I'm going to upgrade my computer but I really need help!

from Sins Forums
When I looked at the requirements on the box, my computer met the minimum requirements so I picked it up.  I love the game but it runs incredibly slow even though I have almost all the background visuals turned off with all the video settings on low as well as having the virus scan and internet turned off.  I have a Dell Pentium 4 CPU 2.4 GHz 512 Ram with a GeForce 5200 128MB AGP Graphics card. 
I don't need to run it at full capacity but it would be nice to have it run at a smooth speed with some of the visuals at medium.  I know I need a new graphics card but which one should I get?  Based on the Dell website I need another 2 sticks of 256MB of RAM but should I get more or less or what.  I am not a computer guy at all so I would really appreciate anyones help.
technical
1,030 views 2 replies
Reply #1 from Sins Forums Top
Unfortunately, the biggest hitch is probably your motherboard. AGP cards just aren't made that much anymore (if at all), and while you can up the RAM all you want, if you don't have a decent GPU, you won't see too much of an improvement. Luckily, you can get a decent motherboard that supports PCI-Express cards for fairly cheap (<$90).

I'd go for that first, hit up a new video card (depends on how much you're willing to spend here, but the nVidia 8800GT, 9600GT, and 8600GT are good choices).

Then I'd perk up your RAM. 4GB of decent DDR2-800 RAM will run you about $100-$150, or if you don't want that much, a 2GB pair will run you about $60.
Reply #2 from Sins Forums Top
Unfortunately, the biggest hitch is probably your motherboard.
End of quote


The biggest hitch is going to be his CPU, actually, and a "new motherboard" is going to mean a "new computer" due to most likely old DDR.

OP,

check this out. You'll be buying into old tech but it's better than busting $700 or new on a new rig if all you play is Sins.
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