Suggestions for Graphics Upgrade

S

SevSaint

New Member
Got a quick broad question about graphics cards.
I am a devout gamer. I love gaming to the core! But here lately i have had trouble playing many 3d games. And even when i do i end up not being able to see the game as it was intended. I'm not rich and would like to know where i can find a decent, affordable chip set for my system.

I have a Dell e520 Dim with the following specs

Processor Intel(R) Celeron(R) CPU 2.80GHz, 2792 Mhz, 1 Core(s), 1 Logical Processor(s)
Vista Home Basic
2g of DDR2 RAM

I don't whats best. I never upgraded my system before. I'm sure its simple and i have enough computer knowledge to lead me through any course of action as long as i am guided.
Is it a simple task or a difficult task?

2nd real quick question.
Version 6.0.6000 Build 6000
On my updates i am told certain service packs make games run better. I have downloaded and installed several updates and later learned that the version updates as i do. Any guidance on updates. Or should i post else where? What service pack do i have?
 
Dells are horrid to upgrade. for good gaming performance you will need a new CPU, Graphics card and Powersupply. otherwise you risk blowing your computer (if you just stick a graphics card in there.) Dell uses the CHEAPEST components available.

Are you running windows xp, windows vista or windows 7? XP should be on Service pack 3, vista on service pack 2 and for 7 there are no service packs yet.

Since this is your first time upgrading, here is a link describing in detail how to build a computer. it includes pictures and will help you with upgrading and swapping components.

http://www.computerforum.com/104641-how-build-computer-step-step-photos.html

Also, how much are you willing to spend?
 
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I'm willing to spend 100-200 bucks.
I noticed that i have a few PCI slots open. I just did a RAM upgrade from 1gig to 2gig. I thought it would increase my FPS on games but did very little. MY CPU usages is through the top even though i dont run much of anything. I have plenty of MEM left over since im only using around 1gig.
But back to the graphics.
I was reading around about power supply. Noticed that i will probally need to upgrade that as well. If i can piece each thing one at a time over a month and buy this way i can manage a few hundred each month on supplies.
 
Save money and build your computer, dell pcs don't play games. Your CPU is few years old now, so newer GPU will be bottlenecked by it, your pc is as fast as your slowest component, in this case CPU.
 
Okay. So i build my own.
For a decent computer what am i looking at. Cost wise.
I want 1gig graphics card and 4gig process speed at least. Beside the basic DDR2 2 gig ram.
Price wise? Give me a range please....I have never built one, but im totally confident i can handle it.
 
I believe that there is no 4GHz CPU available for normal people. 1GB Graphics cards are for monitors over 25inch, if you are using 22 inch monitor you will be wasting your money. Talking about RAM, 4GB should be allright. Give me a budget I'll build you a system. Without knowing how much are you prepared to spend it is pointless.
 
 
linkin93 said:
Dells are horrid to upgrade. for good gaming performance you will need a new CPU, Graphics card and Powersupply. otherwise you risk blowing your computer (if you just stick a graphics card in there.) Dell uses the CHEAPEST components available.

Are you running windows xp, windows vista or windows 7? XP should be on Service pack 3, vista on service pack 2 and for 7 there are no service packs yet.

Since this is your first time upgrading, here is a link describing in detail how to build a computer. it includes pictures and will help you with upgrading and swapping components.

http://www.computerforum.com/104641-how-build-computer-step-step-photos.html

Also, how much are you willing to spend?
Click to expand...

He has Vista Basic
 
Matthew1990 said:
I believe that there is no 4GHz CPU available for normal people. 1GB Graphics cards are for monitors over 25inch, if you are using 22 inch monitor you will be wasting your money. Talking about RAM, 4GB should be allright. Give me a budget I'll build you a system. Without knowing how much are you prepared to spend it is pointless.
Click to expand...

That is not true. Most normal 22" monitors have a resolution of 1080p. If your gaming at 1280/1024 then yeah, a 512mb GPU would be fine, but definetly not for a 1080/1050p. Apart from that nice build, the only thing I'd change is the case, which I'd swap to an Antec 300 or a Coolermaster CM690
 
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Matthew1990 said:
You are in USA I take it.


CPU - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116072&cm_re=e5200-_-19-116-072-_-Product

Mobo - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128371

RAM - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231112

Graphics card - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150357&cm_re=GTS_250-_-14-150-357-_-Product

PSU - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371026

Case - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811144253

HD - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136320

DVD Drive of you choice, has to be SATA and Win7 of course, 64Bit.

This pc will play games at high settings, while beeing on budget.
Click to expand...

That motherboard won't be appropriate, it uses DDR3.
Seeing he already has an OS he may as well keep that and save some money, I'm assuming he has 32bit but for a budget build 4GB memory isn't really necessary, he could easily get away with 2 or 3GB.

A question for OP, what games do you want to be able to play?
 
Savage 2 A Tortured Soul
Eve Online
WoW

I have played wow at a stead 8-12 FPS unless in well over populated battles. And it ran fine.
Even Online runs at about 4fps unless in large fleet battles at which times it reduces down to 1 ever 3 secs or so.
Savage 2 runs at 3fps and because of the high particle effects it lags down to unplayable when inter acting with anything.
 
Yeah I would agree with Matthew here...it needs to run at about 30fps for it to appear smooth. Download Fraps and it will tell you what your frame rate is while playing the game.

Apart from that motherboard I think Matthew's build is a good one. Also its your choice on whether you want to spend the extra money on more memory and a new 64bit OS. If you want to keep your current OS (assuming its 32bit) you will only be able to use a max of about 3GB so there's no point buying more.
 
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