(Part 2) Best products from r/KillYourConsole

You can pull out the CPU (it's socketed in), the HDD, and memory (SO-DIMM). So you could buy a compatible heatsink/fan, motherboard, power supply, and case. Then buy a GPU card.

The CPU is an older LGA1150 package, so you will need a motherboard that supports that package (Z87, Z97, etc.). The memory is an SO-DIMM form factor used mostly by laptops. There are a few mini ITX motherboards that do use SO-DIMMs, but you will need to check the motherboard specs.

A motherboard like the one below might work. But beware the limitations on the PCIe slot power. GPU cards tend to burn a LOT more power than 25W.

https://www.amazon.com/Gigabyte-SO-DIMM-DualBIOS-Motherboard-GA-H87TN/dp/B00FU85LRY

Supermicro also has some motherboards that would work, but they're not cheap (~$175):

https://www.amazon.com/Supermicro-Motherboard-Mini-DDR3-X10SLV-Q-O/dp/B00GIZHLD0/ref=sr_1_6?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1480872512&sr=1-6&keywords=lga1150+so-dimm

Overall, it's not clear to me this is worth it. You might be better off getting a whole new machine (especially if you are not familiar with messing around with PC guts).

Bit late but if you go 360 controller route us this I have that type of receiver. The ps3 controller I use wired (haven't gotten a compatable usb bluetooth yet) but people recommend motioninjoy which is terrible SCP is really good and after install should start on pc start up without needing to be opened again, plus it maps the ps3 buttons to the proper placement of the 360 buttons (i.e. left trigger = L2 B = O) and if you use a program like xpadder to map custom 360 controls it works with scp.

Stretch that budget a little and get a good case. I have that case for a HTPC and while it does the job it is a nightmare to work in. You will thank me later, believe me.

Here is my recommendation

if you want a good mech keyboard try the Corsair K60

I can't help myself...

It looks like that mobo can handle Core 2 Quads, so check out this deal:

CPU top: https://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B001D86S3G/ref=dp_olp_used_mbc?ie=UTF8&condition=used

CPU cheap:
https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA4RE66V1325

RAM: https://www.ebay.com/itm/8GB-KIT-2-x-4GB-DIMM-DDR2-NON-ECC-PC2-6400-800MHz-800-MHz-DDR-2-DDR-2-Ram-Memory/321784568907

RAM is tough, as it seems the DDR2 800Mhz 2x4GB arrangement you need to get to 8GB is over $100 almost everywhere. Look around, though. Watch out for Apple, AMD, and Dell specific memory modules which probably won't work for you.

For video cards, you're gonna need a GTX 1050 at minimum to get what you want, I think. Take a look at this GPU value chart and decide on the price you can stomach: https://www.videocardbenchmark.net/gpu_value.html

I'm thinking maybe this: https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814126170

No it was cheaper then, this one looks like it would work too. http://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B001CJOLBW/ref=s9_simh_gw_p23_d0_i3?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=1FY7FDE5G2Z3D4F9Q5NJ&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1688200382&pf_rd_i=507846

Around that price just stick to a Corsair Builder Series.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Corsair-Builder-Series-Bronze-Supply/dp/B009RMP14M/

Asus VN274H-P for the monitor, I have it, it works amazingly.
Find it here

I have this guy: http://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00B9996LA/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

But it mostly sits in a drawer, use it only for when I need to type in password for driver updates, etc.

try http://www.amazon.com/Lenovo-ThinkPad-X200-Recertified-Laptop/dp/B00LTA1VL2/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1453404380&sr=8-2&keywords=thinkpad+x200&tag=linustechtips-20

or

http://www.amazon.com/Lenovo-Thinkpad-Notebook-2-4ghz-Windows/dp/B00OQ89O7W/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1453404380&sr=8-3&keywords=thinkpad+x200&tag=linustechtips-20

If I was to get a case it would probably be the MasterBox 5
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Cooler-Master-MasterBox-MCX-B5S1-KWNN-11-Mini-ITX/dp/B01F9S55Z2/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1497046414&sr=8-5&keywords=MasterCase+5

By all means build it if that's something you think you'd enjoy but there's no shame in buying either. I've always built but I don't look down on anyone that uses a prebuilt machine. I might give them shit at lans but it's never anything serious.

Right now is a great time for buying GPUs without breaking your wallet. You can pick up a 1060 for pretty cheap which will probably run everything you'd want to play no problem. There's also a 3GB version if you're on a budget but for the price difference I'd go 6GB if possible.

I'm just talking in general here and didn't check all of the specs on the two desktops you listed. I'd assume those desktops have a PCI-E slot and the power to run that card but don't take my word for it. Make sure to research before buying obviously.