Help with upgrading a computer for games

Deejai

Solid State Member
Messages
8
I've been given a very clean, but kind of slow desktop computer. I'm keeping it very well maintained and updating the drivers and such, but I want to run games smoothly on it. I've been playing Morrowind with mods on low settings and it runs fine for the most part, but I'd like to up the settings, and I'd like to possibly play more graphically intense games. I think it really needs a RAM upgrade because the CPU stats seem high, but I don't think my GFX card is too good either. I'm willing to spend a few hundred or more to upgrade my PC, but I want to be sure where to spend it. Based on these stats, what areas should I upgrade, and what parts should I buy? Also, if theres anything non-purchase related in these stats that could help me, I'd appreciate knowing that too. Thanks.


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System Information
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Operating System: Windows XP Professional (5.1, Build 2600) Service Pack 3 (2600.xpsp_sp3_gdr.091208-2036)
System Manufacturer: Dell Computer Corporation
System Model: Dimension 2400
BIOS: Phoenix ROM BIOS PLUS Version 1.10 A05
Processor: Intel® Pentium® 4 CPU 3.00GHz (2 CPUs)
Memory: 1014MB RAM
Page File: 697MB used, 607MB available
DirectX Version: DirectX 9.0c (4.09.0000.0904)
DxDiag Version: 5.03.2600.5512 32bit Unicode

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Display Devices
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Card name: Intel® 82845G/GL/GE/PE/GV Graphics Controller
Manufacturer: Intel Corporation
Chip type: Intel® 82845G Graphics Controller
DAC type: Internal
Display Memory: 64.0 MB
Current Mode: 1280 x 1024 (32 bit) (60Hz)
Monitor: Plug and Play Monitor
Monitor Max Res: 1600,1200
 
Pentium 4 is NOT 2 CPU's. It is one with hyperthreading. Even if it was dual core, it isn't 2 CPU's, but I won't get into that...

Do you have a budget? What games will you be playing?

EDIT: PCI express or AGP?
 
Here are the Everest stats. They might be more accurate. I'll have to check on the PCI / AGP thing.



Computer:
Operating System Microsoft Windows XP Professional
OS Service Pack Service Pack 3
DirectX 4.09.00.0904 (DirectX 9.0c)
Computer Name DEEJAI (Deejai)
User Name Administrator

Motherboard:
CPU Type Intel Pentium 4, 1500 MHz (15 x 100)
Motherboard Name Dell Dimension 2400
Motherboard Chipset Intel Brookdale-G i845GEV
System Memory 1014 MB (PC3200 DDR SDRAM)
BIOS Type Phoenix (12/02/03)
Communication Port Communications Port (COM1)
Communication Port ECP Printer Port (LPT1)

Display:
Video Adapter Intel(R) 82845G/GL/GE/PE/GV Graphics Controller (64 MB)
3D Accelerator Intel Extreme Graphics
Monitor Plug and Play Monitor [NoDB] (CNC5180BJ0)

Multimedia:
Audio Adapter Intel 82801DB ICH4 - AC'97 Audio Controller [A-1]

Storage:
IDE Controller Intel(R) 82801DB Ultra ATA Storage Controller - 24CB
SCSI/RAID Controller AHE75TEY IDE Controller
Disk Drive ST340014A (40 GB, 7200 RPM, Ultra-ATA/100)
Disk Drive USB 2.0 Flash Disk USB Device (1004 MB, USB)
Disk Drive Memorex TD Classic 003B USB Device (486 MB, USB)
Optical Drive SAMSUNG CD-ROM SC-148A (48x CD-ROM)
Optical Drive VEPIPU 1EJCTYR SCSI CdRom Device
SMART Hard Disks Status OK

Partitions:
C: (NTFS) 34655 MB (15309 MB free)

Input:
Keyboard HID Keyboard Device
Mouse HID-compliant mouse

Network:
Network Adapter Linksys Wireless-G USB Network Adapter (192.168.1.102)
Modem Conexant D850 56K V.9x DFVc Modem

Peripherals:
Printer Microsoft XPS Document Writer
USB1 Controller Intel 82801DB ICH4 - USB Controller [A-1]
USB1 Controller Intel 82801DB ICH4 - USB Controller [A-1]
USB1 Controller Intel 82801DB ICH4 - USB Controller [A-1]
USB2 Controller Intel 82801DB ICH4 - Enhanced USB2 Controller [A-1]
USB Device Linksys Wireless-G USB Network Adapter #3
USB Device USB Composite Device
USB Device USB Human Interface Device
USB Device USB Human Interface Device
USB Device USB Mass Storage Device
USB Device USB Mass Storage Device


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My budget is currently about 200, but it's very flexible. If it's worth it I'll put in another few hundred or so bucks.
 
You aren't going to get anywhere with that PCI bus.

I think there was an 8600GT for PCI but it will be epically bottlenecked, and that is a very old card.

I would forget it or build a whole new computer for ~$400-500
 
Damn.. I wanted to build a PC a while ago, but choosing the parts was a very timely process and I was scared to death of it all ending up not working. Are there good prebuilt computers in the 500-1000 range or is a custom going to be way better?
 
Damn.. I wanted to build a PC a while ago, but choosing the parts was a very timely process and I was scared to death of it all ending up not working. Are there good prebuilt computers in the 500-1000 range or is a custom going to be way better?
We can help you build a new PC. Post your requirements and a price range and we'll guide you along with the process.
 
I want something that is fast and good with games, but I don't want to do anything risky like get a crappy power source to fit a better gfx card into my budget. So, basically a fast but stable gaming computer. I've never overclocked a computer, but if it's better to get a certain part that oc's better, i'm open to that option if you think oc'ing is easy enough. My budget is about a grand. Thanks for the help


edit:

Didnt mean to come off so abrupt. What would my first step be in this process?
 
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