Bottleneck

[monkeebrain]

Hi
I have a 3 yr old HP system with:

Intel(R) Core(TM) 2 Duo processor E6600 (2.4GHz)
- 2GB DDR2-667MHz dual channel SDRAM (2x1024)

I am thinking about upgrading to a Radeon 4850 512mb, I am not to familiar with computers and was wondering where the bottle neck would occur. Thanks

 

[Blain]

Originally posted by: monkeebrain
Hi
I have a 3 yr old HP system with:

Intel(R) Core(TM) 2 Duo processor E6600 (2.4GHz)
- 2GB DDR2-667MHz dual channel SDRAM (2x1024)

I am thinking about upgrading to a Radeon 4850 512mb, I am not to familiar with computers and was wondering where the bottle neck would occur.

You should have no bottlenecks checking your email or surfing.

 

[nageov3t]

where are you having your primary issues?

 

[monkeebrain]

sorry, forgot to mention how I would use my computer, primary uses would be internet, watching movies and the some gaming. I have been playing bioshock, would like to try some crysis warhead at med to high settings. I don't have any issues with my computer, just wanting to upgrade my card and didn't know if there would be a bottle neck for playing games.

 

[brblx]

you should be fine with a 4850. if that pc didn't originally come with a dedicated card, though, it probably has a fairly weak power supply which has only gotten weaker over the past three years. it probably also lacks a pcie connector, though you could use adapters. i would strongly consider replacing it.

 

[hclarkjr]

the person that come up with the term bottlencking should be shot

 

[brblx]

pretty much. it reminds me of ten years ago with the extreme use of the word 'download' when not even talking about networking.

buzzwords. feh.

 

[happy medium]

Monkeebrain your stock e6600 is a good match for a 4850. I would check you power supply like others have said to make sure you can run it.
If not the best you can do is a 4670 which requires no extra power pin. If possible I recommend a 4770.

 

[JonnyDough]

The video card you want to purchase will depend on several things.

1. What games do you want to play? Google the game name + review to see what cards work well with the games you want to play. You might also type in the graphics card, or check Graphics Card (GPU) charts. Also be aware of what resolution you want to play at. A standard 19" monitor will require less powerful of a card than a 30" monitor will.

2. What are your future upgrade plans? You may choose to buy a drastically over powered card for your system with the intent of upgrading your processor or system in the near future. An example of this might be a new mid ranged card that will become cheaper over time. If for some reason you would choose to (or be required to) replace your motherboard, you might consider getting an SLI or crossfire board and buying an identical (same chip) card for a nice cheap upgrade. Other reason to replace a motherboard in your system include: a good deal on a motherboard with a superior north bridge, perhaps you want to try your hand at overclocking, or maybe you need more PCI slots.

3. Budget. Mid to lower-mid ranged cards are generally the best value due to economies of scale and due to the fact that high end chips can have non-working caches disabled, which salvages the chip and makes it sell-able again.

4. Power supply requirements for chosen card. As mentioned, you may need to upgrade yours. A cheap PSU is no laughing matter. A dying one can fry your system. You don't want to purchase a new PSU that is vastly over powered (i.e. a 1000w PSU for an ATI 4670 GPU) as it will cost you a bundle on your electric bill. Nor do you want to underpower your card as it will result in black screens and reboots when the card is overtaxed and needs more power. If you're not sure how much power you need, check the card specs. Most basic systems don't require more than 500w. What is more important is how steady they can output voltage, and how quiet they are. Do your online research to find the right PSU for your needs. Choose your card first, the PSU you purchase should be matched to your system. People rarely pull all the parts out of a completed system so you probably won't be using your PSU in another build. Why scrap a perfectly good PC right?