System Overhaul for new games (like Skyrim!)

Bloodrayne

Bloodrayne

Bloodrayne

Associate
Joined
8 Feb 2004
Posts
258
Location
In the wetlands...
I posted this in the wrong forum before so I hope that no one minds me posting it here to get further feedback.

Basically, my PC has been neglected in favour of the 360 of late, which has been great fun to play with and has lasted longer than any console I've owned previously - however, Skyrim is coming, RPGs are made to be played on PCs (and the mods are always better) so I'm in need of some serious upgrading advice if I'm going to get anywhere close to what the screenshots promise.

I currently have:
  • Windows XP
  • Intel(R) Core(TM)2 CPU - 6600 @ 2.40GHz (2 CPUs)
  • 3GB RAM (PC2)
  • Radeon X1950 Pro
  • SoundMAX HD Audio
  • P5B Deluxe
  • Both IDE and SATA HDD with plenty of space (although I hear that SDD is something I should consider now too)
  • Enermax Noisetaker EG701AX-VE(W)SFMA 600watt PSU

I'm not keen on overclocking anything (it would end in tears) but would welcome recommendations of improvements that I could make; since I was basically considering replacing my PC entirely - let's say a budget of around £800?

Cheers!
 
Thanks for these - I think XP is on it's final legs, so may venture for Windows 7 (too long a wait for 8)

I have the LCD monitor, keyboard, mouse, etc - they're old, but they still work well enough to slot into my upgrades much later on. My current case is a Lian Li PC-60 (or thereabouts) I've had it for a good few years now, but it does the job well enough and doesn't look too bad for it's age.

Good to see common recommendations already; means that I'll have less of an ordeal picking out the parts.

Cheers!
 
Yeah, it's 32-bit XP - hence last legs... I hear that the 64-bit version isn't that well supported anyway? For drivers and the like...

Reviewing the recommendations, it sounds like a need a completely new system - I'm tempted to hold off on the upgrade and then spend a bit more and get something brand spanking new built for me.
 
Dang.

Have just taken a look at what I have available space wise and don't think that it would work in my current case (or if it did it would be VERY snug); which is a shame as it's a nice case...

What is the tipping point on price? When do I spend too much on parts when I could just get an entirely new PC and some added freebies thrown in?
 
Yep - currently have a 10" card; and that's snug, with the wires and HDD placement I don't think I could comfortably find another inch.

I think that I'll basically be replacing the entire contents of the tower (and the tower) except for the PSU...
 
Just to say that I went for King Damager's suggestion and it's been great so far - ages since I last did a PC build so pleasantly surprised that it seems to have got easier!

Only slight oversight on my part was that I overlooked the need for a Wireless connection; picked up a Wireless-N Dual Band USB for the interim; which seems to work okay.

Played Witcher 2 on high settings last night - suitably impressed!

Also, Windows 7 is much nicer than Vista, and has made the transition from XP pain-free!

Thanks to all for your recommendations and thoughts
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom