What upgrades to buy first

L

lmaonade123

New Member
My current specs are:

CPU: Intel(R) Core(TM) 2 Quad CPU Q6600 @ 2.40GHz (8 MB L2 cache)
RAM: 3GB (2 slots occupied)
RAM bus / speed DDR2 (800)
Memory package 240-pin DIMM
Power Supply: 300W
Graphics Card: NVIDIA GeForce 210 (not stock)
Case: Mid-Size ATX
Cooling: Stock
Full Information Link: http://gdgt.com/hp/pavilion/elite/m9040n/specs/

We got the computer in 2007 and the only thing I've upgraded since then has been the graphics card and I got that free.

In CS:GO on 800x600 and the rest of the settings on low with AA and vertical sync off I get an average of 60 fps.

The low FPS with low settings in recent games and medium-high settings in older games really sucks.



What I'm wondering is: What should I upgrade first to get higher FPS? Should I go straight to a new graphics card or would it be bottle-necking my PC?
 
The Q6600 is old but still a great cpu and overclocker. However, with it being in an HP system, you can't overclock it.

I think your first upgrade should be and this is twofold actually,

1. New video card
2. New power supply as your current one should not be used on any decent dedicated card
 
Definitely a new graphics card and power supply, then maybe upgrade your RAM if you can to 8GB (if you only have 4GB) or 4GB (if you only have 2GB).
 
If you're gonna get a new card make sure you measure how much space is available for a video card as some higher end ones can be massive.
 
Alright I'm looking at a 620W power supply right now.

What would a decent graphics card be in the $100-120 range? I'm not worried about maxing settings in GO or COD4, just getting 125 constant without them looking like the people in the stands of Madden 2000.

I'm currently looking at the ASUS GTX650 2GB but I'm not sure if I'll be able to install it since it's PCI Express 3.0.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...E16814121714&gclid=CP_cz5z_sLgCFQ-i4Aod9FEAXg

EDIT: Or the Radeon HD 7770 GHz Edition 1GB. With a rebate it's only $95 and from what I've seen on youtube videos, it even runs newer games on high settings fairly smoothly.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814202011
 
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3.0 is backwards compatabile with 2.0. It's just a higher bus speeds. However only a handful of the highest end cards will need the speed that bus offers. My 7850 is a 3.0 card in a 2.0 slot and it works just fine. Don't worry about that.

I'd go for the 650 TI or the 7850 if you can afford it.
 
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