Okay, so I have the following: AMD Athlon2 x4 630 cpu, corsair 2GB DDR3 1333mhz ram, M4N68T-M mobo, WIN7 ultimate 32bit, WD 160GB ide HDD and crappy 450w psu that came with case. What would you guys recommend as a bare minimum upgrade if I wanted to start playin new games? I'm willin to set everything on low settings, anything to get decent fps.
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demon angel
Expert Member
Do you have a Graphics card?
I would then start upgrading the RAM.
As you run a 32bit version of Windows, get another gig of ram.
As too which Graphics card, i will let the very clever people here recommend one as im a bit behind on current good budget GPU's.
I would then start upgrading the RAM.
As you run a 32bit version of Windows, get another gig of ram.
As too which Graphics card, i will let the very clever people here recommend one as im a bit behind on current good budget GPU's.
Archer
Honorary Master
HD5670 is bare minimum I'd say, try get a HD5770 (±R1750). Switch to 64 bit W7 would also be a start.
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Okay... R1750, I realise I should've had some kind of budget in mind... I was hopin someone could recommend an old tech card which would still be able to keep up with today's games but which is still at a low price. However, am I correct to assume that I'd need a new psu if I go this route? I've heard that HD5XXX cards use relatively low power in comparison to HD4XXX cards. Also, is more ram REALLY necessary? I'm not 100% certain of my budget yet, but I'm sure it won't be very high. This's why I asked for "bare minimum"
Archer
Honorary Master
HD5670 is ±R1100 and will run 1920x1080 with graphics on minimum, usually getting you 30+fps. Draws very little power so no need for a new PSU. Even the 5770 would not need another PSU. You could also get a old series card, but I'm not too familiar with pricing/performance of them anymore.
demon angel
Expert Member
Bare minimum would then be a Graphics card only[for now].
I would love to know your budget.....
But if its below Archer's suggestions and you want to play games on medium to low settings.
I have a specials page from Cafe viva which is not the cheapest compared to shopping online but its the realistic price for you.
1GB RADEON HD5575 DDR3 R1049.
You can probably find it cheaper online or get a NVIDIA 9600GT second hand or something to that affect.
What you didn't reveal was the monitor[specifically size] on which you intend to game.
demon angel
Expert Member
BTW:Your PSU being a 450w will not be a problem for a low budget graphics card.
demon angel
Expert Member
Is that a 19 inch display you have in mind?
nakedpeanut
Expert Member
I was watching a friend play assassins creed 2 on a 240 (1GB DDR5) and it was actually quite decent, considering it was a 32" sony bravia tv, i'm not sure of the settings but it played quite well.. So I'd say that's the minimum of what you want to be looking at, although I think ATI has better value for money products at that price range that out perform that card.
Anyways, always try find benchmarks and reviews before you buy. Get your budget then add another 200-300, Id say that's what you'll be spending on a card
people always wanna pay extra for that bit more performance and I bet you will as well...
Anyways, always try find benchmarks and reviews before you buy. Get your budget then add another 200-300, Id say that's what you'll be spending on a card
people always wanna pay extra for that bit more performance and I bet you will as well...Yup. Either that or a 20". Would that be decent for gaming? I've been lookin at a 20" at GAME for R999.
demon angel
Expert Member
If thats your limit.A 22 inch would be ideal though.I understand you are on a budget.