68 replies to this topic

[mark_90]

Hi,

Im looking to upgrade the RAM and graphics card on my PC.

At the moment, i have 2 256MB PC2-3200 DDR2 sticks of RAM.

I hope to upgrade this to 2 1GB new sticks. I have found this RAM but i don't know if its compatible with my system. My motherboard can hold 8GB all together however, there is something about pin numbers which i am not sure about.

I also want to replace my graphics card from a 128MB ATI Radeon X300

I have found this card. Will it run FS any better?

Also what do you look for in the specification of a graphics card to ensure it is compatible with my computer?

Many Thanks

[PiP]

The graphics card is faster and will fit.

The RAM WILL NOT fit.

I'd like to know what CPU, motherboard and RAM you have.

Post some screenshots of a free program called CPU-Z

[mark_90]

[PiP]

hmm, that RAM will fit, but mixing RAM aint great.

You'd be best selling the current RAM and getting 2x 512Mb sticks, or 2x1Gb sticks.

[mark_90]

sorry PiP forgot to mention that. Yes i will be selling the RAM i have at the mo and replacing it with a completely new set.

Any advice on what to look for at graphics cards?

[Corky Buchek]

You are going to want a PCI-E card..whats your budget?

http://www.newegg.co...N82E16814130056

Heres a Good deal with mail in rebate.

[Mul.]

If you're getting rid of the existing ram set, the 1GB DDR2-533 will function fine.

As for graphics card, I'll second your decision on the Sapphire Radeon X1950 Pro. It'll blow your X300 out of the water and it's fantastic value for money

Corky: Since he's using the Ebuyer site for parts, I presume he's from the UK. Newegg doesn't do UK shipping.

Mul

Edited by mul, 06 January 2007 - 08:58 AM.

[mark_90]

Thanks mul, so the Sapphire Radeon X1950 Pro will definately fit on my motherboard?

[Mul.]

Yep definitely. Am I right in thinking you have a Dell Dimension 5150?

Edited by mul, 06 January 2007 - 10:14 AM.

[mark_90]

mul, on Jan 6 2007, 10:13 AM, said:

Yep definitely. Am I right in thinking you have a Dell Dimension 5150?

nearlly...DELL dimension 5100

[Mul.]

Right, ok. You'll need one of these:

http://www.overclock...rodid=CB-018-AK

and if you don't have two free 4pin molex cables, you need this too:

http://www.overclock...rodid=CB-003-AK

Mul

[mark_90]

Right so i definatley need the 6-Pin to 4-Pin Power Adaptor

How do i know if if need the "Y" Power Splitter?

[Mul.]

Well, the only way is to look inside and see if you have two spare 4 Pin Molex cables.

Looks like:
http://www.hardwarez..._power_conn.jpg

Mul

[mark_90]

OK i'l take a look later. I take it these connections are for the graphics card?

[Mul.]

mark_90, on Jan 6 2007, 04:19 PM, said:

OK i'l take a look later. I take it these connections are for the graphics card?

Yes. They plug into the 4pin to 6pin adapter I mentioned, which plugs into the graphics card. Ideally, you want a real 6pin lead direct from the PSU but as far as I'm aware the 5000 series dimensions don't appear to have these.

Mul

[AmericanAirFan]

mark_90, on Jan 6 2007, 11:19 AM, said:

OK i'l take a look later. I take it these connections are for the graphics card?

   Yes PCI-express cards are very power hungry so they get some extra juice straight from the PSU  

-AmericanAirFan

[mark_90]

mul, on Jan 6 2007, 11:38 AM, said:

mark_90, on Jan 6 2007, 04:19 PM, said:

OK i'l take a look later. I take it these connections are for the graphics card?

Yes. They plug into the 4pin to 6pin adapter I mentioned, which plugs into the graphics card. Ideally, you want a real 6pin lead direct from the PSU but as far as I'm aware the 5000 series dimensions don't appear to have these.

Mul

just to clarify,

the Y power splitter connects to the PSU and then the 6-Pin to 4-Pin power adapter connectes to the Y power splitter. Finally, the 6 - 4 pin adapter connects to the graphics card?

Thanks

[Mul.]

Dead on

Mul

[mark_90]

Cheers mul,

just looking at the extended specification now

http://www.ebuyer.co...pe=ZXh0ZW5kZWQ=

and it says Software/System requirements - Windows Vista

Does this mean the card won't work with XP?

[Mul.]

Ebuyer can't write up specifications for ######. It's supported under XP, don't worry.

Mul