Need some Help upgrading my PC!

[IAvalonI]

Hi, I hope this is the right place to ask this but I need some impartial advice.

 

I'll list my specs below, but the main reason that I want to upgrade my computer is that the trailer for TESV: Skyrim really made me want to replay oblivion.

I do have a tendency to mod my game quite heavily, so my current sytem used to run at rather low FPS, depending on graphical settings.

So basically could anyone tell me what I need to replace and with what, or anything I could do to generally improve my pc? If you do have any tips I would also appreciate a feel for how much it would cost me (as far as possible). I wasn't planning on spending very much, but if it'll help a lot I might reconsider. Therefore I'd also be interested in anything I could do for free or for less than £100 (or Dollars or Euros or whatever, I'll convert it myself :P).

 

-It's a Dell XPS 420

-running Vista home premium (32-bit) and DirectX 11

-Intel Core2 Quad CPU Q8200 (2.33GHz)

-4.0GB RAM (3.24 according to the Dragon age origins configuration utility for some reason. 4.0 is what's stated on CCleaner and the Computer itself)

-ATI Radeon HD 3870 (VRAM: 512MB) - whatever that might be :P

-And not sure if that's helpful but I have a 1920x1080 Dell single screen with 60Hz refresh rate...

 

And that's all I managed to find out about my system, if any more information is required just let me know how to get it!

Thanks in advance!

 

Avalon

[bben46]

Here is the official specs list for that sys. http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/xps420/en/OM/HTML/appendix.htm

 

It looks like you have already maxed out the RAM for a 32 bit system.

 

The power supply shows either a 375 Watt or a 425 Watt. That may be a little weak for an upgraded video card, especially the 375 version. I normally recommend a minimum of 450 Watts for newer video cards.

 

On the video, I think that is a separate board rather than an onboard and that is good. But 512 MB video memory is is low for a gaming computer.

 

hard drive: I think it has a 640GB which should be Okay, so I'll pass on making any recommendations beside if it is more than 3/4 full upgrading or possibly just adding a second HD. Be sure you defrag it from time to time.

 

So, recommended upgrades

More powerful power supply, 500 or 600 Watt to have enough power for an up to date Video card and any future expansion

Updated video card, stick with the ATI type as that is what you are used to.

[Thandal]

Note: Your Radeon HD 3870 does NOT support DX11. Vista (with the "platform upgrade") does, and various games do, so you'll see the option appear in a game's menu, but it can't actually display anything using those advanced functions unless your card is capable of performing the operations. (Think you need need at least a 58xx 5xxx-series card to get DX11...)

[Vecna6667]

Should definitely get update the PSU first if you haven't already. As for graphics cards, if you go with AMD, the Radeon HD 6850 is good at the $200 price range while the Radeon HD 6950 is good at the $300 price range. The 6870 is outclassed at the $250 range by the GeForce GTX 560 Ti and the 6970 is dead even with the GTX 570 but it is about $50 more than the 570. For Operating Systems, a 64-bit system would help with all of the mods you use. Since the LGA 775 chipset is no longer around, any CPU suggestion I give will make you change the motherboard as well.

 

As for VRAM, it is RAM that is used by the GPU so the GPU doesn't take from the normal RAM and force a tug of war and slow the system down. Gaming systems usually need 1 GB of GDDR5 VRAM but the Radeon HD 6900 series are usually equipped with 2 GB and there are some HD 6950s that have 1 GB.

[IAvalonI]

Ok, thanks very much for all the replies so far.

I had no idea this 'gaming' pc came with such a lousy power supply!

 

But anyway, if I'm not too bothered about having all maxed out graphics, but do wanna run some mods, and would also like my system to be at least capable of running more recent games (oblivion is what, from 06?), including the upcoming sequel on this computer, which PSU and graphics card would be a good investment? I doubt I'll need an amazing one, since I just wanted an improvement from what I've got at the moment... (and obviously they should fit my casing)

 

Btw, here's some possible ones I could get near where I live, and the prices are already in my currency, so that will help.

http://www.pcworld.co.uk/gbuk/power-supplies/718_7057_70061_xx_xx/xx-criteria.html?sPageInfo=2_12&sSortInfo=price-desc

http://www.pcworld.co.uk/gbuk/graphics-cards/716_7054_70058_xx_BA00001772-BV00123308/xx-criteria.html?sSortInfo=price-desc

 

Ps, I only have 450GB on this computer as well, and only about 150 free, but I'm sure there's an awful lot that can be deleted or put on an external Hard drive...

[Vecna6667]

Ok, thanks very much for all the replies so far.

I had no idea this 'gaming' pc came with such a lousy power supply!

 

But anyway, if I'm not too bothered about having all maxed out graphics, but do wanna run some mods, and would also like my system to be at least capable of running more recent games (oblivion is what, from 06?), including the upcoming sequel on this computer, which PSU and graphics card would be a good investment? I doubt I'll need an amazing one, since I just wanted an improvement from what I've got at the moment... (and obviously they should fit my casing)

 

Btw, here's some possible ones I could get near where I live, and the prices are already in my currency, so that will help.

http://www.pcworld.co.uk/gbuk/power-supplies/718_7057_70061_xx_xx/xx-criteria.html?sPageInfo=2_12&sSortInfo=price-desc

http://www.pcworld.co.uk/gbuk/graphics-cards/716_7054_70058_xx_BA00001772-BV00123308/xx-criteria.html?sSortInfo=price-desc

 

Ps, I only have 450GB on this computer as well, and only about 150 free, but I'm sure there's an awful lot that can be deleted or put on an external Hard drive...

 

For the PSU, go with the 650w - 700w to be on the safe side for future upgrades and and the potential to crossfire possibilities. Any of the HD 5850s should play any current game while not hitting your wallet or your electric bill and both the HD 5850 and HD 5870 are overachiever in performance. On paper, the Radeon HD 5870 performance was suppose to be in between the GTX 470 and GTX 480, but it surpassed the GTX 480 in most benchmarks (Metro 2033 was a killer on most ATI cards(including the 5970 and the Asus Ares, and H.A.W.X. 2 favors the nVidia cards.)

 

Edit: Just don't go with the 5770 or lower card. The 5770 can play a good portion of today's games, but it is more meant for an HTPC (home theatre pc.)

Edited March 30, 2011 by Vecna6667

[Illiad86]

I don't agree about the 5770 for an HTPC. HTPCs are normally low profile and low power. Something like a 5450 or any of those cheap cards are meant for an HTPC. They just need to be able to decode HD at a good rate. Onboard does it well, but a card is always better.

 

I played the Metro 2033 demo on my 5770. At the time, I had a 3.2 GHz dual core and 4GB of DDR2 800. 1920x1200, maxed DX9 settings,4xAA, 16xAF...nice 40FPS solid through the demo. I'm going to try it again because I have better innards now and I should be getting my Windows 7 in the mail tomorrow :D

 

It's the only newer game I've played on it so far. Shall see in May how The Witcher 2 is going to run ;)

 

It's a nice card...and a decent price. My boyfriend and I never really spend over $180 on a graphics card, and they can last many years depending on how you game. I'm not upgrading anything else on this other than Windows, shall see how Skyrim runs. I'm going to try it on my boyfriend's computer, he has similar specs to you (6GB DDR2 800, dual core instead of quad)...I bet it will run just fine.

[IAvalonI]

Right, to be honest, personally I doubt I'll get anything higher than a 5770, mainly due to financial reasons, and because I'm not that serious a gamer.

So you have that one and you say it works well Illiad86? Because that could be one worth considering for me, or possibly even slight lower, but I'll have to go and look for the cheapest supplier first...

 

Also this might be a stupid question, but what exactly is the difference between the different types of the same graphics card? On the website whose link I gave above for example there is

-Asus

-Sapphire

-XFX

all for the same card? What is the difference and which is best?

[Illiad86]

Well, if your short on cash, that is the one to go for. Anything lower than that won't be worth it.

 

There's really no difference between the companies. It's all the same card, they just stick their own type of cooler on it or pre-overclock it. XFX is nice because it has a double lifetime warranty. So, if you sold your card to a buddy, he could have the warranty :) Look for a card with a decent looking cooler on it with heatpipes...the stinkers get pretty hot. I got a HIS 5770, nice cooler at the time and I got it for $145 with a promo code from newegg :D

 

Here's a handy little power consumption guide for video cards if you want to upgrade you PSU, but 600-650W is a good range to buy:

 

http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/MSI/GTX_580_Lightning/21.html

 

 

Hmm Dell...not sure, but do they still use BTX style cases on their mid-range and/or cheap systems? Finding a BTX PSU will be a pain in the heinder :(

Edited March 31, 2011 by Illiad86

[Qwaxalot]

I agree about the 5770 series cards, they are solid performers and fairly low power consumption.

 

I doubt that you really need a 600 watt power supply, however it is pretty cheap insurance, as long as you buy a good one!

 

Read reviews! Corsair and Antec are good (off the top of my head)

 

As far as Power Supply form factor, you can determine that by going to the Dell website. You'll need the Model Number and Serial Number for your computer.

 

For what it's worth Dell power supplies are generally above average for their ratings!