PC Upgrade Ideas

Sam Sanchez3 · 2013-07-13T01:59:56+00:00

Hey everyone, After spending a few hours Googling and getting frustrated by all the useless info out there, I figured I'd just ask you guys for some help. Basi…

Richard Stewart64 Member

12 messages
joined Oct 2013

#21 · Oct 25, 2013

Timothy Kim60 said:A second card might work if you've got a PCI-e slot available—but if you're stuck with an old AGP setup, forget about it.

But honestly, if that slot is sitting right above $33—it’s probably not worth the headache. If you're hunting through used parts for something cheap, at least try to grab an NVIDIA GeForce GT 520 (keep in mind those DDR5 models are way snappier than the DDR3 versions) or maybe an old NVIDIA GT 440, 630, or 640. I'm assuming your power supply isn't some high-end beast anyway, right?

http://www.gainward.com/main/vgapro.php?id=95 It says here under Bus: PCI-Express (I think that's what it means)
So, this one should work, right?
I just noticed the HDMI, DVI, and VGA ports up there... it probably won't work though.

Larry Ortiz5 Regular

710 messages
joined May 2020

#22 · Oct 25, 2013

That graphics card should work fine with your motherboard since it uses a PCIe slot. It’s got HDMI, DVI, and VGA, so you'll have plenty of ways to hook up your monitor—no issues there. And honestly, back in the day we had AGP cards too, so you really don't need to sweat the small stuff.

Richard Stewart64 Member

12 messages
joined Oct 2013

#23 · Oct 25, 2013

Larry Ortiz5 said:That graphics card should fit right into your motherboard since it uses a PCIe slot. As for the HDMI, DVI, and VGA—those are just different ways to hook it up to your monitor. Even those old AGP cards had their own setups, so honestly, you don't need to sweat the small stuff there.

Alright then, thanks for the help, you two.

Richard Stewart64 Member

12 messages
joined Oct 2013

#24 · Oct 25, 2013

http://www.ebay.com/itm/nvidia-geforce-gt-520-graphics-card-listing Hey, quick question—would this graphics card actually work with my motherboard? Just a heads up, two of them already sold elsewhere.

Larry Ortiz5 Regular

710 messages
joined May 2020

#25 · Oct 25, 2013

It’ll probably work, but don't expect much—that graphics card is pretty low-end, so you might want to manage your expectations for actual gaming.

Richard Stewart64 Member

12 messages
joined Oct 2013

#26 · Oct 25, 2013

Larry Ortiz5 said:Sure, it'll run, but don't expect much—that card is strictly bottom-of-the-barrel stuff.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/graphics-card-listing-example ? I'm not trying to run anything crazy, just maybe some FIFA 14 every now and then.

Kimberly Gomez34 Regular

686 messages
joined Jul 2009

#27 · Oct 25, 2013

Look, that's pretty weak for gaming. What’s your absolute maximum budget for a GPU? Maybe you can find someone selling something decent locally.
Maybe take a look at this one if you want to check options:

But generally speaking, those aren't great for playing games. It would be ideal if you could pair that Intel Core 2 Duo with at least one of the cards I've listed here:

Here are some up to $67

Only consider these if you have a solid power supply! (And I have my doubts). Don't try running these on some off-brand, generic PSU. Pop the case open and tell me the specific model name.

- ???

The first three links (especially number 2) are a bit newer and draw less power, though they are weaker than these older, high-performance cards that require a heavy-duty power supply.

Richard Stewart64 Member

12 messages
joined Oct 2013

#28 · Oct 25, 2013

Timothy Kim60 said:Look, that’s pretty weak if you actually want to play anything—what’s your absolute max budget for a GPU? Maybe someone can dig something up for you if you look hard enough.
Maybe check this out if you’re interested:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/graphics-card-listing-example-1

But honestly, those aren't great for gaming. It would be a lot better if you could grab at least one of the things I listed to pair with that Intel Core 2 Duo.

Here’s some options up to $67
http://www.ebay.com/itm/graphics-card-listing-example-2
http://www.ebay.com/itm/graphics-card-listing-example-3

http://www.ebay.com/itm/graphics-card-listing-example-4
http://www.ebay.com/itm/graphics-card-listing-example-5
http://www.ebay.com/itm/graphics-card-listing-example-6

Only touch those if you have a decent power supply! (And I highly doubt you do.) Don't go plugging those into some off-brand, generic unit. Open the case and tell me the actual model name.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/graphics-card-listing-example-7
http://www.ebay.com/itm/graphics-card-listing-example-8
http://www.ebay.com/itm/graphics-card-listing-example-9
http://www.ebay.com/itm/graphics-card-listing-example-10
http://www.ebay.com/itm/graphics-card-listing-example-11
http://www.ebay.com/itm/graphics-card-listing-example-12
http://www.ebay.com/itm/graphics-card-listing-example-13
http://www.ebay.com/itm/graphics-card-listing-example-14 - ???

The first three links (especially the second one) are a bit newer and don't pull much power—though they are weaker than those older, high-draw cards that require a solid power supply.

model KY-280 ATX 230 V , is it even worth getting a processor with a power supply like this? What would be the point of upgrading the CPU when I'm just using integrated graphics? There are so many GPUs listed, but I was specifically looking for stuff in my own city, St. Louis.
haha, I can't believe it. I knew it was junk, but I didn't realize it was *that* bad. http://www.craigslist.org/computer-parts-listing-example I think that's the winner right there.

Kimberly Gomez34 Regular

686 messages
joined Jul 2009

#29 · Oct 25, 2013

That power supply is junk. How many amps or watts does it actually output on the 12V rail?
Look, if the price is right (between $150 and maybe $67), it's worth upgrading to a dual core, even if you don't plan on gaming much.

As for the new FIFA 14, I can't say for sure, but it'll perform way better than those pathetic integrated graphics found on motherboards
around your neck of the woods.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/graphics-card-listing (Something like this goes for up to $300 in a retail store—this one's new, but honestly, it's nothing special either.)

Or, you could go with a really budget-friendly option.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/graphics-card-listing

Richard Stewart64 Member

12 messages
joined Oct 2013

#30 · Oct 25, 2013

Timothy Kim60 said:that power supply is total junk. How many amps or watts does it actually put out on the 12V rail?
Look, if the price is decent (anywhere from $150 down to maybe $67), it’s worth making the jump to a dual core—even if you aren't planning on gaming much.

And honestly, I don't know about the new FIFA 14, but it's definitely better than those pathetic integrated chips found on motherboards
around your neck of the woods.

http://www.craigslist.com/listing/graphics-card-example (you could find something like this for up to $300 at a retail store—this one's new, but still nothing to write home about)

Or just go for some really cheap solution.
http://www.craigslist.com/listing/cheap-graphics-card

I might trade in an old phone worth about $67 for the processor, and I'll try to scrape together some extra cash for a new power supply... I don't really intend to play anything specific, I just want to speed up my PC since I spend so much time studying. I only thought about playing FIFA 14 for fun, but if it doesn't work out, it's fine. You guys helped me out, and I actually learned something new here... peace everyone.

fadedorca66 Regular

372 messages
joined Nov 2022

#31 · Oct 25, 2013

Upgrading your GPU isn't really gonna speed up the whole rig unless you have enough RAM. I guess, how much are you running right now?

Richard Stewart64 Member

12 messages
joined Oct 2013

#32 · Oct 25, 2013

fadedorca66 said:Upgrading your GPU isn't really going to speed up the whole system—how much RAM are you running anyway?

I didn't say I was looking at the graphics card—I meant a new processor. I've got 2 GB right now, and I just figured I'd pick up a decent GPU while I'm at it to replace this junk I'm currently using.

Kimberly Gomez34 Regular

686 messages
joined Jul 2009

#33 · Oct 25, 2013

FIFA 14 on an NVIDIA GeForce GT 520 - PES isn't particularly demanding, so you could definitely have some fun with it.

As for FIFA 14, I'm honestly not sure since they switched to a new engine—though maybe it's worth a shot.

Richard Stewart64 Member

12 messages
joined Oct 2013

#34 · Oct 25, 2013

Got the processor installed and everything seems to be running fine—though I think I might have been a little stingy with the thermal paste, if you know what I mean. It feels noticeably snappier, too. I do have one question, though—is it actually possible that I won't be able to fully push this CPU to its limits because my power supply is too weak? Or am I looking at other potential issues down the road?

Kimberly Gomez34 Regular

686 messages
joined Jul 2009

#35 · Oct 26, 2013

you'll be able to make use of it. If there are any issues, the PC will just shut itself down.

By the way, what do you mean "it's running low on paste"? Did you actually buy some? You can find it in the link for about 10-$$5.00
You just need to put one tiny bead right in the center click . The heatsink will spread it out for you

Richard Stewart64 Member

12 messages
joined Oct 2013

#36 · Oct 26, 2013

Timothy Kim60;47319896 said:you'll be able to make it work. If things go south, the PC will just shut itself down.

I mean, what does "running low on paste" even mean for you? Did you actually buy any? You can grab some via that link for like 10-$5.00
bucks. Just put one tiny little pea right in the center click. The heatsink will spread it out for you.[/QUOTi

Actually, there's already thermal paste on it—just noticed looking at the photos that there's plenty

swiftscout21 Newcomer

2 messages
joined Nov 2014

#37 · Nov 13, 2013

Motherboard: ASUS ROG Maximus (3 PCI, 3 PCI-E x1, 1 PCI-E x16, 4 DDR2 DIMM, Audio, Gigabit LAN)... I'm trying to figure out what my best move is—whether I should hunt for something brand new or just pick up some used parts—to upgrade this setup. To give you the full picture, I’m currently running an NVIDIA GeForce GTX Series (512 MB) card; it still works perfectly fine and honestly performs okay for most things, but man, these latest AAA titles are just killing me. I was thinking it might be time to put a little money into an upgrade
Processor: Intel Core i7, 2400 MHz (12 x 200), plus 4 GB of RAM. System memory shows up as 3584 MB (DDR2 SDRAM). Thanks!

Robert Rodriguez2 Regular

353 messages
joined Jul 2015

#38 · Nov 13, 2013

swiftscout21 said:Motherboard: ASUS ROG Maximus (3 PCI, 3 PCI-E x1, 1 PCI-E x16, 4 DDR2 DIMM, Audio, Gigabit LAN). Looking for advice on what to buy—new or used, doesn't matter. I've got an NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GTX (512 MB) that still works fine, but modern games won't even run. Thinking about putting some money into this
CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo E6700, 2400 MHz (12 x 200) 4 GB RAM System Memory: 3584 MB (DDR2 SDRAM) thx

What's your budget?
And what kind of power supply are you running?

swiftscout21 Newcomer

2 messages
joined Nov 2014

#39 · Nov 13, 2013

Robert Rodriguez2 said:How much were you actually planning to drop on this?
And what kind of power supply are you running right now?

Yeah, I definitely need a new PSU—I've got some random leftover unit sitting around that’s only about 400W... my old one actually fried while I was cleaning it out (it was an old 400W unit too). As for the budget, I'm honestly not sure—prices seem to be all over the place lately. My goal is really just to upgrade enough so that it stays relevant for at least another 2 or 3 years, if that's even doable... I was thinking about buying everything brand new, but then again, my current rig has been running flawlessly for five years straight, so it's a tough call...

Benjamin King2 Active Member

138 messages
joined Apr 2007

#40 · Nov 14, 2013

GPU -
PSU -

You've got a pretty decent motherboard there—solid stuff—and honestly, that processor should handle 3 GHz at stock voltage without breaking a sweat (running at 12x250)—you just need to swap in a better cooler to keep things from getting too crazy:

Roughly $400, but hey, you can definitely repurpose all those parts for a future build when you finally decide to upgrade.

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