upgrading new computer

[gtmtnbiker]

As far as upgrading the CPU, the only thing I would be afraid of is compatibility.

I don't think it would be worth it to replace the CPU at this time. I mean, are you seeing that the computer is slow or anything like that? It shouldn't be since it's fairly new.

I do agree with the recommendation of upgrading the power supply and GPU because you're interested in playing games.

[ATARI800XLfan]

The first thing I would upgrade is the power supply, especially before upgrading the GPU! The power supplies that come with pre-built PCs are absolute garbage, I would upgrade for that reason alone. But more importantly in your case, I used the power supply calculator on New Egg and input all the components that make up your PC, including the 6790 GPU you wanna get. The NewEgg calculator suggests no less than 383w, while your computer comes with a 300w PSU, so that's a huge problem right there. When I get home from work, I'll make a few suggestions for power supplies.

As far as upgrading the CPU, the only thing I would be afraid of is compatibility. It's a pre-built machine, so that motherboard might not support CPUs outside of the ones it came with. They might not bother updating the BIOS to support CPUs that weren't going to be sold with the computer. But maybe I'm wrong. I would Google for examples of other people upgrading the CPU in this machine, or look for a BIOS update and see if there's anything about CPU code in the changes.

Another thing I noticed is that the PC came with a 64-bit OS and 4GB of RAM. DDR3 is pretty cheap now, I would go to 8GB just because it wouldn't cost much. The specs say that computer comes with 4GB, but I don't know how many sticks. If it's two 2GB sticks, then you'll have two open slots to add another two 2GB sticks. If it's four 1GB sticks, then you'll have to take them all out to upgrade, which will cost a little more. But remember, it's dual channel, so always install RAM in matched pairs for better performance.

Thanks, just wondering would my power supply be able to handle something smaller like a 6450 or 6550? The integrated graphics are bugging me more then I had expected, Star Trek online looks horrible. Also do you think a 6790 would put off too much heat for he size of case I have? I was thinking of getting a 600-650 watt power supply, is that sufficient.

[ATARI800XLfan]

I seriously doubt that there's a BIOS issue with the motherboard. The manufacturer, ASUS, probably uses that exact same motherboard with dozens of other pre-built computers.

It helps to know your budget and exactly what kind of gaming you'll be doing with this.

Openend the case before I bought to check that, it uses a standard micro ATX M4A series motherboard, two sticks of ram. Most game I would play would be some RPG's like Skyrim and Mass Effect series, some racing including Grid and Dirt 3, and RTS like the new Sim City coming out, Silent Hunter 5, Company of heroes and empire total war.

Budget would be around 275 including the power supply and ram but not including the CPU, would be 85 more including it.

[ATARI800XLfan]

As far as upgrading the CPU, the only thing I would be afraid of is compatibility.

I don't think it would be worth it to replace the CPU at this time. I mean, are you seeing that the computer is slow or anything like that? It shouldn't be since it's fairly new.

I do agree with the recommendation of upgrading the power supply and GPU because you're interested in playing games.

With the CPU it is a question of will the dual core be a bottle neck for the 6770/6790, also do RTS and strategy games use a lot of CPU power?

[Ziggy]

I seriously doubt that there's a BIOS issue with the motherboard. The manufacturer, ASUS, probably uses that exact same motherboard with dozens of other pre-built computers.

You're probably right, to a degree, but it's worth checking out though before you drop the money on a new CPU. Better than just assuming. My brother had an HP with an Asus mobo and I found out through Google that the CPU could not be upgraded to something better/newer. The thing is, that computer has an Athlon II X2 240 in it. The motherboard might not have the power requirements for a more high-end CPU. It might be the difference between a 4-pin and 8-pin CPU power connector, the motherboard could very well not support the higher power requirements.

And that being said, you'll wanna check the BIOS updates anyway, see if they have anything mentioning support for newer CPUs. Once you've upgraded a CPU then realized you had to reinstall the old CPU, update the BIOS, then reinstall the new CPU again, you'll never forget to check first.

I don't think it would be worth it to replace the CPU at this time. I mean, are you seeing that the computer is slow or anything like that? It shouldn't be since it's fairly new.

Depends what he's doing. The stock CPU is a 2.8Ghz dual-core, so that should be decent for average stuff. But looking on NewEgg real fast, you can get a 3.4Ghz quad-core for $125, that's not a heck of a lot of money. Still, not worth spending the money on if you don't need it.

@ATARI800XLfan, you should check the performance tab in task manager while you're running your most demanding stuff. See how much usage the CPU is getting.

Thanks, just wondering would my power supply be able to handle something smaller like a 6450 or 6550? The integrated graphics are bugging me more then I had expected, Star Trek online looks horrible. Also do you think a 6790 would put off too much heat for he size of case I have? I was thinking of getting a 600-650 watt power supply, is that sufficient.

You can check yourself, here's the link: http://images10.newegg.com/BizIntell/to ... index.html

I just input all the stock stuff from your PC plus the 6570 GPU, it spit out 250w. But don't get excited just yet, I would still STRONGLY recommend upgrading the power supply, especially if you're putting a GPU in it. Watts isn't everything.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6817194094

I just recommended that PSU in another thread, so I grabbed the link. I could probably find something a little cheaper if that doesn't fit in your budget though.

As far has heat in the case from the added GPU... it's hard to say without looking at the case. They don't really show much in the pics form the two links you gave. I would assume they designed the case with probably air flow, you really shouldn't have a problem. Just stick with a good brand name video card and check reviews. Stay away from fanless models.

Openend the case before I bought to check that, it uses a standard micro ATX M4A series motherboard, two sticks of ram.

Two sticks of RAM, but how many RAM slots? Again, if there's two open slots then you can upgrade to 8GB cheaper than if there's only 2 slots (buying two 2GB sticks versus buying two 4GB sticks).

With the CPU it is a question of will the dual core be a bottle neck for the 6770/6790, also do RTS and strategy games use a lot of CPU power?

Again, just check the performance tab in Task Manager while you're running a game or something.

BTW, you know you can reply to multiple quotes in a singe post (like I just did), you don't have to triple post.

[ATARI800XLfan]

Thanks again, upon looking at the case It has 4 slots and I noticed that there are no air intakes on the front panel of the case, will probably drill some holes in the bottom before I do any upgrades and ad a 80mm to the front of the case. As for performance right now running 11 tabs including youtube and doing a virus scan the CPU jumps between 50 and 75 percent.

[RyaNtheSlayA]

Thanks again, upon looking at the case It has 4 slots and I noticed that there are no air intakes on the front panel of the case, will probably drill some holes in the bottom before I do any upgrades and ad a 80mm to the front of the case. As for performance right now running 11 tabs including youtube and doing a virus scan the CPU jumps between 50 and 75 percent.

It's hard to tell since I'm not sure what AV you're using, but I wouldn't worry too much about the CPU unless you're planning on playing very CPU heavy games such as TF2, Tribes, or large scale RTS games.

If you can fit it, try to get a 120mm fan into your case, and replace any stock case fans while you're at it.

[ATARI800XLfan]

Thanks again, upon looking at the case It has 4 slots and I noticed that there are no air intakes on the front panel of the case, will probably drill some holes in the bottom before I do any upgrades and ad a 80mm to the front of the case. As for performance right now running 11 tabs including youtube and doing a virus scan the CPU jumps between 50 and 75 percent.

It's hard to tell since I'm not sure what AV you're using, but I wouldn't worry too much about the CPU unless you're planning on playing very CPU heavy games such as TF2, Tribes, or large scale RTS games.

If you can fit it, try to get a 120mm fan into your case, and replace any stock case fans while you're at it.

Thanks, that is why I am thinking of possibly replacing it if I can once the new sim city comes out and others. No place for a 120mm besides the side vent on the case, how hard is it to attach a side fan? AV is Trend Micro

[RyaNtheSlayA]

Thanks again, upon looking at the case It has 4 slots and I noticed that there are no air intakes on the front panel of the case, will probably drill some holes in the bottom before I do any upgrades and ad a 80mm to the front of the case. As for performance right now running 11 tabs including youtube and doing a virus scan the CPU jumps between 50 and 75 percent.

It's hard to tell since I'm not sure what AV you're using, but I wouldn't worry too much about the CPU unless you're planning on playing very CPU heavy games such as TF2, Tribes, or large scale RTS games.

If you can fit it, try to get a 120mm fan into your case, and replace any stock case fans while you're at it.

Thanks, that is why I am thinking of possibly replacing it if I can once the new sim city comes out and others. No place for a 120mm besides the side vent on the case, how hard is it to attach a side fan?

Drill holes. Screw fan on. Plug fan in.

Unless the side vents on the case are level with your GPU (in which the GPU will be getting a steady stream of nice cool air) you'll be better off with the standard low-front intake and high-rear exhaust I'd think.

[ATARI800XLfan]

]

Thanks again, upon looking at the case It has 4 slots and I noticed that there are no air intakes on the front panel of the case, will probably drill some holes in the bottom before I do any upgrades and ad a 80mm to the front of the case. As for performance right now running 11 tabs including youtube and doing a virus scan the CPU jumps between 50 and 75 percent.

It's hard to tell since I'm not sure what AV you're using, but I wouldn't worry too much about the CPU unless you're planning on playing very CPU heavy games such as TF2, Tribes, or large scale RTS games.

If you can fit it, try to get a 120mm fan into your case, and replace any stock case fans while you're at it.

Thanks, that is why I am thinking of possibly replacing it if I can once the new sim city comes out and others. No place for a 120mm besides the side vent on the case, how hard is it to attach a side fan?

Drill holes. Screw fan on. Plug fan in.

Unless the side vents on the case are level with your GPU (in which the GPU will be getting a steady stream of nice cool air) you'll be better off with the standard low-front intake and high-rear exhaust I'd think.[/quote]

//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
Yes the side vent is across from the GPU, would a 92mm fit on the back of the case? have a after market 80mm on the back right now, might get a 92mm for the back and put the 80mm on the front. should the side fan be pulling in air or pushing it out?