Building a computer? Need advice/suggestions? Come here!

[Varmint260]

Hey, guys. Planning on ordering some parts to upgrade the desktop; I'm thinking of a 2gb stick of RAM to bring it up to 3gb and a PCIex16 GPU that runs for under $70CAN. Now, I've looked on the Newegg.ca website and I can see a bunch of graphics cards that are that price or lower, but I really can't tell the difference between them. In addition, I've found several 2gb sticks of RAM, but I also don't really know enough about those to make an informed decision. Also, I have just a 250W peak PSU, so can I get a PCIex16 card in that price range that shouldn't require a new PSU, or should I upgrade that as well? In which case, what's a decently cheap PSU that would do the trick?

[Warsaw]

To get a better graphics card, you will need a new PSU. 300W is the bare minimum to even start getting decent graphics cards (9600GT comes to mind here).

As for RAM, you want the one with the best reviews, lowest CAS latency, and fastest speed (that your motherboard can support, my guess is 1066). Find the balance between those three.


Some good PSUs (I'm assuming you use standard ATX):

http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product...82E16817182016

http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product...82E16817153023

[343guiltymc]

Hey, guys. Planning on ordering some parts to upgrade the desktop; I'm thinking of a 2gb stick of RAM to bring it up to 3gb and a PCIex16 GPU that runs for under $70CAN. Now, I've looked on the Newegg.ca website and I can see a bunch of graphics cards that are that price or lower, but I really can't tell the difference between them. In addition, I've found several 2gb sticks of RAM, but I also don't really know enough about those to make an informed decision. Also, I have just a 250W peak PSU, so can I get a PCIex16 card in that price range that shouldn't require a new PSU, or should I upgrade that as well? In which case, what's a decently cheap PSU that would do the trick?

You're not going to get much for under 70 bucks......Damn you just missed the Newegg deal: http://www.newegg.ca/Special/ShellShocker.aspx

[Varmint260]

I realize that for under $70 I can't expect much, but remember that I've been using integrated chipsets or PCI cards of similar performance forever. It doesn't take much to impress me. Now, as for PSUs, I don't exactly know what kind of PSU is in my desktop; only that it says peak wattage is 250W. What other information should I get from it before I replace it?

[Lex1337]

As long as it's a self-grounding PSU (most are) then I don't really see any problems... Why?

Because I want to know if I can just mount a PSU on top of my Slimline instead of buying a new case. Then get the best low profile GPU out.

[343guiltymc]

I realize that for under $70 I can't expect much, but remember that I've been using integrated chipsets or PCI cards of similar performance forever. It doesn't take much to impress me. Now, as for PSUs, I don't exactly know what kind of PSU is in my desktop; only that it says peak wattage is 250W. What other information should I get from it before I replace it?

Definably get a new PSU, there is practically nothing right now that would run on a 250 W power supply. Are you using a slimline desktop?

[Varmint260]

Nah, it's a full-size. And remember how I said it doesn't take much to impress me? It's running Vista on 1gb of ram, a single-core processor (though a decently nice one) and integrated graphics, and it runs HaloPC at 1024x768 and full graphical settings. To most of you, this is totally and completely laughable, and it really is. However, since 2001 I've been running a computer that at best, would chug while running HaloPC at 640x480, and that was with XP running. So, it doesn't take much to impress me.

[343guiltymc]

Nah, it's a full-size. And remember how I said it doesn't take much to impress me? It's running Vista on 1gb of ram, a single-core processor (though a decently nice one) and integrated graphics, and it runs HaloPC at 1024x768 and full graphical settings. To most of you, this is totally and completely laughable, and it really is. However, since 2001 I've been running a computer that at best, would chug while running HaloPC at 640x480, and that was with XP running. So, it doesn't take much to impress me.

What vendor did you buy it from?

[Varmint260]

The computer itself originally came from the Source. A family member bought it, but now they don't need it. Now, it says it's running PC2-6400 RAM. Does that mean the RAM I get for it has to be PC2-6400, or can I get any old RAM assuming I remove the PC2-6400 RAM that's in it already?

[Warsaw]

It means you can run any DDR2 type RAM up to and including PC-6400. Don't know if your motherboard will accept faster RAM without a BIOS flash. And if your case is full size, that means you can use standard ATX-type power supplies. As for a good card for $70, might want to consider raising that to $100. There are some seriously good cards for just under $100.

For $70, the best you can do are:

ATiHD4670
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814140095

ATi HD3850
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814102794

nVidia GeForce 9600GT (Open Box)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...2E16814127382R