Upgrading pc

Hey guys, Hope i can get some advice here about upgrading my pc current specs are:

Intel core 2 duo E7400 @2.8ghz
Ram 2GB
32 bit windows 7
Integrated graphics
PSU 400-500 watt not sure will check later

I am looking to get a graphics card prob this MSI HD 6850 OC AMD Radeon Graphics Card - 1GB - R6850-PM2D1GD5/OC - Scan.co.uk or this MSI HD 6850 OC AMD Radeon Graphics Card - 1GB - R6850-PM2D1GD5/OC - Scan.co.uk

Also an extra 1 gb of ram to take it to 3gb
I am looking to start playing racing games such as rfactor or gtr2 i do realize i am going to have to upgrade the mobo/cpu at a later date.

If any one has any other comments as to what i should also upgrade or different components to add it would be most welcome.

I think that CPU requires a socket 775 motherboard. You can't do much upgrading to that CPU unless you also change the motherboard.

I'd think more in terms of cutting my losses, saving some money, and going with a new motherboard/CPU combination---rather than trying to upgrade the CPU on the existing motherboard.

3 GB of RAM is close to the maximum usable with 32-bit Windows. You may or may not notice much difference from 2 GB.

You can't do a whole lot useful otherwise. An SSD would help with overall snappiness of the PC, but isn't likely to affect gaming.

ignatzatsonic said:

I think that CPU requires a socket 775 motherboard. You can't do much upgrading to that CPU unless you also change the motherboard.

I'd think more in terms of cutting my losses, saving some money, and going with a new motherboard/CPU combination---rather than trying to upgrade the CPU on the existing motherboard.

3 GB of RAM is close to the maximum usable with 32-bit Windows. You may or may not notice much difference from 2 GB.

You can't do a whole lot useful otherwise. An SSD would help with overall snappiness of the PC, but isn't likely to affect gaming.

ignatzatsonic thanks for the reply looks like a bit of saving is due, any recommendations on mobo/cpu bundles mid range price wise i should be looking at.

Look for socket 1155 motherboard and CPU combinations. That's an Intel specification, rather than AMD.

Most up-to-date motherboards require DDR3 RAM. Most likely, you currently have DDR2, which could not be used.

I've seen socket 1155 motherboard/CPU combinations for as low as $180. Add maybe $25 for 4 GB of DDR3 RAM.

A mid-range socket 1155 motherboard/CPU combination might be $300, plus RAM. At $400, you would be getting a very powerful PC.

The choice depends mostly on what you intend to do with it---game, write a novel, make an H-bomb, etc.

I realize you are in UK, but here are some US sources to give you an idea. You can shop for the same stuff at Amazon UK or whatever supplier you have in mind.

Here are the socket 1155 CPUs at Newegg. A midlevel one would be $100 to $200.

Newegg.com - Computer Hardware, CPUs / Processors, Processors - Desktops, LGA 1155

Here are some motherboards for socket 1155. I'd get Asus, Gigabyte, or Intel. A price around 125 to 150 would give you most of the worthwhile features.

Newegg.com - Computer Hardware, Motherboards, Intel Motherboards, LGA 1155


Add $25 for 4 GB of DDR3 240-pin RAM.

I'm assuming your case, power supply, graphics card, hard drives, and operating system don't need to be replaced.

Thanks dude will take a look at these as for psu graphics card will upgrade as currently have integrated graphics and will get a more powerful psu currently 400 Watts, operating system fine as are hdd.

The choice depends mostly on what you intend to do with it---game, write a novel, make an H-bomb, etc.

Get into pc gaming the likes of gtr2 / gtr3.

steve08 said:

Thanks dude will take a look at these as for psu graphics card will upgrade as currently have integrated graphics and will get a more powerful psu currently 400 Watts, operating system fine as are hdd.

OK.

Be aware that if your current Windows 7 license is OEM, you will need to get a new license if you change motherboards. If your current license is retail, you can reuse it with a new motherboard on the new PC.

Thanks for the replys guys much appreicated :) have a lot to think about now either go down the route of upgrading the current pc or save a bit of money and buy a ready made one from a specialist pc shop, decisions decisions ?? whatever route i choose its not going to be for a few months yet anyway.