PC Gaming

[Ginkasa]

So, here's the deal: I don't play PC games. Rather, I don't in general. Buying a console and knowing every game made for that console will run well seems so much easier, and there were very few PC games I wanted that weren't also on a console.

However, I would like to be able to play Star Wars: The Old Republic when it comes out sometime in the somewhat nearish future. So, time to prepare. With a little research I've decided that I might be able to play the same. The system requirements aren't out yet, so its difficult to tell. Bioware had apparently said at some point that were aiming for compatibility with mid-grade systems, so I've made some assumptions based off of that. Unfortunately, I'm still not sure my video card will be up to snuff.

So, I'm somewhat in the market for an upgrade. Unfortunately, I don't have a clue how to interpret what cards can do what or whether they'd be compatible or if everything is compatible or what. Completely clueless. So, I would like assistance.

I have just the thing that came in the computer. I bought the PC pretty recently, so I understand its not horrible or anything... Just not designed for gaming. Its an "Integrated Intel GMA HD" card.

Some questions I have regarding upgrading (assume I know nothing because... well... I don't regarding these things):

1) Is it possible to upgrade the card in any computer? I mean, would a store-bought pre-made computer have everything.. I don't know, welded in and immovable? No upgrades for you type deal?

2) If it is possible, what would be the best card for my situation? I doubt TOR will be super intense, but I also wouldn't mind being able to play a few other possibly higher-end games as well. Price is also a factor. I can't spend a super large bundle.

3) How do I install it? Do I just open 'er up and plug it in or is it more in depth?


Any help would be appreciated. Ignore the n00b smell. I hope to be cleansed of it soon.

[TheSlyMoogle]

Sigh... Store bought computers.

How old is it?

I need the full specs.

Hard Drive, Ram, Processor, Current Graphics card, motherboard etc.

You'll also need to find out your power supply's wattage, and any new card you order needs to fit those specifications.

Also what type of media drive does it have?

The problem with store bought computers is they generally have all this extra plastic shit and stuff thrown into them to make them fairly easy to assemble but generally a bitch to disassemble especially if you don't know your way around the inside of a computer.

However a Graphics card switch is a fairly simple process in store bought stuff.

[Ginkasa]

I bought it just a few weeks ago. I'm about to leave, so just really quickly from the sticker on the side of my PC:

Gateway DS4840-03e
Windows 7 64-bit
Intel Core i3 processor 540
Integrated Intel GMA HD graphics
1 TB hard drive
8 GB DDR memory

I'm not sure about my power supply, but based of my current research into it its the thing I'm most concerned about regarding even being able to upgrade.

[TheSlyMoogle]

haha integrated means that your graphics card is part of the motherboard. Which means I can't forsee any reason your PCI slots would be taken at all. All you will need to do is open up the case, pop in the card, and install the drivers.

It might require you to pull out some plastic or whatever, or break out some pieces of metal, but that's usually standard fare for custom builds too. New cases arrive all metaled up but pre-cut so you can usually bend the pieces out that you need to.

Like I said you need to make sure you have a power supply that will support a high power graphics card. For example my entire computer can run with only 300 watts, except for the fact that my graphics card alone uses 300 watts, so I have a 600 watt power supply (Or maybe it's higher, don't remember)

if not, usually either the computer wont turn on at all, or could possibly cause serious damage (Highly unlikely).

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Here's a video on how to do it. It's from 2007, but the method and the mayhem are still basically the same.

This is a pretty good vid on helping you choose a card:

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The last thing is, installing a game on a computer is as simple as putting the disc into your DVD drive :D Usually it will auto-install.

Last suggestion, the top of the line cards from last generation, are now mega cheap. We're talking 75% discounts off things that used to be like 200-500 dollars. Or more. The top of the line back then, is still amazing these days.

The Last thing to remember:

<b> OPENING YOUR COMPUTER WILL VOID ANY WARRANTY YOU MAY HAVE RECEIVED </B>

[Angrist]

Last suggestion, the top of the line cards from last generation, are now mega cheap. We're talking 75% discounts off things that used to be like 200-500 dollars. Or more. The top of the line back then, is still amazing these days.That's what I always do. The price drops very fast after launch, so I always get cards that are about a year old.

[TheGame]

You'll also need to find out your power supply's wattage, and any new card you order needs to fit those specifications.

Very imortant point there. Pre made computers usually come with power supplies that can't be replaced unless you buy a replacement directly from the company that makes the computer. I made the mistake of thinking I could upgrade mine, and couldn't. (unless I was ready to fork over around $200 to compaq)

I'd really love to have a gaming PC that could run Final Fantasy XIV, but I doubt I have anything near enough money.

[TheSlyMoogle]

Very imortant point there. Pre made computers usually come with power supplies that can't be replaced unless you buy a replacement directly from the company that makes the computer. I made the mistake of thinking I could upgrade mine, and couldn't. (unless I was ready to fork over around $200 to compaq)

I'd really love to have a gaming PC that could run Final Fantasy XIV, but I doubt I have anything near enough money.

Meh, it's just like playing FFXI with better graphics. I played it for about 2 hours in open beta and stopped.

[Ginkasa]

Now that its getting into replacing the power supply in addition to the video card I'm starting to think its probably not worth it just for one game. Even if its not really expensive, I'm not sure its worth the effort.

However, I think that maybe I'll be able to play The Old Republic when it comes out... maybe, which is the whole point of these shenanigans. I went to the Intel website and looked up my card. According to them, I should supposedly be able to run Modern Warfare (the first one) on my computer. I know its a few years old, but its pretty graphically intense, yeah? Of course, I don't have this game on the PC to test so I don't know. Maybe Intel lies. I did, however, download a demo of Mass Effect 2 to see how it went. I didn't imagine it would run at all, but I figured it wouldn't hurt to try. To my surprise, however, I could totally play it. It was ugly. Everyone looked kind of like a zombie, but I was totally able to play through it with only the slightest bit of slowdown.

So, I imagine TOR, an MMO that is theoretically being designed to run on mid range systems, should be less intense than ME2. So, I might possibly be able to run it, yeah? Maybe not at the highest settings, but still play it?

Feel free to dash my hopes if I'm completely deluding myself here.

[Angrist]

Is there going to be an open beta for that game? You should try that.

[Jason1]

Very imortant point there. Pre made computers usually come with power supplies that can't be replaced unless you buy a replacement directly from the company that makes the computer. I made the mistake of thinking I could upgrade mine, and couldn't. (unless I was ready to fork over around $200 to compaq)

I'd really love to have a gaming PC that could run Final Fantasy XIV, but I doubt I have anything near enough money.

What? I have never heard of this. Why couldnt you upgrade the PSU as long as you hooked everything back up correctly? I mean I know there are like 20 and I think 24 pin PSU's so you need to make sure to get the right one that your motherboard uses, but other than that I dont see why a PSU upgrade wouldnt work fine on any rig...

[TheSlyMoogle]

What? I have never heard of this. Why couldnt you upgrade the PSU as long as you hooked everything back up correctly? I mean I know there are like 20 and I think 24 pin PSU's so you need to make sure to get the right one that your motherboard uses, but other than that I dont see why a PSU upgrade wouldnt work fine on any rig...

You're right, but thegame is also right.

A lot of premade computer companies do stupid shit like that. A great example is HP and Compaq. They purposely mount their components in this plastic shit that almost has to be ripped out of the case.

It's basically one of the worst examples of fucking the consumer, in that the average computer person (Probably a majority of the older generation, and those who are less than serious about figuring out how shit works) end up reading some FAQ online about replacing a component to a PC which is easy, then open up their store bought machine only to find it doesn't look anything like the photos from the FAQ and can't get that stupid plastic shit off even if they do figure it out.

I took apart a compaq once that not only had all that stupid shit going on, but also had specially designed hardware components that made them essentially useless to put into any other machine.

Basically it's a way to either force you into getting their company to repair what goes wrong, pay a professional, or just buy a new one. A lot of people are going to go "Well "X" company made a good computer, it lasted 5 years, might as well buy another one from them" after they figure out they can't do anything to upgrade the current system or repair it because of the shit they do.

The worst part is it didn't used to be like that as the first computer I owned was an IBM that had the modem short out and I replaced it no problems and none of the bullshit.

[TheGame]

What? I have never heard of this. Why couldnt you upgrade the PSU as long as you hooked everything back up correctly? I mean I know there are like 20 and I think 24 pin PSU's so you need to make sure to get the right one that your motherboard uses, but other than that I dont see why a PSU upgrade wouldnt work fine on any rig...

Well I unmounted mine, and got one from newegg that was exactly the same just higher volts. The computer would not start with it. I called compaq, and they said I have to buy theirs for it to work because of how the computer is built... Then I looked it up online and came to find out that it is true.

It wasn't hard to un-mount and replace, it just simply did not accept the new power supply.

So I have an extra power supply sitting here at my house. lol

[Ginkasa]

Is there going to be an open beta for that game? You should try that.


I had planned on it.


Anyway, I think I've decided to try my hand at building one. I found a couple of websites that will act nicely as a spring board of information, plus I've been recommended a couple of websites to buy parts from and stuff. It probably won't happen for a month or two as I save up some money, but I'm pretty excited for the experience.

[TheSlyMoogle]

I had planned on it.


Anyway, I think I've decided to try my hand at building one. I found a couple of websites that will act nicely as a spring board of information, plus I've been recommended a couple of websites to buy parts from and stuff. It probably won't happen for a month or two as I save up some money, but I'm pretty excited for the experience.

you're right, it's definitely not hard to build a computer. It's also a fun, yet frustrating process. :D

PS don't get discouraged if it doesn't start the first time you think you have everything together.

The best part is, people who aren't techies, are all "OMG YOU BUILT THIS? YOU MUST BE A GENIUS"

It's hilarious. Huge ego boost.