Thread: Tell me about cheap computer upgrades.

Remember to keep GPU and CPU pretty much equal in power, otherwise you're not getting what you should out of either.

See if you can upgrade to a GeForce 8800 - 9600. That's about $40 - $80 for a 1GB version. Also, what is your OS?

Thanks everybody. My dad's really good with computers, so he can help me out with some of it. I'll need to learn a bit more than I thought about the internals of a computer.

Anyways, mine's a Windows Vista. I've tried using Ubuntu and openSUSE, but my computer had problems partitioning them, so I get less than 2GB when I install them, no matter how much I allow for that OS.

Anyways, after looking at Newegg (my dad's favorite store) I think I can get a decent nVidia somewhere in the mid 700 range for $80. Here's some specifications for my specific computer (it hasn't been upgraded at all).

http://support.gateway.com/s/PC/R/10...09603sp2.shtml

Alright, just as a comparison, I went back and downloaded the demo that released over two years ago. I had to change it to the lowest settings. At that point, it was perfectly playable. However, at several times I got choppy frame rates even on that.

Does this help at all?

Ah, that detailed list of specs helps a lot. I understand that you're on a budget, but I strongly recommend getting something newer than a card in the 7 series. I see how the price looks attractive to you, but i honestly don't think its worth it to buy such an old card. Now a days i probably wouldn't recommend anything lower than an 8800 for an nvidia card.

Also, it's too bad that you only have two dimm slots. If you're going to upgrade your RAM then you wont be able to use the sticks you already have. You will have to get a 4 GB kit ( 2 sticks of 2 GB). With any luck though, your motherboard will support 800 Mhz RAM and you will not only get more RAM but faster RAM as well.

I just realized something. He only has a 300 watt power supply. I have seen older cards require any where between 250 - 350 watt power supply and newer cards i have seen require a 400 - 500 watt power supply.

If he's on a budget, I'd recommend getting an ATi card, a much better price/performance ratio if you're on a budget. The Radeon HD 4770 has great performance for the price.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814102835

What's the nvidia equivalent? I assume something aroudn ~8000 or higher?