Gaming computer

**Jut89** · July 11th, 2004, 10:38 PM

I have a Dell Dimension 2400. I am not very satisfied with the gaming on this computer. What should I look to buy to make this machine more of a gaming computer?

**ToddS** · July 11th, 2004, 10:43 PM

Best advice: get a new computer.. Dells suck, I know from experience.

**filipino** · July 11th, 2004, 10:46 PM

upgrade the ram and videocard try to look for nvidia 6800 Ultra and upgrade you ram atleast 512, much better if 1 gig of ram...

**FatalException** · July 11th, 2004, 10:54 PM

Contrary to ToddS's statement that "Dells suck," the above suggestions should be able to help you out. A better video card would be a great first step to getting your system running games better. More RAM can also help, but won't improve performance as much.

Make sure you check with Dell or in your instruction manual for the system to make sure it has an AGP slot for an upgrade video card. If not, you'll have to get an older PCI model which won't perform nearly as well as a new AGP type card.

**The Real Bingo** · July 11th, 2004, 10:54 PM

6800 is overkill, filipino.

ToddS said it best. Just build/buy a computer oriented towards gaming.

**Sixpac_XP** · July 11th, 2004, 10:58 PM

What are the specs of your computer?

**VHockey86** · July 11th, 2004, 10:59 PM

Problem with the 2x00 series from dell is the onboard graphics.

All you need to do is upgrade it to at least 512MB of RAM, and buy an AGP graphics card for it and you'll be fine. The 9800pro is a really good card for the money right now. Retail ATI built runs around 225-230 from newegg.com

If you need something cheaper (around 100-120), check into the Ti 4x00 series from nvidia. Rather aged but still ok for most games.

The FX5700 ultra is decent too, run around 170, but by the time you spend that much money you're better off just saving extra for the 9800 pro.

----edit---

Actualy I guess my previous statement might not be correct.
Upon further research the 2400 doesnt appear to have an AGP slot...
http://www1.us.dell.com/content/prod...iewstab#tabtop

I'd open the side of the case and check for one (you'll see a slot above the PCI slots, shifted to the right and a little bit longer, often times colored brown).

**filipino** · July 11th, 2004, 11:01 PM

this is you computer right?
http://shopping.yahoo.com/p:Dell%20D...8,pdid:5,pos:0

i say the ram will help a lot, yeah 6800 Ultra sounds overkill but worth it for future gaming

yeah maybe an ATI 9800 Pro should be fine but if you will spend $ on a card rather have something advance... but you'll be alright with either Nvidia FX 5500 Series (cheap but good) or an ATI 9800 Pro (expensive and good for gaming) or the Nvidia 6800 Ultra (the best so far)

**The Real Bingo** · July 11th, 2004, 11:05 PM

First off, what games do you plan on playing, Jut89?

**Jut89** · July 11th, 2004, 11:28 PM

Well I have the money to buy the ram you suggested but should I maybe consider a new processor?

**Makaveli** · July 11th, 2004, 11:43 PM

Before you decide on that...What are your current system specs?

**Jut89** · July 11th, 2004, 11:49 PM

I have a Celeron 2.20 w/ 128 ram.

**haycs0** · July 12th, 2004, 12:04 AM

how bout u get a 9800se and softmod it to 9800pro/XT?

**Jut89** · July 12th, 2004, 12:20 AM

so you dont think I should look to upgrade the processor?

**filipino** · July 12th, 2004, 12:51 AM

your processor sound okay to me, i rather upgrade the RAM up to 1gig, and videocard for gaming like ATI 9800 Pro or something ...

**Sixpac_XP** · July 12th, 2004, 12:56 AM

Personally i would ditch the Celeron and get a real CPU.. the celerons are very underpowered. Your system should support a 533 FSB P4.. I would upgrade the memory to 512 mb and get a new processor. You don't really need 1 Gig of Ram. The processor would benefit your system more.

**Jut89** · July 12th, 2004, 02:57 PM

Do you have a good site to buy the ram and the processor?

**VHockey86** · July 12th, 2004, 03:08 PM

www.newegg.com

**uethello** · July 12th, 2004, 03:20 PM

Your money would be best spent on a vid card. Period. Your graphics and audio both are integrated. This means your computer sucks (sorry). If your mobo has an AGP slot, (from the Dell site, don't think it does), adding a vid card (any vid card) would not only improve your gaming experience directly, it would take some of the stress off of your anemic RAM and CPU. If you don't have AGP,you could put a 3.2gHz in it, and I promise you won't be happy i.e.; If you don't have AGP,don't put any more money in it, save up for something better.

**Jut89** · July 12th, 2004, 03:43 PM

I am planning on buying the Nvidia FX 5500 that was suggested, 512 ram but I am still not sure about the processor. Gaming is not the only thing I use this computer for so I am also looking to improve the all around performance. Will the new processor make my machine faster in everyday applications and in gaming?