Is my computer upgrade-able?
I have one of those really small desktop computers. I was told that i wouldn't be able to up the graphics card on my computer since the case itself is too small and the computer itself couldn't?
the model is Gateway SX2311 could someone give me some insight im not really good with this stuff lol.
May 12, 2012
20 Comments • Newest first
[quote=lastman28]@qwan456 Well you see all i want to play is indeed diablo but if i were to get a new computer why bother going small on it anyway right? I have the money to go to like 1.1k but i don't really want to unless im really getting something that'll last.[/quote]
I'm not suggesting you to build a new computer, but only changing at most two components and adding one in. Also because I had suggested not to immediately spend money on such a build doesn't necessary mean a lesser expensive computer is incapable of playing games on at least high. If you do end up building a new computer, what I'm saying you should put more thought into what you wish to accomplished on your computer build overall and is there anything else you need for your computer rather than immediately spending the rest on a single best performing component in your price range.
[url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NNbEBARu6LY&feature=results_main&playnext=1&list=PLC315B2A086BA6AAF]Not the best nor the most detailed, but one of the easiest to understand[/url]
@djpinc19: hehe i never understand the language when they talk in those youtube vids.
I mean obviously if i have a powerful computer ill be more inclined to play other games.
[quote=lastman28]why bother going small on it anyway right?[/quote]
Diablo III looks nice on big hardware anyways.
[quote=lastman28]i don't really want to unless im really getting something that'll last.[/quote]
I'm sure 1.1K will take you far. On the flipside, it certainly would be a waste for the Solitaire gamer.
Watching YouTube on computer building is a great start.
@qwan456 Well you see all i want to play is indeed diablo but if i were to get a new computer why bother going small on it anyway right? I have the money to go to like 1.1k but i don't really want to unless im really getting something that'll last.
[quote=MostUnholy]@lastman28:
[url=http://i.imgur.com/p3XgE.jpg] Here it is [/url][/quote]
Considering how the TS is only wanting to play Diablo 3, I wouldn't recommend such a computer right off the back, unless he confirmed that he wants to run other games.
Anyways, a few things about your build, IMO. Despite Coolermaster often makes excellent products (their HSF and cases), their PSUs aren't very good other than their Silent line and a few other lines that is discontinued. They either have poor voltage regulation, ripples/noise suppression, and/or unable deliver it label wattage. In the same price range, this [url=http://ncix.com/products/?sku=59617&vpn=P1750SNLB9&promoid=1069]XFX ProSeries 750w[/url] would be a better performing PSU for example. Although the load that the system in question is putting on it will still be powered on both of them safely either way.
In the same price range, the [url=http://ncix.com/products/?sku=69912]HD 7850[/url] would be a better performing GPU with a lower power draw. If he wish to CFX in the future, he could do so on a quality 550w~650w PSU if he like. With the money saved, he should get an aftermarket HSF if he wish to OC.
I would also suggest getting it from NCIX.com considering the higher International shipping require to pay for 5 of your items (they are shipped from a warehouse in the US).
Err, I didn't get any sleep last night...I'll reply to this before I go.
Correction regarding what I had said. After reading a bit on it, the PSU in the Gateway uses a different form factor than the Seasonic 300w I had mentioned. So your computer is upgradeable in the sense that you might be able to get a single-slotted low-profile graphic card like the HD 5570, HD 6670, and HD7750 (when they make one). Anyone wish to confirm the best upgrade, the 220w in question is likely the Delta DPS-220UB-A with 14A on the +12v rail and I believe to be powering an AMD Phenom II 830.
Another upgrade like transferring the components over to a $40 case, $45-$55 PSU I had listed above (less if you do the MIR and get some of the stuff on sale), and a $140 HD 6850. The HD6770 or HD 7770 would be a more affordable option.
Man all i want to play is diablo but can you run it said i couldnt handle it so i might as well upgrade while i got the dough.
What's the specification of your current computer? What games will you be playing, and how well you are expecting to play it? A Seasonic TFX12v 300w PSU and a low-profile HD6670 (~60w max GPU) is an upgrade for your system. A different one would be getting a $40 case such as the NZXT Source 210 or Coolermaster Elite and an Antec Earthwatts 380w/430w, Antec HCG 400w (15% off of the original price and plus a $40 MIR on Newegg), Corsair CX430v2, XFX 450w ProSeries, or other quality budget PSU in that price range to power a GPU like the power-efficient HD7850 that's in the same wattage range as the HD5770.
You could possibly upgrade it, but it depends on the rest of your system and what you wish to accomplished with upgrading it.
[quote=MostUnholy]A little over budget of your price since you said around $900.. But its a good PC. http://secure.newegg.ca/Shopping/ShoppingCart.aspx?Submit=view Oh yea, and 100$ for an OS.., unless you want to get it illegally.[/quote]
Yeah i don't actually get to see what's in ur cart
[quote=MostUnholy]Brb. Let me choose you good parts for a computer build. That is if your interested in building a PC.
Is a Monitor, keyboard, mouse, Operating System needed?
Also are you from Canada, or America?[/quote]
i'm from Canada Monitor, Keyboard and mouse are not needed but some recommendations for a new mouse/keyboard would be great. I'm actually very interested in building a computer i just really never knew how... or w/e. Oh and operating system is needed.
I'm going to trust what @LowWillpower: said (too lazy to Google the computer specs), so we'll go with that.
First off, there are specialty graphics cards made for slim-model desktops (e.g nVIDIA 2xx series, etc) that work fine. But the problem is that your desktop is a 220W PSU. I mean, 220 watts is barely cutting it, and adding a graphics card would definitely cause problems.
You'd end up having to continually reset your CMOS, which isn't fun. I'd suggest just building/buying a new computer because if you're doing things that require a graphics card, then you shouldn't be using a weak desktop.
[quote=LegendaryNee]i suggest u to just buy a custom gaming pc since ur pc is mostly for mainstreams, it's not meant for any upgrades. If u live in canada, u can buy a custom built pc from NCIX for a fairly low price. I bought one from them and it was great![/quote]
You see i've been thinking about that but if i were to just buy a new computer it might as well be a labtop instead of a desktop.
i suggest u to just buy a custom gaming pc since ur pc is mostly for mainstreams, it's not meant for any upgrades. If u live in canada, u can buy a custom built pc from NCIX for a fairly low price. I bought one from them and it was great!
Based on a review I read, you can upgrade the graphics card, but you need a half height card that doesn't use much power, because of your 220watt power supply.
I pretty much jacked that straight from an article online, but that was the exact info I needed.
@lastman28: as far as i know, yeah
i don't know all that much about compact pcs other than what i just gathered by glancing at the spec sheet
If it is in fact extremely difficult to upgrade or costly, could anyone give me some labtops to check out within the 600-900 price range that are good?
give it more CD noms
So basically it's really just the case not the parts itself?
i doubt it, i almost had a hard enough time upgrading the gfx in my old full-size desktop due to the limited space for all the components to live in harmony together