Questions from someone who only has a PCI slot

G

groupiezsuck

CAG Veteran
Ok, since I probably will not be able to buy a new computer for another couple years(College, you guys know the deal.) I decided to upgrade what I have now.

System Specs:
eMachines 2.5ghz
256MB RAM
60GB HDD
Intel Intergrated graphics card

Ok, so I found out which memory is compatible and i've decided to get this(512MB PC-2700).

1) Will 512MB have a noticable difference when I upgrade just for normal everyday computer use? I manage websites, e-mail, alot of photoshop cs work, etc.

Now on to the graphics part... I'm stuck with a PCI slot. No PCI-E or AGP - and theres nothing I can do about it.

I want to play games like HL2/Counter-Strike Source & FFXI.

2) If I buy this(nVidia GeForce 5200 256MB DDR), will it run HL2 on a medium setting and how would final Fantasy look on the 5200 PCI? I know i'm not getting anything close to great looking, but is it atleast playable?

So basically, with the upgrade to 768MB RAM and a GeForce 5200 256MB DDR -- Will I be able to play some of the current PC games? I know I wont be able to play ANYTHING coming up, but im totally fine with that.

If it's not worth it, then I may reconsider the graphics card and just get the memory. I'm dieing to play CS:S though. :cool:

If anyone has a similiar set-up, let me know what you can run! Also, if anyone knows of a good PC gaming site where they can give me advice, please post!
 
Thanks for the suggestion bro!

CAn you explain why that is better? I notice it is only 128MB DDR - the other one is 256MB DDR - wouldnt the 256mb be better?

Thanks again!
 
A FX5200 PCI is about equal to an ATI 9250 PCI (in most cases it runs better than the 5200). But the ATi 9250 has the same problems as an outdated card PCI, which is it can't run any current games well. Your going to be loathing playing current games on those cards.

My only solution (since i've been in your shoes before) would be to find a cheap motherboard that supports your CPU/memory (and that supports AGP), and a cheap case (with a good PSU 400W+, there dirt cheap these days) that supports the your new motherboard. Gut your E-Machine, and put the parts on the new motherboard/case (CD-Rom's/CPU/Memory/PCI cards). Then buy yourself a decent graphics card (like a ATI 9800 pro, or a Geforce 6600 (or above) for about 100-250 bucks. All together it shouldn't run you more than 400 (if you have built in audio, sound cards are pretty dirt cheap also) bucks to upgrade your computer and be able to play current games well.
 
[quote name='groupiezsuck']1) Will 512MB have a noticable difference when I upgrade just for normal everyday computer use? I manage websites, e-mail, alot of photoshop cs work, etc.[/quote]

YES. Doubling your RAM always gives a VERY noticable increase in performance. Why the fuck are you using an e-machines CPU when you primarily do graphical and web-based work? I'd recommend looking into the Mac mini, as Macs are typically much faster in executing programs such as Photoshop. Though the Mac mini would suck at playing the latest games, since it only has a Radeon 9200 graphics card.

[quote name='groupiezsuck']Now on to the graphics part... I'm stuck with a PCI slot. No PCI-E or AGP - and theres nothing I can do about it.[/quote]

You can get a brand new Dell for around $350 ($300 AR) (no monitor). http://configure.us.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?c=us&cs=04&kc=6W300&l=en&oc=dim24min&s=bsdFrom there, I'd recommend getting a Radeon 9800 128 MB card, since it's fairly cheap (~$150) and capable.

I'm sorry I can't really make any recommendations beyond starting from scratch, but, IMO, that would be the best and most afforable way to go.
 
My budget is only about $200-$250.. that is why I do not have the option of just buying a whole new computer. College starts in the fall, have to buy a new-er car, so you probably get the picture.

I was looking at the possiblity of buying a new case and motherboard along with the 512MB RAM & graphics card but I wasnt sure if that would work or not. Could I easily transfer over the DVD/CD-Rom drive, HDD, RAM, and Windows XP? My XP only has a eMachines disk that installs on my computer, so how would I get it if I bought new stuff?

As you can see, i'm lost here. :\
 
Like everyone else, I'd say you're going to have a tough time running any games on that motherboard. If you want your computer to do what it does now better, RAM will really help. Going up to just 512 MB should give you a big jump.

There are some cheap options if you want to start from scratch. Tom's Hardware just did an article on the viability of the Sempron as a good, cheap processor. If you go by their recommendation from the first paragraph, only slightly lower end, you could build this system:

Socket 754 Mother Board with on board Audio - $50
Sempron Processor - 2800 for $100 or 3100 for $120
512 MB of Ram - $60
9600 Pro - $100

Use existing case (assuming it's ATX), power supply, and drives.

Disclaimer: I’m not an AMD guy. I’m going by benchmarks and guessing down. I think this is acceptable (at least the 3100… I’d like other opinions on anything below), but corrections are welcome.

Total of $310 is as cheap as I can figure (though you could just buy 1 new dimm of RAM and have an acceptable 512 MB total for $280). The 9600 Pro is outdated right now, but it should do exactly what you said - play games that are out now (well, maybe not Far Cry) at medium to low settings at lowish resolution. The 9800 Pro is much better and should play games for another year, but boarders on costing twice as much.

Problem is, you don't get software - restore discs I've experienced are tied to the mother board. Solution is research the school you'll be attending to see if they have a deal with Microsoft Developer Network Academic Alliance (MSDNAA). If it's like my school, you may be able to get Windows XP for free. Then use Open Office for working.

If you can't get free software, alongx's solution is way better.

So if you can't stretch your budget, spend as little as $30 on RAM and be happy with faster Photoshop.
 
Thanks the help..

Ok, so if I bought a new motherboard, case, 512MB RAM, WinXP, and graphics card... could I just rape my eMachines down and take out the CPU, HDD, DVD/CD-RW Drive without ANY problems putting it in the new case?

I can get the RAM, graphics card, mobo, and case on NewEgg for $226 and then I have $130 at Amazon.com where I can buy Windows Xp.

also, can someone tell me how CPU works.. I have Intel Celeron 2.50GHz but im not sure if I have to have a certain Motherboard for it. Can I use any motherboard, or is there a certain kind?

Thanks guys...

Oh yea, If I get all of the new parts will my HDD still have all of the crap on it when I put everything together with the new Windows?

EDIT: Also, can an experienced PC guy find me the BEST AGP card for up to $120 on NewEgg? I see a Radeon 9600 on NewEgg for $100... is there better? Will it run World of Warcraft and Half life 2?
 
[quote name='alongx'][quote name='groupiezsuck']1) Will 512MB have a noticable difference when I upgrade just for normal everyday computer use? I manage websites, e-mail, alot of photoshop cs work, etc.[/quote]

YES. Doubling your RAM always gives a VERY noticable increase in performance. Why the shaq-fu are you using an e-machines CPU when you primarily do graphical and web-based work? I'd recommend looking into the Mac mini, as Macs are typically much faster in executing programs such as Photoshop. Though the Mac mini would suck at playing the latest games, since it only has a Radeon 9200 graphics card.

[quote name='groupiezsuck']Now on to the graphics part... I'm stuck with a PCI slot. No PCI-E or AGP - and theres nothing I can do about it.[/quote]

You can get a brand new Dell for around $350 ($300 AR) (no monitor). http://configure.us.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?c=us&cs=04&kc=6W300&l=en&oc=dim24min&s=bsdFrom there, I'd recommend getting a Radeon 9800 128 MB card, since it's fairly cheap (~$150) and capable.

I'm sorry I can't really make any recommendations beyond starting from scratch, but, IMO, that would be the best and most afforable way to go.[/quote]

I tripled my ram, and I notice a BIG change. Now FraxFlame II doesn't crash Photoshop.
 
I'd highly recommend upping the RAM for virtually every application of the system. 512 MB is where XP hits its stride, and greater has virtues for the right apps.

I'd be very conservative on spending for a video. You simply aren't going to run current generation games well. Period. Get over it.

That said, there are a few thousand perfectly good games in the bargain bins that will play very well with a decent PCI video card. Chances are there are tons of very good games that can be found in $10 packages that will provide plenty of enjoyment while letting you keep most of your money. By keeping your video card and game investment under control you'll much sooner reach the day when you can buy a new machine that will have all the right parts for your needs. Trying to get more out of a limited system can be a waste of money. Better to endure and reach the goal of a fully satisfactory machine that uch sooner.
 
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