Looking to upgrade my PC

[tw0sh0t2112]

Currently, I'm using a Dell XPS 410
4 GB DDR3 RAM
Intel Core 2 @ 2.13Ghz (2 CPUs)
ATI Radeon HD 4870 w/ 1 GB of GDDR5 RAM (Sapphire I think) operates at 750MHz Core clock, 900MHz Memory Clock, it's PCI 2.0 x 16
500GB HDD
32 bit Windows Vista

What I am wanting to do, in order to spend as little as possible, is upgrade to a 64bit system. Right now I would like to upgrade my MOBO and CPU and perhaps even my video card. I'm not looking at the idea of crossfirex or anything fancy, just a nice vid card to run BF3.

Various forums have all hinted that the developers said that if you can run BF:BC2 on high, you'll be fine on BF3. I run my BF:BC2 on medium/lowish AND I just wanna upgrade a few items to get me another 2 or 3 years out of what I have.

I'm planning on using the same case, powersuply, RAM (I have 6 gig in the rig now, but 32bit only sees 4 gig of it), and HDD.

Any suggestions? I've been pouring over items on newegg.com.

[XxSilentxFartxX]

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/HP+-+Factory-Refurbished+Pavilion+Desktop+/+AMD+Athlon%26%23153%3B+II+Processor+/+6GB+Memory+/+1TB+Hard+Drive/2428097.p?id=1218326060959&skuId=2428097

All youll need now is a new video card and you are set. I just bought this and itll be delivered on the 28th. Ill just upgrade the video card that I already have and I am set

[Pakman3000]

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/HP+-+Factory-Refurbished+Pavilion+Desktop+/+AMD+Athlon%26%23153%3B+II+Processor+/+6GB+Memory+/+1TB+Hard+Drive/2428097.p?id=1218326060959&skuId=2428097

All youll need now is a new video card and you are set. I just bought this and itll be delivered on the 28th. Ill just upgrade the video card that I already have and I am set

With those systems from HP and the like, you have to watch the power supply and space available for long graphics cars which can extend to a foot.

[smoke]

/agree
HPs and lower end DELLs are not designed to upgrade with aftermarket parts. I found that out the hard way by trying to move my DELL motherboard into a new case. nothing lined up, the mobo was not a standard form factor. HP PSUs are notoriously under powered.


With those systems from HP and the like, you have to watch the power supply and space available for long graphics cars which can extend to a foot.

[smoke]

Currently, I'm using a Dell XPS 410
4 GB DDR3 RAM
Intel Core 2 @ 2.13Ghz (2 CPUs)
ATI Radeon HD 4870 w/ 1 GB of GDDR5 RAM (Sapphire I think) operates at 750MHz Core clock, 900MHz Memory Clock, it's PCI 2.0 x 16
500GB HDD
32 bit Windows Vista

What I am wanting to do, in order to spend as little as possible, is upgrade to a 64bit system. Right now I would like to upgrade my MOBO and CPU and perhaps even my video card. I'm not looking at the idea of crossfirex or anything fancy, just a nice vid card to run BF3.

Various forums have all hinted that the developers said that if you can run BF:BC2 on high, you'll be fine on BF3. I run my BF:BC2 on medium/lowish AND I just wanna upgrade a few items to get me another 2 or 3 years out of what I have.

I'm planning on using the same case, powersuply, RAM (I have 6 gig in the rig now, but 32bit only sees 4 gig of it), and HDD.

Any suggestions? I've been pouring over items on newegg.com.


Is it just a Core 2 or a Core 2 Duo? Do you know the model number? If memory serves, Core 2 already support 64bit, so you may only need a OS upgrade.. You can use a tool like Speccy to give you detailed system info. http://www.piriform.com/speccy

I believe the standard build for the XPS 410 put the E6600 or equivalent in, which is a decent processor still. and does support 64bit.
http://reviews.cnet.com/processors/intel-core-2-duo/4507-3086_7-31973857.html?tag=specs

[tw0sh0t2112]

That would be even better. Mine is the E6400:

Type Intel Core 2 Duo E6400
Multi-Core Technology Dual-Core
64-bit Computing Yes

I ran Speccy (awesome program, thanks for sharing that!) and then looked up my CPU on that other site you linked (Cnet) and it says 64-bit Computing - Yes. Does that mean I should be able to slap windows 7 64 bit on the PC? And if so, would I notice an increase in performance? (And utilization of that additional 2gb of RAM I tossed in that's not being used? :) )

[smoke]

That would be even better. Mine is the E6400:

Type Intel Core 2 Duo E6400
Multi-Core Technology Dual-Core
64-bit Computing Yes

I ran Speccy (awesome program, thanks for sharing that!) and then looked up my CPU on that other site you linked (Cnet) and it says 64-bit Computing - Yes. Does that mean I should be able to slap windows 7 64 bit on the PC? And if so, would I notice an increase in performance? (And utilization of that additional 2gb of RAM I tossed in that's not being used? :) )

E6400 - http://ark.intel.com/Product.aspx?id=27249
yep, 64bit support.

Yes, you could slap win7 64bit in, however, noticeable performance difference is debatable. You can utilize the additional memory which is a plus, but performance gained on a 64 bit platform is only as good as the applications which are designed to use the architecture. Most PC games are 32bit threaded, so you would see no performance gains from that perspective.

But - look at this way, there is no price difference, and eventually 64bit will become more of a standard, so in theory, it won't hurt to upgrade to it.
One thing to note is driver support, and making sure you get the 64bit iterations. W7 is awesome with its native drivers, and I have found only a very few which I have had to do some research on.

[tw0sh0t2112]

So slap on my Windows 7, enjoy the additional RAM that I already have installed. Save some money, this system will last me for some gaming another year or two. I can dig it.

Thanks man!

[smoke]

So slap on my Windows 7, enjoy the additional RAM that I already have installed. Save some money, this system will last me for some gaming another year or two. I can dig it.

Thanks man!

No problem - glad to help, and save ya a buck or 2.. :D

[XxSilentxFartxX]

I have legal free copies of win 7 64 bit if anyone wants it, I also have all windows OS's 32 bit and 64 bit. As far as the HP goes. I have upgraded the video card and Power supply and i can play DCU just dandy. Works like a champ

[Pakman3000]

I have legal free copies of win 7 64 bit if anyone wants it, I also have all windows OS's 32 bit and 64 bit. As far as the HP goes. I have upgraded the video card and Power supply and i can play DCU just dandy. Works like a champ

Send me one! Legit 64 7s or bootleg. I was gonna send my wife to her student store to price it for me but free is better.

[MARDIGRA21]

I have legal free copies of win 7 64 bit if anyone wants it, I also have all windows OS's 32 bit and 64 bit. As far as the HP goes. I have upgraded the video card and Power supply and i can play DCU just dandy. Works like a champ

I take a 64 bit win 7

[tw0sh0t2112]

Me too! Sign me up. I'm not doing the swap over until I have all my stuff backed up on a Cloud Drive anyway so It'll be a month or so (maybe sooner) before I swap to 64bit Win 7. Would love a legit copy. Thanks.

[tw0sh0t2112]

Just to follow up. Got my Windows 7 64 bit installed just fine and dangly. Making use of all 6 Gigs of RAM now.

So now I'm video card shopping! Time to upgrade my Radeon 4870, it's a little dated...