Need Computer advise please (plan to buy a new)

Ok, recently my age old computer has started to make weird noises, and I am somewhat reluctant to really spent money in a repair in this oldie anymore. Thing is, my money is limited, so I can't buy a top computer.

I currently use a Duo2 Intel 2x 2.3 Mhz, 4 GB Ram, NVidia GTX460 with 1 GB and Windows XP. It works for SWTOR and isn't so bad, but really getting old now. And as I said, I am a bit afraid the computer might stop working sooner or later. Now I would buy another Intel, and I want an NVidia graphic card, that much is certain. Also, I think the days of Windows XP are slowly ending now.

So far I looked for this two computers:

Hyrican PCK03647 PC, Intel Core i3, 500 GB SATA-3, 8 GB RAM, but it only has a Radeon HD 6570, but with 2 GB video Ram. PRO: costs "only" 600 Euro, so more affordable.

Alternative:
HP Pavilion p6-2044de PC, Intel Core i5, 2TB SATA, 8 GB RAM, and has NVidia GeForce GT545 with 3 GB video ram. Now this costs 800 Euro, a bit over what I wanted to invest, but it has a Quad Core. Now I am unsure, since many people told me, there is no game with Quad Core at all, anyway.


The worst of all is, I abhorr the idea to install all my software again, because I have many small software I just bought over the internet sometimes. Some may no even work, and yes, Windows XP is old, but so far it worked. Gah, I am so torn as what to do. Or should I still invest into my old computer??

Any ideas are welcome.

One thing you DEFINITELY should keep from your old computer is the graphic card, both options on your new computers are horrible.
Having more RAM in your Graphic Card really doesn't help you if you're not playing on something higher than 1920x1080/1200 so 1GB graphic card would more than suffice.
It is also true that there's aren't really games that can make use of a Quad Core, but remember that your OS can balance the load of all the applications you're running between 4 cores. (for example Browser on Core 1, Winamp on Core 2, etc...)

And a little side note before buying a computer and if you are keeping your 460, check if the Power Supply that comes with your new computer can handle it.
Usually brand computers like HP are shipped with a really low Watt PSU which might not have enough juice to run your system.

EDIT: A quick look at Tomshardware benchmarks, show that those Graphic Cards perform way below mine which is a 4 yr old 260GTX, I can only imagine the 460GTX.

EDIT 2: Let me correct myself, apparently the 545 has the same performace as the 6670 which comes close to the 460GTX. Personally if you really want to save money, you can go with the cheaper option and plug your 460GTX. (keep in mind what PSU the system comes with)

EDIT 3: And if you're the same Elikal from MMORPG.com, you should definitely post and see if Quizzical has any suggestions.

I see. Thanks a ton already.

A friend told me 90% of his software from XP did NOT work on Windows 7 anymore, even with "compatibility mode". I know this mode never worked under XP for most of my old Windows 95, back when I changed to XP, so I am kinda distrustful to this mode anyway.


EDIT: Also, which card is better: the NVidia GeForce GT520 I see in one of the new models, or my "old" NVidia GeForce GTX460?

I have had almost no problems running old software on windows 7, I still use a program designed for Windows 3.1.

I would recommend the HP, I have had lots of computers and the HPs have always been the most reliable pre assembled computer imo.

Quote by Izzarra

I have had almost no problems running old software on windows 7, I still use a program designed for Windows 3.1.

I would recommend the HP, I have had lots of computers and the HPs have always been the most reliable pre assembled computer imo.

Actually I completely agree. I've got some old DOS software (mainly Star Trek: A Final Unity, Civilization 1, and Oregon Trail) that I occasionally run. Windows 7 runs this MUCH more easily than any previous Windows did. I also have not had any problem with running any XP software on 7.

Quote by Elikal

I see. Thanks a ton already.

A friend told me 90% of his software from XP did NOT work on Windows 7 anymore, even with "compatibility mode". I know this mode never worked under XP for most of my old Windows 95, back when I changed to XP, so I am kinda distrustful to this mode anyway.


EDIT: Also, which card is better: the NVidia GeForce GT520 I see in one of the new models, or my "old" NVidia GeForce GTX460?

Your old card is actually better and just to reiterate what other fellow guildies have said most of Windows XP applications work on Windows 7 out of the box, only very specific, usually corporate applications might not work. (old versions of SAP I think, etc...)

Quote by Izzarra

I would recommend the HP, I have had lots of computers and the HPs have always been the most reliable pre assembled computer imo.

Really? I used to do desktop support for HP. They use hard drives that are designed to be cheap and to fail after only 2-3 years. I suggest if possible, build a new system from scratch, get a new mobo and proc, and make sure they're compatible with your old ram and gpu. You can reuse most of the old pc components.

Quote by Six-of-Nine

Quote by Izzarra

I would recommend the HP, I have had lots of computers and the HPs have always been the most reliable pre assembled computer imo.

Really? I used to do desktop support for HP. They use hard drives that are designed to be cheap and to fail after only 2-3 years. I suggest if possible, build a new system from scratch, get a new mobo and proc, and make sure they're compatible with your old ram and gpu. You can reuse most of the old pc components.

I do a lot of IT/computer repair in the DC area and hard drive failures are my bread and butter. It doesn't matter what brand you buy, they all put the cheapest HDD's they can find in a retail computer.

However, I recommend HPs to most of my clients. Out of all of the retail brands, I have had the best luck with HPs. While not perfect, over the last few years I have seen an improvement in the quality coming from them. And I have seen Dell's quality fall off a cliff. For a gaming PC you're better off building yourself (no store bought PC will come with a decent power supply or latest video card), but for general business use a retail brand is fine.