Help me find a computer for $400 max

[CoolKoopaTroopa]

I just ordered a new computer for $300 and decided to check all the specs before buying. Everything fit my low standards, except one thing. The graphics card, a Intel GMA which I heard wasn't all it claimed to be. So I'm going to buy a new graphics card for it, I guess. But I'm not very tech savvy and would need help trying to pick one out.

I want something that is strong, strong enough to at least run Battlefield: Bad Company 2. I would like to be able to run Crysis too, but thats not the main priority.
Here is the computer: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Asus+-+Factory-Refurbished+Essentio+Desktop+with+Intel%26%23174%3B+Pentium%26%23174%3B+Processor/9720981.p?id=1218159403345&skuId=9720981&st=Asus
I am looking for something $80 and under.

Ask for any other additional info you may need.
Remember: I am not very good with computers.

[Ad Bot]

[Inv3rted]

Processor                     Intel® Pentium®

asdf

[CoolKoopaTroopa]

Processor                     Intel® Pentium®

asdf

Is that bad?

[Triple Nickels]

$80 and under? Your current graphics card is probably better than an $80 card, figuring probably the closest nVidia card is a 9800 or an 8800, from about 3 years ago, and I don't track ATi cards, because they don't come with basic fundamental features that nVidia has.

EDIT: my old 8800 could run Crysis on mostly medium some low, but if you want to run Crysis on all high or all very high, you're going to have to invest a good $300.

[CoolKoopaTroopa]

$80 and under? Your current graphics card is probably better than an $80 card, figuring probably the closest nVidia card is a 9800 or an 8800, from about 3 years ago, and I don't track ATi cards, because they don't come with basic fundamental features that nVidia has.

Could my current card run the games I listed?

[Inv3rted]

Two generation old single core processor.

Try and find something with at least Core2Duo / Athlon dual core.

$80 and under? Your current graphics card is probably better than an $80 card, figuring probably the closest nVidia card is a 9800 or an 8800, from about 3 years ago, and I don't track ATi cards, because they don't come with basic fundamental features that nVidia has.

An 8800/9800 is waaay better than an integrated GPU.

[Triple Nickels]

Anyway, no, that's not true. A 6200 won't run GTA IV.

EDIT: unless the game has a graphic card minimum that it actually checks for, but I've never encountered one that isn't a srsly heavy game.

[CoolKoopaTroopa]

Two generation old single core processor.

Try and find something with at least Core2Duo / Athlon dual core.

An 8800/9800 is waaay better than an integrated GPU.

I do have a 9 month warranty, I'll see how it runs because its coming tomorrow.

[Ethan]

I didn't realize that it was integrated when I posted, but I doubt an 8800 would be /that/ much of an upgrade from a newer integrated GPU.

Pretty much any Intel card sucks, and you'd be lucky if they ran something from a few years ago decently.

Your card can run any game you buy. Can it run them well? No.

Anyway, no, that's not true. A 6200 won't run GTA IV.

[CoolKoopaTroopa]

Two generation old single core processor.

Try and find something with at least Core2Duo / Athlon dual core.

An 8800/9800 is waaay better than an integrated GPU.

I'll have to look into getting one.

[Ethan]

My friend has a 9800GT, and runs Crysis max settings at 20fps.

We both have L4D2, he runs his max settings at 40-45fps.
I run it max settings at 50-60fps.

From this, you can pretty much gather that mine is all you need. Mine is an ATi Radeon HD4650, and is available for something like $50 over there.

[CoolKoopaTroopa]

My friend has a 9800GT, and runs Crysis max settings at 20fps.

We both have L4D2, he runs his max settings at 40-45fps.
I run it max settings at 50-60fps.

From this, you can pretty much gather that mine is all you need. Mine is an ATi Radeon HD4650, and is available for something like $50 over there.

That is great. I think I've found the winner.

[Starcraftman]

Two generation old single core processor.

Try and find something with at least Core2Duo / Athlon dual core.

Actually the processor in that computer is a Pentium Dual core, so its not that bad, although it still isn't exactly good enough to be considered fast.

[Reactor Worker]

The HD4650 is a decent choice for a low-budget card.

You can get it for $30 after a mail-in-rebate.

Or you can pay the full price and get this card which comes with a lifetime warranty.

An HD4670 is the next step up but will cost you at an extra $15-20.

There are slightly more powerful cards you can purchase for under $80 but they typically require an extra power connector which your computer may likely not have or simply don't justify their additional cost.

[CoolKoopaTroopa]

Bump, got the computer ended not working, last time I trust a refurb. The topic is now to help me find a new computer.