PC Upgrade

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tehGame

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Hi guys

I currently have POS PC that I bought from Game about a year back, that I want to upgrade. Is it recommended or should I just start from scratch.

PC Specs.
CPU - Intel Dual Core E2200 @ 2.2Ghz
Mobo -P5KPL-AM SE - ASUS Intel G31, LGA775, 1600(O.C)FSB, 2xDual DDR2 1066(O.C), 1xPCI-x16, Onboard VGA, 1xPCIx1, 1xPCI, 1xATA100, 2xSATAII, 10/100 Lan, 8ch-Sound, Max 8xUSB, microATX
Graphics Card - Intergrated
Ram - 1GB
OS - Vista Home Basic

Upgrade To:
CPU - Intel Core 2 Duo E7500 @ 2.9Ghz
Mobo - Keep current
Graphics Card - Gigabyte ATI HD4850 512MB
RAM - 4GB

Main reason for upgrading is to be able to play Starcraft 2 at atleast medium settings. I've got a budget of about R3K. What PSU will I need. Would I need to get a new Chassis. Thank you:)
 
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It's advisable to get a new chassis with more room and ventilation and a good PSU like a Gigabyte. I doubt you would see much difference between the Intel Dual Core and a Core 2 Duo.

For Starcraft 2 a Quad Core CPU would be the best and they are really cheap to get nowdays.
 
Y don't you go core2quad rather?
PCint.co.za prices
Core 2 Quad Q8400 2.66Ghz (1333FSB 4MB) R 1,396 incl.
2 x 2GB DDRII-800 (Kingston - KVR800D2N5/2G) R 404 incl. = R808
Maybe Geforce GTS 250 1GB DDR3, D-Sub,DVI,HDMI - R 1,151 incl
as it depends how much you would be paying for your 4850

It would be recommended to go Club3D 5770 R1654

but if you saving for a full upgrade later on then rather go a cheaper card and setup now...
 
Thanks for the advice.So Im better of getting a Intel Q8400 CPU? And what wattage PSU would I need to run the HD4850?
 
The HD4850 is going for R1,149 at Take2. Which will be better the GTS 250 or HD4850. I still need to source a LCD(21.5") maybe.
 
Try can get an Nvidia 460 for R2000. You will probably need a new PSU, the GB Odin goes for around R500, and then get a 2GB RAM module for around R400. Your current machine will run like a dream, and if you have a need to upgrade the CPU/MOBO in a year or two, you can still use the PSU, and display card.... Money spent on a new CPU will be better spent on a display card right now.
 
Conradl said:
Try can get an Nvidia 460 for R2000. You will probably need a new PSU, the GB Odin goes for around R500, and then get a 2GB RAM module for around R400. Your current machine will run like a dream, and if you have a need to upgrade the CPU/MOBO in a year or two, you can still use the PSU, and display card.... Money spent on a new CPU will be better spent on a display card right now.
Click to expand...

But won't the game still be laggy seeing as the minimum specs says a 2.6Ghz Pentium IV is needed.
 
I'm using the same Dual Core CPU and a G31 mobo with an HD4650 1gb and I can play all the new games at medium settings perfectly at 720p. Some games can go up to 1080 even. I say don't upgrade the CPU yet.
 
tehGame said:
But won't the game still be laggy seeing as the minimum specs says a 2.6Ghz Pentium IV is needed.
Click to expand...

Not at all. The minimum spec is for a P4, which is way slower than your current CPU. IF you need to upgrade your cpu, and I really do not think you will have to, then only do so after you upgrade the GPU, RAM and PSU and verify that the CPU upgrade is necessary....
 
Conradl said:
Money spent on a new CPU will be better spent on a display card right now.
Click to expand...

I do agree.. You should rather upgrade CPU+mobo at the same time as it will call for new RAM most likely, as you'd be moving to a new platform(x58, 890 or P55 chipsets or whatr ever the future brings).
The 460 will give you a massive improvement in games!! Especially over that Onboard :p
What PSU and case do you have?
I'd assume you'll need a new PSU! A good quality 400w will be adequate like corsair CX400w or OCZ StealXStream 400w.
Although gigabyte-odin-470w should serve your needs just fine.
 
nakedpeanut said:
I do agree.. You should rather upgrade CPU+mobo at the same time as it will call for new RAM most likely, as you'd be moving to a new platform(x58, 890 or P55 chipsets or whatr ever the future brings).
The 460 will give you a massive improvement in games!! Especially over that Onboard :p
What PSU and case do you have?
I'd assume you'll need a new PSU! A good quality 400w will be adequate like corsair CX400w or OCZ StealXStream 400w.
Although gigabyte-odin-470w should serve your needs just fine.
Click to expand...

I think the PSU is a 350w not sure. And the case is a small standard Mecer one. NVidia GTX 460 - I've checked and Take2 got it for R2500. Is that decent?
 
tehGame said:
I think the PSU is a 350w not sure. And the case is a small standard Mecer one. NVidia GTX 460 - I've checked and Take2 got it for R2500. Is that decent?
Click to expand...

I sold a few this week for R2000.... Just saying....
 
tehGame said:
That is in the pipe line.LOL Will Windows 7 Home Basic 32-bit work with 4GB Ram.
Click to expand...

It will, but rather get 64bit. The problem is that you only have two slots, and one is already full. 3GB RAM is plenty for gaming though and should be fine.....
 
You not blind: it is not there. Working on the back end and have not yet updated the site with new products for some time....
 
lol poor guy is new to all this! Just PM him with price details :p

Although I would say your case should be adequate as you not changing motherboards, and the 460 is a fairly small card. You should be fine. But it's always nice to get a new better looking case with better airflow.

Definitely home premium! at least!!

And if you going 460 dont pay more than R2100 for it! There are alot better places than take2 to buy from :)
Here's a nice list of reputable places: http://mybroadband.co.za/vb/showthread.php/229967-Your-Favorite-Online-PC-Shopping-sites
Also Use sites like www.pricecheck.co.za to easily compare prices
 
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