Can I upgrade my video card in my computer?

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staceyrx

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Feb 16, 2014
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I want to upgrade my video card, but I want to be sure that my system is capable of accepting a different video card. I want to use Rocksmith 2014 in this computer and it seems that my video card does not meet the minimum requirements for the game. Besides the video card issue, it looks like the system is capable of handling the program, but is there anything else that I might need to run that program? I am currently looking at installing a NVidia GeForce 8800 GTS video card.

Below are the specs for my computer.


Feature

Specification

Processor AMD Athlon™ 64 X2 4000+, 64-bit dual core processor ◾Each core operates at 2.1 GHz
◾2 × 512 KB L2 cache
◾2000 MHz system bus

Chipset NVIDIA® GeForce® 6150
Memory •Installed: 1024 MB DDR2, 667 MHz, (PC2-5300) dual channel memory (two 512 MB DIMMs)
•Expandable to: 2 GB (two DDR2 DIMM slots) (I have the 2 GB of ram installed)

Hard Drive 320 GB, 7200 RPM, SATA II hard drive
Support for up to two hard drives
Optical Drive DVD ±RW, 16X super multi-format dual layer drive ◾Write max: 16X DVD+R, 16X DVD-R, 8X DVD+R DL, 6X DVD-R DL, 8X DVD+RW, 6X DVD-RW, 12X DVD-RAM, 48X CD-R, 32X CD-RW
◾Read max: 12X DVD-ROM, 12X DVD-RAM, 48X CD-ROM

Media Card Reader 15-in-1 high speed digital media manager supporting the following: ◾Compact Flash (CF) I, II
◾IBM Microdrive™ (MD)
◾SmartMedia Card (SMC)
◾Memory Stick™ (MS)
◾Memory Stick Duo (MS Duo)
◾Memory Stick PRO (MS PRO)
◾Memory Stick PRO Duo (MS PRO Duo)
◾Secure Digital™ (SD)
◾Mini Secure Digital (MiniSD)
◾Multi Media Card (MMC)
◾RS Multi Media Card (RS-MMC) (need adapter)
◾Multi Media Plus Card (MMC Plus)
◾Multi Media Mobile Card (MMC Mobile)
◾xD-Picture Card (xD)

Video Integrated NVIDIA® GeForce® 6150 graphics
Up to 128 MB of shared video memory
Monitor Gateway FPD2275W 22-inch widescreen LCD display
Native maximum resolution: 1680 × 1050
Audio Integrated 6-Channel (5.1) High Definition Audio
Network Support Integrated 10/100 Mbps Ethernet LAN
Modem 56K ITU V.92 ready fax/modem
Power Supply 300 watt
Add-in Card Slots •One PCI Express ×16 (graphics interface)
•One PCI Express ×1
•Two PCI conventional

External Connectors •One PS/2 keyboard port
•One PS/2 mouse port
•One serial port
•One parallel port
•One VGA monitor port
•Six USB ports (four rear, two front)
•One RJ-45 Ethernet LAN port
•Eight audio jacks (six rear, two front)

Drive Bays Five total: ◾Two external 5.25-inch
◾One external 3.5-inch (with a docking bay for optional Gateway 2.5-inch removable USB hard drive)
◾Two internal 3.5-inch (hard drive)

Physical Dimensions
(H × W × D) 15.5 × 7.25 × 16.5 inches
Weight (Unpackaged) Minimum 23.4 lbs. (varies with configuration)
 
Solution
jnewegger23
Any time! Yes, it's all pretty straightforward to install. I like your choice to go with the 650W psu. This is one of the most reliable psu's in the 650W range:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139054&clickid=W5x0MTUTRTIYUzSS2-XLmSnGUkTUJ5WnPwwW0I0&iradid=97618&ircid=2106&irpid=79301&nm_mc=AFC-IR&cm_mmc=AFC-IR-_-na-_-na-_-na
You can get cheaper versions but this should last you well beyond the years you'll enjoy your build (unless you start going sli/multi card gaming). It's at the very least something to compare to if you see other deals; not saying you have to spend this much but usually it's worth it unless you find something comparable on sale.
As for the card, sorry, it was in stock when I sent it to you...
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staceyrx

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I would tentatively say in the $100-$200 range as I don't know how much any of that typically costs. Forgive my ignorance, but is the 400W psu a different component than the video card? If so, I'm presuming that would mean I need to upgrade 2 components of the system.
 
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jnewegger23

jnewegger23

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Aug 13, 2013
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Yes. A psu is separate from a gpu. You listed a 300 watt psu which is insufficient to power the card you plan on using thus my recommendation for a 400W psu which is the minimum required to power the 8800 GTS. So, net the psu and the card you will need to upgrade 2 components. I will see what is available in your budget and make some further recommendations.

UPDATE:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130841
This will be a great card within your budget and is much more capable than the 8800 GTS which is several generations older. The 650ti will be much better for your current and future needs.

As for a psu while a 400w will hold you for either card for now it will be nice to consider a 650W psu down the line to ensure future proofing but I understand you are already probably taken back by the need to upgrade 2 parts instead of 1. That said this is a decent psu for your immediate needs:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139026&clickid=W5x0MT1au3qd0Tx3OWSZNweJUkTUHfxfPwwW0I0&iradid=97618&ircid=2106&irpid=79301&nm_mc=AFC-IR&cm_mmc=AFC-IR-_-na-_-na-_-na
With these 2 upgrades you should be good to go!
 
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staceyrx

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Feb 16, 2014
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Thank you for looking into this for me. I noticed that the graphics card you mentioned is listed as out of stock on that site, but I'll look to see if someone else has it available. Also, if I'm going to change power supply, I might as well change to the 650 so it will save me doing it later. I'm presuming that will also help the computer run better altogether. Also, both of these should be relatively easy to install, right? I have a little experience in replacing and installing parts on my computer. I have replaced the hard drive (original one was faulty), installed a secondary dvd burner and replaced the RAM, which was all pretty simple. This should be relatively the same, I hope.
 
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jnewegger23

jnewegger23

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Aug 13, 2013
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Any time! Yes, it's all pretty straightforward to install. I like your choice to go with the 650W psu. This is one of the most reliable psu's in the 650W range:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139054&clickid=W5x0MTUTRTIYUzSS2-XLmSnGUkTUJ5WnPwwW0I0&iradid=97618&ircid=2106&irpid=79301&nm_mc=AFC-IR&cm_mmc=AFC-IR-_-na-_-na-_-na
You can get cheaper versions but this should last you well beyond the years you'll enjoy your build (unless you start going sli/multi card gaming). It's at the very least something to compare to if you see other deals; not saying you have to spend this much but usually it's worth it unless you find something comparable on sale.
As for the card, sorry, it was in stock when I sent it to you but yeah, just find a place with a competitive price and you should be good to go! Glad to help!
UPDATE:
This card just came out and is the newest generation replacement for the card I just recommended:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814487028
It's about the same price and offers some nice new features with improved performance! Have fun!

Thanks,

Justin S.
 
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Solution
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staceyrx

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Feb 16, 2014
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Hi again,

Just a random thought. If at some time in the future I were thinking of upgrading my processor, what would I need to do? Also, as I have already upgraded my Memory to the maximum 2 GB, is there any way to make changes within the computer to allow me to add more?


Perhaps what I should say is what I would need to do if I want to speed the computer up.

Thank you,

Stacey
 
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jnewegger23

jnewegger23

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You should start a new thread if you haven't already but to be nice...

Find out what socket type your motherboard is and then you can find which cpu is the fastest that you can install into that board. For example, I have an 1155 socket type mobo and can only take on cpu's with this socket type.

As for memory, you can upgrade depending on your operating system (xp, vista, 7, 8 etc.) and if it is 64 bit you will be able to use a lot more as long as your motherboard supports more ram as well.

The cheapest and easiest solution I typically recommend to improve performance (speed) is to migrate your operating system onto an ssd and use your old hdd for data. This can be complicated for novice users though. It's not that hard but you need to understand some details and be methodical. An ssd will improve how fast your computer starts up and shuts down. Also it will open and close programs much faster.

If you do all 3 (upgrade cpu, ram and ssd) you will see the greatest gains in performance. It all depends on your comfort level tech and dollar wise. Hope that helps!

Also, sorry for the late response. I was away at a tech conference and just got back.
 
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