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proper upgrade for my gaming pc

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10 replies

by systemcheck

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ive got windows vista home premium with an asus p5n32 e sli, nvidia geforce 8500 512 mb, intel core 2 duo 3.0 ghz 2x gb ddr2-pc6400 ram and dual dvd burners, 1 250 gb hdd for OS, and 1 400 gb hdd for storage. Trying to keep pc up to date, i know it needs to be upgrade and it will, the pc is mainly for gaming. The question is what upgrades will make it faster, any suggestions welcome?

10 replies

by jamesrl

Video Card, RAM, then CPU.

The 8500 is an ok card, but today's latest games are more demanding. Assuming your power supply can handle it, you might want to consider an upgrade. I use Tomshardware as a guide, he monitors the latest cards and pricing to provide a monthly "Best cards for the money" feature. Here is November's http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/best-graphics-card,2464.html

You may find increasing your RAM may also help. I would get a matched pair of 1GBs ot put you up to 4GB even though your OS won't see it all.

Your CPU is fine for most games.

James

by systemcheck

how much ram would be recommended, my board can accept up to 8gb, just max it out or what

by jamesrl

If you are running a 32 bit version, 4 GB is the theoretical max, but then a certain part of that is reserved by the bios, so you really only get from 3 to 3.5 GB, depending on the BIOS and configuration.

If your OS is 64 bit, then 8GB would be good. Most games won't take adavntage of that much RAM, but in a couple of eyars time who knows.

James

by jarrett_faulk

If you are talking about installed games from a CD then all the recommendations are fine. If your talking about online games then you need to consider all of the recommendations and also consider upgrading your internet services. Nothing helps more than a staitc 20 megs fios line. But that depends on where you live...

by jamesrl

While broadband adoption was initially (years and years ago) much quicker in Canada than the US, sadly we have fallen behind both in price and services, due to the smaller markets.

How much does your 20Mb FIOS cost? We do have cable service in my area at up to 50Mb dl, but it isn't cheap.

But I get reasonable (25-35 ms) ping from the online gaming servers in the US that I play on, even with my 3Mb DSL.

James

by systemcheck

currently im using a 7mb connection with a 9 ping avg. these are for installed games and online games .

by systemcheck

but for ultimate gaming experience need more ram (high speed) and a good video card, whats a good cheap nvidia card for under 100

by jamesrl

Best Gaming card for around 100 is the ATI 4850. Thats actually what I have been running for a while - I paid $200 a year or so ago. I run it at 1920x1080 (22" widescreen) and it does pretty well.

Their pick for best at $80 is the nVidia 9600 GT.

As for RAM, it can only go as fast as your motherboard can support, don't spend more for faster than what the BIOS/chipset can handle.

James

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