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Comp. Upgrade help for Hardware Dummies!

ChromeCoffinChromeCoffin Member Posts: 7
in The Pub at MMORPG.COM

Hey all,

I have some questions about upgrading my current system in hopes of playing EQ2.

Currently I have a pentium 3 (866mhz I think) with a GeForce4 graphics card installed....not enough power for EQ2.

My first question is would I be able to simply upgrade to a more powerful processor such as a P4 or is this even possible? Is upgrading a processor as simple as installing a new graphics card? (something tells me it isn't). And, if it is possible...what is the price range?

I'm wondering if I should just go ahead and invest in a whole new computer, but if there is a semi-painless way to switch to a more powerful processor, and possibly a graphics card..I would prefer going that route.

Any feedback on this matter would be greatly appreciated, thank you in advance gamers!

CC

 

Comments

  • OrccOrcc Member Posts: 3,043

    Well i dont know about American prices, but a P4 or AMD CPU in the 3.0 or 3000+ range will run you about $300 Canadian (i would guess roughly about $220 USD). I think your video card should be able to run the game fairly well, unless its a Geforce 4 MX, in which case you should upgade. Probably to a 9800pro, or geforce 5900/5950, unless you want to spend more money in which case the most bang for your buck will come from a 6800GT. Not sure about prices on those though.

    A CPU is a tad bit trickier to install than a video card, because chances are you have a CPU fan on there, so youll need to take that off, replace the CPU, make sure its in properly, and put on the new fan. A new video card all you have to do is take your old one out and put the new one in, then update the drivers. You will probably notice a much bigger jump in performance by upgrading you CPU rather than you video card (again unless its an MX)

    Edit: One more thing i forgot to mention, you may need to upgrade your motherboard if you decide on a new CPU. Also if you only have 512megs of Ram you may want to consider purchasing another 512megs for a total of 1 gig.

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  • ChromeCoffinChromeCoffin Member Posts: 7

    Thanks for your prompt response. image

    I saw a Dell system w/p4 and that 9800 card for @ $700, think it might be worth the trouble of having to deal with motherboards and fans, at least for this fella heheh.

    Thanks again image

  • DienekesDienekes Member Posts: 484

    You will have to upgrade your mother board from the pentium 3 board to the pentium 4 board. Look for mobo and CPU combos on www.pricewatch.com and you should find some good prices. I found a really good website called mgepconline.com from pricewatch that I just got my laptop and they have alienware comparable systems with 3/4 of the price or less. Good stuffs.

    "Feel free to hate me, but hate me for the right reasons."

    "Your still ignorant if you believe the first thing you see when the blindfold is removed."

    "Be smart enough to know I'm smarter than you."

  • dougfrippondougfrippon Member Posts: 206

    your computer isn't worth an upgrade, your best bet is to change the whole thing.  Get a budget CPU (best ghz/$) and a GF6 series graphic card.  FX6600+ or FX6800 are affordable.  And if you want real performance, FX6800+ and FX6800 Ultra.

    I recommand NVIDIA boards because they are closely engaged in EQ2's engine development.

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