Needs Help: buying used gaming PC from craigslist

[jessek]

im a gamer but i dont have the experience nor patience to build a gaming pc (mainly due to physical injuries). i will link craigslist with my area for you guys to tell me which one to get. the max i can spend is $450 and i would have to make my choice last. i'd like to be able to play all of the call of duty's, battlefields, GTA IV, NBA and MLB games from last couple of years, on ultra settings if possible. basically looking to buy a ps3-like PC without having to donate more money to playstation. upgrade-ability is cool but not a must need. graphics & speed is most important. if i can get a better deal without buying another monitor that works. if i could play on my 32" lcd tv without a loss then that is cool too. and to make sure i get the most out of my money, if at any time a new post is created on craigslist and you see a better pc feel free to update your choice.

it must be "local", not "near by".
http://sarasota.craigslist.org/search/sys?zoomToPosting=&query=gaming&srchType=A&minAsk=&maxAsk=450

i thank you for your time in advance.

 

[kentyiro]

hey jessek!

Im going to be really honest with you. Running games like BF3, COD, etc will require a little more than a 450$ pc. Used ones are a choice but downside is that the PC might not be working properly. to run those games ull need at least a nvidia 250GTS and that alone is above 100$. ull need a CPU strong enough to pass the minimal requirements of the most demanding games, not to mention about 4 or 8 GB of RAM(depends on the OS u are using ej. XP=4 WIN7=8) PSU with a 6 or 8 pin connector for the GPU and a decent MB that can take your settings. So at a new PC that can meet the requirements ur looking at at least 600 or 700$. You have to remember that PC gaming is the most expensive of all gaming due to constant change and the fact that you are not getting just a console with one sole purpose. You will never, ever find a PC at the same price of a console with the same power they have. Not even a used PC (unless its stolen, damaged or a scam) will have the same price as a brand new console.

This is just a tip for your PC hunting. Im sure other ppl can asist you with more specific details if you are really into buying a used. Just make sure you are doing your homework and check that everything is legit before buying anything.

Just so you know... be prepared to spend a little more if you want more from your PC. they can give you only what you invest on them. Simple words $$$=strong $$=reliable $=not so reliable

 

[EarthDog]

Note, you will need A LOT More than a GTS250 to play BF3... GTA... GTS250 is 3 gens old budget card that some iGPU will match.

$450 isnt going to cut it. Of those however.. THIS one is the best. Though that guy either cant speak english or just doesnt know a lot about PC's... as he butchered the Nvidia spelling, listed a video card, then says its comes with one... That is a good deal there assuming it works.

 

[kentyiro]

Note, you will need A LOT More than a GTS250 to play BF3... GTA... GTS250 is 3 gens old budget card that some iGPU will match.

$450 isnt going to cut it. Of those however.. THIS one is the best. Though that guy either cant speak english or just doesnt know a lot about PC's... as he butchered the Nvidia spelling, listed a video card, then says its comes with one... That is a good deal there assuming it works.

yes that is a good pc jessek. make sure is a GTX520 and everything is in working order before you make your move.

 

[jessek]

well i went ahead and just bought a new ps3. since i have a bad neck/back, i need to be able to lay back when im in pain, and i had nothing to really do when i have to do that, so just hooking up a ps3 to my living room tv was the best solution for me.

thanks a lot for your input guys.