[Pr3vieW]

Ok, so my mom got a new computer because she was considering finding an online proffesion last year (im 15). She hasent even touched it, So i have this relatively new computer, that no one ever uses. I want to be able to play a few pc games on it My Question is: what are some of the things i would need. I know absolutely nothing about computers, and whenever i try learning, theres so much confusing information thats its disheartening. I want to mainly be able to play a few shooters, and maybe some RPG games. I need the things to be semi-affordable, and i dont know everything that i would need. My computer information is this, so u can see what i should upgrade.In System Details:Microsoft Windows XP - Home Edition Version 2002Service Pack 2AMD Sempron Processor34001.79 ghz448 mb of RAMOn the stickers attached to the computer:512 mb memory200 gbDVDRWThe main game i want to play (call of duty 2) says this: Minimum Requirements1, 4 GHz Prozessor (Celeron / Duron) 512 MB RAM ATi Radeon 9200 / GeForce 4 Optimum Requirements2, 5 GHz Prozessor (Athlon XP / Pentium 4) 1 GB RAM ATi Radeon 9800XT / GeForce FX 5900 Its probably going to cost a lot, but i would like some standard equipment that would be somewhere inbetween. How much money would i be looking at worth of upgrading things? whats the things i would need? any inforamtion would REALLY help me out. Im not looking to be one of those guys with top notch stuff. i just want to be able to play games, where the quality is good enough to enjoy them.

[Cosmo]

I'd add another stick of 512 RAM, to get it up to 1 gig.Also, what is your graphics card?If it's integrated, you are better off upgrading.

[Pr3vieW]

yea, it came with the computer, i never upgraded anything so its all pretty much whatever it came with out of the box. Its an... ATI Radeon Xpress 200 series. What kind of graphic card would you recommend? I literally dont know anything about computers, or graphic cards. I need something semi-afforadable, so what ever you would recommend would really help me. I dont know how much they go for, but maybe like $120-$180. $200 if its worth it. Or i dont know, just something decent that works, nothing really expensive or top notch. Thanks dude, youre really helping me out.

[Cosmo]

Newegg has great deals on graphics cards. Here is their selection from $100-200: http://www.newegg.co...SubCategory=48I recommend getting a Nvidia GeForce 6600 or higher, or an ATI x1600 or higher.Make sure to check and see what open slots you have. PCI-E cards generally cost less than AGP.If you have an available PCI-E slot open, I would suggest one of these two cards: JATON Geforce 7600GT 256MB GDDR3 PCI Express x16http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814139003 MSI GeForce 7600GT 256MB GDDR3 PCI Express x16http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814127209

[Pr3vieW]

ok thanks. I found some RAM that is compatible with my computer. Im going to buy that and look at graphic cards now. But after i get some more RAM and a new graphics card, will i be able to play smoothly? or do i need other stuff as well? just wondering. And thanks again!

[Pr3vieW]

sorry, but is there any way i can tell what open slots i have other than opening up the pc and checking?

[Cosmo]

You can use Crucual's free scanner that tells you what RAM you use to make sure you have the right type.http://www.crucial.com/systemscanner/For knowing which slots you have, you're better off opening your case.A PCI-E slot would look like the first slot on the left (the blue one, plus it's labeled if you click on the third picture from the left):http://www.newegg.com/Product/ShowImage.asp?Image=13%2D131%2D569%2D08%2Ejpg%2C13%2D131%2D569%2D02%2Ejpg%2C13%2D131%2D569%2D09%2Ejpg%2C13%2D131%2D569%2D10%2Ejpg%2C13%2D131%2D569%2D11%2Ejpg%2C13%2D131%2D569%2D12%2Ejpg&CurImage=13%2D131%2D569%2D08%2Ejpg&Description=ASUSA8N5XSocket939NVIDIAnForce4ATXAMDMotherboard%2DRetailAn AGP slot would look like the slot that is set back from the rest (the gray one):http://www.newegg.com/Product/ShowImage.asp?Image=13%2D185%2D082%2D02%2Ejpg%2C13%2D185%2D082%2D03%2Ejpg%2C13%2D185%2D082%2D04%2Ejpg%2C13%2D185%2D082%2D05%2Ejpg%2C13%2D185%2D082%2D06%2Ejpg&CurImage=13%2D185%2D082%2D02%2Ejpg&Type=RECERTIFIED&Description=Recertified%3APCCHIPSM825G%28v9%2E2a%29SocketA%28Socket462%29VIAKM266ProMicroATXAMDMotherboard%2DRetailAfter these upgrades, your computer should run your games smoothly.

[jbking]

There are programs like CPU-Z or PC Wizard that can also provide information about your system that may be worth getting like what model motherboard it has for example. Just a thought and I would suggest for another upgrade idea is to upgrade that processor as Semprons are like Celerons in terms of not being a powerful processor, IMO.Regards,JB

[matchbox2022]

Gezzz dude, well your processor isnt too great, but itll cost you way too much to upgrade im guessing. The best thing to do is get more ram and a fairly high-end pricier, video card. ATI or nVidia will do fine. Just make sure it's good, so it can compensate for your processor graphics wise. Otherwise, you could probably run that game right now, but the graphics would have to be very low. upgrading will probably get those settings up higher, but the processor is going to hold you back for future games if you care at all :P . Good luck dude!!

[KellieCM]

When you are ready, check out this video on how to install a graphics board and this video on how to upgrade your RAM.

[matchbox2022]

That British Guys accent on the video card video is sweet.

[KellieCM]

Hee.. I'll tell him. He is the video production manager here in the office.

[Pr3vieW]

[quote name='matchbox2022']Gezzz dude, well your processor isnt too great, but itll cost you way too much to upgrade im guessing. The best thing to do is get more ram and a fairly high-end pricier, video card. ATI or nVidia will do fine. Just make sure it's good, so it can compensate for your processor graphics wise. Otherwise, you could probably run that game right now, but the graphics would have to be very low. upgrading will probably get those settings up higher, but the processor is going to hold you back for future games if you care at all :P . Good luck dude!!Yea, i was wondering about the prccessor :/ . I actually tried playing a demo for cod2, and it was VERY choppy, even on the lowest graphic settings. im hoping all id need is a graphic card and some ram to fix that. Im afraid to ask how much a decent processor is :/

[Cosmo]

Your processor is fine for now. A Sempron 3400 has enough power for games, and the reason your demo was choppy is because your graphics card is an integrated x200. The x200 was the cheapest, lowest performing card of ATI's X series.If you want to upgrade your processor, try looking around www.newegg.com. I'm guessing your socket is 939. I'd suggest getting an Athlon 3800 if you do upgrade. It has plenty of power for games, and is a nice medium between the high end/cost processors, and the budget processors. Newegg offers the 3800+ for $87: http://www.newegg.co...N82E16819103531

[matchbox2022]

[quote:caaeb861d1]Yea, i was wondering about the prccessor :/ . I actually tried playing a demo for cod2, and it was VERY choppy, even on the lowest graphic settings. im hoping all id need is a graphic card and some ram to fix that. Im afraid to ask how much a decent processor is :/[/quote:caaeb861d1]Try to get a good video card in there, If you're really stuck on the integrated one you can use ATITOOL.exe on google to overclock it. I can walk you through how to do it properly without frying it if you want, since I did this with my really old compaq presario back in 'nam (2005) :P . But I guarantee all you'll get for that game is just not being choppy on lowest settings, and even then it will get choppy if an explosion goes off in front of you. But this is if you can't afford a better card, just be sure to do it properly so you dont kill your gpu, and therefore your motherboard, I hate freakin integrated vid cards, kill it and it takes the mobo out with it too.

[Cosmo]

You can't get any performance out of the x200, even with ATI tool. I have used it, and I can only overclock it to 350mhz. After that, I get artifacts, and then the screen goes on the fritz. Also, just by overclocking by 50mhz, my gpu runs very hot. There's not much you can do with cheap graphics cards, you just have to get rid of them.