So Im REALLY new at this PC for gaming thing (ram and video card buying)

H

hhhdx4

CAGiversary!
Feedback
12 (100%)
So I want to upgrade my pc with more ram and a video card, where would the best (and cheapest) place to buy ram be, Im also in the market for a videocard, nothing exorbitantly expensive, maybe something under 150 (or a little over), any tips?
 
You type in your current computer specification to us, providing with enough information, we can give you the right recommendations.
 
Yeah we need to know what will be compatable with your system. For the vid card I suggest the 7600gt in AGP or PCIx whatever your MB has.
 
pentium 4 3.06 GHz
496 mb RAM
Intel 82865G Graphics Controller (Intel(R) 82865G Graphics Controller)


everything is stock since I got it about 4 years ago, its a gateway.
 
Ok I would say that you want a Nvidia 7600GT graphics card which will run you between 100 and 150 dollars. You also want 2 gigs of ram which if you wait for rebates will be about a 100 dollars.

EDIT: You need to check and see if you have a PCI-e slot because that is what most graphics cards use today, if you don't have one make sure to get an AGP card.
 
Try this, on your desktop, find the 'My Computer' button > right click > Properties.

Tell us what it says for the model/make in there.

Here's a sample picture, I circled what you should look for.
model.jpg


We might be able to look it up and see what you need.
 
Dang it doesn't say... hm.:whistle2:k

Well, I think it's safe to assume that he has an AGP slot. That's for sure.

As for memory, he can probably just use Corsair's memory checking thing. It's most likely DDR but doesn't hurt to check first.
 
Well... DDR and RDRAM use the same number of pins so their slots look very similar. I know Intel used SDRAM for a while before ditching it for DDR so it could be SDRAM too (though unlikely).

According to Newegg, Gateway's 500 series used DDR and SDRAM (which is different than DDR and RDRAM).

You could try one more thing... just open your case and see what it says on your memory sticks. Some of them clearly say what they are, others don't.
 
DL "cpu-z" and run it. That will tell you what your current memory is and what memory is in each slot.
 
just checked with cpu-z, I have DDR, so now that thats settled, where would I be able to get ram at a great price? would newegg be my best shot?


edit: and would the only way to check what kind of video card slot i have is to open her up?
 
It's safe to say that you have an AGP; unless your motherboard doesn't come with one at all.

But since you'll be opening the case anyway to upgrade, why not just open it now to make sure before you end up buying the wrong components. Also check for empty RAM slots (just to make sure it doesn't have 2 occupied slots only)
 
[quote name='hhhdx4']just checked with cpu-z, I have DDR, so now that thats settled, where would I be able to get ram at a great price? would newegg be my best shot?


edit: and would the only way to check what kind of video card slot i have is to open her up?[/QUOTE]
I am pretty sure you are running on an integrated video solution right now. I would say try and open that baby up to see if it has a PCI-E slot...but I sincerely doubt it. It is most probably an AGP slot that you have open...might just be a standard PCI slot also...

Can you give me the model name of the PC? or take a picture of it and I will be able to help you. If you are interested in running some PC games...check my website out. with that Processor + 512 MB more of ram + a decent video card = pretty solid gaming.
 
gateway500x.jpg



I know its definitley part of the 500 series, I cant point out the model number, it may have been a special build, but thats definitley what my tower looks like.


edit: when I get home tommorow (if Im not exhausted form work) Ill take a picture of the innards.
 
Okay, I just checked. I have three free PCI slots, and one AGP slot I believe. and 4 ram slots, two filled with 256 MB sticks, the sticks said they were DDR and SDRAM



so video card buying, i raised my budget, and can get something in the $200 range if thats any better, but prefferably less.


edit: and does brand of RAM really matter?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
bread's done
Back
Top