Can this be upgraded?

aldric · 4 Oct 2012 at 23:14

I am not having much joy with suggestions for a new (cheap) graphics card on this thread (http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showthread.php?t=18447890)

So, is there anything I could do with the system in general to improve performance and actually play games like Diablo 3, wow, guild wars 2 on a small budget, or is it better starting off again and donating this pc to my kids!

------------------

System Information

------------------

Time of this report: 10/2/2012, 10:29:51

Machine name: G-PC

Operating System: Windows Vista™ Home Premium (6.0, Build 6002) Service Pack 2 (6002.vistasp2_gdr.120402-0336)

Language: English (Regional Setting: English)

System Manufacturer: Packard Bell bv

System Model: IMEDIA X2424 AIO

BIOS: Default System BIOS

Processor: Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Quad CPU Q6600 @ 2.40GHz (4 CPUs), ~2.4GHz

Memory: 3070MB RAM

Page File: 1517MB used, 4856MB available

Windows Dir: CWindows

DirectX Version: DirectX 11

DX Setup Parameters: Not found

DxDiag Version: 7.00.6002.18107 32bit Unicode

---------------

Display Devices

---------------

Card name: NVIDIA GeForce 7050 / NVIDIA nForce 610i

Manufacturer: NVIDIA

Chip type: GeForce 7050 / NVIDIA nForce 610i

DAC type: Integrated RAMDAC

Device Key: Enum\PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_07E3&SUBSYS_E0381631&REV_A2

Display Memory: 1529 MB

Dedicated Memory: 249 MB

Shared Memory: 1279 MB

Current Mode: 1440 x 900 (32 bit) (60Hz)

Monitor: Generic PnP Monitor

Driver Name: nvd3dum.dll,nvwgf2um.dll

Driver Version: 7.15.0011.6396 (English)

Idleman · 5 Oct 2012 at 08:55

You could buy 2x4gb ram, a new Psu, a Gpu and install Vista 64bit. That would be an improvement.

Or, depending on your budget, invest in a new system.

What`s your monitor resolution?

ubersonic · 5 Oct 2012 at 09:00

Idleman said:
What`s your monitor resolution?

aldric said:
Current Mode: 1440 x 900 (32 bit) (60Hz)

Marine-RX179 · 5 Oct 2012 at 09:06

Considering your PSU and CPU, the 7750 would be your best bet for graphic, as it only consume max 44W according to techpowerup's review...and the 7750 would be plenty for that res. If you don't have a budget of around £75 for the 7750, then you'd probably have to look at lower cards like the 6670 or 6570 at around £50.

Idleman · 5 Oct 2012 at 09:06

Thanks, just woke up.

aldric · 5 Oct 2012 at 09:24

Idleman said:
You could buy 2x4gb ram, a new Psu, a Gpu and install Vista 64bit. That would be an improvement.

Or, depending on your budget, invest in a new system.

I assume installing vista 64bit would mean a purchase from microsoft?

I've been told by the mrs I can buy a new system next year, so I don't really want to go nuts to be honest.

What is the rough cost on 2xgb ram, new psu, gpu and vista 64bit?

Thanks for the help.

aldric · 5 Oct 2012 at 09:28

Marine-RX179 said:
Considering your PSU and CPU, the 7750 would be your best bet for graphic, as it only consume max 44W according to techpowerup's review...and the 7750 would be plenty for that res. If you don't have a budget of around £75 for the 7750, then you'd probably have to look at lower cards like the 6670 or 6570 at around £50.

Yes, the PSU has max of 250 watts.

Is this the one you mean?

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=GX-159-MS

Is there much difference between the 7750 and 6670? Because of the rest of the PC not being the best would I notice much of an improvement with the better card?

Thanks for the help.

aldric · 5 Oct 2012 at 12:20

Out of interest I take it there are a lot of spammers on this site? It's really frustrating posting and waiting for ages until the post is approved. How many posts do you need until this stops?

Thanks. Aldric,

EDIT. I can now post without being moderated, thank you.

aldric · 5 Oct 2012 at 17:25

aldric said:
I assume installing vista 64bit would mean a purchase from microsoft?

I've had a look on-line and some seem to suggest that you can upgrade to vista 64 bit using your product key for 32bit, is that right?

Idleman · 5 Oct 2012 at 18:23

aldric said:
I've had a look on-line and some seem to suggest that you can upgrade to vista 64 bit using your product key for 32bit, is that right?

I believe so.

Just found your mobo specs. As there are only 2 ram slots, you would need 2x4gb ddr2 ram. So, it would cost about £80+, to benefit from Vista 64bit.

aldric · 5 Oct 2012 at 18:57

Cheers Idleman. So £80 and then a new graphics card on top?

Starting to look like its definitely a better idea just to upgrade the graphics card and then get the new pc next year.

Idleman · 5 Oct 2012 at 19:26

aldric said:
Cheers Idleman. So £80 and then a new graphics card on top?

Starting to look like its definitely a better idea just to upgrade the graphics card and then get the new pc next year.

DDR2 ram is very expensive.

Go for the 7750 Marine-RX179 linked.

Here is a comparison 7750 v 6670 http://www.anandtech.com/bench/Product/613?vs=614

You could also check the clearance section. Nothing in there at the moment, but worth keeping an eye on. You get some good bargains.

Socrates470BC · 5 Oct 2012 at 19:37

aldric said:
...I've been told by the mrs I can buy a new system next year, so I don't really want to go nuts to be honest...

Have you thought about the OCUK Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) schemes.

Spend over £333.34, pay 10% deposit, and pay in full in 6 months or 12 months with no interest if you pay in full. There is a £29 admin fee.

Details here.

aldric · 5 Oct 2012 at 19:38

Certainly looks like a big difference in performance.

Thanks for you help.

aldric · 5 Oct 2012 at 19:44

Socrates470BC said:
Have you thought about the OCUK Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) schemes.

Spend over £333.34, pay 10% deposit, and pay in full in 6 months or 12 months with no interest if you pay in full. There is a £29 admin fee.

Details here.

Good to know thanks might take that route next year but as I am re-mortgaging I don't want to take out any finance between now and then.