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Help Turning Out of Box PC into Gaming PC
So, as the thread title implies, I know absolutely nothing about hardware (And I mean nothing.)
I have not altered my PC in any way since I got it last year, but since new games that I really hope to play this year, like Witcher 3, are coming out relatively soon, I'd like to improve my PC to be able to play them smoothly. Anyway, I got these specs of http://www.systemrequirementslab.com/ , so take that for what you will. Spoiler:
Basically, what I'd like to know is, how can I most effectively improve this PC to have the ability to run new games smoothly? I can't do it all at once, since I don't have much money saved up, but I'd like to know what's the most important step right now for getting this thing ready for the games coming out this year. Right now, running the games smoothly is the priority. I'd like to be able to run them with pretty graphics and all that, but if that's not an immediate option, just focusing on running games is fine for now. Any and all help in this matter is appreciated. |
What's the brand and model of the out of the box PC? That dictates what you can fit in the PC and what parts are compatible with the motherboard it comes with, and that'll dictate what upgrades to make. It's easier to recommend parts if we know the model and brand, because that'll tell us what your existing components are compatible with.
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It's a Dell XPS 8700.
Spoiler:
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For gaming, you're going to want to upgrade your GPU (video card) first and foremost. Since this is a prebuilt Dell, it likely has a garbage power supply, which means you'll need to upgrade that before you do any GPU upgrades (since GPUs are power hogs). Your CPU (processor) is more than adequate to run pretty much anything you throw at it.
A quick Google search shows that you also want to update your BIOS to the latest build (should be A10) for GPU compatibility. The Geforce 970 is the best bang for your buck GPU right now, but it's still expensive ($300-350) and requires that BIOS update. |
So, would This graphics card:
Spoiler:
and this power source Spoiler:
work? And that should make it run games better? I'll be honest, I thought all a graphics card did was make the games look better. Spoiler:
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That particular card is very large, by the way, so you'll want to take note of its dimensions and make sure it'll fit. As for that PSU, you might want one of Corsair's higher-quality 750W supplies. I've not had any problems with cheap power supplies myself but I've only ever read that they're the one component you really shouldn't skimp on. |
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I have the 600 watt version of that PSU, myself, and it's served me well, though my system isn't as much of a power hog as yours will be with your upgrades. GL;HF. |
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