My new gaming computer--is it ok? Should I get more ram?

[BCompDude]

I apologize if this is causing clutter but I haven't had a gaming computer for three years and finally purchased one. I honestly have absolutely no idea if this computer is going to run all of the latest and greatest games ok, but thats what I have you guys for eh? 🙂

Why do I ask? Because I can return it if it isn't good enough.

Specs:
Dell XPS 400
Pentium D 820
512MB 533MHz Ram
160 GB 7,200 HD
256MB Geforce 7800 GTX

The rest really doesn't matter does it? So, from what I gather, the CPU is going to be the bottleneck? Or is the RAM going to be first? I obviously had a budget and thought the GPU to be more important than a super fast CPU, was that a mistake? Thanks for any input guys.

 

[MDE]

Definately bump the RAM up to at least 1GB for gaming.

 

[Azndude2190]

Yeah get some more RAM 1GB is good for now...but 2GB is even better

 

[alimoalem]

Originally posted by: MDE
Definately bump the RAM up to at least 1GB for gaming.

i agree. i'm sure 1gig is all you'll need (for now) but if you need 2gigs, you can always add it later. i think the 7800GTX should be fine. what resolutions do you play at? and do you want everything at full settings?

 

[BCompDude]

Question about the Ram, it has 4 banks, two of which are taken. Do I have to add the same amount to all of the slots? Or can i just add a gig in the next untaken two and have 1.5 Gigs?

 

[MDE]

Originally posted by: BCompDude
Question about the Ram, it has 4 banks, two of which are taken. Do I have to add the same amount to all of the slots? Or can i just add a gig in the next untaken two and have 1.5 Gigs?

Yeah, you could add two 512MB sticks to what's already there. Make sure to get the correct type of RAM though (DDR2).

 

[svsnow]

if i was u id sell that ram on ebay and pickup a $200 or less 2 GB kit ... 2gb is essantial with that card... you will want to play with high textures on newer games with that card trust me....and to do so ..ul need 2gb

 

[BCompDude]

Is this stuff ok? Or is there something better but in the same price range?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820227047

Thank you guys SO much. I just want to play my games. Lol.

 

[MDE]

Originally posted by: BCompDude
Is this stuff ok? Or is there something better but in the same price range?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820227047

Thank you guys SO much. I just want to play my games. Lol.

Link

Grab two of these and save yourself $30 or so.

EDIT: Or you could get this kit and save $5 on shipping if heatspreaders aren't important to you.

 

[ta8689]

BAAAAAADDDDD choice. 7900 gt. 300 bucks for more performance than a 7800 gtx. Get 2x1gig ram you will kick your own ass down the road if you dont.

 

[bob4432]

you need more ram. what games and also what resolutions. at leat 1GB but would recommend 2GB, i would sell what you have and get 2x1GB sticks personally.

 

[Juno]

go for 2gig if you want to multi-task.