After looking into the upgrades your wanting to do. I would first recommend that you
update your processor and your memory. Not only do you need a good GPU, but you always
need a processor that can handle what your GPU is wanting to do. Also, with only 2 gbs of
memory. Your bottlenecking yourself. I would shoot for more in the 32 gb range. If you are
not ready to upgrade. I would recommend the EVGA GeForce GT 1030 SC Low Profile for
$103.57. It is compatible with windows 8 and would be a huge upgrade to your built-in
graphics from your processor. When it comes to your external hard drive with eSATA cable.
Would recommend an eSATA to USB 3 adapter by VANTEC for $18.78. It would allow you to
connect your hard drive and would be your best bet with your current set up. Which would
lead me to your question that would bring up. You only have one USB port. You want to use
it for your printer and scanner. I believe I have solved that problem too. Which is a USB 3.0
Hub Splitter from amazon for $11.99. It will allow you to plug in up to 4 things at once. Which
even with all your wanting to do, will leave you with one extra port for future wants. Your
total with the new GPU, eSATA to USB, and the USB splitter is $134.34 before taxes.
I would suggest that he puts money aside not only to upgrade for the external hard drive
but, also for memory. The computer will need more memory to operate effectively. I would
suggest he puts around 60 dollars aside to grab a hard drive that is like this one.
https://www.bestbuy.com/site/wd-easystore-1tb-external-usb-3-0-portable-hard-drive-
black/5792404.p?skuId=5792404&ref=212&loc=1&ref=212&loc=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwt-
L2BRA_EiwAacX32T4K6GkY_veMQJkjuoR9cB3BBN2mu3PEWlSHfa7OeHfLgqhmQq4oihoCShQ
QAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds One TB should be plenty of storage for some entertainment
media. If he needs more USB ports he can purchase a USB port for around 25 dollars like
this one. https://www.bestbuy.com/site/insignia-4-port-usb-3-0-hub-
black/4333600.p?skuId=4333600&ref=212&loc=1&ref=212&loc=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwt-
L2BRA_EiwAacX32cFwWoWisSH2LjMInUSmhZWtgJ-
SxSueEL4FlZfgG3ZkeXGJ8JqzBxoCZ08QAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds This will allow him a few
extra spots without breaking the bank. With the graphics card I would not necessarily
suggest the best graphics card that runs with the system because, he could be bottlenecking
with such low ram and a out of date processor. If anything, I would suggest he gets a
processor that could run better with a heavy-duty GPU. I would also suggest finding a way to
upgrade to windows 10. If he did not want to make these graphics, I would suggest a GPU
around the same capacity of an MSI GeForce 1660 graphics card.
I am very happy this last bit of question is here. I was starting to get frustrated looking up all
the parts he should purchase and saying in my head “He should just get a new build at this
point.” Even with me cheaping out on everything this upgrade would cost around 500+
dollars. It did not make sense to put this much onto a computer that is so outdated and
would require him to put the parts in himself or pay more for the service fee. It makes more
sense to me to buy a low-mid range PC on the market for around 700-800 dollars. There are
many computers you can purchase on a budget for a decent price on websites like newegg.
https://www.newegg.com/p/pl?N=100897449&LeftPriceRange=590%20900&Order=PRICE If
you are a vid gamer and would like something that could last you a few years he could
always up the price a bit to more around 900-1k.
