[JonnyProgrammingDude]

Hi, I am looking to make my own gaming PC, although I really need help here. I sort of understand computer hardware, although I do not know what to buy. In case you are wondering, I currently have a $250 budget. Now, from my very light research, I read that you cannot build a Gaming PC for that price. Well, I have a 2007 Macbook, with 2 GB of RAM and an Intel Core 2 Duo processor with a Clock Speed of 2.0 GHz. You can look up the rest of the specs yourself. I did upgrade the RAM slightly. What I'd like to know is if I would save more by using the Parts within this Macbook, or just sell it altogether? I also have an old PPC G4, 500 MHz, 2 GB RAM, etc. Would I be able to use the RAM from that one? Also, is a Core 2 Duo 2 GHz processor good for gaming? I'm not looking at something top-of-the-line, just something that will play, for example, the Civilization Series. I have a copy of the Windows 7 Ultimate install DVD with both 32 and 64 bit installs. I have an 80 GB HD from my PPC G4, don't know if that would be compatible, but it's there. I would probably want a lot of HD space since I'm going to dual-boot Windows 7 and Ubuntu 12.04. Plus Windows 7 will be used for gaming. So, the main questions are, what is the best set up for this budget, and can I use the Macbook parts, or should I just sell it? Thanks.

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Well, I've got some news. First, the bad news...there really isn't anything you could salvage from your Macbook that would be useful in a gaming PC buid.

Now the really bad news...$250 really won't even get you started on building a decent gaming rig.

[kidnova]

Well, I've got some news. First, the bad news...there really isn't anything you could salvage from your Macbook that would be useful in a gaming PC buid.

Now the really bad news...$250 really won't even get you started on building a decent gaming rig.

[JonnyProgrammingDude]

So, how much would I expect to pay to build a decent rig?

[kidnova]

So, how much would I expect to pay to build a decent rig?

This is just ballparking, but assuming you need a monitor as well an estimate would be:

Mobo: $75-$100
CPU: $100-$200
Case: $50-$100
PSU: $75-$100
RAM: $40-$60
GPU: $120-$250 (depending on your personal preferences and monitor chosen)
Optical Drive: $20
HDD: $70-$100
KB+Mouse (if necessary): $20-$50
Monitor: $100-$200

So, you could probably cobble together a system that can play most games at medium settings with future updgrade potential for around $600-$700, maybe a bit less if you went with a low cost AMD mobo and CPU. Obviously the more you spend the better the performance.

[JonnyProgrammingDude]

Okay, thanks for your help. I guess I'll save that much. Are you sure I wouldn't be able to use the Hard Drive or RAM from my old Mac Desktop? (The PPC G4)

[iammykyl]

Take a look here for some more options. > http://www.hardware-...-2012/#SixTiers

[kidnova]

Nope, the RAM isn't going to be compatible with a modern mobo/CPU and the HD is probably IDE and too small to be of much use anyways.