Can I get advice on upgrading my computer?

Question

I own a second hand Dell Optiplex 755 that I am mainly using for school work. Yet I want to boost the specs just enough to play most low-mid range games at a recommended to optimal setting. I really just care about pc exclusives. I mainly play games on a console so anything too tasking would go on there. My current specs are as follow:
Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo CPU E6550 @ 2.33GHz CPU
Microsoft Windows XP Professional Service Pack 3 (build 2600)
ATI Radeon Graphics Processor (0x94C1)
SoundMAX Integrated Digital HD Audio sound card
119.9 GB of free disk space
With this I can play some preferred games at low to recommended settings.

I guess I am asking is:
what certain benchmarks I should be reaching?
what things should I bother updating?
how much money am I bound to spend to reach my desired result?
Are there any common pitfalls first timers need to know when doing this?

Extra info:I already know I am upgrading to windows 7. So there is no need to mention that. I also have considered buying a new desktop entirely but I have found nothing for what I am looking for. Purchasing a laptop or all-in-one is out of the question because I'd prefer to keep my set up. I also am hoping to spend around 100-150 at a max of 200. If this is unrealistic let me know.

Answer 1

The optiplex dates from 2008.

Buying parts to upgrade old machines is expensive -

(try buying an engine for a model T ford!)



eg. RAM from 2008 is MUCH dearer than modern RAM



You WILL need a bigger hard drive to run W7. And W7 will cost you.



Much cheaper option - buy a second hand w7 machine off ebay and sell the optiplex for what you can get.

Answer 2

hey you have great specifications..

go for windows 7 on this computer.. i believe its RAM is atleast 2 GB..??

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Answer 3

processor is good, I would recommend getting 4gb ram for windows 7 32bit or 8gb ram for windows 7 64bit. also a 500mbto 1 gb ddr3 video card. you can get both for around 150 to 200. but I would also run the windows 7 upgrade wizard to see if you can do it successfully.

Answer 4

you might want to build a whole new system because upgrading this would be difficult but if you could get a new CPU and a Dedicated grahpics card