A few questions for you Pros

[brian1649]

Hey Guys,

So first ill start out with my specs:

Windows 7 64-bit
Intel core 2 duo @ 2.93Ghz
3GB Ram
Nvidia 440GT 1GB
640GB Hard Drive.. dont really care about the specs on that
Some stock 300W power supply...
Um i think thats everything important

So anyways i will be getting skyrim in a few days and IM FRICKING STOKED. but im also wondering, will i be able to pull of medium, maybe pretty please high?

If not, im thinking i need to upgrade ram to 8GB, that would be an easy upgrade that would definitely increase my computers performance, but would it make a difference with all my other components? Would skyrim run better or would i need a bunch of other better components?

My second unrelated question is that i am thinking about upgrading my CPU. I have a stock HP p6250t, so im wondering if the motherboards in those will allow the changing of a CPU to a newer intel processor or AMD processor? I want to go this route because then i will still have Windows on my computer without having to re-buy it. Im assuming i will also need to upgrade my power supply?

Any help or suggestions here are appreciated

 

[MindoverMaster]

8GB is pretty much overkill. The latest games don't use more than 4GB. Unless you like to run a lot of programs in the background, as I do, then the extra RAM will help. 8GB will not help you much in gaming.

What CPU is that? Looks like a E7500 comparing your list to HP's site. You can't use AMD with an Intel motherboard. You could update the CPU, but the Q8400 is ~$150. Not really a performance boost.

If you want to upgrade your graphics card, you first need a new power supply.

What is your budget?

 

[brian1649]

Ok well i had read on some forums that 8GB was a good idea for skyrim so i was just wondering.

I believe it is the E7500, and yes thats what i figured that i wouldn't be able to use the AMD processors. With this motherboard i wouldn't be able to use some of the newer i5 intel processors? Could i get a new motherboard too or would windows not work?

believe it or not i recently got that graphics card so i guess i wont upgrade that for a while.

I dont really have a budget, i am just looking for suggestions on how to upgrade my performance, but within a few hundred dollars. Anything over that would be pointless as it would be better to just get a new computer which i plan to do in a few years.

 

[Slaymate]

Until the game is actually released no one is really going to know how much ram is really needed to make it run the best. I suggest trying it out with what you have 1st and then you'll be able to make a wiser decision.

 

[Shaynk]

Your motherboard won't support the newer sandy bridge cpus, 8gb as stated is currently over kill for most games though I haven't looked at skyrims recommended specs.

Upgrading your graphics card would be a big boost but as stated you'll need a stronger power supply.

For the settings you're wanting you're looking looking at replacing almost all your current build.

 

[MindoverMaster]

Well, no duh, it's a 775 socket board.

You could build a new computer, using your old parts, for less than $700. You'll have to reinstall Windows, of course.

 

[brian1649]

explain what you mean? and i think what im gonna do is get the game and see how it performs. really its gonna be an amazing game even if i dont run it on ultra

 

[MindoverMaster]

Explain what? A lot has been said since your last post.