could possibly be used but you might would need to mod it to get it to work.
Possible issues with case:

- might have to mod back panel plate for motherboard external connections (i.e. where the ports are on the back)

- might also need to mod the front panel connector wires to work with new mobo (i.e. the power switch, reset switch, power and HDD access LEDS, etc.)

- the power supply will not be usable

In short, only thing salvageable really is the monitor. A new cheap case that will do the job can be had for around the 30 dollar range.

i disagree.... students need computers. put it on ebay for 40 bucks plus delivery (or pickup) and somebody might buy it.

or put an add at local uni. 120 bucks NEGOTIABLE.
might sale might not.

Alright.

I'm looking at some parts right now. How's this for a start?

Video
GV-R545-1GI
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125432


CPU
ADO4800IAA5DD
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103976

I'm trying to search for RAM on newegg also, but I get zero results or completely unrelated products. Even just typing in RAM with the proper search filter.

First off, what's your budget for this?

As for RAM, check Here.

You're best off deciding what CPU you'll want, then finding to the motherboard to support it. Then look at RAM and a video card.

My budget is, something that can run arma 2 on medium or lower settings with a perfect framerate for a minimum cost. Like I said, parents are cheap.

http://www.biostar.com.tw/app/en/mb/introduction.php?S_ID=498

This motherboard is compatible with my CPU, but I put N65S+ into newegg search and nothing results. Seriously, what is wrong with their search engine?

because they don't sell it?

mobo is five years old mate. your cpu is seven years old. you can't expect it to be supported by shops.

Nothing except the monitor. If you're fine with that monitor (size, resolution, colour accuracy, contrast etc..) then by all means keep it because ARMA 2 is really GPU demanding and if you buy a bigger monitor with a larger resolution it's going to require one or two very expensives GPUs.

As for your a new rig I would advice asking on a hardware forum but throw in a budget (a number please..) so people can recommend parts. :)