Keep any parts? (Gateway FX6800-01e)

jaymehta3

Honorable
Jul 8, 2012
2
0
10,510
Hey guys!

I currently have a Gateway (bad choice...I know) FX 6800-01e. I have heard that it's hard upgrading the computer (specifically the power supply), and I am currently thinking about building a new PC. I was wondering if you guys could help me decide if there's anything worth keeping for the newer build, or if these are all fossil-parts! The only thing that comes in mind for me is the case....as this will be the first time I build/upgrade a PC!

THANKS!

SPECS:

Tower: Width 7.5 in, Depth: 11.7 in, Height 18.3 in

Processor: Intel i7-920, 2.93 GHz, Quad-Core

Cache Memory: Type L3 cache, Installed Size 8.0 MB, Cache Per Processor 8 MB

Mainboard: Intel X58 Express

RAM: 3.0 GB / 12.0 GB (max), DDR3 SDRAM - Non-ECC, 1066.0 MHz, Compliance PC3-8500, DIMM 240-pin

Type Serial ATA - Integrated, Controller Interface Type Serial ATA-300

Hard Drive: Serial ATA-300 - 7200.0 rpm

Optical Storage: DVD±RW

Graphics Processor / Vendor ATI Radeon HD 4850, Video Memory 512.0 MB

Power Provided 500.0 Watt


 
This is a really nice system. No need to do a major rip at all.

1. You have enough CPU that you are not likely to see an improvement with any CPU change for gaming
2. You have a strong enough power supply that you can go to any single card graphics solutions
3.You have moderatly weak graphics. For gaming you are way out of balance.

All you need to do to have a really strong gaming system is dop in a really strong video card. The rest is good to go.

Here is a ref showing your CPU is good: http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/gaming-cpu-review-overclock,3106-5.html

Here is a ref giving video card recommendations by price http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/gaming-graphics-card-review,3107.html

If you drop an nvidia GTX670 ($400) you'll have as strong a gaming rig as anyone. Google a few framerates.

The minimum video upgrade worth making is to something like a GTX 560 ($175) or HD 6870 ($165). Either of these would make your system fly.

p.s. memory is cheap. you have RAM: 3.0 GB / 12.0 GB (max). Your MB (x58 chipset based) gets about 1-2% better performance if you have three matched DIMMs plugged in the correct dimm sockets. Assuming you currently have three x 1GB installed and have three empty dimm slots then I'd get another three X 1GB for 6GB total = $35 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231229
 

jaymehta3

Honorable
Jul 8, 2012
2
0
10,510


Thanks for your help!! A couple of questions, if you don't mind:

1) Is there any card in the 150-250 range that will let me play Skyrim, or a demanding game like Batman: AC, on high/ultra-max settings?
2) How easy is it to install these things? I have unscrewed my case before, but I have never really taken or messed with anything.
3) Will a 500W power supply be enough? I heard for this computer that its hard to change it out, and just wanna make sure it won't "Burn Out"(Shut Down). Ive tried playing GTA IV on max settings and the computer shuts down within 30seconds of gameplay :(

Thanks for all your help!
 
Any power supply (PSU) shipped by Dell, HP, etc is good quality to avoid warranty costs. A quality 500w PSU is plenty for an i7-920 plus single video card. Here is power consumption for a much higher clocked version of your CPU plus a high power card -- see how far from 500w? You system will run 50-100W lower. http://www.guru3d.com/article/geforce-gtx-560-ti-review/7

Video card is pretty easy to replace, but you should try it before you buy it. Unplug PC, open case. Look at your existing video card -- it will have the monitor cable plugged into it. See the one screw at top the holds the bracket in? You remove that. Then there is a secret hidden catch on card on the PCIe slot at the bottom farthest away from the bracket. You release this catch by pushing it with your finger as you gently pull up. Releasing the catch is the hardest part. IF you can get the old video card out you can get the new one in. Remember to hook up the power cord(s) to the video card, they just plug in.

There are card install videos on YOUTUBE, google and watch a few.

Your current video card, HD4850, is not bad. See where is falls in the hierarchy chart in the back of this article. http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/gaming-graphics-card-review,3107.html

"Is there any card in the 150-250 range that will let me play Skyrim, or a demanding game like Batman: AC, on high/ultra-max settings? " Google is your friend. See if the HD6870 @ $165 hits the frame rates you want. IF not step higher to GeForce GTX 560 Ti or Radeon HD 7850. example http://www.guru3d.com/article/geforce-gtx-560-ti-review/18