Fix or upgrade?

[daxg32]

I am new and extremely appreciate any help. My PC is now giving me issues (random shutdown, display device stopped working and caused reset, pixels and screen freeze while doing simple tasks). I have tried to troubleshoot, upgrade drivers, etc. and no fix. I think simply upgrading may be an easier solution.
To be honest I have never built a computer or installed upgrades to hardware but I have been told and read if done properly it is more cost effective. My question is should I simply go for a slightly better graphics card, or go further based on my specs and issues?

I do not play high graphic intensive games. I used to play WoW and recently played Portal, Elder Scrolls, etc. I have been using a 32 inch TV as a monitor for some time.

My PC Specs:
Model- XPS 630i
Total amount of system memory- 4.00 GB RAM
System type- 64-bit operating system
Number of processor cores- 4 x Intel Core 2 Quad CPU Q6600 @ 2.40 GHZ
Total size of hard disk- 298 GB
Display adapter type- NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GT
Total available graphics memory- 2302 MB
Dedicated graphics memory 512 MB
Dedicated system memory- 0 MB
Shared system memory- 1790 MB
Display adapter driver version- 9.18.13.2018
Primary monitor resolution- 1366x768
DirectX version- DirectX 10

 

[spirit]

OK so what exact steps have you taken to resolve the issue? Sounds to me like your graphics card may possibly be overheating or dying (indicated by the driver crashes and screen freezes) and your hard drive might also be dying (indicated by the random shutdowns).

The power supply could be on the way out, causing the problems with your graphics card.

This is a decent system and if you're not going to need anything more powerful than this then there's no reason to upgrade. What OS are you using?

 

[Pegasus8]

Agree wit Spirit - The issue sounds like a GPU failing.

You could fix and upgrade at the same time rather than just throwing it out and starting again. Try this: http://www.ukgamingcomputers.co.uk/how-to-test-your-graphics-card-a-23.html it will help you work out if the GPU really is furbar. If it is then a new upgraded GPU will give you an upgrade and fix

 

[haguebjoel]

Go for an upgrade!!! I think that's better.

 

[Okedokey]

I agree with spirit however unlke Pegasus' claims we have no idea of the GPUs servicability.

I am leaning towards PSU issues.

open the computer and write down the make and model number of the PSU. Record that in the thread too. Only then can we truly help you.