Computer Upgrade Help

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KaiserKnight

New member
Jul 2, 2011
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First off here is what I am working with.

Operating System
MS Windows 7 64-bit SP1
CPU
AMD Athlon 64 X2 (2.7) 5200+ 40 °C
Brisbane 65nm Technology
RAM
3.00 GB Single-Channel DDR2 @ 299MHz (5-5-5-15)
Motherboard
Acer F690GVM (Socket AM2 ) 38 °C
Graphics
iP191A (1366x768@60Hz)
512MB Radeon X1900 Series (Microsoft Corporation - WDDM) (ATI)
Hard Drives
488GB Hitachi Hitachi HDT725050VLA380 ATA Device (SATA) 50 °C
Optical Drives
Optiarc DVD RW AD-7170S ATA Device
Audio
High Definition Audio Device


Small back story, I work at a package store and live on my own while trying to get back into college. I needed a computer so I bought this one for about $125 off a friend and would like to upgrade it since I think its a bit dated (video card is old I know).

I was thinking of adding another 500GB hard drive which will be used for school only, one hard drive is for games/movies and the other one is for basic computer usage. The thing is I do not know what kind of Video Card I should buy, I'm looking for one no more than $70. I know they are important and cost a lot but I really can not afford to toss that much money on one.

Here is what I am looking to upgrade and would like some ideas of what to get. Numbers next to them are how important I think they are.

2) RAM - Replacing two of the 1GB for 2GB making a total of 5GB RAM
3) Hard Drive - Adding a 500GB for school (do not know what kind to get)
1) Video Card - I have no bloody idea what to look for
5) Audio - Should I even worry about this, if so what?
4) DVD Drive - Is the one I have fine or should I replace it?

Any and all help on this would be appreciated.
 

KaiserKnight

New member
Jul 2, 2011
88
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GPU? I don't mind playing on medium, hell play Starcraft 2 right now with some low and medium settings with this thing. You have a good point with the Hard Drive, $20 more for twice the space is more than worth it. Wouldn't it be better to buy a 2GB ram then upgrade the others along the way? Or does RAM have a cap after so much?

Someone over here mentioned a Sapphire ATI Radeon HD5450 1GB PCI-E Video Card, is the one you recommended better or on par?
 

Ac30

New member
Jun 16, 2011
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Don't buy that 5450... If you must, get the 5570, But I'd go for at least a 5750 if you can.