How can I upgrade my CPU/Video Card to fullfill the requirements to play SWTOR?

[manuvo]

Hello,
Stars Wars: The Old Republic Specifications:

Processor:

AMD Athlon 64 X2 Dual-Core 4000+ or better
Intel Core 2 Duo 2.0GHz or better
Operating System:
Windows XP or later
RAM:

Windows XP: 1.5GB RAM
Windows Vista and Windows 7: 2GB RAM
Note: PCs using a built-in graphical chipset are recommended to have 2GB of RAM.

Star Wars: The Old Republic requires a video card that has a minimum of 256MB of on-board RAM as well as support for Shader 3.0 or better. Examples include:

ATI X1800 or better
nVidia 7800 or better
Intel 4100 Integrated Graphics or better
DVD-ROM drive – 8x speed or better (required for installation from physical editions only) Internet connection required to play.


I was very dissapointed that my desktop currently failed the "CanYouRunIt" test for this game.

http://img72.imageshack.us/img72/7489/canyourunittest.jpg

Thats a picture of my failed test for SW:TOR.

My PC specs are:

------------------
System Information
------------------
Time of this report: 11/20/2011, 19:15:11
Machine name: OWNER-PC2
Operating System: Windows Vista™ Home Premium (6.0, Build 6000) (6000.vista_ldr.100218-0019)
Language: English (Regional Setting: English)
System Manufacturer: Compaq-Presario
System Model: GX618AA-ABA SR5350F
BIOS: BIOS Date: 10/01/07 17:10:01 Ver: 5.16
Processor: Intel(R) Pentium(R) Dual CPU E2180 @ 2.00GHz (2 CPUs), ~2.0GHz
Memory: 2038MB RAM
Page File: 1942MB used, 2368MB available
Windows Dir: C:\Windows
DirectX Version: DirectX 10
DX Setup Parameters: Not found
DxDiag Version: 6.00.6000.16386 32bit Unicode

Card name: Intel(R) 82945G Express Chipset Family
Manufacturer: Intel Corporation
Chip type: Intel(R) 82945G Express Chipset Family
DAC type: Internal
Device Key: Enum\PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_2772&SUBSYS_2A5910…
Display Memory: 256 MB
Dedicated Memory: 0 MB
Shared Memory: 256 MB
Current Mode: 1440 x 900 (32 bit) (60Hz)
Monitor: HP w1907 Wide LCD Monitor
Driver Name: igdumd32.dll
Driver Version: 7.14.0010.1461 (English)
DDI Version: 9Ex
Driver Attributes: Final Retail
Driver Date/Size: 3/25/2008 16:44:28, 3301376 bytes
WHQL Logo'd: n/a
WHQL Date Stamp: n/a
Device Identifier: {D7B78E66-6432-11CF-3976-530AA3C2CA35}
Vendor ID: 0x8086
Device ID: 0x2772
SubSys ID: 0x2A59103C
Revision ID: 0x0002
Revision ID: 0x0002
Video Accel: ModeMPEG2_A ModeMPEG2_C

Now im no techie with hardware, because I was just informed you can just upgrade the CPU which I never knew you could do, I thought I needed a whole brand new computer. Can I get suggestions of CPUs/Processors and Video Cards that will run Star Wars The Old Republic? and fit my computer?

And preferably under 250-300$ to get both

 

[Guest]

You should be ok with your current cpu, but upgrading would be more expensive as the motherboard you currently have has a discontinued cpu compatibility. So unless you buy used and not costly, its not worth upgrading.

All I believe you really need is a video card that doesn't require a lot of power and something low cost as well. Putting anything more would warrant the need for a new computer all together.

This is good for the money: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150579

If you want something a bit more: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150553

[strike]You will have to provide us with a model number of your compaq computer for us to know if they will fit[/strike]
nvm, you have, its in the text bloc. Ill check it and get back

 

[Guest]

Ok it seems that they will fit fine.

Which ever you buy, the ones that I have recommended are pci-express x16

http://images.ncix.com/forumimages/CCCFEEA9-174B-810A-D4139D271BF34928.jpg

They will fit in the one that looks like the one in the picture. It doesn't necessarily mean that its going to be in the same place or colour in your computer.

I would say go with the first one, but it has a mail in rebate, so if you aren't too much for that, then go with the second one and you should be good for your game and many more. Also you get cod:mw4 free with that one, or STALKER for the first

 

[manuvo]

Thanks for the suggestions Pazero. So even though it says my CPU fails it can still work? And that graphics card looks very impressive, thanks for that.

Now that pci-express you suggested, thats the motherboard correct? sorry im not very knowledgeable with hardware. And the video card you gave me will support that motherboard?

 

[Guest]

Yes the picture is that of a ramdom motherboard, not the exact one in your computer, but it should be similar (2x pci, 1x pci-e x1 and 1x pci-e x16)

Pci-express is a type of slot in which you can place cards, like a video card, or sound card.

And yes, it supports both the ones i suggested (and many more ), but i also checked if the case would let full height cards fit and yes it does.

Also for the cpu, its actually 2ghz, idk why it said fail , but either way it shouldn't be a problem, it will run the game.
edit: but you might need to upgrade it to keep up. if possible find one used on craigslist, something like an e6600 for about $50, but when that time comes, come back and post a thread.

 

[manuvo]

Alright thanks for the help, appreciate it a lot, so my motherboard has a pci-e slot or are you suggesting I get a motherboard with one?

 

[Guest]

You motherboard has a pci-e slot

All you need is one of the video cards above

You are welcome