I offer you a decision. You can select your path.
I offer you a decision. You can select your path.
Your dad's current setup is outdated, but you're aiming for a gaming rig. You're considering a 960M or an i3 4160 CPU, which isn't ideal. For better performance, especially with a 30% boost, you might want to upgrade to a faster CPU like an i5 or i7. If you plan to expand later, a bottlenecked 1650 can work, but it may limit performance. Alternatively, a server Xeon and a dedicated board could offer more stability and future-proofing for gaming. The extra $60 for Wi-Fi is a small price to pay for better connectivity.
I've checked the details, and it seems you're referring to an i7 4770 which matches the xeon e3-1230. It's possible to find options under $100 if your laptop runs a high CPU speed when warm. Consider using it for performance gains.
I think the I5 2500 is a good choice, but it's worth confirming the specific Xeon model you're considering.