Tom's Hardware > Forum > Graphic & Displays > Graphics Cards > Gateway DX 4200 09 - What would you upgrade with $300??

Gateway DX 4200 09 - What would you upgrade with $300??

Forum Graphic & Displays : Graphics Cards - Gateway DX 4200 09 - What would you upgrade with $300??

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Hey!

I have $300 bucks to use on my computer upgrade. I seriously want a better video card but I don't want to bottleneck the performance becayse of the CPU. Could I upgrade GPU and CPU processor for this amount? What would you get? GPU, Power supply, CPU? What combination and maybe if you could recommend which one specifically 

I will do some gaming on my 100'' 1080p projector screen. I mainly play World of Warcraft now, but I want to be ready for Diablo 3 and maybe Crysis.

My current system:
Gateway DX 4200 09.

Processor
Type AMD Phenom X4 9100e / 1.8 GHz
Multi-Core processor technology Quad-Core
64-bit processor Yes
Installed Qty 1
Max processors supported 1
WIndows Vista 64

Cache Memory
Type L2 cache Installed Size 2 MB
Mainboard
Chipset type AMD 780G
Data bus speed 3600 MHz

RAM
Installed Size 4 GB / 8 GB (max)
Technology DDR2 SDRAM
Memory speed 800 MHz
Memory specification compliance PC2-6400


Expansion / Connectivity
Expansion Slots Total (Free) 1 ( 0 ) x Processor - Socket AM2 , 4 ( 2 ) x Memory - DIMM 240-pin , 1 ( 0 ) x PCI Express x16 , ( 0 ) x PCI Express x1 , 1 ( 0 ) x PCI Interfaces 1 x Mouse - Generic - 6 pin mini-DIN (PS/2 style) , 1 x Keyboard - Generic - 6 pin mini-DIN (PS/2 style) , 6 x Hi-Speed USB - 4 pin USB Type A ( 2 in front ) , 1 x Display / video - VGA - 15 pin HD D-Sub (HD-15) , 1 x Network - Ethernet 10Base-T/100Base-TX/1000Base-T - RJ-45 , 1 x Modem - Phone line - RJ-11 , 8 x Audio - Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm , 1 x Audio / video - HDMI - 19 pin HDMI Type A , 2 x IEEE 1394 (FireWire)

Power
Power device type Power supply
Power provided 300 Watt

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- 0 +

Need spec on psu? like how many amps? In my opinion i would try to overclock the cpu maybe to 2.5ghz. At stock it will bottleneck it a little bit playing at 1080p. Most likely you need to upgrade the psu, just buy good quality 450-550w psu and get a 4870.

 

psu: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6817341016
gpu: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814161269

 

$198.98-45$ rebates = 153.98

 

Here is a cpu if you really want to upgrade it but i would try to overclock your cpu 1st if not get the card try it out if your not liking the performance then upgrade.
cpu: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6819103648 $99.99


Message edited by invisik on 07-29-2009 at 06:54:12 PM
Reply to invisik

Thanks. Would i need a new power supply too or would the stock one suffice?

Reply to eespin23

Never mind... i just saw the recommendation for the power supply.

Would this combination let me play WoW on Ultra with low shadows on 1080 resolution?

Reply to eespin23
- 0 +

You will need a stronger powersupply, the one linked by Invisik is a sweet deal BTW, plenty of power, modular so no messy cables cluttering the case and it's actually quite cheap; Especially if you get the rebate.

------------------------------ Peace cannot be kept by force, it can only be achieved by understanding: Eienstien
Reply to coozie7
- 0 +

Not so sure about ultra, WoW can get very demanding when its options are that high, but certainly it'll handle one step down-call it 'very high'.

------------------------------ Peace cannot be kept by force, it can only be achieved by understanding: Eienstien
Reply to coozie7
- 0 +

You should be able play that game on v.high settings. It doesn't take much to run that game compared to newer games like crysis =P

 

If you need more power oc the 4870.


Message edited by invisik on 07-29-2009 at 07:17:32 PM
Reply to invisik

Will that power supply fit in my case? And will it work with my current MoBo connection pins?

(http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817341016)

Reply to eespin23
- 0 +

I believe your case is a full/mid tower. It should fit fine. =]

Reply to invisik

I have the same machine..the Video card is out of stock what would be another option that would work just as well?

Reply to Lateralus86
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