What computer part(s) to upgrade next?

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Nigel Lee

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Jun 5, 2014
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I've had this computer for 3 years. I didn't upgrade it because it still stood up to games then. Time to upgrade.

Specs:
CPU: Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600
GPU: Nvidia 8800GT 512MB
Mobo: DFI Lanparty DK P35-T2RS
RAM: 2 sticks of 1GB 800Mhz Mushkin RAM
HDD: 500GB WD Blue.
I forgot what case it was in. Probably unimportant.

I can only upgrade 1 or a maximum or 2 parts. What should I upgrade?
 
Solution
clutchc
I would start by replacing the RAM with a matching pair of 4GB sticks (8GB). (Assuming the board can handle 8GB) I'm shocked that you can run today's games with just 2GB RAM. Unfortunately, DDR2 memory is rare now... and expensive. http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=100007611%20600006042%20600006069&IsNodeId=1&name=8GB%20%282%20x%204GB%29
You may be better going with ebay for some used sticks. At the very least, add another matched set of 1GB or 2GB with the same speed/timings you have now.

Next replace the gfx card with something that would game better. The old quad core should be able to keep up with most mid range cards.
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clutchc

clutchc

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I would start by replacing the RAM with a matching pair of 4GB sticks (8GB). (Assuming the board can handle 8GB) I'm shocked that you can run today's games with just 2GB RAM. Unfortunately, DDR2 memory is rare now... and expensive. http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=100007611%20600006042%20600006069&IsNodeId=1&name=8GB%20%282%20x%204GB%29
You may be better going with ebay for some used sticks. At the very least, add another matched set of 1GB or 2GB with the same speed/timings you have now.

Next replace the gfx card with something that would game better. The old quad core should be able to keep up with most mid range cards.
 
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Solution
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Nigel Lee

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Jun 5, 2014
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Well, I play Skyrim, BL2, Bf3 and Thief at about med-low @ 1366x768
 
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clutchc

clutchc

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OK. That sounds about right. 720p rez and low-mid settngs. If you stick with 720p, you will be able to make a nice gamer with 4GB RAM and an R7-265 or GTX 750 Ti. Most games will run at max or near max settings at 720p. But 2 things may be an issue...
1) what is the make/model of your PSU?
2) if your old motherboard hasn't had a BIOS update available for several years, it may have an issue with the new cards being recognized properly, or recognized at all.
 
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Nigel Lee

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Jun 5, 2014
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I'm not too sure of the PSU model, as it was bundled with the Cooler Master tower I bought.
Not too sure where to get a BIOS update for the LanParty Mobo either. According to dxdiag,
I'm running Phoenix - AwardBIOS v6.00PG
 
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clutchc

clutchc

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Any card should work fine, but there is always that slight chance that a old MB BIOS will not recognize a modern card properly. I don't expect that to be an issue for you, but of course I can't guarantee it. Does your PSU have a 6 pin PCIe cable to feed a gfx card that requires one?
 
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Nigel Lee

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Jun 5, 2014
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I actually used to have 2 8800GTs running in SLI till the other one got fried, somehow. I even have a 6 pin, and an 8 pin one, Split into a six and a two.

 
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