What upgrade path to make?

Anchorman

Anchorman

Anchorman

Associate
Joined
6 Sep 2010
Posts
28
Hi all, been browsing these forums for a while - but finally decided to take the leap and register so I could ask for some advice!

My dilemma is a rather aged pc which I currently use, and how to improve it...
Specs are :

Acer aspire
AthlonX2 4200
Mobo ? (assuming am2 cheapie!)
4*512 ddr2
550w psu (added)
256mb 1650xt gpu (added)
150Gb hd
Vista hp oem
crap 19" screen @1280*1024

I can't afford to replace the lot at the moment, so wondered what could be done to benefit me now until I can.

With less than £200...

Thanks!
 
Oh, and is it possible to use the disc that came with th pc to reinstall/repair once new components are added? I will upgrade to w7 eventually, but if I can get by for now I will!
 
Ok, cheers for the replies. Yeah, the gfx is on a pcie slot - thankfully there's something I CAN upgrade!

So a decent card would be better value than a new cpu i.e. Phenom 955? (and is this because my board is am2?)

Sorry for all the dumb questions...:confused:
 
Unfortunately, new mobo/cpu/ram would mean new os aswell - which would be unaffordable at the mo.:( I know bit by bit is not the best way to do it, but needs must as they say!

I had actually considered a 5770 when they came out (and were cheaper!), but was scared that the cpu would be a huge bottleneck, therefore not really making it worthwhile. What do you think about this? And if I DO get one, would a Quad 640 work in my mobo as I could get both for about £200?:)
 
ok will find out about mobo, and get back to you!

And yes, strangely enough I'm not one for latest and greatest (as you could probably tell!:D), but it would be nice to run a few later games... Mostly racing sims atm, but do like the fps/sim category too.
 
PSU is a Trendsonic 550BTX, i know it isn't a great make - but it does have a seperate 12v 4pin connector. Will it be up to the job?

Mobo is EM61SM/EM61PM. All I can find is an update to the bios from 2008/12/09, nothing about what cpu's are compatible.
 
Ach, oh well!

Maybe I'll spend a bit less on a card then start saving up for a new rig, replacing the gfx when I do.

Thanks for everyone's time.:)


Edit: Geez that took me a long time to post, missed another response as I was typing!
 
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Can't find any decently priced am2 chips anywhere, but not sure if I should take the gamble on an am2+? Don't want to have to buy new mobo (and os) for an already old cpu.

Any more opinions welcome!:p
 
Yes, it probably would be the sensible route. Was swithering over just getting a card in the 70-80 range and saving the rest for the new build, but better off having something which will last abit longer I suppose.
How does the 768MB version 460 compare to the 5770 in peoples opinion? I wouldn't be expecting the latest games at full whack, but just curious!
 
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