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Kameken January 17th, 2015 5:34 PM

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:
Processor Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-4770 CPU @ 3.40GHz
Manufacturer Intel
Speed 3.4 GHz
Number of Cores 8
Video Card NVIDIA GeForce GT 635
Manufacturer NVIDIA
Chipset GeForce GT 635
Dedicated Memory 1.0 GB
Total Memory 3.9 GB
Memory 8.2 GB
Operating System Microsoft Windows 8 (build 9200), 64-bit
Service Pack 0
Size 64 Bit
Edition Basic
Display Maximum Resolution 1440 x 900
DVD MATSHITA DVD+-RW SW830
CD MATSHITA DVD+-RW SW830
Drive
Size 917.3 GB
Free 455.8 GB


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.

donavannj January 17th, 2015 5:45 PM

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.

Kameken January 17th, 2015 6:13 PM

It's a Dell XPS 8700.

Spoiler:
Thanks for reminding me, since I don't know about hardware, just let me know if any more info is needed at any point and I'll be happy to provide it to the best of my ability.

Morkula January 19th, 2015 10:21 PM

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.

Kameken January 20th, 2015 10:03 PM

So, would This graphics card:

and this power source

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:
I really should start learning more about this stuff.

Legobricks January 22nd, 2015 4:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kameken (Post 8588088)
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.

A better graphics card will make 3D applications run at higher framerates. What they technically can display is nowhere near as limited (it'd probably take a card you can't even buy new anymore not to support DirectX 11), it's mainly in how quickly and efficiently they can process the information. You can keep your current card and run games on minimal settings if you don't care, or on maximum at 10FPS, but having the best visuals at a consistent 60FPS or more is in the ideal spirit of PC gaming after all.

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.

donavannj January 22nd, 2015 7:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kameken (Post 8588088)
So, would This graphics card:

and this power source

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:
I really should start learning more about this stuff.

Make sure to get the 750 Watt version of that PSU, as you don't want to find out your PSU isn't giving your system enough power since that GPU is a monster of a power hog. And that GPU should be fine.

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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