My Brain Aches ....

**purebritishsmith** · May 31st, 2011, 11:50 AM

Hi,
Basically I want to play GTA IV and I'm going to be able to play it no matter what aha (I'm so determined) but as many people find , my computer is the robin reliant of tech world :P basically I was wondering if someone could point out what I can do to upgrade (cheaply mind...) in order to play this game , I don't want a completely seamless play but just enough to get by.
I will provide any information on my system when asked for it.
I have a Acer f672CR motherboard.
Nvidia 8500GT graphics card.

I'm looking to upgrade RAM and processors already but any additional help would be appreciated,

Thanks,

- Purebritishsmith

**GroundZero3** · May 31st, 2011, 12:31 PM

Why dont you post your specs for everyone in the first place, it will make everyones life easier to help you

Here are the game requirements

Grand Theft Auto IV: PC Version Specifications - GTA4.TV

**purebritishsmith** · May 31st, 2011, 02:37 PM

Okay sorry , I know that i am way off being able to play it but im going to try damn it haha,

CPU - Intel Celeron 430 @1.80Ghz
MOBO - Acer F672CR
RAM - 1.00GB ( Definately upgrading that one ...)
Running 32bit win 7
Graphics - nVidia 8500GT

I'm not sure sure what else you want to know tbh :/

Just let me know and il post it up though

Thankyou for replying

- Purebritishsmith

**ShyguyXPC** · May 31st, 2011, 02:45 PM

Need to know what kind of Graphics Card Slot your PC has as well.

Does it have an Available PCI Express x16 Slot? Or is it PCI only (PCI and PCI Express are not the same thing nor even related other than they are expansion slots).

Is the PC a regular Sized Case, or is it a half height "Slim" style PC?

What are the specs of the Power Supply? (look for a sticker or label on the PSU in the case, and find what the max wattage rating is, Brand and model if there is any, and Amp or Wattage Rating for +12V Power on the label which is what the Video card uses for power)

**purebritishsmith** · May 31st, 2011, 02:48 PM

It Is a regular sized case , and im pretty sure its just PCI as for the power il just find out if I manage to haha

**purebritishsmith** · May 31st, 2011, 03:11 PM

well its a 250W output :S and having misread your question didnt pay attention to the +12w bit of the sticker :/ so back down there i go....

**purebritishsmith** · May 31st, 2011, 03:16 PM

OKay so it says +12w2 = 180W MAX
then something about 0.6A do you need any more specific details ?

**purebritishsmith** · May 31st, 2011, 03:18 PM

atx-250PA model number
ans fsp group on the top i assume thats the manufacturer

**ShyguyXPC** · May 31st, 2011, 03:49 PM

ok, well its an FSP power supply, so thats good.

Though if its only 250W, its most likely going to be too weak for any sort of decent Video card upgrades.

So you can add a Power Supply Upgrade to the list as well.

Is this your Power Supply? FSP Sparkle ATX-250PA 250W Power Supply, P/N: ATX-250PA - Power Supplies

if it is, going on those specs in that image: http://ep.yimg.com/ca/I/yhst-9043226..._2158_37485393

it says there is 10A for +12V1 and 10A for +12V2 (Dual +12V Rails), and total Combined Wattage is 204W, if you used both +12V Rails you would only be able to use 204W total instead of the 240W Total you would normally get from adding (10A x 2) x 12V = 240W. Wattage = Amperage x Voltage.

the +12V is MORE than enough (204 for a low end video card, PCI Express Low end Budget Gaming card, 17 Amps), but for the rest of the system, you'd be pushing the limits of that power supply, so a PSU upgrade would be needed.

Good thing is, if that is your PSU in that link above, then your PSU is a standard ATX design and can be EASILY replaced.