Recommendation to Upgrade Desktop Graphics

Ted Ross · Dec 26, 2016

I put my computer together from components about 5 years ago and haven't done much to it since. Now I want to run Civilization VI and need more graphic power, I have

Antec Mini Case P180
Antec PS EA500D
Intel Mobo DH55TC
Intel i3-550 3.23 GHz 4MB Socket
4 GM RAM
Intel HD Graphics (integrated) with 1696 MB

I'd like to keep my budget around $ 200 if possible.

Herc08 · Dec 26, 2016

5 years? You may need an overhaul. But first you need RAM as well.

Ted Ross · Dec 26, 2016

What do you recommend? I was surprised it had been that long since I put this together.

Herc08 · Dec 26, 2016

Ted Ross :

That $200 budget is not going to cover RAM, CPU, motherboard, AND A new GPU. Maybe $350...$300 could stretch it...

but a R5 250 or 270 could work...but with those old specs, it may not be optimal

Ted Ross · Dec 26, 2016

So, if you have the time to help me, let's ignore my theoretical budget and look at what I've got that can continue to be used. CIV VI recommends a minimum of either an AMD 5570 or nVidia 450. What Mobo and processor would I need to run either of those? And, how much additional RAM should I install? Is my PS sufficient for this new hardware?

Herc08 · Dec 27, 2016

Looks like you have 500, which should be good. However, I would at least get another 4GB of RAM. And if you are ONLY looking to play those games, then this setup should work for those cards. But you always want to go over minumum, so I would recommend the R7 240 2GB http://pcpartpicker.com/product/bL6BD3/msi-video-card-r72402gd3lp as it has that sweet $50 sweet spot. It should be able to handle Civ 6.

As far as ram, I don't know what you have, so you have two choice, either go with this 4GBx2 combo set http://pcpartpicker.com/product/RjxfrH/gskill-memory-f38500cl7d8gbrl ($55) or get another 4GB stick. The reason I listed the combo is because I don't know what ram you have. You are supported for 1066mhz and 1333mhz. It's not recommended to mis-match RAM, so I didn't want to give you a 4GB stick, and it not match. But here is a good 4GB brand for your board http://pcpartpicker.com/product/nvxfrH/gskill-memory-f38500cl7s4gbrl ($28).

Ted Ross · Dec 27, 2016

Thank you, Herc

The listing of components at the bottom of your message. Is that your recommendation for a more current gaming computer set up?

Herc08 · Dec 27, 2016

Ted Ross :

I wouldn't say current. It probably can run some modern games, but it definitely needs an upgrade. However, it should run Civ 6 (your initial post) with no issues.

Your CPU is going to hold you back. To upgrade that, you will need a new motherbaord as well

Ted Ross · Dec 27, 2016

I understand. And I will probably just add the components you recommended. However, if I wanted to spend some more money and up grade my CPU what would you recommend?

Herc08 · Dec 27, 2016

Ted Ross :

Like I said, you will need a new motherboard. Let's say you have $400 to spend. It also assumes you have DDR3 RAM as well (which your board supports). The follow upgrades your motherboard and CPU with a nice GPU. This GPU will allow you to play modern games at low to medium settings in 1080p

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4460 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor ($174.88 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: MSI H81M-P33 Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($42.88 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: Zotac GeForce GTX 1050 Ti 4GB Mini Video Card ($138.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Total: $356.75
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-12-27 12:50 EST-0500

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Recommendation to Upgrade Desktop Graphics

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