The kids want to play some PC games that require more than the inbuilt graphics on a cheap laptop.
Games like Lego Worlds http://store.steampowered.com/app/332310/
I would like to play older games like Skyrim maybe.
What should I expect to pay for a suitable system? I have monitors, KB, mouse etc. and a windows licence if necessary.
Any suggested systems? I am happy with 2nd hand, and comfortable switching components etc. if the cheapest solution was something like "buy an ex-lease desktop and add this graphics card".
I think you already know this but anyway I'm going to say it again.
GPU :R9 270x is the best value budget GPU. Not too bad and not too great. Good enough to get 60 fps in Skyrim with ultra-realistic mod.
CPU: Intel Pentium G3258 20th anniversary —> good for OC capability & if you're not multitasking . It won't bottleneck up til R9 280x
Either buy it from gumtree or clearance (AMD new generation GPU will come out soon)