PC Upgrade help!

[imabiteyou]

I would like to get your thoughts what parts i should get to upgrade by current PC which i am primarily using for day to day games (World of Warcraft to be exact). Below are the specs of my PC

Operating System: Windows 7
CPU Type: Intel® Core™2 Duo CPU E7200 @ 2.53GHz
CPU Speed: 2.55 GHz
System Memory: 3.12 GB
Video Card Model: NVIDIA GeForce GT 220
Video Card Memory: 2.27 GB
Video Card Driver: nvd3dum.dll
Desktop Resolution: 1920x1080
Hard Disk Size: 368.1 GB
Hard Disk Free Space: 324.82 GB (88%)

I would like to upgrade my gfx card but i am not sure what type/model i should get and if my current mother board is compatible with the new card. Looking for your expert advise. Thanks!

 

[nutmanmatt]

Alright first since your using a GT 220 you should have a PCIx16 which means pretty much anything will work. Second whats your budget?

 

[imabiteyou]

Hi, budget is around 100-150$, would also like to know if there are options above the stated budget. A friend of mine told me to upgrade the CPU but that means also upgrading the motherboard, gfx card, ram and the likes. Would like to get others opinions/ advise as well. Thanks!

 

[nutmanmatt]

Hi, budget is around 100-150$, would also like to know if there are options above the stated budget. A friend of mine told me to upgrade the CPU but that means also upgrading the motherboard, gfx card, ram and the likes. Would like to get others opinions/ advise as well. Thanks!

If you just want to upgrade card go for something like a GTX 550 Ti like this http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=19634&CatId=3669

If you want redo system without spending to much i would go for a amd rather than intel. Alright here is a good setup for getting a new motherboard, ram, and gpu for a decent price.

mobo:http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=7144822&CatId=5542

CPU:http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=5692033&CatId=4431

RAM:http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=708908&CatId=4534

GPU:http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=41125&CatId=3669

Total will run you about $330 for another $15 you can also add another 4Gs of ram and run 8 your choice though also you need a 500 watt power supply not sure what you have now....

 

[Noodletoe]

I wouldn't want to put too much money into that, but something like this would give you a nice boost on the cheap: http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814103194
(4890 for $69)
It's recommended to have at least 4gb of ram as well.
Also, you could get some 'free' performance boost overclocking that CPU, should be able to do 3.2-3.6ghz - do research first if not familiar though.

 

[geofelt]

For gpu guidance, you might want to read this article:
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/fastest-graphics-card-radeon-geforce,3067.html
In particular, look at the end which has a tiered heirarchy chart.

Prices might have changed a bit, so check that when comparing.
Do not get hung up on the differences in cards one or two tiers apart.
Nvidia and amd work equally well, but if you get a Nvidia replacement, you can just drop it in, no driver removal/replacement is necessary.

You can install most any card you want, subject to your power supply capability and room in your case.
Here is what EVGA recommends for their graphics cards:

GTX550ti needs 400w with 24a on the 12v rails plus one 6-pin PCI-E power lead.

GTX560 needs 450w with 24a on the 12v rails plus two 6-pin PCI-E power leads.

GTX560Ti needs 500w with 30a on the 12v rails plus two 6-pin PCI-E power leads.

GTX570 needs 550w with 38a on the 12v rails plus two 6-pin PCI-E power leads.

GTX580 needs 600w with 42a on the 12v rails plus one 6-pin and one 8-pin PCI-E power lead.

GTX590 needs 700w with 50a on the 12v rails plus two 8-pin PCI-E power leads or 4 6-pin power leads.