pc upgradeing i dont understand how it works...

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turbo_20000

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#1 turbo_20000
Member since 2007 • 307 Posts

if i replace my old graphics card with a new 1 will it make me able to play bettergames on higher graphics settings ?? or will i have to upgrade the whole pc ?? thanks

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--Anna--

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#2 --Anna--
Member since 2007 • 4636 Posts
It will depend on your current computer's specs.
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Sentinel672002

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#3 Sentinel672002
Member since 2004 • 1585 Posts
A better graphics card can help you improve gaming performance, but we'll need more to go on to answer your question properly. What are your rig's stats (processor, motherboard, etc)?
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turbo_20000

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#4 turbo_20000
Member since 2007 • 307 Posts
ave a dell dimension 5150 i dont know much about it other that it has a raedon x300 se hypermemory 128mb graphics card ..hope that helps u guys answer ..
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kbubba92

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#5 kbubba92
Member since 2006 • 1273 Posts
yes upgrading your graphics card will improve games performance BUT i would recommend u upgrade your ram and cpu, that will make games run even better
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Spartan8907

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#6 Spartan8907
Member since 2006 • 3731 Posts
These are the most important factors that we should know in order to help you: Graphics card (current and one you plan on buying), CPU, motherboard, power supply and RAM. With that, we can tell you exactly what you need to know.
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Sentinel672002

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#7 Sentinel672002
Member since 2004 • 1585 Posts

The 5150 is a Pentium 6xx rig, with 512MB of DDR2 533 (single channel) and a 305Watt power supply. It needs lots of help, if you want to run games of it. Since the 945 chipset doesn't support Core 2 Duo processors, you're kinda stuck there. But there are some things you could do to pep it up for cheap. First, if you haven't done so, you need more memory. Remove the original RAM stick, replace it with these and run them in dual channel.

OCZ Platinum Revision 2 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 800 $74.99 ($39.99 after rebate)

Next, you need to upgrade your power supply. The stock one isn't powerful enough for a decent video card. Here's my latest find for cheap.

Thermaltake Purepower W0100RU ATX 12V 2.0 500Watt $59.99 ($34.99 after rebate)

Lastly, we come to the video card. I dunno what you're looking for so here's a couple. The first one is high performance...

XFX PVT88PYDF4 GeForce 8800GT 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 $269.99

...and this one is more middle of the road. A better match for your Dell I think.

SAPPHIRE 100196L Radeon X1950PRO 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 $154.99

Total For High Performance Upgrade - $344.97

Total For Mid-Range Upgrade - $229.97


With all of that said, you might want to start looking for a replacement for your Dell when it comes to gaming. The sticking point is your processor and motherboard. I completed a few system designs for the budget minded gamer in this thread...

http://www.gamespot.com/pages/forums/show_msgs.php?topic_id=26038337

Building one isn't hard and you definitely get more for your money. :)