Graphics Cards, Power Supplies and Memory, Oh MAN!

Hi there - I did originally start this post in Drivers (as I was simply updating my system for COD MW2 with some drivers). It sort of morphed into an exercise of hardware.

Here's what I am thinking. I have a 400w power supply currently, an ATI Radeon x1650 with 512MB and 2 Gb of Ram. I've attached an Everest Report. Originally I was advised by Caliban (thanks Caliban!) in the Driver forum to perhaps increase my RAM to 4Gb. Talking with my brother, he raised the issue of timing/compatability for RAM. Well, here are my 2 questions/options:

1) Given my system and the tendency for graphics to be a bit hiccupy or jumpy (like they take time to load in sometimes when new scenes come into play when playing COD MW2), if I just increase my RAM to 4GB (per Caliban) that could be the simplest fix. Then again, what about RAM compatability, timing with my existing RAM. My brother seems to think I should throw out the old RAM and go new.

2) A silverstone, OCX or the like power supply, 650 to 700W, an ATI RADEON HD5670 or HD5770 graphics card and NO new memory.what I am thinking will give me a very good gaming and a great computing computer.

Thoughts? and thank you!
here's the link to the other thread as I can't reattach that file

http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=227230

 

I'd go with #2 and if you have a single core P4 in there, I'd look at that first rather than adding the memory if it still stutters with the new GPU. You're very lucky to have such an upgradeable board with the components being so inexpensive at this time.

 

Bonjour Augiedoggie - I have a pentium core duo 2.133 ghz. I believe. so you're saying in any event, go with #2 first.

It appeared to me that my memory dropped down quite a bit when I was using MW2 (and the CPU usage went UP). What's the correlation and why?

Thanks

 

Well, if your CPU gets close to %100 or one core hits 100 occasionally then I think it would stutter. If your memory goes over %80 used then you would need more, First and foremost, a new PSU and graphics card and then see what happens.

Disclaimer: I am not a gamer, it's just what I would do given the same situation. Heck, I'd go for a quad CPU and memory too if I had the money, all that would probably need is a chipset/BIOS update, ASUS is good for making decent motherboards like that. With all those upgrades then you'd basically have a new machine that will last you for several years more.

 

Last question!

If I get the proper specs for the memory that I require per my motherboard, is there any truth to the though that the memory 'won't work' or will be timed off or not synchronized?

Is there any risk I run to upgrading memory or is it just plug and play (with the correct specs of course)

thanks/merci!

 

I've mixed brands with the same specs on ASUS boards before with no issues, like Kingston value RAM and a no-name. Go to crucial.com, run their app. and see what they suggest, you can then buy there(they have decent prices and a generous return policy) or anywhere else you fancy.