Upgrading PC, need a little help.

Forums › Desktop computing › Upgrading PC, need a little help.

Criminogenesis

3 posts

Wannabe Geek

#99918 29-Mar-2012 21:34

Hey

So I'm thinking of upgrading my PC but needed to get some more info before
I waste money. About 3 years ago my parents bought me a Dell studio 540 but
its starting to get a bit old and i figured some more ram and graphics wouldn't
hurt. I would like to go to 8gigs ram and 1-2gigs graphics but that will all
depend on if its possible. I tried researching this online but it made me more
confused then when i started, so I figured posting here would be the best solution.

So my current system specs are:

dell studio 540
windows vista sp2
4gigs ram
ATI Radeon HD 4300/4500 Series with 512 Vram
Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo CPU E7400 @ 2.80GHz
PSU is 350w

Now what i need to know is:
1) What other specs do i need to take into account before i upgrade?
2) how do i find out if my motherboard is compatible?
3) is the 350w PSU going to be a problem?

Thanks in advance for any help anyone can give.

heavenlywild

5091 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 901

Trusted

#602236 29-Mar-2012 22:08

Most likely, your Vista can only take max 4gb of ram due to it being 32-bit.

Your PSU is going to be an issue as it is fairly low in grunt for modern day cards.

I recommend purchasing a new machine to avoid compatibility problems. You may only end up paying a wee bit more.

zaptor

745 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 39

#602588 30-Mar-2012 15:53

heavenlywild:
I recommend purchasing a new machine to avoid compatibility problems. You may only end up paying a wee bit more.

+1

For what it's worth, Dell will actually price match over the phone. They did it for me when I quoted a brand name PC via an online reseller. You have to prove it's readily available through normal channels though (i.e. URL).

vinnieg

2260 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

#602596 30-Mar-2012 16:05

Agree with the others, best to purchase a new machine. About the only thing you can do with that is maybe put a ATI 6750/6770 graphics card in it. And maybe upgrade to 64bit Win7, if you wanted to do more than the 4GB of ram you currently have

I have moved across the ditch. Now residing in Melbourne as a VOIP/Video Technical Trainer/Engineer.

Criminogenesis

3 posts

Wannabe Geek

#602604 30-Mar-2012 16:20

hmm i was wondering if it might be easier to get a new one. Now I'll have to find
something to do with my current one.

RealityClash

192 posts

Master Geek

#603181 1-Apr-2012 09:06

Put it on trademe and if it sells then put the money towards a new system :)

ArcticSilver

731 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 148

#603220 1-Apr-2012 10:32

Taking a step back here, what do you use the machine for?

You dont have that badly a spec'ed machine for general computing tasks.

New World

Shop on-line at New World now for your groceries (affiliate link).

Criminogenesis

3 posts

Wannabe Geek

#603423 1-Apr-2012 19:16

Mainly gaming now, used to use it for uni
but now that I'm out of that, its just games and
movies that its used for.

Its at the point were games from a couple of months ago are
just running at minimum settings. Thought it might
be nice to upgrade a bit before gw2, diablo 3 and any
oter decent games come out.

ArcticSilver

731 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 148

#603800 2-Apr-2012 13:26

Criminogenesis: Mainly gaming now, used to use it for uni
but now that I'm out of that, its just games and
movies that its used for.

Its at the point were games from a couple of months ago are
just running at minimum settings. Thought it might
be nice to upgrade a bit before gw2, diablo 3 and any
oter decent games come out.

For gaming, a new PC would definitly be best, the main issue you will currently have is your graphics card. Your power supply will definitly be the limiter here and considering it is a Dell it would be best to start again.

I would highly recommend going to your local PC store and asking them about a full sized computer (ie ATX case). This wayin the future you will hopefully have the option of upgrading, where a dell might restrict you.