Solved Turning a non-gaming PC into a gaming PC

[thoughtso]

Hi all, first time poster here.

So I have a less-than-optimal PC when it comes to gaming (3D anyway) and I'd appreciate any advice on tweaking it to be able to smoothly run some 3D games, if possible. I'm a noob at this, as you can probably tell.

The basics of my system should be visible with my avatar, but I'm working with a Dell Optiplex 755 with a Core 2 Duo (e8400, 3ghz), 4gb ddr2 ram, and a pretty low-tier video card (geforce 210, 1gb). Specific to gaming, I want to smoothly run the Ghostbusters PC game if it can be done w/ this PC. My system specs meet the minimum requirements for the game, but it runs pretty slow as you'd expect; I set it to 30 fps, but it definitely runs at less and most options are at the lowest setting. I guess the obvious culprit is the video card because everything else meets the recommended specs for the game. Unfortunately, the computer case doesn't accommodate any graphics cards (that I'm aware of) that meet or exceed recommendations (PCIe x16 slot is the top slot, so can't fit a double-tall bracket). Furthermore, I'd need a new power supply to use any card that requires a 6/8-pin connection.

That said, I'd like any advice on how to try to run Ghostbusters more smoothly without upgrading the graphics card. Would overclocking (I've never done this) help? Adding more RAM? Or anything else you might suggest? Any feedback is greatly appreciated and thanks in advance.

 

[RoasterMen]

I would start with the processor, go for a core 2 quad (if your motherboard supports it). 4GB is just about right for that old system (I have 6GB DDR2 RAM).

Graphics Card should be upgraded to something else. A GeForce GT 1030 would be enough (But the core 2 quad will bottleneck it.)


My suggestion is, buy a new computer. If your budget allows it.

 

[thoughtso]

I would start with the processor, go for a core 2 quad (if your motherboard supports it). 4GB is just about right for that old system (I have 6GB DDR2 RAM).

Graphics Card should be upgraded to something else. A GeForce GT 1030 would be enough (But the core 2 quad will bottleneck it.)


My suggestion is, buy a new computer. If your budget allows it.

I wasn't sure if there would be a board-powered GPU that would boost 3D performance for my system alone, but the GT 1030 looks like a win. I plan on getting it.

Aside from the video card, I'm not looking to add anything else to my system to smoothly run Ghostbusters or similar games. And I can't currently upgrade the cpu or even get a whole new computer for budget reasons. Would overclocking make any more of a difference if the 1030 upgrade doesn't quite get me there alone? How about going from 4gb RAM to 6 or 8? Can video cards even pull from regular system RAM to help out?

 

[RoasterMen]

You cannot overclock your processor because you have an OEM motherboard. Even if you can, your processor would still bottleneck the GT 1030 considering the processor is fairly old and it's just a dual core processor.

The Core 2 Quad Q6600 (Which your motherboard supports) is your best bet, you may not overclock it but the bottleneck will be barely noticeable

You can go for 6GB of RAM.

Video cards only uses RAM for video memory if the video card runs out of video memory. But more video memory does not necessarily mean more performance unless you are trying to play your games at higher resolution with higher textures.

 

[thoughtso]

You cannot overclock your processor because you have an OEM motherboard. Even if you can, your processor would still bottleneck the GT 1030 considering the processor is fairly old and it's just a dual core processor.

The Core 2 Quad Q6600 (Which your motherboard supports) is your best bet, you may not overclock it but the bottleneck will be barely noticeable

You can go for 6GB of RAM.

Video cards only uses RAM for video memory if the video card runs out of video memory. But more video memory does not necessarily mean more performance unless you are trying to play your games at higher resolution with higher textures.

All very helpful info. I guess I'll have to invest in both the card and the cpu, but this should get me to where I want to currently be. Also, now I more clearly see the difference in processor vs video functionality. Thx!

 

[ThrashZone]

Hi,
Indeed a better processor will go a long way
I got a Q9550 off of amazon through a third party vender actually 2 venders before I finally got a good one so don't cheap out by not getting the extended warranty it will greatly help culling through yes Used processors that are sold through just about anywhere not only amazon
Q9550 was about 80.us and I went through 4 before I got a good one.

 

[RoasterMen]

Adding to what TrashZone said, you will need to consider changing the motherboard of your system because your system only supports up to Q6600. Cheap P35 motherboards will do. The Q9550 will be your best bet.

 

[thoughtso]

Hi,
Indeed a better processor will go a long way
I got a Q9550 off of amazon through a third party vender actually 2 venders before I finally got a good one so don't cheap out by not getting the extended warranty it will greatly help culling through yes Used processors that are sold through just about anywhere not only amazon
Q9550 was about 80.us and I went through 4 before I got a good one.

Great suggestion. Looking around online, I didn't realize how inexpensive these older chips can be (definitely makes an extended warranty more likely). I might try the Q6600 first, but will probably end up getting the Q9550 (and supporting mobo) ultimately.

Adding to what TrashZone said, you will need to consider changing the motherboard of your system because your system only supports up to Q6600. Cheap P35 motherboards will do. The Q9550 will be your best bet.

Noted and thanks! Saved me some spec research.

 

[thoughtso]

Update: I know I marked this thread as solved, but that was before I actually got the new hardware.

Taking the advice of RoasterMen and ThrashZone, I got the geforce gt1030 and a good Q9650 core 2 quad (w/ copper heatsink). Victory! Ghostbusters plays like a champ on my system now.

Thread definitely solved, thanks again for the help!

 

[Layback Bear]

From thoughtso My System Specs

Computer type PC/Desktop
System Manufacturer/Model Number Dell
OS Windows 7 Ultimate x64

Unless you have a retail copy of Ultimate you will most likely not be able to activate it.
Very few people bought Retail Ultimate. They cost a ton of money.

Non Retail Windows 7 (OEM) will only activate on the original motherboard it was installed and activated the first time.

Jack

 

[thoughtso]

From thoughtso My System Specs



Unless you have a retail copy of Ultimate you will most likely not be able to activate it.
Very few people bought Retail Ultimate. They cost a ton of money.

Non Retail Windows 7 (OEM) will only activate on the original motherboard it was installed and activated the first time.

Jack

I bought the PC refurbed w/ 7 Home Prem, then bought a retail copy of Ultimate on ebay for like $100. All good.

 

[Quintus Arius]

Cheapskate options=0. Spend Microcoft Big Bucks !