What are the best RAM + gfx Card upgrades I can get with $100

Technology and Gaming Help and Support
#1

heres my specs right now:

System Information

Time of this report: 2/11/2011, 16:43:41
Operating System: Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit (6.1, Build 7600) (7600.win7_gdr.101026-1503)
Language: English (Regional Setting: English)
System Manufacturer: Dell Inc.
System Model: Inspiron 518
BIOS: Phoenix - AwardBIOS v6.00PG
Processor: Pentium® Dual-Core CPU E5200 @ 2.50GHz (2 CPUs), ~2.5GHz
Memory: 3072MB RAM
Available OS Memory: 3062MB RAM
Page File: 2018MB used, 4102MB available
Windows Dir: C:\Windows
DirectX Version: DirectX 11
DX Setup Parameters: Not found
User DPI Setting: Using System DPI
System DPI Setting: 96 DPI (100 percent)
DWM DPI Scaling: Disabled
DxDiag Version: 6.01.7600.16385 64bit Unicode

Display Devices

      Card name: Intel(R) G33/G31 Express Chipset Family
   Manufacturer: Intel Corporation
      Chip type: Intel(R) GMA 3100

I know my gfx and RAM suck, but I’m kinda just staring this PC gaming thing, I’ve been playing games on it for a while, but never thought about upgrading till now, I compared it to my Xbox and thought that w/ upgrades this PC i’d be the shiz.

So whats the best RAM + gfx card combo I can get $100 (not including shipping) or should I cut the RAM and get a beast gfx card. I just want it to be able to play most new games like ME2, Fallout: New Vegas, Deus EX: Human Revolution, ect. at least at medium with 30+ FPS.

#2

The RAM you have now should be enough. Maybe buy a cheap 1gb stick, but I don’t think you really need it.

As for GFX card for $100, I’d highly recommend the Radeon HD 5770. Its a little more than $100 (like $120 I think), but its a huge upgrade to the integrated graphics you have now.

Note, though, that your processor is showing its age, you need an empty PCI-E slot in your motherboard and some Dells dont come with any, and that your power supply needs to be able to handle a new graphics card both in regards to wattage AND amperage over the 12v rails (the latter is rarely taken into consideration, even though its just as important).

#3

would it matter what beand I get of the Radeon HD 5770, like Power Color or no?

#4

If you don’t plan on OC’ing it and don’t care for warranty then not really.

#5

I wanted to OC my proscessor, but it took me a few hours to figure out that Dell PCs don’t allow it lol, I understand that OCVing give btter performance at the cost of life. Anyways, I think the Inspiron 518 has a default PSU of 300w or 350 with +12V rails or something, what PSU do I need to upgrade to for Radeon HD 5770?

#6

I’m running a 21% CPU overclock right now and I can assure you I am still very much alive and have made no contracts with the devil.

Knowing the amps would be of more help.

450W is recommended but you could probably get by with a 350W if it’s good one.

#7

Found it,
Power Inspiron 518/519
DC power supply:
Wattage 300 W
Maximum heat dissipation 162 W
NOTE: Heat dissipation is calculated by
using the power supply wattage rating.
Voltage (see the safety instructions that
shipped with your computer for
important voltage setting information)
115/230 VAC, 50/60 Hz, and 7A/ 4A
Coin cell battery 3-V CR2032 lithium coin cell

https://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/insp518/en/qrg/MT480A01.pdf

#8

Sorry 4 the double post but will this work with my current PCI slot and PSU?

Radeon HD 5670

I think i have either a 1.0/1.1/2.0 PCI interface and a 300w or 350w PSU that can max out at 400w

#9

you can still OC your processor without going through the bios by a program called setfsb. You can do some stuff so it’ll start up and overclock it every time you turn on your computer too. I don’t think it’s worth the trouble though.

#10

I wouldn’t recommend overclocking in Windows, the BIOS is the safest place to OC.

#11

you have to buy the motherboard separately to be able to overclock in BIOS, manufacturers like Dell, HP, etc are all douchebags that don’t give the option to overclock

and to use SetFSB you need to have a compatible clock generator chip (PLL)

also overclocking will not reduce CPU life span unless you also change the voltage beyond the maximum safe voltage for the model

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