Fun Stuff > CLIKC
The PC-building/hardware knowledge thread
thehollow:
I ended up going with a Logitech Media Keyboard, because it was 20 bucks at target. So far I like it well enough, although I haven't done too much gaming with it yet. I don't like the way the home/delete/end etc. are is set up, but it'll be alright once I get used to it.
thegreatbuddha:
So, I'm going to upgrade my computer. I have a Gateway with a Radeon 9250 PCI videocard.
I intend to upgrade my RAM to 2GB+, and get a new video card. I will have $500-700 to spend on RAM and the video card.
My current motherboard only supports DDR RAM up to 400mHz. Given my limited budget, is it feasible to upgrade my motherboard to something DDR2 compatible?
Is the DDR support on my motherboard only relevant for system RAM, or will that prevent me from using a video card with DDR2 or DDR3 RAM?
Will my power supply be able to handle the updated hardware? Will I need to get additional fans, etc for cooling purposes?
Anything else that immediately jumps out as something I should fix?
Dimmukane:
RAM is dirt cheap unless it's PC133 (before DDR, so no worries). I bought two 1 gb sticks of DDR2 for just under 80$ (or was it 65$?), if that helps give you an idea. Which leaves Video Card/Power Supply. I don't suppose you know what wattage your power supply is. In which case, get a 650 watt or so power supply (shouldn't be more than 150 or so). This leaves 200-300 for the card. Go nuts. I got a 7900 GS for 140, but you can probably go higher. As for additional fans, it's certainly not a bad idea, and they're also pretty cheap. Less than 10 bucks cheap.
Personally, I would've just gone out and gotten a new computer, but if you've only got a few hundred, that's probably good.
FUBAR:
--- Quote from: thegreatbuddha on 03 Jan 2008, 00:43 ---So, I'm going to upgrade my computer. I have a Gateway with a Radeon 9250 PCI videocard.
I intend to upgrade my RAM to 2GB+, and get a new video card. I will have $500-700 to spend on RAM and the video card.
My current motherboard only supports DDR RAM up to 400mHz. Given my limited budget, is it feasible to upgrade my motherboard to something DDR2 compatible?
Is the DDR support on my motherboard only relevant for system RAM, or will that prevent me from using a video card with DDR2 or DDR3 RAM?
Will my power supply be able to handle the updated hardware? Will I need to get additional fans, etc for cooling purposes?
Anything else that immediately jumps out as something I should fix?
--- End quote ---
I am by no meas a pro, but I'll try to offer what info I can about purchasing new hardware.
As far as the specifications for RAM; the memory on the Video Card, and the system memory are two different things so they really have nothing to do with each other from a functional point of view other than buffering the graphics before it hits the display. Additionally, when purchasing a video card you want to value the core clock speed over the amount of memory that is attached to it since the clock speed is the determining factor in how well the card will perform. Be careful not to completely write off the attached memory on the card though as that can give your frames per second a noticeable boost.
Now, purchasing system memory (RAM) can be kinda tricky since there are so many different brands with a multitude of designations and specs. I won't bore you with the details. My advice is to get memory that is rated as having low latency, and is manufactured by a respectable company. I prefer Corsair, they have never let me down. The best way to start looking is by going to your motherboard manufacturer's website and searching for a compatibility chart so you can figure what how much memory it can take and what kind.
Whether or not it is feasible to upgrade your MB or not is up to you. You have to ask yourself how much you are willing to spend and what do you want your computer to do. If you're going to be swapping out a majority of the other components though you may need to end up upgrading the MB anyway due to compatibility.
However, if you can give a more detailed outline of what the current system has installed in it and what you want the rig to be able to do we could probably recommend some good companies,models, and retailers.
thegreatbuddha:
http://support.gateway.com/s/PC/R/4658/4658nv.shtml
Those are the specs for my PC, since it essentially stock. The only upgrade it has is a Radeon 9250 PCI video card.
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