Upgrading PC

[warless213]

Hey guys Im looking to upgrade my pc dont no much about pc parts but want it to run SC and Diablo 3 on med atleast

I know i need more ram(Memory Type: DDR2 PC2-5300, DDR2 (non-ECC) need 4gbs any need help picking them out

Also need a video card upgrade willing to speen $100 or a little more if it really makes a diff

Also need a better power supply really need help picking one of those out that goes with the vidoe card

Dont want to buy a whole new pc so if theres anything else parts wise that would help plz let me know and if u need any more info just ask. Thank You

here are my specs

Windows XP SP3 32bit

system Information
------------------
Time of this report: 4/25/2012, 11:04:00
Machine name: VALUED-C4A285ED
Operating System: Windows XP Professional (5.1, Build 2600) Service Pack 3 (2600.xpsp_sp3_gdr.111025-1629)
Language: English (Regional Setting: English)
System Manufacturer: Dell Inc.
System Model: OptiPlex GX620
BIOS: Phoenix ROM BIOS PLUS Version 1.10 A07
Processor: Intel(R) Pentium(R) 4 CPU 3.00GHz (2 CPUs)
Memory: 1014MB RAM
Page File: 339MB used, 2101MB available
Windows Dir: C:\WINDOWS
DirectX Version: DirectX 9.0c (4.09.0000.0904)
DX Setup Parameters: Not found
DxDiag Version: 5.03.2600.5512 32bit Unicode

------------
DxDiag Notes
------------
DirectX Files Tab: No problems found.
Display Tab 1: No problems found.
Sound Tab 1: No problems found.
Music Tab: No problems found.
Input Tab: No problems found.
Network Tab: No problems found.

--------------------
DirectX Debug Levels
--------------------
Direct3D: 0/4 (n/a)
DirectDraw: 0/4 (retail)
DirectInput: 0/5 (n/a)
DirectMusic: 0/5 (n/a)
DirectPlay: 0/9 (retail)
DirectSound: 0/5 (retail)
DirectShow: 0/6 (retail)

---------------
Display Devices
---------------
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_01AD1028&REV_02
Display Memory: 224.0 MB
Current Mode: 1024 x 768 (32 bit) (60Hz)
Monitor: Plug and Play Monitor
Monitor Max Res: 1600,1200
Driver Name: ialmrnt5.dll
Driver Version: 6.14.0010.4396 (English)
DDI Version: 9 (or higher)
Driver Attributes: Final Retail
Driver Date/Size: 9/20/2005 10:52:38, 36990 bytes
WHQL Logo'd: Yes
WHQL Date Stamp: n/a
VDD: n/a
Mini VDD: ialmnt5.sys
Mini VDD Date: 9/20/2005 11:00:54, 1302332 bytes
Device Identifier: {D7B78E66-6432-11CF-B462-A721A3C2CB35}
Vendor ID: 0x8086
Device ID: 0x2772
SubSys ID: 0x01AD1028
Revision ID: 0x0002
Revision ID: 0x0002
Video Accel:
Deinterlace Caps: n/a
Registry: OK
DDraw Status: Enabled
D3D Status: Enabled
AGP Status: Not Available
DDraw Test Result: Not run
D3D7 Test Result: Not run
D3D8 Test Result: Not run
D3D9 Test Result: Not run

 

[geogolem]

Most of those things you listed as specs aren't really useful. What CPU are you using? Depending on your CPU and/or motherboard you might be better off building an entirely new PC. What size of case do you have. If the system was a pre-built mass produced machine (i.e. Dell, HP etc.) please let me know the model number.

If I have this info, I can help you.

Your requirements are quite low - SC2 and D3 on medium settings shouldn't be too difficult to accomplish although I don't think it will give you the best value for your money. It really depends on what CPU/mobo you have.

Most likely if you want to upgrade your memory you will have to toss out your existing memory and buy a new kit of 2x2GB minimum. I realize your mob only supports DDR2 - but are you sure it only supports up to PC2 5300? Your mobo might support faster memory then the current memory you have installed. It definitely won't support DDR3 though which is too bad. DDR2 can sometimes be more expensive then newer, faster more modern DDR3 memory (which probably won't work in your mobo).

G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 667 (PC2 5300) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory :
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231120

Notice if you had a mobo that supports DDR3 you could get 8GB DDR3 - much faster memory for the same price as only 4GB of that slower stuff.

I'm guessing a graphics card like a GTX 550 TI would be the one you would want in your price range.

EVGA GTX 550 TI: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130625

If you go for something like the Nvidia GTX 550 TI, a Corsair CX500 (or CX600) is probably the PSU to go with though I really much would prefer the TX550M but its virtually double the price.

Corsair CX500: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139027
Corsair CX600: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139028&Tpk=CX600
Corsair TX550M: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139032&Tpk=TX550M

AMD graphics cards are supposedly better value in that price range but I personally just don't like AMD graphics cards due to past experiences.

Your running Windows XP still... Windows 7 is a worthwhile upgrade. I'd get off XP as soon as possible!!!!

The above comments are just food for thought. I can't make serious recommendations until I know what mobo/cpu/case you have.

 

[warless213]

hey thxs for the reply

the cpu is intel Pentium 4 630

the motherboard wat i can find is an OptiPlex GX620 Phoenix ROM BIOS PLUS Version 1.10 A07
Model 0ND237 (wat motheboard looks like http://www.txcesssurplus.com/servlet/the-8289/Dell-OptiPlex-GX620-Desktop/Detail )

lol yea its an old pc but dont wanna buy a whole new pc and will get windows 7 after cuz of low funds. Just wanna play SC and diablo dont really care about future games

and as for the case its kinda small but wouldnt mind buying a diff want if i had to. Its the Desktop DT

http://en.community.dell.com/cfs-file.ashx/__key/communityserver-discussions-components-files/3514/7411.Optiplex755_5F00_Family.jpg

thxs again i hope this helps and im sure about the ram kinda sucks but ehh

 

[geogolem]

Does this look familiar at all: http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/opgx620/en/ug/A02/sffspecs.htm

 

[geogolem]

Do you have a video card already? If so, what video card do you have?

Basically its going to cost you around $200-300 to upgrade this PC but we could probably build you a decent gaming PC for $500-600 that is light years ahead of the PC you'll end up with after upgrading.

The Pentium 4 630 is quite old and its only single core.

Depending on the size of your case if you add a decent graphics card airflow and heat might become issues.

If you end up buying memory, case, graphics card, power supply all thats left is the mobo/cpu and you have an entirely new computer.

If you get a new mobo/cpu then you can buy the better DDR3 memory which is faster and then you can get 8GB for the same price you would have been paying for 4GB of the slower DDR2 memory.

Also your mobo only supports PCI Express 1.0. PCI Express 3.0 is out now but that graphics card I suggested is PCI Express 2.0. The card will work in your mobo (most likely as PCIe is backwards compatible); however it won't function at its full potential. Also the CPU could potentially hold your graphics card back too. Most games benefit greatly from having up to a quad core CPU. Yours is only a single core.

As a matter of fact it looks like Diablo 3 at a minimum requires a dual core processor so you would need to upgrade your CPU just to play the game.
http://game-debate.com/games/index.php?g_id=17&game=Diablo%20III

If your going to upgrade your CPU its in your best interest to get a new mobo along with it since tracking down those old processors can be difficult and isn't worth it. A Pentium D CPU might work in your existing mobo but I once owned a Pentium D 620 at 2.8GHz a while back and it ran really hot.

 

[warless213]

It has i think an on board grahics card express chipset family

$200-300 is perfect as long it can run those two games without lag and buiding a whole new like u said is just way out of my budget

as for the case would it help if i left it open?

 

[geogolem]

I just discovered that you will need to upgrade your CPU even just to play Diablo 3. it requires a dual core CPU...

I suggest building a new system. There is really nothing worth salvaging at this point. The minimum CPU required for Diablo 3 is the Pentium D 620 @ 2.8GHz. That is a 7 year old processor in and of itself. It might work in your existing mobo but that all depeds on if you can track it down and even thenit would be the bare minimum.. And that line of CPU's is known for running hot and being power hungry.

 

[geogolem]

Your current CPU meets the minimum requirement for SC2 but not near the reccomended: http://game-debate.com/games/index.php?g_id=366&game=StarCraft%20II:%20Wings%20of%20Liberty

 

[warless213]

ehhh i really was hopin i could

well thxs alot u saved me money atleat lol

 

[geogolem]

no problem. I wish I could have had better news. If you want help building a $500 machine to play those games let me know and I'll see what I can put together on here.

 

[warless213]

Your current CPU meets the minimum requirement for SC2 but not near the reccomended: http://game-debate.com/games/index.php?g_id=366&game=StarCraft%20II:%20Wings%20of%20Liberty

well with all the problems u think i might hav i guess ill just save up and try to build 1 later

again thxs alot really helped

 

[warless213]

no problem. I wish I could have had better news. If you want help building a $500 machine to play those games let me know and I'll see what I can put together on here.

yea kool might make a new post tho cuz gonna take while to get those funds lol thxs again pz out

 

[Proximon]

It's really not a good strategy to upgrade such old parts. Even if you managed to keep using that old motherboard, it's a matter of a year or two before it dies... if the stress of the game doesn't kill it sooner.

You are going to have compatibility issues trying to put a new CPU into that MB, and you need a new CPU.

So, you need to replace the CPU, MB, RAM, PSU, case, GPU... the good news is that you have XP Pro, so THAT can be re-used, but will have to be installed newly on the new hardware.

■ASUS HD7750-1GD5-V2 Radeon HD 7750 1GB 128-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 3.0 x16 HDCP Ready Video Card
■AMD Gift - Dirt3 Game Coupon - OEM
■G.SKILL NS 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10600) Desktop Memory Model F3-10600CL9D-4GBNS
■Rosewill Green Series RG430-S12 430W Continuous @40°C, 80 PLUS Certified, Single 12V Rail, Active PFC "Compatible with Core ...
■Rosewill Blackbone Black Steel / Plastic ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
■Intel Pentium G620 Sandy Bridge 2.6GHz LGA 1155 65W Dual-Core Desktop Processor Intel HD Graphics BX80623G620
■ASRock H61M-VS LGA 1155 Intel H61 Micro ATX Intel Motherboard
TOTAL: $322.94

 

[geogolem]

The system Proximon proposes will probably play the games decently.

I don't know if he can actually re-use the XP pro. I am guessing it was the OEM version that came with his Dell machine so the license is tied to his old mobo... I think... If thats the case he'll have to buy Windows 7 so basically the only part he is salvaging from the old computer is the HDD.

I wonder what HDD is in there?

Also I would try and grab the nvidia GTX 550 TI instead of the AMD graphics card he suggests: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130625

Its nvidia instead of AMD. It is the same price after $20 mail in rebate and its a step higher on the hierarchy: http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/gaming-graphics-card-review,3107-7.html

 

[game junky]

It's really not a good strategy to upgrade such old parts. Even if you managed to keep using that old motherboard, it's a matter of a year or two before it dies... if the stress of the game doesn't kill it sooner.

You are going to have compatibility issues trying to put a new CPU into that MB, and you need a new CPU.

So, you need to replace the CPU, MB, RAM, PSU, case, GPU... the good news is that you have XP Pro, so THAT can be re-used, but will have to be installed newly on the new hardware.

■ASUS HD7750-1GD5-V2 Radeon HD 7750 1GB 128-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 3.0 x16 HDCP Ready Video Card
■AMD Gift - Dirt3 Game Coupon - OEM
■G.SKILL NS 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10600) Desktop Memory Model F3-10600CL9D-4GBNS
■Rosewill Green Series RG430-S12 430W Continuous @40°C, 80 PLUS Certified, Single 12V Rail, Active PFC "Compatible with Core ...
■Rosewill Blackbone Black Steel / Plastic ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
■Intel Pentium G620 Sandy Bridge 2.6GHz LGA 1155 65W Dual-Core Desktop Processor Intel HD Graphics BX80623G620
■ASRock H61M-VS LGA 1155 Intel H61 Micro ATX Intel Motherboard
TOTAL: $322.94

Impressive economy build - I might double the RAM though since you can get a 8 GB kit (2X4gb) for around $50. I prefer Nvidia as well but AMD has better mid-range cards in most cases. I would confirm about the OS license and in a worst case scenario you can rock Win8's consumer preview until you have the cash for a legit license key. Not desirable but it will get you off the ground.

 

[geogolem]

Good idea regarding Windows 8 Consumer Preview. Even better, come June there will be a Windows 8 Release Preview available...

 

[warless213]

Omg on the build for 300 would that really run sc and diablo on low settings at least? If it does u guys r the fkIng Best

 

[warless213]

Impressive economy build - I might double the RAM though since you can get a 8 GB kit (2X4gb) for around $50. I prefer Nvidia as well but AMD has better mid-range cards in most cases. I would confirm about the OS license and in a worst case scenario you can rock Win8's consumer preview until you have the cash for a legit license key. Not desirable but it will get you off the ground.

How would I go about to instal wid 8
Without a cd on the new build?

 

[geogolem]

You are going to have to go to the following link, download and burn a dvd disk image: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-8/consumer-preview

 

[warless213]

Would I be able to play say SC with wind 8?

 

[Proximon]

Omg on the build for 300 would that really run sc and diablo on low settings at least? If it does u guys r the fkIng Best

That list I gave does not include the HDD or optical drive. It's a low end gaming rig but you could get medium settings at least.

You might get 8GB of RAM, but it's not a priority at that price point. Better to put $20 into a little better CPU. Also, your copy of XP will not use more than about 3.2GB of RAM... so there was no need for more.


All XP Pro licenses were the same. You got 3 or 5 installations, regardless of hardware, and then you had to call MS and they would "re-set" the license for you... they just wanted to talk to you and make sure you were legit and only using it on one PC at a time.

That all changed with Vista. Now, XP HOME edition may have had a different licensing scheme.

I still have the "OEM" copy of XP Pro I bought with a HDD. It's been installed on many boards over the years... no longer though as it's "used" by a win 7 upgrade version.

 

[geogolem]

Theoretically you should be able to do anything as good as or better in Windows 8 that you can in Windows 7; however don't forget that this is a consumer preview which means its not guaranteed to be as good/compatible as the final release in October.

 

[Proximon]

Also, if your HDD is not SATA, that board won't work with it.

 

[warless213]

I have both the drive CDs and the Hdd

I see what u guys are saying about xp really going to buy windows 7 along with it

As for the ram I'll upgrade later on and the CPU if it can run those two games at low to med w/o lag I'm super happy

Is there anything else I might really ned or upgrade down the road?

Thank you guys so much for all the info really helping me save and sorry I got so many question really Noobish at this as u can tell from my super old pc that I'm going to destroy lol

 

[Proximon]

No, that's it. If you are getting win 7 get the 64-bit version
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116986

And make sure that the HDD is SATA, not PATA.