Well, my Xbox 360 finaly got RRoD, after getting e74. Now, I was thinking about it today, and iv'e decided to crossover to PC gaming. The xbox breaking isn't the sole reason for this; I spend alot of time on my computer, and I like the freedom you can get with PC gaming. So, on to the bulk of my question. To start, I'm looking to spend around $200-$250 in order to upgrade my computer enough to play some lower requirement games like WoW to pass the time. However, eventually I'm going to be able to spend upwards of $500 on upgrades. My parents got me a new computer for my B-day, and I didn't get a chance to ask whoever they bought it from what the specs are. I know it has a laughable 1.40 Ghz proccesor, an intel celeron M. It also has 504mb of RAM. Other than that, I don't know what my computer already has. I believe the computer is from around 2002, but I can't specifically tell. It would be much apreciated if someone could tell me a way to find out the specs without having to open her up. It would also be cool if you guys suggested some parts to think about installing. Obviously, I'm going to have to look at some of the hardware before I decide, just to make sure my machine can support it. But Id'e still like to have some reliable parts in mind before I open her up. On a side note, i'm mainly looking to upgrade my CPU, graphics card, RAM, hardrive, and poosible some other parts. Thanks.
Ouch. I recently just upgraded my computer from integrated graphics to NVIDIA and from 512mb to 2GB ram...and let me tell you, the difference is amazing. For RAM, try Cruical. They give you a free memory test and everything that neatly lays out your options for purchased RAM and such. Memory upgrades from Crucial.com - About Crucial:Media Toolbox For your GPU, depends on what you're looking for. I bought the GeForce 7900 and it's taken everything I've thrown at it so far. EDIT: The 7900 works fine for me, but you might want to look at cards higher in the series if you want something even more serious. To find your PC specs, press Windows+R and type "dxdiag". Should give you your current graphics card info, RAM info, CPU info, etc. All the good stuff.
Wow, well it says I already have the max memory installed, which is a bit of a letdown... ... Eh, I might just save up and buy a better computer at this rate.
The problem with your current computer may be that the motherboard is too old to actually hold new parts. I suggest just building a new computer in general, buying a computer is too expensive. Find your computer on the internet and find what motherboard it has. Then tell us. It would be a much better help then.
Iv'e been thinking about building a new computer; but I would be lost in all the parts id'e have to get. I'm no computer genius, I can handle CPU, RAM, and cards, but not all the little things like specific nodes or how to hook up every last required peice. Oh, and I don't know about the mother board, I don't think it's that old but i'll check.
The stuff you know about computers is probably enough to build one. You don't need as much knowledge as you think, you don't need to know about every little node. You just too need to know the things you listed plus a little about HDD's, cases, heatsinks, Optical drives, SATA, and power supplies.
I don't know what half of those are, although I suppose I could learn. I'm actually leaning towards just making a computer now, but I would still need some sort of a guide and alot more general knowlege before I try.
If you want to do hardcore gaming with good graphics and the works, it would be a mistake to buy a computer and upgrade it. You need to build your own from the ground up.
They are very easy to learn, plus you don't need to know them in depth, unless you want to. You should build one, it is a great experience.
There's three quick ways to find the specs of your computer. First, go to the start menu and right click on "My Computer." Scroll down to "Properties" and you'll get an overview of the critical system devices in the machine and its capabilities. The next method provides a much more in-depth overview of your machine: go to the Start menu, and go to "Run." In the box that pops up, type "dxdiag.exe." It'll pop up with a window with all sorts of tabs, and what that'll do is go through your computer device by device and give stats and other handy informations about it. The third option is to carefully open your computer's tower, and then examine the components that you see to see if you can find the brand/model names. And yeah, building a computer is not only ultimately cheaper than buying a new one, but you'll be opening the door for a whole lot more upgrades down the line. In terms of required knowledge...yeah, you don't need to know too too much to build one. Additional knowledge helps, but it's not necessary. And if you're looking for the best prices, I will shamelessly say that slickdeals.net is the best place to go to find deals on computer parts. Call it advertising if you want, but they have some amazing stuff listed there, which would be very worthwhile to you no matter which way you decide to go--upgrade or custom-build. ^_^
4 gb of DDR2 ram by Corsair - 45$ (new egg) Nvidia GeForce 9800 - 110$ (Tiger direct) Intel 2.5ghz dual core - 100-150 (Tiger direct would be best). Install it yourself to save money. Oh and you might need a new PSU if you are under 300 watt. I recommend a 400 but 300-350 should do.
Eh, I like computer gaming more, in general. Iv'e decided to build my own computer. Over spring break I'll hopefully be able to finish it. Thanks for the tips everyone!
Actually, a 500W+ power supply would work best. most recent video cards, especially 9800 and up, require 400 if you're lucky, most of the time more.
Well, I guess a motherboard would be the place to start, assuming I go with pretty much what Nitrous said, what would you guys recomend?
I'm not too fond on motherboards, just make sure it has all the appropriate slots. Make SURE it has a PCI-E 2.0 x16 slot. If it doesn't, you won't be able to get any very new video cards. You'll want to start with A CASE. I recommend an Antec case. Then start with a motherboard, then a power supply with 500W or more. I recommend a 9800, a Core 2 Duo Processor, atleast above 2ghz. 2Gigs of ram atleast, Vista (pretty much all you can get your hands on, if price permits get 64 bit). You're going to need a hard drive(200GB or more, not expensive anymore) and POSSIBLY sata2 cables. You're going to need a monitor (17 inch is standard, I have 22[acer has cheaper 22 in screens] and it was like 300$ so its your choice). An optical drive, keyboard, and mouse. I highly recommend this guide^^ Order These Parts So You Can Build Your Own Computer However you may want to switch out the Radeon 4850HD for a 9800GTX+.. which is much better. However if you choose on not using the parts from that guide, you have to go through and make sure ALL your parts work with your motherboard, and fit in your case. Hope I helped.
UPDATE Iv'e selected some parts that I like and are in my price range over the long term. Id'e really apreicate it if someone could go over the list and make sure the parts are compatible and give me a general idea if I made good choices or not. Well, i'm just going to buy the mother board, and this one is what i'm currently going to get. Thanks! The list V Spoiler NVIDIA GeForce 9800 graphics card. 120.00 http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4037153&Sku=P450-9824 Intel core 2 CPU proccesor 180.00 http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicat...ffiliateID=zD2IOKhqXNU-8Y3DWHxu.5ddrX_fnuyWIw 4GB DDR2 Twin corsair RAM http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4352320&CatId=2531 52.00 Western digital Caviar 500GB hard drive http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=2795126&CatId=2459 65.00 Ultra LS500 Lifetime series power suply http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3255392&CatId=1079 50.00 Total: $597(at very least)-$700
They all fit. but if you're building, you're going to need more parts. You might want to check that guide I posted.
Optical drives are coming from my current computer, I already have a massive case that everything should fit into, and I have mouse, moniter, keyboard, ect. Really, most of the parts I didn't put down on that list are coming from this my current computer because i'm cheap and don't feel a terrible need to buy all new parts. Thanks for the help by the way, I was afraid I missed something. Oh, and that guide has been extremely helpful, I based my selections off of what was recomended their and it looks like its got some solid tips for installing these things!