Duchess44
Premium
join:2001-10-24
Chattanooga, TN
 ·Comcast
1 edit | Looking to upgrade memory and possibly video card
I have been discussing in the WoW forums about some FPS issues I am having ingame, and ended up with the conclusion that I need both more memory and a better video card. My only issue is I am not very tech savvy and I could use some help choosing which of both would be best for my computer.
I am going to try to post all the info requested, however some of it I have no idea where to find. If someone could tell me where I can find any information I have left out, I would appreciate it 
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Motherboard Manufacturer and Model: don't know where to find this
BIOS Revision Number (if known): don't know where to find this
CPU/Speed: Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 @2.40GHz 2.40GHz
RAM Manufacturer/Type/Module Size: don't know where to find this
CDRW/CDROM/DVD Manufacturer and Spec: don't know where to find this
Disk Drive(s): Manufacturer and Spec: don't know where to find this
Video Card: Manufacturer and Type: ATI Radeon HD 2600 PRO
Sound Card: Manufacturer and Model: All I know is it is a Realteck
NIC Manufacturer/Model: If this is the Network thing, it is an Intel 82562V
Power Supply Brand and Wattage: The wattage is 350w
Operating System: Windows Vista Home Premium 32-bit
Anything else you think is relevant: I have a Dell Inspiron 530 and right now it has 2gig memory, 4 slots, 2 empty. I am looking to add another 1gig, since from what I read I would need to upgrade to Vista 64-bit if I wanted to get 4gig. I also need to know if I need to get 3 brand new sticks, or if I can just add another 1gig. I have between around $100-$200 to spend on a video card, and maybe $100 or less on memory. |
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Duchess44
Premium
join:2001-10-24
Chattanooga, TN
·Comcast
| Ok I found this:
»www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a···20145098
Would it work on my computer? And if so, I am thinking of getting 2 packs, meaning 4 sticks alltogether. I will only put 3 in, but if it is better to replace all memory at the same time, this would be the better deal. |
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asdfdfdfdfdfdfdf
@Level3.net
| reply to Duchess44
If you put in 3 sticks you will be running single channel.
It's true you won't see all of the 4 GB but since ram is so cheap you might as well put in 4 total. You should be able to add one set of the corsair you have chosen to what you already have in your machine.
Is world warcraft your only game or are there others?
I vaguely remember a duchess asking about WoW a little while ago. Was that you and did you make a decision based on our advice here? If so I would like to look at the link to the thread if you can provide it. I can't find it through your profile. Reason being I would like to determine where I went wrong in my previous advice. |
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Duchess44
Premium
join:2001-10-24
Chattanooga, TN
·Comcast
| WoW is the only game like that that I play. I have a few offline games I play, but none as graphic intense as that.
I was asking about WoW and this issue on the MS forums, yes. I thought the best place to as was this forum. Here is that discussion:
»Windows Vista and RAm
I haven't made any decisions yet, as you can see the advice is very conflicting in that thread. They can't decide if I should get only 3 or get 4gig of RAM, and whether I have to do all at the same time, or if I can just add to what I already have.
I do realize I will probably have to upgrade my PSU as it is only 350W. Not sure which one or kind I need of that, either.
Also, I did have a discussion about this with another computer I had..an HP Pavilion. But that was quite a while ago..year at least. |
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asdfdfdfdfdfdf
@Level3.net
| reply to Duchess44
I don't think there is that much disagreement in the thread you linked to.
Longstreet isn't arguing that you can't run 4GB with a 32 bit OS but only that there will be some waste. This is true but the difference in cost between putting 3GB and 4GB is pretty small and you will keep things dual channel if you run 4 sticks.
As to having to replace all the sticks: There is some small chance of finicky incompatibilities, especially if one is running exotic high performance ram. These are standard boring sticks, however, which is what you should be buying and I think the chance of a problem is pretty small. Can I assure you 100%. No, but I can't assure you 100% that one of the new sticks won't be bad or that you might not still have some kind of problem. I can only say the probability of problems is small if you add ram like you are considering to what is already there.
If you are going to place two separate orders anyway (in the other thread you mentioned dealing with the memory first) then I would deal with the graphics card 1st. You may find you don't need to add ram at all. Your graphics card is the most likely source of significant performance problems and is by far the weakest link in your system.
A 4850 was my first thought if wow was your only concern.
Here are two less expensive options, one is 512MB the other 1GB. The 512 should be fine.
»www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a···14127414
»www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a···14161275
You specified a pretty large budget but if money is actually tight and you would prefer to minimize cost we can even discuss a 4670 which can be had for as little as $60. A 4850 is probably more than you need but it does have significantly better performance so I would go that way if money isn't that tight.
No you don't need a new power supply. A 350 dell supply should be able to handle a midrange card like the 4850.
"Also, I did have a discussion about this with another computer I had..an HP Pavilion. But that was quite a while ago..year at least."
That is probably what I'm thinking of. If you have played wow on that and are satisfied can you tell us the amount of ram and graphics card in that machine(if it isn't too much trouble) just so we have a frame of reference and some idea of your expectations. |
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Duchess44
Premium
join:2001-10-24
Chattanooga, TN
·Comcast
1 edit | Ummm...if I remember correctly it was an Nvidia Geforce 8300GS.
The ram was upgraded as was the graphics card and psu (I had a 500w in that machine, shoulda kept it lol). It was I believe 2gig. Not much but I didn't need it back when WoW only had the 1st xpac out.
I'm really liking the 4850. Seems I 've heard about it from the WoW forums. Looks like a very nice card. However, like you said, if WoW is the only thing I am doing, I really see no need for the "top of the line".
Also, if you are sure that I won't need to upgrade to Vista 64 bit in order to get 4gig of ram, then I guess it couldn't hurt to do it. |
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howie
Premium,MVM
join:2003-04-08
Little Falls, NJ
2 edits | said by Duchess44  :Also, if you are sure that I won't need to upgrade to Vista 64 bit in order to get 4gig of ram, then I guess it couldn't hurt to do it. LOL... some people over there in the other forum are confusing you. It is perfectly fine to install 2-2GB sticks (4GB total) in your Vista 32 bit OS. I have 2-2GB modules (Vista Ultimate 32-bit) and am running in dual-channel mode (see above). For under $50, you'll be all set. Forget the 3GB, single channel mode idea. It's a bad one! 
[EDIT] I see you want to add 2-1GB sticks. I personally wouldn't mix different RAM modules, but as stated, you may be fine. If your motherboard supports 2GB modules, I'd just add two of those and keep your existing sticks as spares.... But that's just me... |
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signmeuptoo
Folding and Crunching Not just Breakfast
Premium
join:2001-11-22
LOSTinSpace
clubs:  | I concur FWIW. |
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SmackWeasel
join:2008-01-02
| reply to Duchess44
Duchess, It's vital you match the new Ram with the old. Use this utility (PC Wizard) to find your exact system specs including the Ram type.
»www.majorgeeks.com/PC_Wizard_d3846.html
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0111000001100101011000010110001101100101 |
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Duchess44
Premium
join:2001-10-24
Chattanooga, TN | Will do. Thank y ou very much |
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elios
join:2005-11-15
Springfield, MO
·Mediacom
2 edits | reply to Duchess44
go with a 4850 from ATi or GTS250 from nVidia
as for power Corsair 650TX should do the job
»www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a···17139005
its the same price as the 550VX so might as well get the bigger one and hold on to it
i have a 620HX in my PC atm |
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ztmike
Mark for moderation
Premium
join:2001-08-02
Michigan City, IN
·Comcast
1 edit | This guy does NOT need that powerful of a GPU to play WoW. (GTS250) Or that much of a price difference between that and a 8800GT.
If I was him I would search Google for a good price on a Nvidia 8800GT 512ram card psu you mentioned above should do him fine: »www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a···17139005 |
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elios
join:2005-11-15
Springfield, MO
·Mediacom
2 edits | 2 things
1. the 8800GT has been phased out try to find one on newegg
the 9800GT replaced it and GTS250 is only a step up from that
its not as big a card as you think its in line with 9800GTX+
2. most good 9800GTs run 100 to 120 the GTS250 is 150ish
as is the 4850
the 4850 is a much faster card then the 9800GT it really is worth it to get the 4850 for the 50 more
edit
hell here is a BFG GTS250 for the same price as 9800GT why not get the better card for the same price?
»www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a···14143191
»www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a···14143185
»www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a···14150337 |
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ztmike
Mark for moderation
Premium
join:2001-08-02
Michigan City, IN
·Comcast
1 edit | If he has the money and ROOM for it in his computer case, then I guess that would be up to him.
I know Newegg doesn't have the 8800GT no more, which is why I said to search Google for a good price on one.
I bought mine for $75 here on DSLR. (used) but in great condition. |
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elios
join:2005-11-15
Springfield, MO
2 edits | used hardware is a gamble and i would not recommend it to some one thats not a PC geek
lack of support/or RMA if it dies may having you spending more any way
there are single slot 4850s and i really think its the better card in the price range |
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longstreet
join:2004-11-14
Plano, TX
4 edits | reply to Duchess44
EVGA cards have lifetime warranty, even used, if they were registered by the original owner. Going EVGA certainly isn't a gamble.
Go EVGA 8800 512 / 9800 512 . . .more than enough and easy on the wallet. They are the same card in many ways, the 9 series may have a few one offs.
The GTS for $150 is a pretty good deal . . .if you don't mind spending more. |
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elios
join:2005-11-15
Springfield, MO | EVGA's warranty doesnt transfer only XFX (only once) and BFG (forever)
i still think 2x2GB of atlest DDR2 800 if your going to upgrade might as well make it worth it a q6600 is wasted with slow DDR2 667 |
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longstreet
join:2004-11-14
Plano, TX
4 edits | You must have never gamed EVGA for their warranty . . .
Step 1 ) Get owner's information
Step 2 ) Send in warranty claim as the original owner (or have them submit it)
Step 3 ) Enjoy.
Usually, the cost of a better warranty (say, with BFG) is as costly or nearly as costly as buying a new, better card.
I'd go with the cheapest one that would do the job. WoW isn't that intensive. |
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elios
join:2005-11-15
Springfield, MO
·Mediacom
1 edit | i dont know about you be it like AA and AF and being able to max out a game
its nice picking up and game and not having to think "can i run this with ok settings"
i just buy one install it and max every thing out maybe drop AA a bit if i have too
imo GTS250 or 4850 MIN both cards can be had for ~150 or less if you look around for the price is a great deal
the next cards down go for 100 to 125 any way(edit: the GTS250 and 4850 are easily twice as fast as the cards under them like the 8600GT/9600GT and 4650)
and the ones under that are trash |
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NOCTech75
join:2009-06-29
Marietta, GA
 ·AT&T Southeast
1 edit | I just picked up a 4850... nice card, it's the same MSI as above, good deal for 90 bucks after rebate.
Edit: It was to replace my EVGA 8800GT where the VRAM was starting to die. Didn't read the fine print on the warranty and got hosed by it(didn't register my product). |
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