Existing PC Upgrade question (OS/Memory/GPU)

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akot783

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Feb 11, 2013
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Need some serious advice here.

I have build my first gaming machine two years back with the below configuration:

Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3P
CPU: Intel Core 2 Quad Q8300
GPU: NVIDIA GeForce 9600 GSO
RAM: G.SKILL PI Black 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400)
Power: APEVIA ATX-AQ700W-BK 700W
Case : Thermaltake SopranoRS VG7000BWS Black SECC ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
IDD: Hitachi GST 0A38016 1TB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive

I am planning to upgrade this machine to get the best output in terms of performance. I need some serious advice on how to proceed here and what might be the best course of action here.

Couple of thoughts...
1) Currently I have Windows 8 32 bit, which limits RAM. Should I be thinking of getting Windows 7 64 bit instead and upgrade RAM? It looks like I am limited to use only DDR2 RAMs.

2) GPU upgrade - From a separate post, I concluded that the GPU is the weakest link in this configuration right now. Any additional thoughts on what might be a good option to upgrade to?

3) If I spent around 500-600 and build a gaming rig from ground up, will the resulting machine be substantially superior to these other upgrades that I do?

4) Any other upgrade options anyone can suggest with this configuration?

I am trying to understand and decide how I can get the best bang for my buck here.

Also, whether the best course of action is to go for a small upgrade right now, or go for an all out total overhaul.
 
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JD88

JD88

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Feb 25, 2013
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I feel some of your pain here. I also have an older Q8300 system and ended up upgrading it into a HTPC/light gaming rig so I'm familiar with its performance.

What games are you trying to play and at what settings and resolution? I think what you need to upgrade depends on the answer to that question. Also, have you overclocked the CPU at all?

I'm going to try to answer some of the questions though knowing only what I know now.

1. More ram would be good, but probably not worth the money spent on new RAM would be worth it since the mobo only accepts DDR2 800. Also, your 32 bit Windows license is good for the 64 bit version as well. Just download and re-install the 64 bit version of Win 8. If you could find a couple of sticks real cheap somewhere then maybe.

2. GPU is going to be dependent on the games that you play. In some games, a strong GPU will be helpful, in others it will be totally bottlenecked by your CPU. Some upgrade is necessary here though, I just am not sure how big of one yet.

3. Maybe. It probably would be if we could harvest some of the existing components that you already have. If you are looking to keep the current machine in-tact, probably not.



 
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akot783

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Feb 11, 2013
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At this point, not many games...

Simcity... But I ended up not buying it (good for me).
But during beta, I could see that the system was not going to make it even if I had do play. I ended up cancelling my pre-order.

Cities in Motion 2 - the game play is sluggish at best. That too after I put everything in "Low".

I am more of a simulation/strategy game player. Not the action/shooting/rpg gaming.
 
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JD88

JD88

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Feb 25, 2013
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Check my above post for some edits.

At this point I would recommend 3 things that I think will get you playing the games you want.

1. Change to the 64 bit version of Windows and try to find a couple of sticks of cheap DDR2 RAM to bring you up to 8GB. Might check eBay.

2. I would purchase an AMD Radeon 7770 card. This is a good one:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814202011

3. Overclock your CPU as much as possible, possibly purchasing an aftermarket CPU cooler such as:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103099

These steps will breathe a little bit of life into your PC and would bring you close to where you would be if you spent $500 on a new system right now. I also think it would allow you to play the games you mentioned pretty well.
 
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