Maintenance - We're currently working on things and you might experience some issues. Should be wrapped up soon!

This post has been de-listed

It is no longer included in search results and normal feeds (front page, hot posts, subreddit posts, etc). It remains visible only via the author's post history.

1
[Build Help] Need advice on which component(s) to upgrade first
Author Summary
roastnewt is in Build Help
Post Body

I currently have a stock Dell XPS 420. I'm relatively comfortable putting together components, but this was a gift, so I did not put it together myself. It was a very nice computer in 2008, but it's starting to show its age. Specs:

  • Processor: Intel Core 2 Quad 2.4 GHz
  • RAM: 2 GB DDR2 (2x 1GB sticks, 2 free slots)
  • Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GTX (PCIe x16 port).
  • Power Supply: 375 watt
  • HDD: 500GB SATA something or other, extra free drive bay.
  • Disk Drive: DVD-RW, I honestly never use this.

I also have all the standard keyboard, mouse and monitor. It has bluetooth and SD-card reader, but no 802.11 wireless.

I have around $400-$500 to spend, and I'm looking to get the most bang for my buck. Looking at BF3's posted recommended system requirements, all I'm missing is 4 gigs of RAM. But is that the best place to invest? I was looking a a new graphics card, but I don't think the 375 watt PSU could handle a modern graphics card. I would appreciate any advice, reddit.

Author
Account Strength
100%
Account Age
15 years
Verified Email
Yes
Verified Flair
No
Total Karma
5,637
Link Karma
196
Comment Karma
5,441
Profile updated: 3 days ago
Posts updated: 7 months ago

Subreddit

Post Details

Location
We try to extract some basic information from the post title. This is not always successful or accurate, please use your best judgement and compare these values to the post title and body for confirmation.
Posted
13 years ago