Upgrading the Dimension 8100

[Steedog]

Okay here is a good rundown of my computer. I have posted a few things but I hope this gives a good idea of the system. I'm getting Doom3 and adding an additional 512mb of ram and I just want to know what else I could do to this Dimension. Your suggestions are greatly appreciated.


Running XP pro
Dimension 8100
1300Mhz
128mb ram
Nvidia GE Force 2 MX/MX 400 (Don't know if its integrated or not?)
55 Gig HD& 19 Gig HD
Lite-On CD Rom
4 in 1 Combo Cd-Rom/Cd-Rw/DVD-Rom (acting strange)


I thougt about placing two pieces of 256mb and an additional 128mb stick, (throwing out on of the 64mb pieces obviously) Well Ill shut up and await your replies...thank ya

[duckhunter-deux]

I'd try to get 1 gig of ram if possible. Also go for a decent graphics card. Ive heard good things about the 6600 GT (I think there's an AGP version) and the 9800 Pro is always a good choice.

[nwo75200]

You would definitelly need a new graphics card

Your CPU will be a big bottleneck, it's kinda sad that you already wasted your $$$ on SDRAM because all current CPUs use DDR RAM

What kind of preformance/quality/fps were you planning to play D3 at?

[nwo75200]

The 9800PRO is currently a horrible choice, since there are quite a few 6600GTs in AGP form out right now. The 9800PRO is still ~$190 while the 6600GT is only 30 bucks more, and a lot faster

[duckhunter-deux]

Got me on that NWO But isn' the 9800 Pro is still better than the X700 series? If you wanted to go ATI I'd get a 9800 Pro.

[nwo75200]

I don't think so, I think the x700pro beats the 9800Pro by a small margin, the x700xt has been cancelled, and no vanilla x700s are on the market. However, the 9800PRO owns the x600 series since the x600 series is a PCI-e version of the 9600 series

If you want to go ATI I would also get a 9800PRO because it's the best bang for the buck at the moment as far as ATI goes. Their current line of cards is just horrible, but their new cards are supposed to be good, especially the x800XL If you're a hardcore ATI fan, then the 9800P is your best choice, because it is still the best bang for the buck, but overall the 9800PRO is not a good card when compared with the 6600GT.

[duckhunter-deux]

I agree with you on that! I'm lookin to get at least a 6600GT for my ancient system I'm reviving (hopefully I can get a 6800GT). The 6600GT has got alot of potential!

[platdragon]

Max for your system is 2GB so 1GB would wok nice.

[nwo75200]

yea, but buying 1 gig of SDRAM these days is a waste of money, because sooner or later you will upgrade, and you can wipe your @$$ with the SDRAM

[survivalhero]

steedog what is your budget these guys just keeping blabbaling about what to get not even knowing what you want to spend so lets have it what is your budget