Upgrading Computer, Need Help

[majesticming]

Hellooo.

 

I've just acquired myself a new (but used) desktop. I'm in the process of upgrading some of the parts in the hopes to make it more game and mod friendly. However, never having had a decent computer before I am unsure of the upgrades I should make. I don't want to upgrade something if it's already sufficient for the mods I want to run. I also don't want to get something if it's gonna suck. My current specs are:

 

Windows 10 Pro 32-bit (x64-based Processor)

Dell Inc.

OptiPlex 380

Phoenix ROM BIOS PLUS Version 1.10 A07

Intel® Core2 Duo CPU

4GB RAM

DirectX Version 10

 

Any input is appreciated. It should also be noted that I am a total noob when it comes to this stuff, so I'm sorry if any of this information is irrelevant or if I seem like... well, like a noob. Some of the mods I want to run (For Skyrim) are:

 

In general - high res texture mods for my character and hair packs, new lands, ENBs, armor and weapon mods as well as new houses.

Frostfall

3D NPC

Skyrim Flora Overhaul

Static Mesh Improvement

Enhanced Lights and FXs

Pure Waters

Skyrim HD

..etc.

 

Thanks. :smile:

 

[obobski]

Need more information about the machine - which specific Core 2 Duo, what graphics adapter, what kind of expansion slots, what size power supply, is it a conventional desktop/deskside case or is it slim profile, etc? The "OptiPlex 380" can encompass a relatively wide range of configurations, and unfortunately some of them will have little to no upgrade paths for what you're after.

[majesticming]

Unfortunately you are right - I ordered new memory only to try and install it and hear a series of beeps. Fail on my part. Ah well, thank you for your response! Should've posted here sooner. I plan on getting a completely new Alienware desktop. Was thinking this one: http://www.dell.com/us/p/alienware-x51-r3/pd?oc=dpcwxy02h&model_id=alienware-x51-r3

[obobski]

With more information about what you currently have, a more in-depth discussion could be had, otherwise there's not much anyone can really tell you - "it's a computer" is just too vague (and this isn't meant as a dig or insult).

 

The Alienware you've linked to isn't a bad mid-range gaming system - it should run Fallout 4 or Skyrim quite happily, but there's no guarantee of performance with mods (just too many variables at play - I'm not saying it won't run mods, I am saying mods produce unpredictable performance requirements and/or conflicts). This also assumes you aren't running at extremely high resolutions (e.g. QHD or above). I would also highly suggest re-considering Windows 10, and going with Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 instead, as many users have reported significant issues with Windows 10's forced updates (and forced driver updates) causing compatibility problems with many games and applications (and in some extreme cases, leaving the system unusable), as well as the significant number of unanswered questions regarding Windows 10's data collection and telemetry features (which Microsoft largely has been silent about).

 

Fortunately it appears Alienware is now offering their Graphics Amplifier external PCIe solutions for the X51 (its only taken like five years for them to do this :teehee:), so graphics card upgrades in the future may be more accessible for the SFF machine (of course, at a price premium compared to just upgrading a PCIe card in a standard desktop system). You may give that some thought, or give some thought to building or buying a more conventional desktop system with more conventional expandability options.