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Question

Upgrades for me Desktop

Mar 29, 2014 6:19AM PDT

Hi all,

ive just got a new PC, but want to upgrade most parts. im looking at a budget of maybe £400 tops. but have no clue if this is enough or to much.

Here is my computer:

Windows 8.1,
intel, core i3-4130 CPU @ 3.40GHz
4.00 GB ram,
64-bit Operating System. x64-based processor,
card Intel(R) HD Graphics 4400

Thanks all.

Discussion is locked

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Answer
That looks like a nice machine to
Mar 29, 2014 6:26AM PDT

Get on the web and more. Why upgrade? Gaming? You didn't tell.

As it stands I would not change a thing.
Bob

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yea for gaming.
Mar 29, 2014 6:38AM PDT

i find it a bit slow tba. and just playing shogun 2, its just a bit sluggish. so anything to improve.

cheers for the fast response Bob.

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Then you need to reveal make/model of the PC
Mar 29, 2014 6:54AM PDT
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i bought it from a private company so cant see any logos
Mar 29, 2014 7:16AM PDT

ive opened up the case an it seems very spacious. And so if i got the GTX 750Ti and maxed my ram to 8gb. would my power supply be able to handle it, or would i still need to upgrade that aswel.

also im unsure of how to find more information about the desktop. any tips?

Cheers.

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just opened case.
Mar 29, 2014 7:29AM PDT

just some more information

power supply- ATX switiching output 500w
motherboard- asus h81m-e
ram- 2x 2gb 256mx64 ddr3

hope this helps.

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Still light on detail
Mar 29, 2014 7:37AM PDT

If that is a single rail PSU then it could be OK. Any chance of a make/model or link to that PSU?

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Somthing like this
Mar 29, 2014 7:46AM PDT

Model : 500 CB
Output : 500w
Connectors :
20 + 4 pin motherboard connector
2 sata cables
3 Molex
4 pin CPU

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That's unclear.
Mar 30, 2014 4:15AM PDT

I found one model had a 14 Ampere +12V rail so let's see if 168 Watts is enough. First we divide that by 2 for margin and life span.

This means the GTX 750Ti should never go over 84 Watts.

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/geforce-gtx-750-ti-review,3750-20.html seems to be pushing it on the PSU I found.

It's a shame we don't know what PSU you have or its per rail amperage ratings.
Bob

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would pictures help?
Apr 1, 2014 8:57PM PDT

so you think that graphics card could hurt the PC?

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No. I would not do this.
Apr 2, 2014 2:39AM PDT

My choice is to not go past 50% of a PSU's rating. It's a shame we can't find out what this PSU is or what its ratings are. It's not just Watts but Amperes per rail.
Bob

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Answer
Solid PC
Mar 30, 2014 2:39AM PDT

I read the post thread and it seems you're a good example of trying to keep a "gamer" happy. You will find that kicking and screaming your PC into a happy game realm won't be as easy as it appears. I offer this because, for one, you have an OEM type PC, probable HP. But, you didn't state what model# you have because OEM based systems can be troublesome to really get game ready. If not, read on...

Next, I would concentrate on video(its ram+chipset) and power which already some posters offered, at least PSU. The video side has always been keen to provide the best gaming experience and the PSU along with it to support the new power demands it may require. I always post that cooling is a prime consideration as well in order to sustain power and video outputs at high levels in order to keep all working. Looking into those three areas should make your gaming experience a good one. That's video, PSU and cooling and then ram if needed, because 4gb is often enough. The next level is making sure all this is certified or rated for "top shelf" or best offering, like PSU is 80+ and ram is SLI rated or similar. That ram is heat thermo-alloy shielded, etc.. Otherwise, sooner later something will falter because either you do prolong play or find the weakest link. I have found larger PC cases a must for best air circulation. Alas, was this desktop offered as a gaming one?

tada -----Willy Happy

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no, it was a free computer
Apr 1, 2014 8:56PM PDT

I was given the computer from a WBS as im a DSA student, so i think your right about it being OEM. It just was given to use for my studies at uni and i was really hoping that i could improve it and turn it into a decent gaming system. but from the sounds of it, it seems my best bet is to just get another computer to improve?

also, as im not given off the right information, would pictures of my PC help at all?

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Pix are good reference
Apr 2, 2014 1:16AM PDT

It sure would help to have pictures to look at. If you've already just be sure to check the mtrbd. manual to verify the upmost it can do. It that regard, you find is it worth going the next effort and cost. Upgrades can be made but compared to maybe the next generation mtrbd. even an used one would make a PC in the long run. Alas, because you're driving for a "gaming PC" that alone suggests you're going to place it in extreme or upmost modes as I haven't found a gamer willing to do less unless forced to. Wink

If you like I use PCWizard 2013 and allow it to run and inform you what you really have. The report or display will offer the details and more to the point "exactly" what you have, yada, yada. Understand OEM type PC tend to be stable or made to work for typical usage unless otherwise sold as such. That's why I made that point.

tada -----Willy Happy

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report from pcwizard2013
Apr 2, 2014 2:32AM PDT

did you want me to copy the report from pc wizard into here. if so, any header in specific. i.e system summary, main board, processor?

also i apologise but what does mtrbd. manual mean?

much appreciated willy Happy

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The info is for you to review
Apr 3, 2014 2:15PM PDT

If upon finding something that may puzzle you, the PCWizard may shed light on it or clue you in. No need to post the results in the forum unless it bolsters your question. I just offer it as tool to resolve whatever question(s) that it could answer. 3 things I find of immediate help me when I use.

1) tells exactly what memory sticks I have, name, type and specs
2) correctly IDs the motherboard(mtrbd.)
3) temp. reading and fan operations

Other than that for me is just more info but you never know it could help. Alas, the mtrbd. manual is the motherboard manual which offers the specs, troubleshooting and "how to" in general terms what your mtrbd. can do or "upgrade path" is available. Just another source of info/data that informs you.

tada -----Willy Happy