Need some advice on upgrading my desktop

[yangster]

First, let me say HI. My first post here and I'm glad I found this forum. A good place to gain good information on desktops.

I have a eMachine T6212. Specs can be found here: http://reviews.digitaltrends.com/review2630_specs13159.html

CPU: AMD Athlon 64 3200+ Processor (512 KB L2 cache, 2.0 GHz, 2000 MHz FSB)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition SP2
Chipset: ATI Radeon Xpress 200
Memory: 512 MB (Dual Channel 2x256MB) DDR (PC 3200)
Hard Drive: 160GB HDD – 7200 RPM, 2MB cache
Optical Drives: 16x DVD±RW multi-format double layer; 48x CD-ROM
Media Reader: 8-in-1 Media Reader
Secure Digital (SD), Smart Media, Compact Flash, Micro Drive, Memory Stick, Memory Stick PRO, Multimedia Card, USB 2.0
Video: ATI Radeon Xpress 200 (PCI-Express)
128MB Shared Video Memory
Sound: 6-channel Audio
Modem: 56K ITU v.92 ready Fax/Modem
Network: 10/100Mbps built-in Ethernet
Peripherals: Premium Plus Multimedia Keyboard, 2-Button Wheel Mouse, Amplified Stereo Speakers
Dimensions: 7.25"w x 14.125"h x 16"d
Ports/Other: 7 USB 2.0 ports (2 in front; 4 in back; 1 in Media Reader), 1 IEEE 1394 port (1 in back), 1 Parallel, 2 PS/2, Audio-In & Out


I haven't build a computer before, was going to until I heard everyone upgrading the same type of computer. I bought this computer thinking that I'll be gaming a lot, well it turns out that I won't be. I only play Guild Wars right now and probably will for a long time.

Now, what do you suggest that I upgrade?

Like the majority, I'm looking for the lowest price possible and if Best Buy has it, since I'll be going there next Friday, that would be great. I only play Guild Wars right now, I don't have plans to play any other games on my computer right now(unless another free MMORPG is gonna come out). So, I don't think I need to upgrade my graphics card, but still suggest it if you think so. I'll think about it.

I use the computer mainly for internet, music, movies, downloading, some/little games, and basic college students do.

I am definitely going to upgrade the ram to 1024 MB, I just don't know if I should just buy 2x512 or just add 2x256 onto it. Should I buy a new fan? Had it since it was released.

Last question, can I buy a different case and just transfer all the hardware from my current one to the new one? If so, will everything work normally once I put everything back together? As in, not needing to reinstall the OS and etc.

Thanks for any advice, suggestions, and help.

P.S. What's the difference between the Lynksys regular wireless routher and speed bouster router? Any main difference?

 

[Ronald]

Being a prebuilt, it may have a proprietary motherboard. There may not be any (or very many) upgrade options.

 

[yangster]

Well.....I read through the reviews, the link given, and people kept saying they upgraded this and that. Also, the full review gives a pic of the inside.

 

[Wired]

Being a prebuilt, it may have a proprietary motherboard. There may not be any (or very many) upgrade options.

I havent seen many motherboards that you cant upgrade, unless its a dell. I have a prebuilt. almost all prebuilts come with expantion slots...

 

[Pck21]

I would GPU and ram are you're only options at this point. Just like everyone else said, because it's pre-built, there's very little room for upgrading.

 

[Wired]

but you can still do it plus you can alwas upgrade your mobo

 

[jiSh]

I'd also just go with the RAM and video card, the rest is fine and those two factors are going to have the biggest impact on your computer's performance.