8 replies to this topic

[Beo]

Greetings,
So I'm looking at upgrading my computer in some way for Guild Wars 2 but I only have enough money to upgrade one part at this time. I do not know what piece of my computer should be upgraded to grant me the maximum benefit.

These are the current specs for my computer.
CPU : AMD Athlon 64 X2 dual core processor 5000+
Ram : 3 GB
Video Card : GeForce 9500 GT
OS : Window 7

What I'm really looking for is if I can only upgrade one part of my computer what would grant me the most performance increase by upgrading? Any ideas? If I need to give more information let me know.

Thank You

[Elder III]

Well, you're system is getting a bit outdated across the board, but the biggest benefit for you right now would be a new Video Card.  What is your Power Supply and Monitor Resolution?  Also, your budget?

[Beo]

My budget is under $500 and as for my monitor resolution, it is 1680x1050. My power supply is 3.3v and 5v at 165 watt max and a 12v at 200 watt max. Hopefully this will help.

[baels]

For under $500 you can do more than just one part.. and you'll need to. You're going to need to get yourself a nice shiny new 450w+ PSU if you want to run any sort of semi serious video card.

This is what you'll want to do if you want to spend as little as possible and max the game @ 1680x1050 (minus supersampling probably)

http://www.newegg.co...N82E16819103727  Phenom 965 Black Edition- Compatible with AM2 motherboards (Only if your board has a BIOS update to support it). $110
http://www.newegg.co...9027&Tpk=cx 500 Corsair CX 500. Good solid 500W PSU. $50
http://www.newegg.co...N82E16814150561 HD6870 $144.95

Total: $302.95

If you want to make it a little more future proof (i.e. get yourself an AM3+ mobo) then add:
http://www.newegg.co...N82E16813157305 Asrock 970DE3 AM3+ Mobo $69
http://www.newegg.co...N82E16820231424 G.Skill Value 8gb DDR3 +$39

New Total: $410.95

Now you'd have a strong gaming rig capable of more or less maxing GW2.

If you want even more graphical grunt then upgrade the 6870 to the 7850 for an additional $60. If you have the money to spend, i'd recommend it.

http://www.newegg.co...N82E16814150608

New Total: $470.95

Edited by baels, 24 August 2012 - 05:21 AM.

[Reticuli]

baels, on 24 August 2012 - 05:06 AM, said:

For $500 you can do more than just one part.. and you'll need to. You're going to need to get yourself a nice shiny new 450w+ PSU if you want to run any sort of semi serious video card.

This is what you'll want to do if you want to spend as little as possible and max the game @ 1680x1050 (minus supersampling probably)

http://www.newegg.co...N82E16819103727  Phenom 965 Black Edition- Compatible with AM2 motherboards. $110
http://www.newegg.co...9027&Tpk=cx 500 Corsair CX 500. Good solid 500W PSU. $50
http://www.newegg.co...N82E16814150561 HD6870 $144.95

Total: $302.95

If you want to make it a little more future proof (i.e. get yourself an AM3+ mobo) then add:
http://www.newegg.co...N82E16813157305 Asrock 970DE3 AM3+ Mobo $69
http://www.newegg.co...N82E16820231424 G.Skill Value 8gb DDR3 +$39

New Total: $410.95

Now you'd have a strong gaming rig capable of more or less maxing GW2.

Phenom II 965 Compatible with AM2 mobos? If so that would make my month, but i think they are only AM2+ and AM3

[baels]

Reticuli, on 24 August 2012 - 05:09 AM, said:

Phenom II 965 Compatible with AM2 mobos? If so that would make my month, but i think they are only AM2+ and AM3

It does. But ONLY if there is a BIOS version update for that particular manufacturer which allows it. You'd also have to make sure the board could take a CPU with a TDP of 125W

I'll edit my original post to reflect this.

Edited by baels, 24 August 2012 - 05:22 AM.

[Reticuli]

baels, on 24 August 2012 - 05:20 AM, said:

It does. But ONLY if there is a BIOS version update for that particular manufacturer which allows it. You'd also have to make sure the board could take a CPU with a TDP of 125W

I'll edit my original post to reflect this.

Hmm well how could i know if my mobo will support it?
Or can you tell me if mine will support it? My mobo is the Pegatron M2N78-LA. If u need any other info just let me know

[baels]

That particular board does not.

Socket type: AM2
TDP:
Motherboard supports the following processor upgrades:

• AMD Athlon X2 (Bt)

• AMD Athlon 64 X2 up to 6000+ (W)

• AMD Phenom Triple-Core up to 8xxx (AM2+) (Toliman)

• AMD Phenom Quad-Core 9xxx series (AM2+) up to 9850 (Agena)

Edited by baels, 24 August 2012 - 05:30 AM.

[Reticuli]

baels, on 24 August 2012 - 05:29 AM, said:

That particular board does not.

Socket type: AM2
TDP:
Motherboard supports the following processor upgrades:

• AMD Athlon X2 (Bt)

• AMD Athlon 64 X2 up to 6000+ (W)

• AMD Phenom Triple-Core up to 8xxx (AM2+) (Toliman)

• AMD Phenom Quad-Core 9xxx series (AM2+) up to 9850 (Agena)

Such a bummer... Upgrading mobo and processor as well has possibly having to get a new version of windows is just too damn expensive and time consuming for someone without the knowledge of computers that it requires