dmmontal

I've had my current machine for about 2 years - I am still quite happy with it in general, though I am looking to improve my performance gaming-wise. I feel like I may be in a bottleneck situation here, though I'm not really experienced enough to know if that's true or not. I am uncertain whether I would benefit from upgrading the graphics card, processors, or even what my options might be. I regularly perform thorough maintenance and have really not come across any issues that may be slowing my performance other than general outdatedness. Below are my specs - if there's any pertinent info I'm missing please let me know. Would appreciate any suggestions you might have!

Dell XPS 710
Windows Vista Home Premium Service Pack 2 (32-bit)

Intel Core2 Duo processor E6420 (2.13GHz,1066FSB) w/DualCore Technology and 4MB cache

256 MB NVIDIA GeForce 8600 GTS

4GB DDR2 SDRAM at 667MHz

750-watt Power Supply

abseh

Unfortunately you have a 32 bit version of Vista

If you are using a 64-bit operating system, your computer will support a maximum of 8 GB (2-GB DIMMs in each of the four slots) of memory.
( a cheap upgrade is added memory..doubling it)

Addressing Memory Configurations
If you are using a 32-bit operating system such as Microsoft® Windows® XP, your computer will support a maximum of 4 GB of memory.

Summary:
I would wait until Windows 7 is available...it should be soon
It may allow you to double your memory to 8 GB from the present 4 GB
(upgrades may be it the $100 USD range for Windows 7...plus cost of memory)

The video card can be updated too...but it can be expensive...I would wait for Windows 7...tests show Win 7 to be very fast...so far

Maybe someone else has more advice...good luck

dmmontal

Thanks abseh

Yeah I realized after the fact that I was limited with a 32 bit OS. As I understand it actually only supports 3 GB of RAM, so I am unfortunately not even able to take advantage of the full RAM I already have, let alone considering upgrading.

My general confusion is as to whether I would most likely see increased performance from an upgrade in video card, processor, RAM, or I guess additionally OS. I'm just unsure as to what might be the slowest of my components. Would you (or anyone else) recommend a second graphics card or an upgrade to a better single card?

abseh

You have a good system

Unfortunately we are caught in the rapid pace of improving tech

I am still running and old 1.8 with 2 gigs of RAM
@ today's prices...it is cheaper to buy a new computer...that will be outdated @ time of purchase

Your issue is personal preference...cost vs performance...your call

I personally think your cost is higher than the results... JMHO

When Win 7 comes out start slowly pricing the new models with Win 7 as a added bonus (@ least $200 or $300 saved with win 7 already installed)

Again...you have a good puter now

Phædrus2401

Your CPU is adequate, especially if you overclock. A new video card would give you much better performance in games, more so than the processor. 64-bit OS will support more than 8GB, up to like 32GB or something if anyone ever had that much RAM. But you don't need more than 4GB RAM, so I wouldn't worry about that. I don't know why Abseh is talking about Windows 7, since it won't give much improvement in games at all. It'll just be Windows Vista 2.0.

I'd get a new CPU heatsink (if you don't have a good one already) and overclock the CPU, then get a new graphics card. Give us a budget and the brand of your CPU and we can advise as to what GPU you might want.

wrench97

Overclocking on the Dell Bios isn't really possible there was talk of a Bios update to allow it but I don't think it ever materialized, Your board will however support all of the E6x00 chips and the Q6600/Q6700 chips.
The Board is limited to 8 Gig by the Chipset not by a 64Bit OS.
Your system is limited to about 3.2Gig available memory by the 32Bit OS's address space limitation. I would not be overly concerned since even with 64Bit windows there is still a 2Gig per program limit, so unless your playing 2 games at once additional ram won't make a difference.
The biggest impact will come from swapping the Video card out to a 9800GTX+ or GTS250 the 750w power supply will support it.

abseh

I see no right or wrong here

Just an opinion...hey...if money is not an issue the options are endless

I was referring to cost vs performance
Soon a new and faster computer will be available with Win 7 included as a bonus

I would put purchasing a new card toward a new and more powerful puter
A new card (9800GTX) ...runs about $130 To $180 ... JMHO

BTW: your chip set will run 64 bit
If you are using a 64-bit operating system, your computer will support a maximum of 8 GB (2-GB DIMMs in each of the four slots) of memory.

dmmontal

Thanks all - I'm grateful for the help!

Yes I had read that there are issues with overclocking for the Dell XPS 710 and other similar models.

My CPU manufacturer is Intel. My budget is fairly robust - I would be willing to spend up to $200-$250 (or maybe even more) on a new graphics card if it would mean substantial improvement. I looked up the 9800GTX+ and GTS250 on Newegg and pretty much everything I saw was under $200 so that would work fine for me, or I would be open to other options. I don't think I am going to be buying another full system anytime soon, so I am more concerned with getting my current computer to the place I'd like it to be.

If you were to recommend any specific cards, I would be appreciative if you might be able to explain briefly what the different attributes of the cards would mean for me. I am still in the process of learning when it comes to GPUs and am not totally sure what to expect from all of the different specs.

Phædrus2401

Sapphire Radeon HD4850 1GB - $114.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814102837

XFX GeForce 9800GTX+ 512MB - $129.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814130339

EVGA GeForce GTS250 1GB - $129.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814130468

Sapphire Radeon HD4870 1GB - $169.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814102801

XFX GeForce GTX260 896MB - $179.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814150329

Sapphire Radeon HD4890 1GB - $199.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814102831

All of them will give you excellent performance in games, and they're ranked in approximate order of power, with the 4870 and GTX260 being about equivalent (GTX260 maybe slightly more powerful), the 9800GTX+ and GTS250 being exactly the same (except with the models I posted the 250 had more RAM) and the 4890 being the most powerful. The next step up in GPUs (4850x2, 4870x2, GTX275, GTX280, GTX285, GTX295) cost quite a bit more (starting ~$250) and would likely require more robust power supplies (another ~$120-$180). I recommend one of the ones above for your price range.

wrench97

I would not mix the ATI video card and the Nvidia chipset on that model, I prefer EVGA cards if only for the support, with your current set up I think anything above the GTX260 will underperform due to the CPU speed a GTX260 will still run fine but not to it's full capability.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814130469
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814130434
The GTS250 has a 2 year warranty the GTX260 has a Lifetime warranty as long as you register the card with EVGA once installed. For the warranty I would go the 260 route.

dmmontal

I think based on all the info you've helped me with, I'm going to go with the GTX260 from EVGA. Even if it's a little overpowered for my system, I feel like that's fine, especially with the lifetime warranty. If I end up getting a fully new machine anytime in the next couple years I might even be able to move it over to the new one.

I really appreciate all the advice guys! Thanks very much!

wrench97

Let us know how it goes.

abseh

Ditto....good luck

dmmontal

Hey guys,

Well I got my new card last week, and I just wanted to thank you all again for your help and advice. I ended up buying the GTX 260 and she handles beautifully. Graphically I'm able to get results that I really haven't seen before. I'm really quite please! Thanks again!

wrench97

Good to hear it's working well:)