This is probably a dumb question... But,

D

dgtx42

New Member
I'm new to this site so give me a break :)

I just bought a PC for $200 and thought it would be a good starter and I could upgrade as I go along. That being said, I am pretty new at building/modifying PC's.

The two things I want to do first with this PC is 1. Upgrade the CPU, and 2. Upgrade the Graphics card. Or, for those who knows best; Which of those two things would be best to upgrade first?

Here are my system spec's:
perating System: Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit (6.1, Build 7601) Service Pack 1 (7601.win7sp1_gdr.110622-1506)
Language: English (Regional Setting: English)
System Manufacturer: BIOSTAR Group
System Model: A770E
BIOS: Default System BIOS
Processor: AMD Athlon(tm) 7850 Dual-Core Processor (2 CPUs), ~2.8GHz
Memory: 2048MB RAM
Available OS Memory: 2048MB RAM
Page File: 1617MB used, 2476MB available
Windows Dir: C:\Windows
DirectX Version: DirectX 11
Card name: NVIDIA GeForce 7100 GS
Manufacturer: NVIDIA
Chip type: GeForce 7100 GS
DAC type: Integrated RAMDAC
Device Key: Enum\PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_016A&SUBSYS_9001174B&REV_A1
Display Memory: 1017 MB
Dedicated Memory: 249 MB
Shared Memory: 767 MB
Current Mode: 1600 x 900 (32 bit) (60Hz)
Monitor Name: Acer E202H
Monitor Model: Acer E202H
Monitor Id: ACR00EC
Native Mode: 1600 x 900(p) (59.978Hz)
Output Type: DVI

(Sorry for any excess info)

Are both the CPU and Graphics card basically just plug and play?

I know only certain CPU's are compatible with my motherboard, (Link for mine).

Which of the AMD Phenoms would be best for me?

And; What graphics card is a good one for me but not one that will break my bank?

Oh yeah, by the way I am a gamer. I want to be able to run Sim City 4 smoothly (which already does for the most part), Flight Simulator X, and hopefully one day Battlefield 3 and soon Diablo III.

Thanks for the help!

BTW, are there any other upgrades that you guys would recommend? All help, and info is appreciated!
 
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Go to the CPU support tab on that page. That'll tell you what processors work. I'd stick with a quad-core with this machine. Looks like you can only support 95w CPUs, but it says it can support a 955, which is 125w. If another member could chime in and clear that up since I am not sure. Probably have to do a BIOS update also.

I would get a 645:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...06112 600006066&IsNodeId=1&name=4GB (2 x 2GB)

What power supply does it have? Make/model?

Could also upgrade to 4GB of RAM:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...06112 600006066&IsNodeId=1&name=4GB (2 x 2GB)
 
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The power supply is only a 500W supply. This will probably need to be upgraded as well, correct?

Is the 645 one of the best performing Phenom processors? Also, what Graphics card is recommended?
 
dgtx42 said:
The power supply is only a 500W supply. This will probably need to be upgraded as well, correct?

Is the 645 one of the best performing Phenom processors? Also, what Graphics card is recommended?
Click to expand...

what kinda games you planning on running?
 
zer0_c00l said:
what kinda games you planning on running?
Click to expand...

For sure: Sim City 4, Flight Simulator X

Hopefully: Battlefield 3, Diablo III

Also, how is this processor (AMD Phenom™ II X4 x955)as opposed to the 645?

Sorry for asking so many questions. I am still trying to grasp upgrading/building computers.
 
the 7850's are good chips,I wouldn't change it, overclock it, You should get 3.2ghz or so, then just upgrade you gpu. You don't need to upgrade you cpu, its powerful enough.

If your looking for fps in games, you should get a powerful gpu first. Something like a 6870, or so.

Edit: If you really are on a budget, just get something like a 4850, powerful cards, a few years old, but will do just fine.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/VisionTek-A...eo_TV_Cards&hash=item4ab29b41e5#ht_500wt_1272
 
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dgtx42 said:
For sure: Sim City 4, Flight Simulator X

Hopefully: Battlefield 3, Diablo III

Also, how is this processor (AMD Phenom™ II X4 x955)as opposed to the 645?

Sorry for asking so many questions. I am still trying to grasp upgrading/building computers.
Click to expand...

My 635 at 3.6GHz was beaten by my 955 at stock speed (3.2GHz) - keep in mind the 635 has a locked multi, so it was all FSB overclocking which increases the NB and HTT as well. The 955 beat it still. At with the 955 at 4GHz/2.8GHz NB, it's no contest.
 
mx344 said:
the 7850's are good chips,I wouldn't change it, overclock it, You should get 3.2ghz or so, then just upgrade you gpu. You don't need to upgrade you cpu, its powerful enough.

If your looking for fps in games, you should get a powerful gpu first. Something like a 6870, or so.

Edit: If you really are on a budget, just get something like a 4850, powerful cards, a few years old, but will do just fine.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/VisionTek-A...eo_TV_Cards&hash=item4ab29b41e5#ht_500wt_1272
Click to expand...

I would love to OC my CPU, but I have no experience doing so and I don't think I would feel comfortable doing it.

I have a couple of hundred dollars to spend on a gpu. Would y'all recommend I buy a gpu before a cpu?
 
Of these which graphics card would you recommend?

I want to be able to run Flight Simulator X on my PC.

GeForce GTX 560
GeForce GTX 550 Ti
GeForce GT 520
GeForce GTX 460
GeForce GTS 450
GeForce GT 440
GeForce GT 430

I was looking at this particular GPU. I read on some reviews that the 460 was just as powerful and cheaper. Or should I look at Radeon ATI cards?

I want to keep it under $200. I also am going to upgrade my Ram to 4GB. Or should I go higher than 4GB?
 
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I have people from Flightsimworld.com telling me I need a new Mobo, GPU, and CPU to be able to run Flight Simulator X with an acceptable frame rate. They recommended a ATI AMD HD6000 series GPU with an Intel i5 processor and a new motherboard which accommodates these accessories.

I think my Mobo is fine. So my question is I have $350 to spend on a new GPU and CPU. What should I get that would be compatible with my Mobo?

I am thinking a GTX 460 GPU but with my Mobo I can only support up to AMD Phenom II processors. What are y'all's thoughts on this?
 
No you don't need it. They are just spreading false info.
Bro, just get a good GPU, and you will be fine, your monitor is only 1600/900 which furthers the fact that you don't need a super powerful computer.
 
mx344 said:
No you don't need it. They are just spreading false info.
Bro, just get a good GPU, and you will be fine, your monitor is only 1600/900 which furthers the fact that you don't need a super powerful computer.
Click to expand...

Do you have FSX as well?

So do you think I need a new CPU as well or no?

Do you think I can get away with OCing my current one?
 
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