Upgrade or Start Fresh? I'm new here any help appreciated!

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FuzzieLogick

New Member
First of all, I am new here so hello! :D

I'm hoping to get a bit of advice from those a little more computer-savvy than myself. To cut a long story short, I am starting a game design course in a few weeks time and my current desktop is pretty old and not up to the task of running the software I will be using very smoothly. My current specs are as follows:

Dell Dimension 9200
Windows Vista Home Edition 32 bit
Intel Core 2 CPU 6300 @ 1.86 GHz 1.86 GHz
Memory (RAM): 2.0 GB
500 GB hard drive
Graphics Card: Radeon X1300/X1550 series 1 GB video RAM

To get up to scratch for the course I am looking to have something like:

Intel Core i5 (or higher) at more than 2.0GB, preferably 3.0GB
6.0 - 8.0 GB RAM
NVIDIA 8000 series or higher graphics card (must have at least 1GB RAM)

I'm not really sure if it would be plausible to upgrade my current machine, as from what I have learnt already from searching the internet it seems that upgrading one part leads to upgrading another and I would likely need a new power supply (I don't know what power supply I have but the red box next to where it plugs in says 230 which I'm guessing isn't good!).

If someone who is more knowledgable about these things could advise me as to what is the most realistic/cost effective solution I would be very grateful. Is my old machine beyond saving and should I just start from scratch or would an upgrade help?

Many thanks in advance for any help :)
 
whats your upgrade budget?

And its easier just to start anew than to upgrade a branded box (dell, Hp, gateway/acer and the like)
 
wolfeking said:
whats your upgrade budget?

And its easier just to start anew than to upgrade a branded box (dell, Hp, gateway/acer and the like)
Click to expand...

Hi, thanks for the reply. Well, the PC I saw that I was thinking of getting was £800 (also a Dell). But if I were to upgrade I would want to spend less. £500 max. If I'm completely new to upgrading am I setting myself up to fail by trying to improve a branded system? :)
 
yes, you would be better off building a new system. For 500 pounds its going to be hard (not impossible). 800 like that dell you were looking at, that would be easier.

Answer some basic questions and ill get you a build list from overclockers.co.uk.
1. Whats the primary use of the computer.
2. Intel or AMD?
3. Nvidia or AMD?
4. Minimum hard drive size?
 
wolfeking said:
yes, you would be better off building a new system. For 500 pounds its going to be hard (not impossible). 800 like that dell you were looking at, that would be easier.

Answer some basic questions and ill get you a build list from overclockers.co.uk.
1. Whats the primary use of the computer.
2. Intel or AMD?
3. Nvidia or AMD?
4. Minimum hard drive size?
Click to expand...

Ahhh... my poor old Dell!

1. It will be used for personal ie/ internet email but mainly need it for uni work which will involve 3D modelling using programs like Autodesk 3DS Max, and also game development software such as UDK. I also sometimes play MMOs (but not a lot). I would like to be as close to recommended specs as possible as I need it to run efficiently if I've got deadlines with work.

2. I'll say Intel as I've never used AMD before I don't know what to expect.

3. NVIDIA for above reason.

4. 500GB minimum as can always get external for storage if needed but a TB would be nice!

Thanks for the help :) Oh, and if I built my own system would that make it a lot easier to upgrade in the future?

And sorry if you are already familiar with the programs I mentioned. I just thought links to the system requirements would help you in knowing what I need!
 
Last edited:
a custom built system will be able to be upgraded easier.

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=GX-143-OK&groupid=701&catid=56&subcat=1866
or
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=GX-132-MS&groupid=701&catid=1914&subcat=1341

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MY-133-CR&groupid=701&catid=8&subcat=1517

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MB-044-AK&groupid=701&catid=5&subcat=1906

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CP-360-IN

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=HD-336-WD&groupid=701&catid=14&subcat=1279

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CA-037-CS&groupid=701&catid=123&subcat=1084

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CA-221-CM

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CD-101-SA&groupid=701&catid=10&subcat=951

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=SW-127-MS

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=HS-030-CM&groupid=701&catid=57&subcat=1395

might be slightly over as I didnt add, but should be within 20 pounds of the 800 dell you were looking at and will perform leagues better.
 
Wow, thanks for looking all that up for me :D Looks like this may be the way to go and I will def be looking into it. Is it very hard to do? I have no experience!

One more question, although it's probably a really stupid one! Were there 2 graphics cards to give a choice or is the idea to have both for some advanced reason I don't know of? I'm such a newb!

Thanks again for the help :good:
 
its just like building an engine, or a desk. Follow the directions (assuming no DOA parts), and you wont have any issues.

About the only thing not covered in the 101 thread is thermal paste application, and just apply a rice sized dot to the center and put the cooler on, using its weight to spread the paste. If you spread it before applying the cooler, you will end up with air bubbles, hindering overclocking.
speaking of OC, the 2500k has an unlocked multiplier, causing a easy OC. you should be able to hit somewhere around 4.5GHz or so. This will aid you in your speed dependent task.
 
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