Making my cheap computer up to par for latest games

Haruko · Post by **Haruko** » 2007-03-09 05:39pm

I want my computer to be able to handle games such as C&C 3 and SC, and other games that require some power and lots of graphics memory.

As for my first example (C&C), I have read the specs here: http://www.commandconquer3.com/cnc3_sys ... ments.html

Here are my system specs, according to the Belarc Advisor software:
Operating System: Windows XP Home Edition Service Pack 2 (build 2600)
System Model: GATEWAY T3990
Processor: 2.93 gigahertz Intel Celeron
16 kilobyte primary memory cache
256 kilobyte secondary memory cache
Main Circuit Board: Board: Intel Corporation
Bus Clock: 133 megahertz
Memory Modules: 240 Megabytes Installed Memory

Slot 'J6G1' has 256 MB
Slot 'J6G2' is Empty
Slot 'J6H1' is Empty
Slot 'J6H2' is Empty
Local Drive Volumes: c: (NTFS) 76.62 GB 25.13 GB free
Display: Intel(R) 82865G Graphics Controller [Display adapter]
Default Monitor
Multimedia: Realtek AC97 Audio

I don't think Belarc indicated if I have an AGP slot, but I suppose I should. I guess I'll open up the computer or look for the specs hidden away somewhere in my desk.

One of the most crucial and most obvious things I need to upgrade are my graphics. There's a store called Staples nearby and they're selling "PNY GeForce 6200 256MB Graphics Card" for $150 ( SEE HERE). Sounds like a good deal, but I'm wondering what you guys think. I looked at the details and read from the system requirements of C&C what kind of graphics cards are not supported, and it seems OK, but can anyone confirm that that card is compatible? I'm not looking for the most super awesome card ever, just something that's decent without a price that destroys my wallet.

I suppose I'll need a new sound card. I think the one in my computer is integrated into the motherboard. Any suggestions on what sound card I should get, if so?

It seems my processor has more than enough ghz. Is it OK that mine is a Celeron, though? Pardon my ignorance. I suspect this is the stupidest questions I've asked so far.

Haruko · Post by **Haruko** » 2007-03-09 05:49pm

I looked up my system at Product Hub (dot) com and found THIS:

The Gateway eMachines T3990 Desktop Computer features one Intel Celeron D 335 2.80GHz processor, 80GB Ultra ATA hard drive, and 256MB standard memory. It includes 2GB maximum memory capability, and the Windows XP Home with SP2 operating system.

With a CD-Writer - CD-R/RW optical drive, the Gateway eMachines T3990 Desktop Computer also features 48x 32x 48x CD-RW optical drive speed, an Intel Extreme Graphics 2 64MB Shared PCI Integrated graphics controller, and an Intel PRO 10/100Mbps IEEE 802.3u Fast Ethernet Integrated network interface.

----

On the features page:

* Processor: 1 x Intel Celeron D 335 2.80GHz
* Bus Speed: 533MHz
* Chipset: Intel 865GV
* Standard Memory: 256MB
* Maximum Memory: 2GB
* Memory Technology: DDR SDRAM
* Hard Drive: 80GB Ultra ATA
* Optical Drive: CD-Writer - CD-R/RW
* Optical Drive Speed: 48x 32x 48x CD-RW
* Controller: Ultra ATA
* Graphics Controller: Intel Extreme Graphics 2 64MB Shared PCI Integrated
* Network: Intel PRO 10/100Mbps IEEE 802.3u Fast Ethernet Integrated
* Ports: 1 x 9-pin D-Sub (DB-9) Serial
* Ports: 1 x VGA External
* Ports: 1 x 25-pin D-Sub (DB-25) IEEE 1284 - Parallel
* Ports: 2 x 4-pin Type A USB 2.0 - USB Front
* Ports: 4 x 4-pin Type A USB 2.0 - USB Rear
* Ports: 1 x 6-pin mini-DIN (PS/2) Mouse
* Ports: 1 x 6-pin mini-DIN (PS/2) Keyboard
* Ports: 1 x RJ-11 Modem
* Ports: 1 x RJ-45 Network
* Operating System: Windows XP Home with SP2
* Case Style: Mini-tower
* Dimensions: 14.125" Height x 7.25" Width x 16" Depth
* Weight: 22.5 lb
* Standard Warranty: 1 Year(s) Limited

Still don't see anything indicating an AGP slot.

Post by **weemadando** » 2007-03-09 05:49pm

RAM!!!

RAAAAAAAM!!!!!!

Also a whopping great graphics card will help, but you've got a huge issue in that its a goddamn Celeron still.

General Zod · Post by **General Zod** » 2007-03-09 06:00pm

Heartily second the more memory requirement. I'd suggest at -bare minimum- 1 gig worth. If at all possible upgrade the mobo and the chipset so you can get a Pentium or Athlon. Celerons really are the retarded stepchildren of the processor world.

InnocentBystander · Post by **InnocentBystander** » 2007-03-09 06:24pm

Rule #1, Never buy a graphics card from a retail store. That card is $50 at newegg!

Second, I'm not sure what kind of upgrade options exist for your motherboard, but you're looking at at least $100 worth in ram (min 1ghz), $150 in graphics card (a 7600gt @$150 gets you'low' quality). As far as the processor goes you *honestly* need a far more powerful processor. My x2 3800+ running on only a single core chugs with SC, but no one really benchmarks systems with old celeron processors. You could try upgrading to a P4 Prescott. However I would highly suggest a larger overhaul (do you really want to play Supreme Commander on lowest of low settings with decent frame-rates -- assuming your processor is up to spec?)

I honestly think you would be wasting your money by upgrading that system. I think you would need to pour around $350 into it to get SC working at low-ish settings (C&C 3 is slightly less demanding, SC is the better benchmark I feel). On the other hand, you could give yourself a fresh machine (salvage the hard drive, case, power supply, maybe the OS if possible?)

Motherboard - $100-$150
dual core processor - $150-300 (even the cheap core2 processors are really powerful)
1 gig (or 2 if you can afford) of ddr2 ram $100-200
a decent graphics card (Nvidia is coming out with a new line of midrange graphics cards that I think are going to be really powerful for the price (the 8600 series) ) $150-200
Oh, and Supreme Commander *requires* a dvdrom drive, figure $30-50. (the store I got my copy from had only DVDs of the game).

So... $350 or so to get the games working poorly on your current computer, with no possible route of upgrading. OR
$600ish would get you a machine that can run it well (note the graphics cards I mentioned don't come out for maybe a month), and leaves you open to upgardes in the future as more money becomes available.

Of course, I have *NO* idea what your budget is...

Howedar · Post by **Howedar** » 2007-03-09 06:42pm

Pointless. Blow it up and build a new system.

Post by **Beowulf** » 2007-03-09 07:49pm

Take convenient firearm.
Use current computer for target practice.
Build new computer

Post by **Darth Wong** » 2007-03-09 08:09pm

InnocentBystander wrote:Rule #1, Never buy a graphics card from a retail store. That card is $50 at newegg!

That's not really fair. There are plenty of budget retail stores with reasonable prices.

InnocentBystander · Post by **InnocentBystander** » 2007-03-09 10:00pm

Darth Wong wrote:
InnocentBystander wrote:Rule #1, Never buy a graphics card from a retail store. That card is $50 at newegg!
That's not really fair. There are plenty of budget retail stores with reasonable prices.

Perhaps, I've seen a few decent deals for graphics cards in store at Frys. But good prices are almost exclusively found online. Maybe the stores I go to just happen to have nothing but old, poorly priced, graphics cards.

Arthur_Tuxedo · Post by **Arthur_Tuxedo** » 2007-03-09 10:08pm

I can't really see anything usable in that system, especially for SC. Maybe keep the case and the monitor if it's any good. Throw the rest off the roof. Right now I'd go for the following set up:

Newegg wrote: ECS NFORCE 570 SLIT-A (V5.1) LGA 775 NVIDIA nForce 570 SLI ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
Model #: NFORCE570 SLIT-A 5.1
Item #: N82E16813135026

Return Policy: Standard Return Policy

In Stock
Mail-in Rebate
$79.99 $79.99

Update
EVGA 320-P2-N811-AR GeForce 8800GTS 320MB GDDR3 PCI Express x16 HDCP Video Card - Retail
Model #: 320-P2-N811-AR
Item #: N82E16814130082

Return Policy: Standard Return Policy

In Stock
Mail-in Rebate
$289.99 $289.99

Update
FSP Group (Fortron Source) AX450-PN, 12cm FAN, version 2.2, 2 SATA, PCI Express, 450W Power Supply - Retail
Model #: AX450-PN
Item #: N82E16817104954

Return Policy: Standard Return Policy

In Stock
$53.99 -$4.00 Instant $49.99

Update
Intel Core 2 Duo E6400 Conroe 2.13GHz LGA 775 Processor Model BX80557E6400 - Retail
Model #: BX80557E6400
Item #: N82E16819115004

Return Policy: Processors (CPUs) Return Policy

In Stock
$221.00 $221.00

Update
CORSAIR ValueSelect 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 667 (PC2 5300) Desktop Memory Model VS2GBKIT667D2 - Retail
Model #: VS2GBKIT667D2
Item #: N82E16820145098

Return Policy: Standard Return Policy

In Stock

I copied and pasted that from the shopping cart, so apologies if it's not very well organized. You'll also need a DVD Burner, but those are cheap and hard to go wrong with these days, so I'll leave that up to you.