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What would it take to upgrade this computer?

  • I currently have a Gateway FX6840-03e. It's got an Intel Core i7 Processor, ATI Radeon HD 5770 with 1024MB RAM, 1TB Hard Drive, 8GB DDR3 RAM. I bought this computer back in 2009 as a gaming computer. Back then it was pretty good. However, I just bought a brand new headset yesterday, the Turtle Beach Z6A, and it made me realize my computer is already outdated. The headset has a cord to support Surround Sound, and my computer's sound card does not have a slot for it, even though the computer claims it is a 5.1 sound card. I also found out today that my computer can't handle more than 8GB of RAM. So what I'm wanting to do is upgrade this computer. I want to upgrade it, but not buy a completely new computer. What I've found out is I could continue to use the RAM and just buy a bit more of it, probably use the same graphics card as it isn't bad, and continue to use the tower. This leaves a new processor and motherboard. I'm not even sure if I'd need a new processor. It's quad-core which is pretty good. So what I'm asking is how much would I probably expect to spend to upgrade this computer to current levels. Is it even worth upgrading or should I just get a new computer altogether?

  • Answer:

    There's no point in buying more memory if you don't need it. Just having more memory isn't an advantage, unless you need it. If you are a developer running a couple of virtual machines, or editing uncompressed HD, you might find lots of RAM to be advantageous. If you're just gaming, you might find you're rarely using half of your installed RAM. If you're never using more than 4GB of memory, increasing beyond 8GB isn't going to do anything except improve your ability to brag about your system. At least go into Task Manager and find out what your usage is, before you waste your money.

Eleon Dragon at Yahoo! Answers Visit the source

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processor wise.. an i7 is fine for a vast majority if not ALL games of current... 8GB of ram will whip anything ! The only thing u might need is a better video card... it is still ok, just wont play everything at MAX so ure system is NOT out of date.. it is far from it.. just grab a better video card, maybe a GTX5xx series which will rock all current games

koregtr

8GB is still more than you need. It would've helped if you specified the processor, but the thing that is likely holding you back is the 5770. It's a "meh" graphics card. Look into something like a 6950. You would also need a new power supply for it. I would recommend at least a 600W, preferably 650W (while it doesn't use that much, it puts less stress on the power supply so it lasts longer), and MAKE SURE it's 80 Plus certified (I usually look for at least 80 Plus Bronze). About the headphone issue; just get a discrete sound card.

Broodyr

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