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amitabha
20-09-07, 00:54
I just claimed a gateway desktop my parents were going to throw out. I figured I might upgrade it so it can play some of more recent games at decent frame rates and settings. I need help on what I should upgrade. Here are the specs:

Intel Pentium 4 530 HT Processor (3.0 GHz, 800 MHz Bus, L2 Cache: 1 MB)
512 MB PC3200 of RAM (400 MHz)
200 GB 7200 RPM SATA hard drive with 8 MB cache
PCI Express x16 Expansion slot for desired video card
Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition operating system

Additional Information:

300 Watt Power Supply
EscondeR
20-09-07, 04:59
I assume it is running built in video chip now. So:


CPU
more RAM
PCI-E Video board
600W PSU
amitabha
20-09-07, 05:26
If I add more ram and a good video card will I be able to play Tomb Raider: Legend in next-gen mode with smooth frame rates?
EscondeR
20-09-07, 05:33
Yes, at 1024x768 surely :)
amitabha
20-09-07, 06:02
could you please suggest a video card that would work well with a pentium 4 and that would give me nice frame rates?
EscondeR
20-09-07, 06:07
CLICKY (http://www.calibex.com/EVGA-GeForce-8600GTS-512-555989177/cb2/prices-html) :)
abraham
20-09-07, 12:26
its not worth it if on pentium 4! becuase other games will be bottlenecked! you need a better cpu if you are going for n8600gts 512mb ram!!

maybe get a n7900gs?? or a n8600gt 512mb ram

edit: i had a n7600gt on my amd athlon 3200+ and i couldnt play the latest games due to cpu load!! the p4 will be similar!
EscondeR
20-09-07, 12:29
^ It allows not to bother with GPU too much while next upgrading step - the platform.
kill bill
20-09-07, 14:32
2GB ram and a 8800GTS 640mb would be hardcore for a gamer:)
EscondeR
20-09-07, 17:22
^ 1Gb is OK for that configuration, I doubt though 2GB are necessary...