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July 25, 2009, 12:21 AM
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#1 (permalink) |
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Need some advice on how to upgrade
Here's my current system: AMD Dual Core Processor 4200+ 4G Memory 7600GT with 256 RAM Vid Card 400 or 450W Power supply (can't remember off-hand) I was wondering what would make more sense (WoW is pretty much the only game I play atm): 1) Just upgrade the vid card with a budget one in the $150 range 2) Buy a new system - Best Buy has some stock systems that are pretty cheap atm with rough base specs of a Quad Core Processor, 8G Memory and Terabyte or so Hard Drive. I would then upgrade to a similar vid card as above and upgrade the power supply to 550ish Watts. Rough cost would be $800 - $850. With my current system I get 10- 15 fps in Dal during peak times and raids are ok but can be a little laggy in 25 mans. What would make the most sense in terms of increased performance vs cost? I can afford the $800 but if I could see a noticeable increase in performance with just upgrading the vid card then that would be sweet. Any help/input is appreciated. |
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July 25, 2009, 12:46 AM
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#2 (permalink) |
Character Info
Zamp 80 Blood Elf Warlock Stormreaver US PvP Guild: Elusive Profile: Blizzard Armory Talent Spec: 3/13/55 |
Re: Need some advice on how to upgrade
You would see a noticeable upgrade from a 256 to a 512 Graphics card, i would even push for a 1 gig card, but pushing that much GPU power means a definite CPU upgrade, which you will need to do. Then you would have to upgrade power supply especially if your rocking a original PSU. If your on a budget, i would recommended the ATI Radeon 4850. Not just because im an ATI fan, but because I've had experience with it and it works and gets the job done. Upgrade to a rocketfish PSU 550 watts would be a nice hover. And try to push for a AMD Quad Core if you can. Sorry I dont have links for you, im tired and going to bed. Hope it helps though |
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July 25, 2009, 01:42 AM
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#3 (permalink) |
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Re: Need some advice on how to upgrade
upgrading the CPU and vid card would prob be the best option but your PSU might also need an upgrade. what motherboard are you running? cause this is a moot point if your mobo can't support any better CPU I'm also assuming you're running windows 32 bit |
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July 25, 2009, 02:50 AM
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#4 (permalink) |
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Re: Need some advice on how to upgrade
I've only got a dual core with a 9600gt and close to 40fps in Dalaran at peak times .......... I think you have latency issues myself. |
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July 25, 2009, 11:40 AM
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#5 (permalink) |
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Re: Need some advice on how to upgrade
Shouldn't be latency - the wife sits right next to me (and has the better comp atm) and does fine in Dal. |
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July 25, 2009, 12:59 PM
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#6 (permalink) |
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Character Info
Leanpockets 80 Human Warlock Azjol-Nerub US PvE Guild: Reckless Endangerment Profile: Blizzard Armory Talent Spec: 3/13/55 |
Re: Need some advice on how to upgrade
i only have 2 peices of advice for you, (1) You only need to upgrade 1 gen for nvidia to last another 2 yeas just try to get an 8800 gt at least im not sure of the cost atm (2) Do try to ugrade your Cpu it may not be able to take the 8800 but if it can you will see a extremly large increase in performance and Lag decrease
__________________
In the Immortal words of Richard.... For Pony |
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July 25, 2009, 04:03 PM
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#7 (permalink) |
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Re: Need some advice on how to upgrade
Alienware's some great machines in your price range. Check this one out. The only thing I see is adding 4gb instead of the basic 2gb. Customize Your Aurora Value Gaming Desktop PC – Alienware |
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July 25, 2009, 05:46 PM
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#8 (permalink) | |
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Character Info
Zamp 80 Blood Elf Warlock Stormreaver US PvP Guild: Elusive Profile: Blizzard Armory Talent Spec: 3/13/55 |
Re: Need some advice on how to upgrade
Quote:
I think Alienwares are a joke. I believe Dell has control over alienware now, and you can simply create and cusotimzie your own computer such a lower cost than their prices. Alien wares have very bad hard drive capabilities and the one i had went out withing the first few months, and the 2nd one the same. I suggest building your own computer. It's more fun too. Last edited by Zamp; July 25, 2009 at 06:11 PM.. |
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July 25, 2009, 05:56 PM
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#9 (permalink) |
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Re: Need some advice on how to upgrade
Ok, sorry about the post. I agree with some of the previous posters that a vid card upgrage will help. Speaking from personal experience, I had a rather older HP Pavilion PC (a250n) with 200W power supply and an older video card. I swapped the power supply and the vid card. I think it was the same as you had, a 7600GT. I was pretty consistent in around the 30fps range. I also just got a new 22inch monitor and I am planning a new PC purchase because I just can't see any more upgrades will be worth it. I'd advise a new PC purchase with a 512 MB card. You should be set with that for now. 
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July 25, 2009, 06:11 PM
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#10 (permalink) |
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Character Info
Zamp 80 Blood Elf Warlock Stormreaver US PvP Guild: Elusive Profile: Blizzard Armory Talent Spec: 3/13/55 |
Re: Need some advice on how to upgrade
Pretty much what you can gather from this thread is; 1) Upgrade your Video card to a newer generation. both ATI and Nvidia are great cards - dont let fan boys tell you one from another. Both have cons and pros. 2) Upgrade your CPU or it will bottle neck your other system capabilities. I personally run AMD Phenom II X4 955 Black Edition, but the Intel i7 is a great CPU as well. Yet again, fan boys need stay away from swaying your decision. 3) Make sure when you upgrade GPU + CPU you upgrade your power supply enough to handle them. I have always had good luck with Rocketfish, and my other customers ive dealt with have had no bad words against them either. |
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