Upgrading PC support

Discussion in 'Building a new PC' started by Xemnyx, Jun 9, 2009.

  1. Xemnyx

    Xemnyx Member

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    I wanted to upgrade my current PC, since it's crap. I was looking to play games that are up to date, like Crysis on Medium, COD4, Left4Dead, ect. but the thing is I really don't know how to upgrade it to meet those requirements. So I was wondering or more begging for someones assistance.

    Here are my specs from systemrequirementslab.com

    • CPU (2 processors running - Genuine Intel(R) CPU 2140 @1.60GHz)
    • CPU Speed (1.60 GHz Performance Rated at 2.76 GHz)
    • System RAM (2.0 GB)
    • Operating System (Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium Edition, 32-bit Build 6000)
    • Video Card (Intel(R) 82945G Express Chipset Family (Intel(R) 82945G Express Chipset Family)
    •Video RAM (256 MB)
    •Video Card 3D Acceleration
    •Pixel Shader Ver 2.0



    I would also like to know if it is possible to run Halo 2 on this current PC?
     
    Last edited: Jun 9, 2009
  2. Knuck1ez

    Knuck1ez Regular member

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    Well first off you NEED a graphics card, thats the quickest easiest boost but Im not sure if your pc will support the newer cards. What make and model is your pc if you know, or at least the year?

    (Halo 2 wont run on your pc, maybe...on the lowest possible settings)
     
  3. KillerBug

    KillerBug Active member

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    From those specs, your best bet might be a fresh build...looks like you have the old Pentium 4 & onboard video...not a great place to start.
     
  4. Xemnyx

    Xemnyx Member

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    I don't have a Pentium 4. I have a Pentium Dual Core.
    My PC is a Gateway GT5620. I got it around 2007/2008. and I think I have 2 or 1 PCI express port on my pc.

    Will this card make the difference to make me play all those games with just buying this.
    http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130297
     
    Last edited: Jun 10, 2009
  5. sammorris

    sammorris Senior member

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    It's a Core 2 based CPU. Unfortunately it is the slowest Core 2 Duo based chip ever made which doesn't help. Fortunately it still kicks the backside of some of the old Pentium Ds.
    You probably won't be able to install a full power graphics card in there due to power restrictions, but it looks like a correctly sized case, so you should be able to use this:
    http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102820
    That will run Crysis on medium (no higher) up to reasonable resolutions, and most other games on high.
    The 8600GT is still miles better than integrated graphics, but the HD4670 I listed is literally triple the performance, and costs very little more.
     
  6. Xemnyx

    Xemnyx Member

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    I could really run crysis on medium if I upgrade to that graphics card?
    Don't I have a 1.60 GHz cpu? and Crysis minimun req. is around 3.0 GHz. Will I still be able to run it with that cpu?
     
    Last edited: Jun 12, 2009
  7. sammorris

    sammorris Senior member

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    Yes you could because Crysis was made in the era when some people still had Pentium 4 generation CPUs. The Core 2 Duos and Pentium Dual Core chips (not Pentium D) are much faster per mhz, to the extent that your 1.6Ghz is probably around a 2.8Ghz Pentium D at least. As a result, your CPU will manage Crysis on medium. Crysis is a little unusual in that dropping the settings also significantly drops the load on the processor as well as the graphics card.
     
  8. Xemnyx

    Xemnyx Member

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    MY cpu is rated at performance 2.76. Can I still run it? It's not at 2.80. haha Sorry about the stupid questions. I'm just making sure. and thanks alot for the help so far.
     
  9. sammorris

    sammorris Senior member

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    Yes, because it's not a single core, as the game is expecting.
     
  10. Xemnyx

    Xemnyx Member

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    hmm it's kinda weird since when I go to systemrequirements test, I fail the spu part on minimum.
     
  11. sammorris

    sammorris Senior member

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    You will do, because by their calculations your CPU does not match the minimum requirements. However, because the CPU system of these tests is fundamentally flawed, you should not have any problems.
     
  12. Xemnyx

    Xemnyx Member

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    hmm ok so al I need is the Graphics card? Is there any other gpu thats the same power but cheaper as the one you gave me?
     
  13. sammorris

    sammorris Senior member

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    No. Nowhere near it. The HD4670 is an exceptional value card for what it does, only matched by the £80 sector containing the HD4850 and HD4770.
     
  14. Xemnyx

    Xemnyx Member

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    Does it run power from the motherboard and could run on a 300W PSU?
     
  15. sammorris

    sammorris Senior member

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    Yes, and yes again.
     

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