@Computer Nerds (Upgrading RAM and Graphics Card)

Necrachilles · **Posted:** Sun Sep 18, 2011 11:40 pm

So yeah, I'm debating at least adding another 2g of RAM to my comp. This would mean buying two 2g sticks of course. Anyways, I just go and find the RAM that matches my current two 2g sticks right? I haven't done this in a while and just want to make sure.

I also would like some suggestions as to what kind of graphics card I can upgrade to. Heard somewhere I might also have to upgrade my PSU. How do I go about installing the graphics card and/or which will work in my comp? Anyways, I'll list what specs I can and if you need more let me know.

Dell XPS 430
Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Quad CPU Q8300 @2.5GHz 2.49GHz
6.00 GB RAM
Vista Home 64 bit (debating upgrading to Windows 7 too)
I want to say I'm running a 425w PSU.
ATI Radeon HD 3650 Graphics as far as I can tell.

Monotheist · **Posted:** Mon Sep 19, 2011 3:01 am

I need a new video card too, just not sure if I want to spend a lot on one :\

Weena · **Posted:** Mon Sep 19, 2011 3:31 am

I got an 8800 GT I'll sell you for 50 bucks.

Disregard the fact it doesn't fully work and you will have a messed up screen.

Quote:

Anyways, I just go and find the RAM that matches my current two 2g sticks right? I haven't done this in a while and just want to make sure.

Yes.

If you "haven't done this in a while", I'd wager you have DDR2.

Meowth · **Posted:** Mon Sep 19, 2011 4:14 am

6GB of ram should be more than enough unless you are doing running VMs. The only thing that would benefit you is having them in dual channel (2 or 4 sticks in most cases) instead of only having 3/4 slots filled.

That card is PCI-E so you can buy just about anything to replace it.

You will need a 550w PSU rated bronze or better. I recommend 650w to everyone, though.

Windows 7 is easy to get

Monotheist wrote:

I need a new video card too, just not sure if I want to spend a lot on one :\

I wouldn't get anything less than a 6850/460 at this point. Otherwise you can look at this.

somebeach · **Posted:** Mon Sep 19, 2011 8:52 am

turns out i have the same computer u do >.>

i upgraded the video card and power supply a little under a year ago, didnt add any more ram though. this is what i got if it helps any:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6814130562
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... es%20HX850

Monotheist · **Posted:** Mon Sep 19, 2011 12:05 pm

So what would you guys recommend to upgrade to from a

Nividia GeForce GTS 250
8 gigs of ram
Intel(R) Core(TM) i7 CPu 860 @ 2.80ghz 2.80ghz
Windows 7 (64 bit)

Not sure what kind of PSU I have.

Meowth · **Posted:** Mon Sep 19, 2011 12:18 pm

AMD: 6850/6870/6950/6970, or the 7000 series should be released very soon

Nvidia: 460/560Ti/570

650w psu

Zaryi · **Posted:** Mon Sep 19, 2011 12:33 pm

<3 my new comp so much, ty meowth

<3 <3 <3 <3

Necrachilles · **Posted:** Mon Sep 19, 2011 3:17 pm

Weena wrote:

I got an 8800 GT I'll sell you for 50 bucks.

Disregard the fact it doesn't fully work and you will have a messed up screen.

Quote:

Anyways, I just go and find the RAM that matches my current two 2g sticks right? I haven't done this in a while and just want to make sure.

Yes.

If you "haven't done this in a while", I'd wager you have DDR2.

DDR3 PC3-8500, DDR3 PC3-10600

Only reason I want extra RAM is cause I'm running vista and I don't think it could hurt.

Should I uprgrade to 8500 pr 10600 though? What are the differences in simple man terms because I'm too lazy to google it.

Weena · **Posted:** Mon Sep 19, 2011 4:48 pm

The difference is 2100.

Meowth · **Posted:** Tue Sep 20, 2011 5:26 am

Just look at timings (9-9-9-24) and MHz (1333). It will probably look like this. Top right should say Dual, so multiply DRAM Frequency by 2 and most likely it will be 1333 since that is the default ram speed.

4GB is pretty standard now, anything more won't be used by the majority. Although ram prices are very cheap now so getting 8GB isn't much or a price increase. How many slots are you using and how many are there anyway? It is best to have them in sets of two, all matching preferably.

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@Computer Nerds (Upgrading RAM and Graphics Card)

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