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How do I split audio between my pc and monitor?

Upgrading PC for Gaming?

  • I've always been a PC gamer, but I can't be one all of the time because my PC at my Mum's house is slow as hell (my parents are split up). The PC at my Dad's is really powerful but at the same time was very expensive to build (he built it). I want to upgrade the PC at my Mum's so that I can play all games and maybe even record them. I presume I will be needing a good video card but I'm not sure about a processor. Also, I'm only 16 and although I have a job I still can't afford a £500 computer, and so I'm looking really under £200, and if possible £100, but as I said I am willing to go to £200 if it will give a massive increase it performance. If you could give both options (for £100 and £200) I would be more than grateful. I am going to buy Windows 7 but I'm not including that in the price Computer Specs: OS: Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition Version 2002 Service pack 3 (5.1, Build 2600) BIOS: Default system BIOS Processor: Pentium(R) Dual-Core CPU E5400 @ 2.70GHz (2 CPUs) Memory: 1014MB RAM Page File: 783MB used, 1661MB available DirectX Version: DirectX 9.0c Display: Name: Intel(R) G33/G31 Express Chipset Family Manufacturer: Intel Corporation Chip type: Intel(R) GMA 3100 DAC Type: Internal Approx. Total Memory: 256.0 MB Current Display Mode: 1024 x 768 (32 Bit) (60 Hz) Monitor: Plug and Play Monitor Thanks for taking your time to read this and answer it! Kind Regards, -Matt

  • Answer:

    well Matt., since your current display is only at 1024x768 then getting at least an HD 6770 and a 500W branded PSU (corsair,antec,seasonic,OCZ) would be good enough to play all current games today ( But not on max settings since your CPU is a bit outdated already, most probably on high settings the most depending on the games requirement). Since your budget is only at 200 pounds, then you have no choice but to go for the video card first which is the most impt hardware for gaming. When the time comes that you have the extra budget, try upgrading the cpu to at least a core2duo 3.06 ghz wolfdale, that would make it faster also. But upgrade first the GPU and PSU. And also, upgrade your RAM, 1 gb is too low for todays games, making it 4 gb would be best. Goodluck

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1 - Dont go for a payment plan PC. I did this 3-4yrears ago with my PC. I was good at the time, just when the dual core CPU's came out. It cost £500 in total if i paid within 9 months. Stupidly i did not pay it over 9 months and ive ended up payin almost £1000 for the pc and im still paying it off now!!! Just dont do it. Specially as it would need upgrading in a yrs time. 2 - Look to overclock your pc http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/forum/259899-11-core-overclocking-guide this is a great noobie guide on overclocking. You have the E5400 which is know to be a great overclocker. You can get this running from 2.7ghz to 3.5ghz by changing the FSB on the bios. Thats a great boost for you system. 3 - More Memory.... get 4GB DDR2 memory. Its the sweet spot for gaming. Ive upgraded to 8GB of ddr2 memory and i see no difference at all. i only go that much as i use Photoshop and other graphic deisn programmes. 4 - Graphic card. Your usin internal graphics which is no good at all for games. You do not need to break the bank with a graphic card. Ive got an ATI 3850 512mb card and i can still play the latest games on it. At the moment im playin Skyrim at med resolutions and ll texture packs + 160+ mods. i recommend ATI 4870 with 1GB memory at least. As for windows 7, upto you. Torrent sites have copys of it I gt mine from there for free ;)

Matt

Upgrade your RAM, CPU and get a CPU. If your parentals are willing to pay$1200 ask them for a custom built one or get your dad to build one. Its much more cheaper.

Anthony

Without knowing your board specs, can't give you any info. But, with that cpu... you aren't going to be upgrading to play any games from 2012, I can tell you that

whyme123

Its integrated graphics, that's your problem, the dual core Intel processor is still ok for gaming, wont be brilliant for multi threaded applications such as video editing and stuff but for standard gaming its fine. You also need some more RAM - get it up to 4Gb if you can, that's the sweet spot. As for graphics cards, get on Ebay and buy a second hand HD5850 or HD5870- They are last generation but still pack a punch and support direct x11. If you look around I'm sure you can get one under £100. Good luck http://www.ramcomputersystems.co.uk

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