Computer Upgrade Question

[flamefan74]

After seeing the latest CoD trailers, I think I need to update my computer to handle this. What do you guys think I should replace to make this a faster machine and be able to handle the newer games coming out?

Athlon 64 3800+ processor
GeForce 7800Gt video card
250GB HD
1GB Ram
535w power
K8N-SLI motherboard
Windows XP

Obviously I need some more ram, but what about processor (AMD or Intel). What about XP? Should I go for Windows 7?

Thanks for your help.

[sa226]

Most definetely RAM, cheapest and easiest way to speed up computer. I also remember reading that if you had 4gb or ram its better to have 2 sticks of 2gb than 4 sticks of 1gb.

I don't really know how processors effects game performance but I don't think they make processors for that socket anymore, so you would have to look on ebay.

Biggest thing for gaming is the video card, if everything else is up to par. Thats a decent video card but a little old. Good video cards these days seem to be cheaper than they were in the past (I'm guessing because of consoles taking over the gaming world) so an upgrade wouldn't cost too much 150-200$. Your motherboard I see supports SLI but I don't have experience with it so you would have to do some googling. But SLI is the best and most expensive way to get the most out of your computer gaming graphics wise

[Vulcan]

The way I understand things is, if you upgrade your video card, your old processor could be a bottle neck and visa versa so ideally you would upgrade both and your memory to at least double what you have.

I've heard it's easier to overclock with two sticks of ram but I'm not a gamer so I don't know the requirements for CoD, so take my advice with a grain of salt.

[Rathji]

If you upgrade, normally it is most cost effective to upgrade your mobo and processor, rather than just processor. This is not set in stone however, especially if you can find a fantastic processor upgrade that will fit for dirt cheap.

RAM go for 4 gigs, especially on a gaming rig.

Some new games require Direct X 10, which is only available on Vista and Windows 7, as I understand it, so upgrading that might be your best long term solution.

[Icon]

To be honest, that's not really a gaming rig. If you want to be able to ~play~ the newer games, just updating your RAM might suffice, but you'll still be on lower settings.

In my opinion, upgrade. Here's a quick pass based on the points you had:

- Processor's debatable, you've got a 64bit which is a good start, if you're upgrading everything else (which I'm suggesting you should), then upgrade this as well, mostly because its less of a hassle than taking it off your old mobo & installing it on a new one (and finding a new one that's compatible)

- Go to a GeForce 200 series. Even just the 260 (which is reasonably priced now)

- HD space is up to you, doesn't matter to the game. Price per Gig has dropped substantially, so if you're tight on space, going up to a TB isn't really that tough to do, and then your space problems should be eliminated forever really.

- If you're building a new gaming rig, 4GB is minimum. 8GB+ if you want to splurge. Or just get a motherboard with 4DIMMS & put 2x 2GB sticks in so you can expand to 8+ later.

- With all these other additions (or if you decide to just keep your old system's periphs & update the vidcard), you're going to need at least 1kW to be on the safe side. My system's along the lines of what I'm describing, and I've still had a couple crashes due to low wattage when everything's running all-out (causing me to change some settings & its fine now)

- If you're upgrading everything else, get a compatible motherboard with the associated features you require

- Vista or Win7; same diff / personal preference. If you're getting something new, Win7's possibly your only choice.

http://www.memoryexpress.com <-- Best computer hardware store in Alberta. I've built my last 3 rigs through them.

[GoinAllTheWay]

Originally Posted by Icon

http://www.memoryexpress.com <-- Best computer hardware store in Alberta. I've built my last 3 rigs through them.

Agreed, I'm on my 4th. Having ME build your machine based on what you want to put into it is, by far, the best way to buy a PC. You may wind up spending an extra $200 but soooooo worth it. I have them assemble it and I load the operating system, that way right off the get go you don't have an awesome rig being weighed down by a ton of bloatware.

Just had them do a new one for me a couple months ago, installed Win 7 and tried out the new i7 processor. That thing is freakin tight. Best machine I have ever owned. Only thing not new is one of the vid cards. I managed to find another 8800 GTS on Tiger Direct and SLI'd it to the same card I had before hand.

It destoys games. Batman: Arkham Asylum doesn't even make the fans wind up. Only game that has made the card spin up the fans so far is Aion.

[flamefan74]

Originally Posted by Icon

http://www.memoryexpress.com <-- Best computer hardware store in Alberta. I've built my last 3 rigs through them.

Memory Express built this rig. Was thinking of taking it back to them to upgrade. Thanks for the help, will have somewhat of an idea of what I'm looking for when I go in.