Computer Help Please?

[Krimbo]

Ok I know this is so off-topic but I feel like this forum will be a beneficial help in the advice I seek. Please don't take this the wrong way. I just don't want to throw away money on things I don't need.

I'm looking at upgrading my desktop computer.
It's pretty average and I feel like I should be getting spanky-new parts ready for all the huge games coming out in November.
However, I'm pretty stupid with everything under-the-hood.

So here is my current set-out;

Intel Core i5 Quad 720 @ 2.67ghz
Nvidia GeForce GT 220
Memory 2gb

So I know I definatly need an upgrade in RAM.

I have no idea about processors. Is that good enough to run the new games of 2011 and 2012? I'm going to be upset if I can't play Skyrim.
Is it worth getting an upgrade?

The graphics card is a really common card in standard machines.
I'm looking at the Radeon 6970 and the 5870.
Does anybody have any recommendations?

I've been looking at the AMD Fenom 3.2 Quad Processor.
Some websites say a new processor needs a new motherboard but others said you didn't.
I've also been looking at the i7 3.4 Quad Processor.

I'm really stuck here guys.
I know this thread really shouldn't be here but I hope my fellow Frictional fans can help me!

[Tanshaydar]

(06-18-2011 02:11 AM)Krimbo Wrote:  Ok I know this is so off-topic

Then next time try to open the thread in off-topic section?

For graphic card, I recommend you to buy an Nvidia, like GTX570 or 590

[Krimbo]

Oh right. Sorry, I didn't even realise there was one

And the GTX. I had a look at the 580's but holy mole they were expensive!
I'm not looking to spend that much.
Any idea what the average price for a higher than average graphics card?

[dph314]

I got a gtx570 and its great, worth every penny. Awesome stock cooler. I don't know if I got lucky, since "every chip is not created equal", but mine's overclocked to 920mhz on the core, well past gtx580 speeds, for about half the price of one, and temps never go above 74C. So, go wit the 570.

[TFEF]

Forgive me if anything in this post is inaccurate, I've been up all night and just completed my first run of Requiem. :V

Actually, processors/motherboards are a bit weird. Every motherboard has a specific type of processor socket that they use, and there are a lot. Every processor will only work in a certain type of socket. For example, let's look at the ASUS A8N32-SLI motherboard.

http://techreport.com/articles.x/9053/1

As you can see, this motherboard has support for socket 939 AMD Athlon processors, so these are the only processors that will work in this specific motherboard. Every motherboard is different. Your processor doesn't seem too bad, though. You should be fine.

As for graphics cards, I'd estimate a higher-than-average card to be >$175 USD. I'd go with the best graphics card you can afford, though the 6970 wouldn't be a bad choice if you want an ATI card.

You definitely need more RAM, at least two more gigs. At least. I'm not really a computer expert, but I know a lot about them. Feel free to ask questions.

[Krimbo]

Thanks for the help guys.
I'm going to look at the 570 on google now.
I'm looking to spend 150-250 British. So thats what, 220-330 USD?

And yeah I feel the same about the RAM.

I also need to buy an external because I'm constantly deleting things to make room for stuff.

Do graphics cards also have a different type of motherboard they fit?
Are they different?

[TGST]

(06-18-2011 10:42 AM)Krimbo Wrote:  Thanks for the help guys.
I'm going to look at the 570 on google now.
I'm looking to spend 150-250 British. So thats what, 220-330 USD?

And yeah I feel the same about the RAM.

I also need to buy an external because I'm constantly deleting things to make room for stuff.

Do graphics cards also have a different type of motherboard they fit?
Are they different?

To my knowledge, that's not the case with graphic cards(Actually it is). Only thing you need to check carefully is does your motherboard support the processor and the type of RAM you are going to buy.

[Krimbo]

and also. Whats all the different types of graphics cards?

Theres like, Asus, PNY, EVGA, PALIT, ZOTAC, CUDA, INNO.

---

Ok so graphics cards are the same?
Because my old olddddd machine had an MSI in it and it doesn't fit my computer.

So confusing. Haha.
I'm not too sure what my motherboard is but I'm certain its a SAMSUNG.

If I have an i5 Processor at the moment.
Surely the i7 is the same fitment?
Therefore wouldn't need a motherboard.

[TGST]

(06-18-2011 10:50 AM)Krimbo Wrote:  and also. Whats all the different types of graphics cards?

Theres like, Asus, PNY, EVGA, PALIT, ZOTAC, CUDA, INNO.

They are some of the manufacturers of graphic cards. Some produce them cheaper, some produce them more expensively. Of course the more expensive ones have more high quality components compared to the cheaper ones. But the differences between them are not humongous.

[Krimbo]

Oh right.
Well I'm guessing EVGA are the best as they're the most expensive aha.

So confusing. Haha.
I'm not too sure what my motherboard is but I'm certain its a SAMSUNG.

If I have an i5 Processor at the moment.
Surely the i7 is the same fitment?
Therefore wouldn't need a motherboard.