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GAMING PC upgrade ADVICE

Forum Graphic & Displays : Graphics Cards - GAMING PC upgrade ADVICE

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Tangles_101   01-15-2009 at 11:00:11 AM

Hey Guys.

Im currently running a Nvidia 9400GT, AMD 2.59ghz Dual Core CPU, 450Watt PSU, 2GB Corsair Ram and a GeForce 7050M-M Motherboard.

I would like to upgrade this to a Nvidia 9800GTX (or something which runs games such as GTA IV on full) and an Intel Quad Core CPU.

But to do this I think i will need to upgrade my motherboard and Power supply too.

Im sorta new to all this, such as, DDR3 and what motherboard is compatible to what CPU and Graphics card.

It would be greatly appreciated if someone could list a possible system which would match the above requirements for my gaming pc.

I would like to spend only between 800 - $1000 if possible.

Im not even sure if i should get a Nvidia card or an Radeon etc.

Anyone got any suggestions?

Thanks

Tangles_101

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dirtmountain   01-15-2009 at 04:42:42 PM
- 0 +

You would see an immediate and dramatic improvement in your game playing just by replacing the very weak 9400GT with a better graphic card. Your 450w power supply would have no trouble running a HD4850, 9800GT or a 9800GTX+. Rather then upgrading your current system you might be better off just adding the improved graphic card. Your $800-$1,000 budget would be sufficient for building an entire new system. If i were in your shoes i'd replace that 9400GT with one of these cards.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814161259

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814127358

if you still want to upgrade your whole system check out the system builder marathon builds at the either the $625 build for a complete system or the $1250 build if you're reusing your case, HD, burner, OS etc.

Reply to dirtmountain
Tangles_101   01-16-2009 at 05:53:15 AM
- 0 +

Thanks for that.
Would both of these cards be compatible with everything currently in my system?

Thanks

Reply to Tangles_101
pr2thej   01-16-2009 at 01:10:36 PM
- 0 +

Yea...they just require a PCI-e slot either 1.0 or 2.0 doesnt matter at this level, and a PCI-e connector on the PSU.
Got any more info on that PSU? like a specs link.

------------------------------ Currently Playing:
1. Eve Online
2. MW2
3. Uhm...Eve Online alt
 Reply to pr2thej
coozie7   01-16-2009 at 02:43:13 PM
- 0 +

+1 4850.
The rest of the system seems sound enough, just do n`t expect to play GTA IV on full settings, `coz no one seems to be able to do that, even with huge Quad-core CPUs and titanic graphics cards.

Reply to coozie7
Tangles_101   01-16-2009 at 10:46:40 PM
- 0 +

Yeah cool.
Im considering buying either a 9800GTX + or the Radeon 4870. I will get a 650w PSU too just to be safe.
Ive been asking questions to the nearby local computer store too which has helped as well as the information on this forum.
Thanks Again.

I reckon i will end up upgrading my whole pc, but for now, i think i will just upgrade the graphics and psu and it should be right.

My 9400GT is pretty weak, i had a 8600GT but it died when the people at the computer store put it in, so they gave me the 9400GT, something tells me that the 8600GT overclocked was better...

Cheers.

Tangles

Message quoted 1 times
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ohiou_grad_06   01-17-2009 at 12:35:52 AM
- 0 +

Only thing though, on the power supply, what type of power supply is it? A lot of guys here will tell you all power supplies at a given wattage are not created equal. May want to list the amperages on here, if the power supply is too weak, you may want to upgrade it as well. Certainly don't want to take out a motherboard or chip if it's not enough to handle the card.

Reply to ohiou_grad_06
turboflame   01-17-2009 at 12:40:46 AM
- 0 +

Tangles_101 wrote :

Yeah cool.
Im considering buying either a 9800GTX + or the Radeon 4870. I will get a 650w PSU too just to be safe.
Ive been asking questions to the nearby local computer store too which has helped as well as the information on this forum.
Thanks Again.



The HD4870 is on par with the GTX260, so definitely get that over the 9800GTX+.

Tangles_101 wrote :


My 9400GT is pretty weak, i had a 8600GT but it died when the people at the computer store put it in, so they gave me the 9400GT, something tells me that the 8600GT overclocked was better...



Yeah, you got ripped off. The 9400GT is a relabeled 8500GT with half the stream processors of a 8600GT.

Reply to turboflame
Tangles_101   01-17-2009 at 09:52:02 AM
- 0 +

Ok i will get the Radeon 4870.
Im not sure what my current Power Supply is. Cant read it because i cant be bothered unscrewing.
Pretty sure it is under a 500w, possibly a 450watt. Im going 2 get a 650 or higher psu so i dont blow the motherboard.
Going to get a local pc store to put it together for me aswell, because i have blown a psu and a motherboard once :fou:
Thanks again for your help and advice.
Im learning :hello:

Cheers.

Tangles

Reply to Tangles_101
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