Instead of going out and buying a new 2000 computer, I want to just replace a few parts. So, what will i need for effective gaming? I already know that I need a new video card. I have a AMD Athlon(tm) 64 X2 Dual Core Processor 5200+ at 2.6 GHz 2.046 RAM and a 32-bit operating system. I have a windows Vista ultimate. Is there anything else i need to look at?
Just to clarify mate, you could build a new gaming PC for around $1000. I just put one together for exactly $1,151.00 after taxes and shipping! So, it's definitely doable if you know what you're looking for - combo deals, shaving the budget off here and there. And I'm very satisfied with my new build and it can pretty much max everything out there. Btw, I'm not talking about the gaming PC in my signature. If you want my honest opinion, I would say build a new gaming PC for around $1k. But that's just me. Hoepfully someone else will shed some light on your request. ;)
Is your operating system 32bit or 64bit, you can find out by clicking on the System link in the Control Panel. If it is 64bit two more gigs of RAM will do you some good, the CPU is a little weak but it should still be fine since most games aren't CPU intensive. Basically an upgrade to ATi HD5770 or Nvidia GTX 460 will do you the most good.
Im honestly not sure. I have a 64 bit intel dual core processor, but it says its a 32 bit operating system. And honestly, I dont know jack squat about computer operating systems lol. and at 14 with a monthly income of benifits of 150$ from the government, 1000 smackers is a little out of range for me. I don't mean to be rude, im just looking at it realistically. And would more RAM work even if its a 32 bit system? What does gaming mainly use anyway?
[QUOTE="Souldaiver24"]Im honestly not sure. I have a 64 bit intel dual core processor, but it says its a 32 bit operating system. And honestly, I dont know jack squat about computer operating systems lol. and at 14 with a monthly income of benifits of 150$ from the government, 1000 smackers is a little out of range for me. I don't mean to be rude, im just looking at it realistically. And would more RAM work even if its a 32 bit system? What does gaming mainly use anyway?Gaming uses graphics cards, or GPUs for short first and foremost. Everything else just plays a supporting role. Since you have a 32bit operating system the most RAM that you could make use of is 3GB, so one more gig stick might be useful. Good graphics cards for the money right now are either the ATi HD5770 or Nvidia GTX 460
1GB or RAMATi Radeon HD5770 or the better Nvidia GTX 460 Either will be a very good upgrade though. Installation information can be found in the guide in my sig.
Only buy parts online, as nearly every Retail store will rip you off when it comes to computer parts. 1GB of DDR2 should run between $25-30 The 5770's are around $170 The GTX 460's are about $230 There are cheaper options if you're on a tight budget, but those two cards offer the best bang for your buck right now.
Also check to make sure your graphics slot is a PCIe and not the older AGP slot. I am saying this because it seems like your PC is more than a few years old and its good to be cautious. You can do this by opening up your PC and looking for a PCIe x16 port that looks like this
For further explaination, the AGP standard for graphics was dropped when PCIe came out around 2004. AGP is a different graphics port that older graphics cards used but new graphics cards like the 5770 are no longer made as AGP versions but only as PCIe x16 versions. This is important so that your graphics card is compatible with your motherboards graphics slot.
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