Gaming computer on a budget - does this look upgradable?

[Pl8]

Hi there,

I'm looking into buying my first desktop pc (I've always used laptops in the past). It will mainly be used to play World of Warcraft and Sims 3, so I'm looking for something that will run those games decently.

Unfortunately I'm on a fairly tight budget, and as I need everything from monitor to mouse I'd really like something that's ok for now, but that I'll be able to upgrade in time. I'm looking into self-build although I'm a bit nervous about it as a total beginner, but then I saw this pre-built computer and it seemed decent, and the seller will upgrade the graphics card to 2gig.

I'd be really grateful if anyone could advise if this PC looks like it would be upgradable at all?

- Case: BitFenix Merc Alpha Tower Case - Black
- Power Supply: OCZ CoreXtreme 500w PSU
- CPU: Intel Core i3 3220 3.30GHz Dual Core CPU
- Motherboard: Gigabyte H61MA-D2V Intel H61 (Socket 1155) DDR3 Motherboard
- Cooler: Stock Intel CPU Cooler
- RAM: Geil Black Dragon 8GB (2x4GB) 1600MHz C11 DDR3 Dual Channel Kit
- Hard Drive: 500GB HDD
- Graphics Card: ATI Radeon HD 7850 1024MB
- Sound: Onboard 7.1 Audio
- Optical Drive: OcUK 22x DVD±RW SATA ReWriter - Black
- Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit Pre-installed


Many thanks!

 

[Wake]

PC Gamer does a magazine called 'The Ultimate PC Hardware Guide' - it tells you how to build a gaming PC. That said, I don't think there would be much in it if PC Specialist built one for you - and you get a warranty. The 7850 will play WoW no problem but personally I would go for the I5 processor or an AMD quad core. People keep telling me WoW is 'CPU intensive' - I think what they say is rubbish but from what I know the I5 3570 is one of the best available and a lot of my WoW acquaintances prefer I5 to I7 CPUs. Tell some of these guys on the forums what your budget is and they will give more informed advice than I can.

 

[Pl8]

Thank you, there are just so many options I don't know if I'll ever make my mind up and order! I'll put a post in the Desktop section with my budget etc and see what ideas I get.

Thanks again

 

[keynes]

Thank you, there are just so many options I don't know if I'll ever make my mind up and order! I'll put a post in the Desktop section with my budget etc and see what ideas I get.

Thanks again

What is your budget? I'd also suggest getting a pre-build system to make it hassle free.

 

[Pl8]

Oh I've just started a new thread about it on Desktops, hope that isn't a problem. My budget is around £750, but what I like about the one I posted is that with the monitor and other peripherals it's only £625 in total. I'd rather spend a bit more though if its going to make a big difference though.