Buying a new Processor

[nightslicer]

Hello, im looking to upgrade my processor; Intel Pentium 4 3.20ghz 3.19ghz, Dell Dimension 5100. Im on a budget so im looking for something cheap but better.

Also i want to upgrade my ram, but im not sure what sort to buy because im only 15. im sure my desktop can handle 4GB. Thanks

[KenB]

Why do you want to upgrade your Processor ?

 

You are right - your system will support 4GB

see here

 

 

[nightslicer]

i'd like to upgrade it because i want to play better games, is it worth it? or should i just get more ram?

 

also i looked at the link and it says '400-MHz and 533-MHz DDR2 unbuffered SDRAM', does it mean i MUST get 400 - 533 MHz?

Edited April 22, 2012 by nightslicer

[BenchZowner]

Upgrading the graphics card is an exponentially much better option to get better gaming performance, but with your current setup there are several limiting factors to what you'll be able to game.

 

What kind of games are you into anyway ?

[nightslicer]

ive already got a Radeon HD 4350, im into racing games, shooter games, i wanted Prototype but i doubt itll work at the moment, i also like strategy based games such as Warhammer and Starcraft 2 although ive already finished it. im not sure what i should upgrade to increase the variety of games my pc can handle.

[BenchZowner]

What's the native display resolution of your monitor ? ( assuming that you're using a TFT monitor )

Racing & shooter games as in... you're interested to play DiRT 3, DiRT Showdown ( upcoming ), Crysis, Crysis 2, BattleField 3, Metro2033 and the likes ?

If yes, then the graphics card is #1 ( Unless your monitor's resolution is 1024x768 or 1366x768 ).

 

But if you go for a decent graphics card, and want to play the games mentioned above you'll also have to upgrade your CPU and have 3GB or more RAM ( 4GB is more than fine, 8GB is the end of all :p )

[nightslicer]

what would i upgrade my cpu to though? im not too sure what i would buy, or whats best to buy as im also on a budget :(

[KenB]

Hi,

 

does it mean i MUST get 400 - 533 MHz?

Just to confirm - ( If you decide to upgrade the RAM )

Your motherboard only supports up to 4GB RAM.

The suggestion is 2 matched pairs. ( You have 4 slots - probably 2 different colours. )

The first pair will be in slot 1 & 3 and the second pair 2 & 4

You would need 4 x 1GB DDR2 RAM 533Mhz

 

32bit systems will only utilise about 3.5GB RAM anyway.

 

If you are unsure try Crucial Scan

http://www.crucial.com/uk/store/drammemory.aspx?gclid=CMywhJq9ya8CFQ1lfAodo08OZQ&cpe=pd_google_uk&ef_id=edNPAtrvwkcAAEX@:20120422221303:s

 

How much RAM do you have at the moment?

[nightslicer]

i have 2gb, 4 512mb pieces, i looked at the crucial website and scanned but it says:

 

Memory Type: DDR2 PC2-8500, DDR2 PC2-6400, DDR2 PC2-5300, DDR2 (non-ECC)

Maximum Memory: 8GB

Currently Installed Memory: 2GB

Total Memory Slots: 4

Available Memory Slots: 0

 

why does it say my maximum memory is 8GB? and can i buy 2 2GB peices because it says:

 

Each memory slot can hold DDR2 PC2-8500, DDR2 PC2-6400, DDR2 PC2-5300 with a maximum of 4GB kit (2GBx2) per slot.*

*Not to exceed manufacturer supported memory.

 

 

 

Thanks

[KenB]

I am unsure why Crucial Scan should report 8GB ??? ( unless you have had a motherboard replacement in the past )

The link to the Dell site states quite clearly 4GB max.

 

The Dell site suggests 4 x 1GB but you would be able to use 2 x 2GB in slots 1 & 3

see here

 

I found this on Amazon

click here

You may be able to use this for price comparison.

 

Personally I would not recommend buying cheap RAM.

Crucial - Corsair - Kingston - G.Skill all make good products

 

If your OS is 32bit there would be no benefit to putting more than 4GB RAM in anyway.

[nightslicer]

ahh thank you very much, this has helped me a lot! also i have another question; do i have to get the 2gb ram sticks with 533 MHz? or does it not matter? Edited April 23, 2012 by nightslicer

[BenchZowner]

If you really want to dig into modern games, if I were you, I'd rather save up money and once I have a decent amount ( not necessarily a lot, 500$ is good for a proper gaming PC [ without a monitor & peripherals purchase ] ) I'd sell my current parts ( this PC ) and build a custom rig with the money you have & get from selling it.

You'll be much better off.

 

Assuming that your motherboard could support a Q6600 ( don't know, it should, but didn't research on BIOS support for your motherboard ), you'd be able to buy a used one for about $80-100.

You'd also need 4GB of DDR2 RAM, approx $60 for a new value kit.

Then you'd also need a graphics card ( could be anything, even a $400 Radeon HD7950 ).

And lastly, a new power supply unit ( toss in another $100 or so )

And with your current motherboard ( assuming that it supports the Q6600...if ) I don't think you'd be able to overclock it much ( if at all )

 

Compared to what you need to buy a new and much better PC, the above suggestion sounds ridiculous to me.

[nightslicer]

hmm ill consider that, saving would take a long long time though lol :)

[KenB]

do i have to get the 2gb ram sticks with 533 MHz? or does it not matter?

Just to clarify further .....

No is the answer .................but ..............If you bought DDR2 677MHz and the m/board is compatible with 533MHz then your faster RAM would only function at 533MHz and not at the 677MHz that you would hope for.

 

If you are looking to upgrade your system I think you are going to be limited with that particular m/board.

It is going to restrict your options.

If you are spending hard-earned cash then I would opt for a completely new system.

 

If you want a cheap fix ....

 

Upgrade the RAM on this m/board to 4GB

Possibly think about a Video Card upgrade.

New PSU to match the new Video Card.

[nightslicer]

thank you, thats answered SO many things lol + im going to get a different graphics card soon as i already have a 500w psu :)

[KenB]

You are welcome.

 

At least you are a little more informed so that you can make a decision as to where you want to go from here :)