Forum Home
Press F1
 
Thread ID: 100284 2009-06-02 08:46:00 Performance boost. Bling (12929) Press F1
Post ID Timestamp Content User
779075 2009-06-03 00:44:00 I do a bit of gaming on my computer, but with these new games coming out, my computer is struggling

CPU - AMD Athlon 64 X2 dual-core 5000+ @2.65GHz (Running Windows XP)

GPU - Nvida Geforce 8400 GS /w 19' widescreen LCD moniter


I have about $300-400 to play with, but I can save a bit and increase that if needed.

For gaming, the graphics card. The 8400GS is NOT a gaming card. At all.
The CPU makes some difference but not anywhere near as much as the graphics card.

You need to get the highests spec card you can afford.
With what you have said on budget, currently thats an HD4850.
But you will need a new PSU too, 550w will be plenty unless you go and get a 4870x2 or something, but quality is important. And of course the connectors for the graphics card. The 8400GS doesn't even use one, but a gaming card will.

I would save and do it properly.
pctek (84)
779076 2009-06-03 00:55:00 If you are happy with Nvidia based graphics cards which I am get one with at least 512mb of ram. Alot of the new games that are coming out now won't support anything under 256mb of ram and I can imagine soon 512mb of ram well be the minimum.
:)
Trev (427)
779077 2009-06-03 04:03:00 If you are happy with Nvidia based graphics cards which I am get one with at least 512mb of ram. Alot of the new games that are coming out now won't support anything under 256mb of ram and I can imagine soon 512mb of ram well be the minimum.
:)

In most cases, the GPU is more important than how much RAM is on board. a 512MB 9800GTX will destroy a 1GB 9600GT in pretty much every situation.
inphinity (7274)
779078 2009-06-03 04:25:00 Ah, but what version of the 9800GTX are you referring too, there are about 3 I think! SolMiester (139)
1 2