Computer Component Upgrade?

Question

I have an Alienware PC with the following specs:

Intel Core Quad CPU @ 2.40 GHz, 2400 MHz, 4 core(s)
Windows Vista 32 bit
2.00GB of DDR RAM
two SLI nvidia 8800 GTS video cards

I am having trouble running games (particularly World of Warcraft) at moderate - high graphics levels without low and choppy FPS, and wondered which of these i should upgrade with the highest priority, to get better performance. Thank you!

Answer 1

The system should be pretty good with the specs listed, Vista is definitely not the best version of Windows to be trying to run games from. The Quad Core CPU is more than adequate, the SLI VGA is probably not the issue, 2Gb of RAM should not be the issue either, so that leaves perhaps Vista (quite likely) or your hard drive. Try something as simple as run the disc clean up and then de-fragment your drive, both can be found by opening the Computer Icon, right click on the C Drive, select Properties, on the main page is the clean up tool option, on the Tools tab is the de-fragment option.

I would suggest a few changes, you can try and over clock your CPU but it is not the easiest of things to get right if you have never tried it. You need a mainboard that will allow it, usually a better cooling option as well and a bit of trial and error.

I would also suggest you upgrade to Windows 7, check the W7 upgrade adviser on the micro$oft website and make sure your hardware AND software are compatible. The better option is the 64 bit version as it allows the CPU to use its full potential but you have to be sure your other hardware is 64 bit happy, printer, web cams, anything you plug in to the PC basically.

You can not upgrade from 32 bit to 64, it has to be a clean (new) install which means you have to back up your old data, wipe the drive, install W7 64 bit and then reload all your programs again. The bonus is you get rid of all the inconsistencies in your old set up and even with just 2Gb of RAM it will be faster than the Vista set up.

You can give the machine a bit more zoom by adding more memory in its current 32 bit Vista configuration, but ideally you want just 1 extra Gb as the 32 bit version of Vista (or W7) will not recognise beyond 3.57Gb of RAM and probably less with your two VGA cards in SLI. With the 64 bit you can use four and more gigabytes of RAM which is another good reason to install it.



FYI - other answerers are probably correct, your CPU is most likely the Q6600 and the OC that was referred to when you added the additional details is not a different type of CPU but simply means Over Clock, the answer simply suggested change it or Over Clock it.

Answer 2

in terms of gaming, confident a greater moderen snap shots card might help. in view which you have have been given a board that helps SLI, i might propose going with Nvidia, ought to you want to SLI them sooner or later. might upgrading something help? confident, yet you would be talking a huge improve. The motherboard you have have been given is extremely dated. you will possibly ought to bump as much as an AM3 board, meaning a clean CPU and a few new DDR3 reminiscence. i want to propose watching a clean build/OEM workstation somewhat than upgrading any of your present day hardware. yet once you want to run domicile windows 7, choose for it b/c your present day hardware will run that only high quality.

Answer 3

Hey buddy, by looking at your specs, I recommend you upgrade you CPU, RAM then your OS. Your Graphics Card is way more than enough to handle WoW on medium - high settings.



Change:



- Intel Core Quad CPU @ 2.40 GHz, 2400 MHz, 4 core(s)



Depends, you didn't specify it, I'm using a Q8300 @ 2.50GHz.



- 2.00GB of DDR RAM



Get 4GB of DDR3 RAM, depending on your motherboard ofcourse.



- Windows Vista 32 bit



Get Windows 7 Home Premium 64 Bit, 64 Bit handles 4GB+ RAM much more efficently, whereas a 32 Bit cannot use that excess RAM.



WoW is very CPU dependant, and currently it seems like your CPU is bottlenecking your Graphics Card.



Hope this helps!

Answer 4

I suggest you go to windows 7 64bit and get 4 more gigs of ram, everything else looks good. You have very low ram for such a good PC.

Answer 5

your computer setup was okay except for the operating system, even if you upgrade to 4GB of memory, upgrading to a better graphic card, you'll still having problem running the game.. the best thing to do is to change your operating system to Windows 7 since Windows 7 is more reliable in handling such memory and the way they 'communicate" to the processor. Upgrading system memory is optional for Windows 7 but 4GB far more better.. Just wondering why your Intel Core Quad use DDR instead of DDR2..



Have a nice day..

Answer 6

Consider running anti-malware, disabling/exiting unnecessary programs, deframenting your hard drive...



Your system should be capable of running WoW at over 60 FPS if not higher (WoW is nothing like Crysis)...



There are many reasons why your system is just chugging along...but do those things first and you will have eliminated many causes for it...



@agello



If it was an issue with just WoW...he wouldn't have said "I am having trouble running games"...meaning the problem affects other applications as well as WoW...



This means the problem is systemic...not limited to just that particular application. Sorry, but as an IT, I'm trained to see the little bits of detail most non-IT people disregard...he wants to upgrade because he thinks his system isn't capable of running them smoothly...that is NOT the case...

Answer 7

i suggest that you change your operating system.. vista is a total waste of memory and specs.....

Answer 8

1. most MMORPG games are not true 3d games and are old. so what the video card does is run the game is a lower power 2d mode.

2. many have complained about the lags in MMORPG games, nvidia has one set of drivers for these types of games. its the 78.xx graphic driver set. or the 90.xx sets.

3. add 2 more gigs to ur vista.

4. see if WoW makers have a vista patch. i play ffxi and SE made a vista patch to solve some of the issues u are experiencing.

Answer 9

There's really nothing that would cause issues. The 8800GTs is comparable to an nvidia 250 GT, two of them should be comparable to most single cards on the market. I would suggest probably a re-install of drivers/directx. Failing that, get more ram and stop using vista 32 bit. You also might want to try overclocking your CPU. Sounds like it's a Q6600. People can get those running at 3.4 ghz. I would suggest setting your sights on 3ghz. Which should also help to improve your framerates. Your computer might not be the fastest thing on the block anymore, but still is pretty punchy.

Answer 10

Start with more RAM , then upgrade to Windows 7

Followed by CPU, if its a Q6600,then either upgrade to a Q9650 or OC the Q6600

Finally the Video cards

In that order I would be doing.