Help me out please

[johnboys]

Ok im new so be gentile if this is in the wrong place sorry. Im looking on getting a better video card for this free computer i got not looking to spend too much maybe 150 at most. yes i know its older and i should save up but indulge me. i have a few games nothing new would like to play starcraft 2 and sims 3 on it with good quality what i have now barely runs sims 3. if you need more info let me know if i put too much sorry. If someone could give me suggestions on what and if there is a card out there that would make a big difference for me. i understand some things about computers but when it comes to video cards im pretty lost. anyways thanks for any suggestions. if you need more info just tell me. the card thats in there now is in the pci express x16

power supply says

voltage current frequency
ac input 115v 230v 10A 5A 50-60hz


all output is extended to 450W max


Computer:
Computer Type ACPI Multiprocessor PC
Operating System Microsoft Windows XP Professional
OS Service Pack Service Pack 3
Internet Explorer 8.0.6001.18702 (IE 8.0)
DirectX 4.09.00.0904 (DirectX 9.0c)
Computer Name
User Name
Logon Domain
Date / Time 2012-11-25 / 23:25

Motherboard:
CPU Type DualCore Intel Core 2 Duo E6750, 2666 MHz (8 x 333)
Motherboard Name Intel Pearl Creek DG31PR (2 PCI, 1 PCI-E x1, 1 PCI-E x16, 2 DDR2 DIMM, Audio, Video, Gigabit LAN)
Motherboard Chipset Intel Bearlake G31
System Memory 2044 MB (DDR2-667 DDR2 SDRAM)
DIMM1: Buffalo 2 GB DDR2-667 DDR2 SDRAM (5-5-5-15 @ 333 MHz) (4-4-4-12 @ 266 MHz) (3-3-3-9 @ 200 MHz)
BIOS Type AMI (09/28/2007)
Communication Port Communications Port (COM1)

Display:
Video Adapter NVIDIA GeForce 7300 SE/7200 GS (512 MB)
3D Accelerator nVIDIA GeForce 7300 SE/7200 GS
Monitor Samsung SyncMaster 2253BW/2253LW/MagicSyncMaster CX2253BW/CX2253LW (Digital) [22" LCD] (H9LQ203793)

Multimedia:
Audio Adapter Realtek ALC888 @ Intel 82801GB ICH7 - High Definition Audio Controller [A-1]

Storage:
IDE Controller Intel(R) ICH7 Family Ultra ATA Storage Controllers - 27DF
IDE Controller Intel(R) N10/ICH7 Family Serial ATA Storage Controller - 27C0
Disk Drive Generic- Compact Flash USB Device
Disk Drive Generic- MS/MS-Pro USB Device
Disk Drive Generic- SD/MMC USB Device
Disk Drive Generic- SM/xD-Picture USB Device
Disk Drive Hitachi HDP725050GLA360 (500 GB, 7200 RPM, SATA-II)
Optical Drive ATAPI DVD A DH20A4P (DVD+R9:8x, DVD-R9:8x, DVD+RW:20x/8x, DVD-RW:20x/6x, DVD-RAM:12x, DVD-ROM:16x, CD:48x/32x/48x DVD+RW/DVD-RW/DVD-RAM)
Optical Drive DTSOFT Virtual CdRom Device
Optical Drive DTSOFT Virtual CdRom Device
Optical Drive HP DVD Writer 1140r
SMART Hard Disks Status OK

Partitions:
C: (NTFS) 465.8 GB (293.5 GB free)
Total Size 465.8 GB (293.5 GB free)

Network:
Primary IP Address
Primary MAC Address
Network Adapter Realtek PCIe GBE Family Controller

DMI:
DMI BIOS Vendor Intel Corp.
DMI BIOS Version PRG3110H.86A.0028.2007.0928.1134
DMI System Manufacturer
DMI System Product
DMI System Version
DMI System Serial Number
DMI System UUID 18B2A2EC-B94F11DC-87340011-D8A408ED
DMI Motherboard Manufacturer Intel Corporation
DMI Motherboard Product DG31PR
DMI Motherboard Version AAD97573-205
DMI Motherboard Serial Number BTPR801000Q5
DMI Chassis Manufacturer
DMI Chassis Version
DMI Chassis Serial Number
DMI Chassis Asset Tag
DMI Chassis Type

 

[Novuake]

Your PC is not as bad as it could be, lol, we have seen much worse on these forums...

All you need is another 2GB of DDR2 RAM and a new discreet graphics card.

I would say get an HD7770 so that you do not need a new power supply. It may stress your PSU a bit, but it won't give you issues...

 

[unoriginal1]

Well... This may not be what you want to hear. But a newer graphics card (will help) But you may not see the results your looking for. Starcraft 2 (don't know about sims) Is a cpu intensive game. That could be what is going to limit you in the end. According to Tom's when tested with a i5 2400 it only got avg fps of 45 on Ultra settings.

I would agree with Novuake on the 7770. Then start saving for a mobo/cpu/ram replacement in the near future.

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/best-gaming-cpu-core-i3-2100-phenom-ii-x6-1075t,2859-8.html

 

[johnboys]

ok thanks i kinda figured starcraft was a long shot i have other games that i own that run ok on this but id like too juice them up a bit if i could. my only question i wasnt to sure on was for the pci express mine is just x16 and alot online say 2.0 3.0....whats that about will they work in mine or what exactly do i need. treat me as though im a child and im tying my shoes for the first time. lol

 

[johnboys]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161402&nm_mc=KNC-GoogleAdwords&cm_mmc=KNC-GoogleAdwords-_-pla-_-NA-_-NA

like on this it says 3.0 on mine it just says i have a power plug in for 1.0 if needed

 

[unoriginal1]

ok thanks i kinda figured starcraft was a long shot i have other games that i own that run ok on this but id like too juice them up a bit if i could. my only question i wasnt to sure on was for the pci express mine is just x16 and alot online say 2.0 3.0....whats that about will they work in mine or what exactly do i need. treat me as though im a child and im tying my shoes for the first time. lol

Your fine with what you have the card will work. There is little to no (noticeable) difference in 2.0 3.0. (a 3.0 card will work in a 2.0 mobo) I would get the card of your choice now and start putting money aside for a more complete build in the future .

 

[johnboys]

Ok so you guys are sure of this fact? Because im probably going to order it soon and really be pissed if it dont work. Id have to say bad words and cross you guys off my christmas card list. Lol. And what is mobo is that motherboard

 

[unoriginal1]

Ok so you guys are sure of this fact? Because im probably going to order it soon and really be pissed if it dont work. Id have to say bad words and cross you guys off my christmas card list. Lol. And what is mobo is that motherboard

LoL yes im sure. And Mobo = Motherboard . Enjoy!

 

[johnboys]

ahh crap i see nowhere to plug this thing into the power supply i may have to abort


ok so the card i posted is now sold out is there one that you guys recommend sorry if i keep bugging you there's just so many choices i was thinking one of these unless you guys know of anything better or cheaper different sites and what not.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121559

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814202011

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127664

 

[unoriginal1]

ahh crap i see nowhere to plug this thing into the power supply i may have to abort


ok so the card i posted is now sold out is there one that you guys recommend sorry if i keep bugging you there's just so many choices i was thinking one of these unless you guys know of anything better or cheaper different sites and what not.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121559

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814202011

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127664

Any one of those will work. Check newegg and amazon. Even best buy and stuff would be good to look at just because of all the Black friday Cyber monday deals and stuff . Did you figure out your power supply?

 

[johnboys]

It has no six pin plug in

 

[unoriginal1]

There are adapters available that you can kind of customize your own connection.
For example:
http://compare.ebay.com/like/130725870131?var=lv&ltyp=AllFixedPriceItemTypes&var=sbar

That or it might be a good time to just include a quality PSU into your rig. Then you'll have those two parts for a future build.

 

[johnboys]

all right its a tie kinda both of these come with power cable adapters and are the same price. you choose and ill buy it lol i cant come up with a decision and like i said im no good at name brands with this stuff

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102993

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127664

 

[unoriginal1]

Well if it were me I would go with the MSI one. But that's a 100% biased statement . I like MSI as a company and I also like EVGA for graphics card.

. Flip a coin?? lol

*edit* Just noticed it also comes with free games lol. So ya i would definitely get that. Even if i didn't play them much. Could be good gifts for someone .

 

[johnboys]

well i ordered the msi one today ill let you know when it comes if it works all good and stuff. thanks for all the help. so far your name is on my christmas card list

 

[johnboys]

I just got my card today plugged and played updated everything and tossed in a few games maxed out the visuals and it was flawless....amazing my pants became tight and realized all the waisted time I spent on women lol ....thanks for all the help guys its a dream come true for this lil man and his cheap ways. I owe you many thanks

 

[unoriginal1]

lol. Glad to hear your enjoying the card