Help choosing the right Graphics Card Upgrade and RAM upgrade please!

[Adrian Bua]

Hi,

I have a Dell Dimension 9200 with the following spec-

CPU - Intel 2.13 Ghz Core Duo
Video - Nvidia GeForce 7900, 252 MB.
2 x 512 Mb RAM 512 Mhz

I recently purcahsed "Empire: Total War" and it runs apallingly, not surprising since my Graphics card and RAM meet the minimum requirements. I am looking to upgrade my RAM and Graphics card.

These are my memory specifications for my PC -

type- dual channel 533 - 667 and 800MHz DDR2
4 memory connectors
4gb maximum memory

currently using 2X 512 MB 533 MHZ

1) I am looking to buy 2GB of 667 Mhz RAM from Dell for £22 ($30) - will this be compatible with my PC, would I be able to run them alongside the two 512MB 533 MHz RAM cards I have in there already?

Could I get a better deal on RAM? Dell dont offer 800 Mhz RAM.

2) I have been recommended the XFX GeForce 9600 GSO (768 MB - DDR3 SDRAM) but I am not sure if my PC will be able to run it.

It uses a PCI Express 2.0 x16 interface (I am not too sure what this means)
see spec here - XFX GeForce 9600 GSO Graphics adapter - 768 MB - DDR3 SDRAM

my current card uses a a PCI Express x 16

In my PC specs there is no mention of me having PCI Express 2.0, just PCI Express. Is this a problem?

Most importantly it needs 400 watts power supply, my computer specs say I have just 375 Watts - will I be able to run the 9600 GSO at its full potential or should I look into getting a new PSU aswell?

Is the XFX Geforce 9600 GSO a substantial improvement on the Nvidia GeFORCE 7900GS?

7900 - XFX Geforce 7900GS Graphics adapter - 256 MB - GDDR3 SDRAM

9600- XFX GeForce 9600 GSO Graphics adapter - 768 MB - DDR3 SDRAM

Would my PC be OK running the XFX GeFroce 9600 Gso video card and the 2GB of 667 Mhz memory?

Is there a better video card than the XFX Geforce 9600 GSO for the same money? (Im buyong it for £69 - about $90)

Thanks for your help in advance.

[KarmaKiller]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Adrian Bua

Hi,

I have a Dell Dimension 9200 with the following spec-

CPU - Intel 2.13 Ghz Core Duo
Video - Nvidia GeForce 7900, 252 MB.
2 x 512 Mb RAM 512 Mhz

I recently purcahsed "Empire: Total War" and it runs apallingly, not surprising since my Graphics card and RAM meet the minimum requirements. I am looking to upgrade my RAM and Graphics card.

These are my memory specifications for my PC -

type- dual channel 533 - 667 and 800MHz DDR2
4 memory connectors
4gb maximum memory

currently using 2X 512 MB 533 MHZ

1) I am looking to buy 2GB of 667 Mhz RAM from Dell for £22 ($30) - will this be compatible with my PC, would I be able to run them alongside the two 512MB 533 MHz RAM cards I have in there already?

Could I get a better deal on RAM? Dell dont offer 800 Mhz RAM.

Yes you can get DDR2-800Mhz RAM cheap from multiple online retailers. What you need to do is download CPU-z, run it. Click the "SPD" tab, and see what voltages your current RAM is running at. That is what your gonna have to match up on the new set. If you post your info, I can help you find a set.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Adrian Bua

2) I have been recommended the XFX GeForce 9600 GSO (768 MB - DDR3 SDRAM) but I am not sure if my PC will be able to run it.

It uses a PCI Express 2.0 x16 interface (I am not too sure what this means)
see spec here - XFX GeForce 9600 GSO Graphics adapter - 768 MB - DDR3 SDRAM

my current card uses a a PCI Express x 16

In my PC specs there is no mention of me having PCI Express 2.0, just PCI Express. Is this a problem?

Most importantly it needs 400 watts power supply, my computer specs say I have just 375 Watts - will I be able to run the 9600 GSO at its full potential or should I look into getting a new PSU aswell?

Is the XFX Geforce 9600 GSO a substantial improvement on the Nvidia GeFORCE 7900GS?

7900 - XFX Geforce 7900GS Graphics adapter - 256 MB - GDDR3 SDRAM

9600- XFX GeForce 9600 GSO Graphics adapter - 768 MB - DDR3 SDRAM

Would my PC be OK running the XFX GeFroce 9600 Gso video card and the 2GB of 667 Mhz memory?

Is there a better video card than the XFX Geforce 9600 GSO for the same money? (Im buyong it for £69 - about $90)

Thanks for your help in advance.

[cksboy15]

If you want cheap memory for 30 to 40 id get this
Newegg.com - OCZ Vista Upgrade 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Desktop Memory

and the vdeo card i would go with a 9600,8800, 9800, or what karma suggests.

you won't be able to run a 9600 at full potential with 375 watts. I know that there are some fairly cheap quality 400 watt PSU's on newegg.

[Adrian Bua]

Just a quick not of thanks CKSboy15 and KarmaKiller, I really do apreciate the advice!

Its late over here so Ill get that info for you tomorrow.

One more thing, the 9600gso requires a PCI Express 2.0 x 16, My PC has a PCI Express x 16 - will the 9600gso run off this?

cheers guys

[KarmaKiller]

Yes, PCI-e 16x is compatible with PCI 2.0. You'll have no issues there.

And some dell PSU's have dual 12v+ rails, that are more then enough to power a 9800gt even.

[Adrian Bua]

Ok here goes ,


"You hit the nail on the head. You have to check to see what your power supply is capable of pushing before you pick a card out.
Open up the tower, and on the side of the power supply itself, there is a sticker with all kinds of numbers and specs.
We need to know the amount of amps that are on the 12V+ rail.
should say something like:
3.3v - 12
5v - 12
12v+ - 18
There may be more then one 12V+ number, list that also."


This is literally what it says on my PSU label:

P/N:PS-6371-1DF2-LF DCOUTPUT - 375W


INPUT: 100-120V ~/9A 50-60hZ
("chinese") 200-240V ~ 4.5A 50-60 Hz
OUTPUT: +5v = 22A MAX -12V = 1A MAX
("chinese") : 5V(FP) = 22A MAX +3.3V = /17A Max
:12A = /18A MAX 12VB = /18A MAX


Make sense?


Also, do I need to worry about the size of my tower, I think Dimension 9200's are mid-size towers.

What worries me is that the 7900GS card I have already ahs these measurements:

Width 21cm
Depth 11.4 cm
Height 1.9 cm

the 9600GSO has these

Width 1.9 cm
depth 21.3cm
height 11.1 cm



They are pretty different, will the 9600 GSO fot into my tower / ports?

thanks again for all the advice mate, very apreciated.

Ive already ordered 4 gigs of 667 Mhz RAM from Dell so hopefully just that will make a noticeable difference from my current 1gb!

[KarmaKiller]

Looks like your PSU is more then enough to push that card.
As far as size, that's hard to say really. The only thing you would have to worry about is the length of the card.
Really the only way to check it is with a tape/ruler really. It *should* fit, but I've heard of problems before with cards not fitting.
More then likely, you will be fine. But again, I'd probably double check the length to be sure.

Good luck