Tom's Hardware > Forum > Homebuilt Systems > New System Build > Upgrading Gaming Computer
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Tgeo888   12-28-2008 at 10:03:03 AM

Alright, so I've decided that it's time to upgrade again.

 

Here are my current specs (copied from pc wizard):

 

Mainboard : Abit IP35-E (Intel P35+ICH9/R)
Chipset : Intel P31/P35
Processor : Intel Core 2 Duo E4400 @ 2000 MHz -- Overclocked to 3ghz
Physical Memory : 2048 MB (2 x 1024 DDR2-SDRAM )
Video Card : Nvidia Corp GeForce 7800 GT
Hard Disk : SAMSUNG (160 GB)
DVD-Rom Drive : HP DVD Writer 400c ATA Device
CD-Rom Drive : SAMSUNG CD-ROM SC-148A ATA Device
Monitor Type : Samsung SyncMaster - 22 inches
Operating System : Windows Vista (TM) Home Premium Home Edition 6.00.6001 Service Pack 1 -- EDIT: 32bit
DirectX : Version 10.00

 

Anyways, I want to spend around 200 USD and wanted an opinion on what to do.

 

I was leaning towards upgrading the video card and adding some ram.

 

Any comments are welcome :)

 

Thanks


Message edited by Tgeo888 on 12-28-2008 at 10:38:25 AM
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aznguy0028   12-28-2008 at 10:09:21 AM
- 1 +

well, if you want both ram and vid. card for 200$. i say go with a ATI HD 4850 and some G.Skill ram.


G.Skill. 2x2gb 4-4-4-12 1.8-1.9v
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6820231209

here's the 4850 page.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] -%20%24200

cheapest 4850 is the asus one for 139.99$ after rebate
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814121272

:)

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 Reply to aznguy0028
Tgeo888   12-28-2008 at 10:30:08 AM
- 0 +

Thanks for the quick reply!

That ram looks great; I just wonder whether or not I'd be able to keep my current overclock if I switched? Also, if I bought that ram, seeing as how I have 2 empty slots on my mobo would it be worth it to use the ram I have now plus this new ram (isn't 32bit windows limited to 3.5 gigs?)?

I was considering the 4850 as well and was wondering if the brand made any difference because from the link you provided I found this : http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814131125 which is $125 after the rebate.

Anyone else care to weigh-in? :D

Reply to Tgeo888
aznguy0028   12-28-2008 at 10:43:22 AM
- 1 +

oh nice find, i didn't see that :P. it should be the same. usually cards under diff. brands differ. in the cooler/warranty or if its an OC edition. yea get that one if ur gonna settle on the 4850.

your OC should be fine. this ram is way more than enough to handle your OC. if you do get the ram though, take out your other two sticks. first off, ima go out on a limb and say they are not the same speed (the one i linked u is 800mhz) and 2nd. they are not using the same voltages, and it's not recommended to mix up diff.speed rams, not to mention diff. voltages.

4gb is more than enough. trust me. and since you're using a 32bit OS, unfortunately ~3.25gb of ram will be usable. that could always be fixed with vista64 (if you want)

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 Reply to aznguy0028
Noya   12-28-2008 at 10:45:51 AM
- 1 +

Since you're running at 1680x1050, I would recommend a 4870 or gtx 260 if your power supply can power them. Then sell your 7800gt and buy another 2-to-4gb of ram.

Reply to Noya
Tgeo888   12-28-2008 at 11:01:26 AM
- 0 +

I found my ram for reference: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6820231114

Also, IDK about the 4870 and 260; they put me over the $200 boundary. I guess I could wait to see if there are any kind of new year sales.

I guess i'll sleep on it.

Any other comments are welcome

Reply to Tgeo888
aznguy0028   12-28-2008 at 11:14:01 AM
- 1 +

ur budget is 200$ so the 4870 would definitely be over the top. the 4850 is the best u'll get within those limits with ram on top of it!

it's fine at 1680 x 1050 with very decent settings. maybe not max in some games or highest AA, but for the general use, it's a quality card.

:)

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 Reply to aznguy0028
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