Important question about Computer gaming and Upgrading?

Question

k, so i thought i'd buy a computer something like this, plz take a min and go through my question:

Processor Type AMD Athlon 64 X2 Dual-Core 3800+
Processor Speed 2.0GHz
RAM 1GB PC3200 DDR2 SDRAM (Exp. To 4GB)
Hard Drive 250GB Serial ATA (7200RPM)
Graphics Card nVidia GeForce 6150LE 256MB
Cache 2MB L2
System Bus 200MHz
Available Expansion Slots 2 x PCI, 1 x PCI Express

then i'd put a ATI X1650Pro PCI-Express 512MB Video Card, and i'd then be good with games.

But when computer requirements say something like: 3.0Ghz Pentium 4 or equal......and my computer speed is listed 2.0Ghz, then doesnt that mean my computer doesnt meet the requirements? or is my computer speed like 4.0Ghz cuz its dual core....?

And if i want to upgrade my processor chip later, they can just take out the old one and replace it with new one, right?
And the same for the graphics card too, right?

why does post #6 say that the graphics card wont work?

Answer 1

the way i hear it the 3800 would mean you'd be getting 3.8 mhz so you'd be great for whatever s thrown at you . with upgrading cpu and graphics card , you only limited by what your mother board will accept.

I am not specifically sure what dual core specifically allows other then more area where the pc thinks like if your doing encoding or gameing that allows it to make use of it

hope this helps you ;) .

Answer 2

First of all, when upgrading you have to make sure the processor fits with the motherboard. I know it's stupid, but not all motherboards are compatible with all processors. I see you are using an AMD processor, good choice. If you plan on upgrading that, then you should check out AMD's website. (Intel chips will not fit on an AMD motherboard)

Alright, so bad news first: 2x 2.0 GHz processors don't equal 4.0GHz. In fact, most games only run on one processor. The only advantage of having two processors as opposed to one is that while your game is running on one processor, the other processor can take all of the background programs. This will only offer SLIGHT increases in performance when compared to a single cored processor.

However, there is a good news. If you typed the specs right, then it says 3.0GHz Pentium 4.

Intel's Pentium 4 processors are known for their's high processor speeds and low real-life speeds. So while your Athlon X2 might display a lower clock speed than the specs Pentium 4, the actual game performance might be comparable.

Just try the game, and if it gets laggy, then lower the in-game specs.

And if you want to upgrade your PC, wait another year until AMD moves down to 65nm.

Answer 3

First of all, you are correct about the processor be two 2Ghz processors. Your computer meets the requirements of that game because the processor is listed as a 3800+ which is considered "equivelant" to a 3.8Ghz Pentium 4. You can't really consider the computer a 4Ghz computer, since not all software will be able to utilize both processing cores, so you are not running at 4Ghz to be exact.

As far as upgrading the CPU, you can usually go as far as the socket in your motherboard. If it is a socket AM2 motherboard, then you can upgrade pretty far. If it is an older socket, you will be stuck with whatever was made for that socket.

The graphics card can be upgraded as long as the PCIExpress slot is an x16 slot and not an x1 slot. There are no good graphics cards utilizing the PCI Express x1 slot.

If you want a good gaming rig, build it or have someone build it for you with the components you want. This way, you are not rebuilding components.

Answer 4

Your system sounds pretty good, and I suspect it handles most games well.

The good news is that, yes, you should be able to just pop in a new processor (NOTE: With a faster processor, I recommend a fan/heatsink upgrade). Same with the video card. I don't know if your motherboard has Crossfire capability (since you only have one PCIx slot, I suspect you don't), which means that you would be able to use two (or more) video cards. Don't despair though, as I would say your video card is more than sufficient.

The bad news is that you probably won't be able to run games that require much more than 2.0 GHz. You can try overclocking if you are the adventurous, risk-taking type, or you can look to buy a new processor. Just make sure that you get the correct socket size for your motherboard and confirm that the bus speed of your processor is supported by your motherboard.

Happy computing!

Answer 5

The dual cores don't mean 2.0 GHz x2.

Here's a chart where you can compare the AMD Athlon 64 X2 Dual Core 3800 to other available CPUs..

http://www23.tomshardware.com/cpu.html

Here's one with the X2 Dual Core 3800+ & a Pentium 3.0 GHz processor - the benchmarks are shown in red..

http://www23.tomshardware.com/cpu.html?modelx=33&model1=480&model2=457&chart=167

I think the cpu will do ok.

Things to consider are the newer graphics cards..

http://www23.tomshardware.com/graphics.html

http://www23.tomshardware.com/graphics.html?modelx=33&model1=542&model2=589&chart=198

The ATI X1650 Pro is in blue, and towards the bottom..

Upgrading the cpu later is possible, but you have to find out the limits on your motherboard. Find out what upgrade options are possible from the manufacturer of the computer, or search the specs of it on the web..

Upgrading the cpu is a pain.. there may be thermal paste between the cpu & motherboard which needs to be cleaned off, pins may get bent, etc.

Upgrading the graphics card is much easier.

Congrats on the new pc, enjoy!

.

Answer 6

Your PC is fine for games. The P4 requirement is listed only for single core, the game manufacturer haven't update all the requirement yet. Newer games coming in the next few months will probably list the Dual-core requirement too. Your PC is OK for the games. You can upgarde the video card but to upgarde the processor you need to check your motherboard spec or the motherboard website to see if it can be upgrade to a faster proc. A 2.0 ghz dual-core pro does not means that your proc speed is 4.0ghz, its only mean that your pc can run multi threads at the 2.0 ghz speed at the same time.

Answer 7

I think everything else has been cleared up accept one thing, and I want to fully clarify this. The requirements says 3.0 Ghz Pentium 4 or equal. The "or equal" is the key part, becasue AMDs run a lot faster at lower speeds than Pentium 4s. Hence and "or equal" AMD would be a 3000+, so since this one is well above that, you will have no problems.

Answer 8

You can always replace and upgrade the graphics card as long as the new one is compatable with your mother board. the processor im not sure about. if it says it takes P4 only then you cant put an athlon in it. I know you can also always change the processor but always be careful when inserting and taking it out damaging the inside of the mother board is very easy and impossible to fix...

Answer 9

Might as well just build one yourself, you're gonna need a new power supply, graphics card, nvidia 8800 gt[will handle games on high without any lag at all] new sound card, and new processor. If you're too lazy you can always save yourself the hassle and buy yourself a gaming rig for less than 1200$

Answer 10

First of all, Intel's Core 2 Duo owns AMD. And unless that Pci express slot is x16 and not x1, your video card wont work.