What does my pc need?

[nitrobenzene]

Hello,
I want play new videogames, but my pc doesn't collaborate..
i have a cpu intel pentium E5700 (dual-core 3.00GHz), a 1680x1050 monitor, 4gb ram and an nvidia geforce 8400GS. I think that the weak point is the graphic card, isn't it? Which one do you suggest me to buy?
thanks

 

[alvine]

yes your gpu is the weakest point. before we can recommend you a graphic card we need to know what kind of power supply you have and whats your budget

 

[the great randini]

a solid state hard drive might help too. what game did u have in mind?

 

[hang-the-9]

That video card by far is the worst part for gaming, especially at that resolution. To match that CPU, and probably a lower class power supply, Radeon 7750 would be good.

 

[nitrobenzene]

here you are my pc:

Processor 1 ID = 0
Number of cores 2 (max 2)
Number of threads 2 (max 2)

Codename Wolfdale
Specification Pentium(R) Dual-Core CPU E5700 @ 3.00GHz
Package (platform ID) Socket 775 LGA (0x0)
CPUID 6.7.A
Extended CPUID 6.17
Core Stepping R0
Technology 45 nm
TDP Limit 65 Watts
Core Speed 1197.0 MHz
Multiplier x FSB 6.0 x 199.5 MHz
Rated Bus speed 798.0 MHz
Stock frequency 3000 MHz
Instructions sets MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, EM64T, VT-x

FID/VID Control yes
FID range 6.0x - 15.0x
Max VID 1.288 V
Northbridge Intel P35/G33/G31 rev. 10
Southbridge Intel 82801GB (ICH7/R) rev. A1
Graphic Interface PCI-Express
PCI-E Link Width x16
PCI-E Max Link Width x16
Memory Type DDR2
Memory Size 4096 MBytes
Channels Dual, (Symmetric)

if you need one more information tall me, the faithful CPU-Z knows everythings XD

so some games that i'd like to run are: metro 2033, mass effect 3(maybe this 3rd episode isn't wonderfull like the prevoius ones, but the story is fantastic), hitman absolution, deus ex human revolution, borderlands 2, assassin creed 2, etc

my budget is about 100 euro
thanks again!

 

[foscooter]

What motherboard? Does it have PCI-e? at least x8? ** Edit ** OK YOU DO!

Don't get a SSD unless the motherboard supports SATA II? Unless you wanna get a RAID controller, like a HighPoint 2720SGL RocketRaid controller for $160.

But an SSD won't speed up games, just launching and map loading.

 

[nitrobenzene]

so.. hem.. i'm really sorry but i can not interpret, could you explain it to me again? it's just a little time i'm learning about pc components and my mother tongue isn't english

 

[nitrobenzene]

maybe i've understood... so which graphic cards would you suggest to me?

 

[dannoddd]

Tourist is right, a Radeon HD 6770/7750/7770 would certainly speed things up and not need much from a power supply.

 

[nitrobenzene]

ok i've opened the case and those are all the informations about my pc current trasformer:
550 W
model CG-ADJ-4
AC IMPUT 115/230 VAC 10A/5A 50/60Hz

in base of this surprising novelty could we definitively decree which is the best graphic card for my pc and me(reminding that my budget is about 100euro, and i want to use my pc to run videogames)?
let's start whith the final televoting! XD

 

[nitrobenzene]

anyhow thank you very much for your attention, interest and patience!

 

[apache_lives]

The Great Randini a SSD will NOT help with game performance only load times

foscooter first generation core 2's (Intel ICH7+ SB's) had SATA2 this is a 7 series core 2 duo (gen2) ofcourse it has SATA2 (ich7-10)

A Core 2 Duo wont cope with newer games its a mid range cpu from ~3 years ago

8400GS = display card

This is a budget system its probably not worth "upgrading" (not much more then video card etc) better off with a new rig you dont want to use a cramped case for a new build nor a low end psu or anything else from your current rig be careful how much you spend on this older rig

 

[Stubs101]

Get the 6770 its a good price and will be good enough.

I also agree a SSD will be a complete waste of money for you. Wont help gaming at all.

 

[dannoddd]

I'd try to squeeze out the 7770, it's really a 6770 but more efficient cooler and uses less power. It's a new generation 6770.

 

[nitrobenzene]

hum.. so apache_lives, do you believe that buy a new(not too expensive) graphic card is a waste of money?
i don't require to play al with the new maximum performances, obviously