Computer upgrades

[Vertzer]

I know nothing about computers so I need some help with this;
I'm thinking of getting more ram and a better video card for my computer, thing is, I don't know how much my computer could handle or what type of ram to buy, etc.

I'm assuming I would need to list my motherboard, but I don't know where to find that info.
Help is greatly appreciated.

[Ad Bot]

[Starcraftman]

If you want to upgrade your ram, I suggest going here: http://www.crucial.com/
They can easily help you figure out what type of ram your computer uses. Next you have to figure out what type of graphics card interface you have(PCI-e or AGP). AGP is usually a brown slot and about as long as a white PCI slot. A PCI-e slot is usually black, and sometimes blue, it is also about the same length as a PCI slot but it is thinner. Also if you plan to get a better graphics card, you may need a more powerful power supply, especially if your computer was made by a company like Dell or HP (also newer Dells are very limited in their upgrade cababilities).

[Vertzer]

Sweet, thanks.
I have a Dell C521, What would be the best card of my power supply and is there any other way to find out what interface I have? I don't want to open my computer right now to check.

Hm. For some reason the website you gave me only sees that I have 512 mb of RAM, while dxdiag states that I have 1gig, could this be a problem?

[Reactor Worker]

Your system info can all be found here....

http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/dimC521/en/SM_EN/specs.htm

Looks like you have a x16 PCIe slot but the case isn't very large and the powersupply isn't going to help much. You will need to shoot for a low end card (still a big upgrade for you).

The 9500GT http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130378 would be a good choice (power comes from the motherboard).

[Vertzer]

The 9500GT would be a good choice.

Thanks.
Is that really a low end card? I thought the 9500 GT's were supposed to be all awesome. Is there anything better I could get or is that pretty much the best?
I can spend around $200 total.

If possible I would also like to get a clarification on the RAM problem.

[Phone]

I've got the exact same computer.
I'm upgrading to an HD4850 or 9800gtx+, getting 2gb RAM and an AMD 6000+. You have 1 PCI-e slot, a 320w power supply, your ram is 800DDR2, and you have an AM2+ processor slot thing. You need to upgrade your power supply like I did. Also your case is tiny as forget, so get a new one or you'll have to keep the case open. I don't recommend the 9800gtx or any dual slot card because you have 30mm of space between the PCI-e slot and the cover of the CPU, and that card is 32mm thick.

9500gt is what I would consider low end. I've got an 8600gts at the moment, I can play any game on at least medium settings at my native resolution. 9600+ is what you should get (but since you can spend $200, get the HD4850, its single slot and has THE best price to power ratio on the market)

[Vertzer]

Upgrading the power supply or case isn't an option for me right now.
Only things I can upgrade are Ram and video card.

[Phone]

Read my edit, and without a better power supply I recommend what Reactor Worker linked you to, but its still wider than your case.

[Vertzer]

Read my edit, and without a better power supply I recommend what Reactor Worker linked you to, but its still wider than your case.

:(
Is there anything that would allow me to keep the case closed?

[Phone]

Half height cards. They're more expensive and less powerful. :(

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=Property&Subcategory=48&Description=&Type=&N=2010380048&srchInDesc=&MinPrice=&MaxPrice=&PropertyCodeValue=4195%3A30408

8500GT :D

[Vertzer]

Hm. Well at this point I'm thinking of just saving up for a whole new custom built computer.

[Phone]

^ yes.

[Vertzer]

At my rate it'd take me maybe a year a two. Anyway, thanks to everyone who helped.

[General Nick]

At my rate it'd take me maybe a year a two. Anyway, thanks to everyone who helped.

Work hard, and try to earn promotions.

[Vertzer]

That's the thing, I don't work.
I simply don't have the time.