Upgrading help...

[eSkiL`z-MecKyYy_]

Decided to get up to date with some stuffs. I've had my computer for about 2 1/4 years now and I feel its quite out of date compared to some of the other computers around. =/ I don't have enough money to buy a new computer and being a complete computer 'noob' I would like advice and help from more knowledgeable people to help me upgrade.

This is my computer as is right now:

Manufacturerz: HP-Pavilion
Processor: Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Quad CPU Q6600 @ 2.40GHz (4 CPUs), ~2.4GHz
Memory: 3070MB RAM
Hard Drive: 310 GB
Video Card: NVIDIA GeForce 8500 GT
Operating System: Windows Vista™ Home Premium
Power source: 288w

I don't know if thats enough information for you to help me, let me know if it isn't.

I would like to be able to play CoD4 and Crysis on high graphics at a good FPS rate.
A friend of mine recommended this graphics card-

http://www.amazon.com/e-GeForce-PCI-Express-EVGA-Precision-Overclocking/dp/tech-data/B00203ZEI8/ref=de_a_smtd

Looking through it I saw some problems my computer had such as power source and the amount of GHz I get for the card to work in my computer.

Could you let me know what items I need to be able to add that card into my 'rig'.

-Unless you have other suggestions please post I really need help.

My spend limit is around the $500 mark.

Thanks!

[[Expletive Deleted]]

Re: Upgrading help...

Well, you'll need three things:
Case
PSU
Graphics card

Your CPU and RAM really aren't bad. Actually, your RAM is perfect on a 32-bit OS. I'm a fan of the GTX260, but this one is cheaper and better: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814130434
As far as the PSU, I recommend a 600w Antec, Corsair, PC Power & Cooling or even OCZ.
The case is completely up to you, just make sure it's big enough. I just bought an Antec 300 for my kids. It was $30 at Fry's. It's big enough for an 8800GTS 640MB with room to spare, so it should be able to handle a GTX 260.

If you only get those three things, you're looking at under $300 if you shop around for good deals.

[AvalancheDiode]

Re: Upgrading help...

His desktop may use a Micro-ATX board instead of ATX one, or even a slim case or the likes of it. If that is the case, then there is no hope for upgrade.

[[Expletive Deleted]]

Re: Upgrading help...

His desktop may use a Micro-ATX board instead of ATX one, or even a slim case or the likes of it. If that is the case, then there is no hope for upgrade.

Huh? That's why I told him to get a new case, to fit the new card and PSU.
He already has an 8500GT, so that means he has a PCI-Express slot.
What are you talking about?

[CaptainKirk]

Re: Upgrading help...

Huh? That's why I told him to get a new case, to fit the new card and PSU.
He already has an 8500GT, so that means he has a PCI-Express slot.
What are you talking about?

Mobo might not jive with new things.

[jake_]

Re: Upgrading help...

Mobo might not jive with new things.

ya dig?

[megawhompertoo]

Re: Upgrading help...

Mobo might not jive with new things.

electrically, a pcie 16 should be a pcie 16 should be a pcie 16.

as kirk points out, though, there might be some bios issues with max ram, and the clearance around your pcie slot might not allow full/double size cards. you have to get a ruler/calipers/or a very good set of eyeballs to make sure that dropping in a larger gpu won't cover up a necessary port/connector or be blocked by one.

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3550131&CatId=3423

is this your pc?

edit: if it is, you'll want to note the upside-down configuration, which makes your graphics card work even harder to invert the pixels :P

kidding, of course, and you should be able to just give it a spin to set it right in a new case

[CaptainKirk]

Re: Upgrading help...

electrically, a pcie 16 should be a pcie 16 should be a pcie 16.

as kirk points out, though, there might be some bios issues with max ram, and the clearance around your pcie slot might not allow full/double size cards. you have to get a ruler/calipers/or a very good set of eyeballs to make sure that dropping in a larger gpu won't cover up a necessary port/connector or be blocked by one.

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3550131&CatId=3423

is this your pc?

edit: if it is, you'll want to note the upside-down configuration, which makes your graphics card work even harder to invert the pixels :P

kidding, of course, and you should be able to just give it a spin to set it right in a new case

I work in a computer lab of 80 2001-2003 Dells. Dell's BIOS binds the Motherboard to a certain set of hardware, so when one goes down, it goes in the dumpster. We don't try to fix hardware issues (except failed hard drive, but that never happens). We are getting 40 new desktops (probably cheap ones) next year though, so :wee:

[eSkiL`z-MecKyYy_]

Re: Upgrading help...

Just wondering how difficult is it to swap a computer out? Never done it and I'm generally called a 'fail on legs' when it comes to computer parts etc.

[megawhompertoo]

Re: Upgrading help...

Nope, not hard in this instance. The first time you start from scratch, it can be a bit daunting.

You basically need to take good notes on which leads are going to which jumpers (sorry, which wires are going to which posts), and also have your motherboard diagram available if you have one.

Then, you're just disconnection the wires, and migrating everything into your new case with the new psu, and reconnecting the wires, making them look pretty/unobstructive by routing them well, plugging in the new gpu and it's requisite power leads, and then praying to 010 that the thing works when you hit the power (mine usually don't, lol...so then it's just a matter of figuring out which jumper you've mixed up...).

You're not having to take out your processor, memory, etc., so all you have to worry about is removing the mobo (probably like 9 screws) and then installing it (with standoffs if needed...but you can get away without them...I only discovered standoffs after about my third build).

Then, it's just plug in and go!

Hint: it's always nice to have a second pc up and running when you're building one, in case you need to have a look at a schematic/spec of yell for help...

[[Expletive Deleted]]

Re: Upgrading help...

I work in a computer lab of 80 2001-2003 Dells. Dell's BIOS binds the Motherboard to a certain set of hardware, so when one goes down, it goes in the dumpster. We don't try to fix hardware issues (except failed hard drive, but that never happens). We are getting 40 new desktops (probably cheap ones) next year though, so :wee:

I was under the impression it was just proprietary PSUs and motherboards...
My unit in Korea had Dells and I was able to swap RAM, HDDs, CPUs, DVD drives, everything was replaceable with off-the-shelf hardware except for the PSU. And they don't even do that anymore now that more people became aware of it and raised a stink.

One thing to think about when sticking a pre-built into a new case is the case fans. This Antec 300 has molex four-pin case fans. If a three-pin fan isn't connected to the HP motherboard header, at least on the board I used for my kids, it gives an error and acts like the damned thing could explode any minute.

[CaptainKirk]

Re: Upgrading help...

I was under the impression it was just proprietary PSUs and motherboards...
My unit in Korea had Dells and I was able to swap RAM, HDDs, CPUs, DVD drives, everything was replaceable with off-the-shelf hardware except for the PSU. And they don't even do that anymore now that more people became aware of it and raised a stink.

One thing to think about when sticking a pre-built into a new case is the case fans. This Antec 300 has molex four-pin case fans. If a three-pin fan isn't connected to the HP motherboard header, at least on the board I used for my kids, it gives an error and acts like the damned thing could explode any minute.

Oh yeah. Mobos and PSUs. But nothing else fails. The only two parts that fail on lab computers are Mobos and PSUs. Since they are never moved, the HDDs and other moving parts keep on trucking for years and years. Mobo's and PSU's seem to just kind of expire after about 5-6 years (of 24/7 operation).

[eSkiL`z-MecKyYy_]

Re: Upgrading help...

So just wanna get this right.

Antec 300 Case
GTX260
600w PSU

I think thats it but just wanna make sure.
Anything else please say!

Thanks