[MadEwok]

Hey there, I just wanted to upgrade my 2002 Dell Desktop which has a 2.66 Ghz Pentium. Instead of spending quite a bit on upgrading my CPU, I thought to upgrade my GPU - add a 1gb VRAM Nvidia/ATI Radeon, plus 4gb ram. Would the 2.66 Ghz Pentium suffice. I mean, all I want to do is simply replace the Ram and the Graphics Card, not get a new motherboard, or CPU, or Case. Ill just show you my specs:

Operating System: Windows XP Home Edition (5.1, Build 2600) Service Pack 2 (2600.xpsp_sp2_gdr.091208-2028)
System Manufacturer: Dell Computer Corporation
System Model: Dimension 4600
BIOS: Default System BIOS
Processor: Intel® Pentium® 4 CPU 2.66GHz
Memory: 512MB RAM
Page File: 236MB used, 1013MB available
DirectX Version: DirectX 9.0c (4.09.0000.0904)
DxDiag Version: 5.03.2600.2180 32bit Unicode

---------------
Display Devices
---------------
Card name: NVIDIA GeForce FX 5200
Manufacturer: NVIDIA
Chip type: GeForce FX 5200
DAC type: Integrated RAMDAC
Device Key: Enum\PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_0322&SUBSYS_01B910DE&REV_A1
Display Memory: 128.0 MB
Current Mode: 1152 x 864 (32 bit) (75Hz)
Monitor: Plug and Play Monitor
Monitor Max Res: 1600,1200

If you could help, I'd be really, really, really thankful ! Thanks!

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Hi MadEwok
What is or will be the computers main usage?
Upgrading the Ram is a must but when it comes to upgrading your video card there are 2 limiting factors, 1: It is the older AGP type and 2: Unless you have already upgraded the stock 250W Dell PSU this will also need replacing to power the proposed new video card.
On a side note can I ask why you have not upgraded to XP Sp3? You are inviting trouble by not doing so as a lot of the updates are security measures.
Your computer specs are available @ http://support.dell....0i/sm/specs.htm

[phillpower2]

Hi MadEwok
What is or will be the computers main usage?
Upgrading the Ram is a must but when it comes to upgrading your video card there are 2 limiting factors, 1: It is the older AGP type and 2: Unless you have already upgraded the stock 250W Dell PSU this will also need replacing to power the proposed new video card.
On a side note can I ask why you have not upgraded to XP Sp3? You are inviting trouble by not doing so as a lot of the updates are security measures.
Your computer specs are available @ http://support.dell....0i/sm/specs.htm

[MadEwok]

Hey there, and thanks for replying - My computer will be used for light gaming - I'm not talking Crysis 2, but more... CoD4 - esque. I just visited the Kingston Memory search and found out I can unfortunately only upgrade to a 1gb RAM. Just as a thought, as I am not a computer wizard, can I put in 2 of these Memory Units for a total of 2 gig memory or not? And another thing, I wish to install an Nvidia GeForce 9500 GT. Will this GPU make up for... lets say a 1 gig ram - So my specs will be a Pentium 2.66 Ghz and the GeForce 9500 GT and 1gb RAM = will this be good enough to run CoD4, or this game (down below)
Battlefield Play4Free System Requirements*
Intel Processor - Pentium D 3.0GHz
AMD Processor - Athlon LE-1660
Nvidia Graphics Card - GeForce 7900 GT
ATI Graphics Card - Radeon X850 XT
RAM (Memory) - 2 GB
Hard Disk Space - 1 GB
Direct X - 9

Again, Thanks for your help

Edited by MadEwok, 04 June 2011 - 12:37 PM.

[phillpower2]

can I put in 2 of these Memory Units for a total of 2 gig memory or not?

Yes, renewing the Ram with a matching pair of new 1GB sticks of the same spec provides the best and most stable result.

And another thing, I wish to install an Nvidia GeForce 9500 GT. Will this GPU make up for... lets say a 1 gig ram

No.

So my specs will be a Pentium 2.66 Ghz and the GeForce 9500 GT and 1gb RAM = will this be good enough to run CoD4, or this game (down below)
Battlefield Play4Free System Requirements*
Intel Processor - Pentium D 3.0GHz
AMD Processor - Athlon LE-1660
Nvidia Graphics Card - GeForce 7900 GT
ATI Graphics Card - Radeon X850 XT
RAM (Memory) - 2 GB
Hard Disk Space - 1 GB
Direct X - 9

COD4 = Yes, Battlefield = No, not enough Ram + your processor is too slow.

[MadEwok]

AH, so if I install two memory units to achieve 2gb memory, have an nvidia geforce 9500GT, and have a pentium 2.66 Ghz CPU, would I be able to run battlefield play4free?

[phillpower2]

No, your processor is too slow.
Required processor = Pentium D 3.0GHz
Your processor = Pentium 2.66 Ghz
It may run but badly, stutter and freeze etc.

[MadEwok]

Could I run it on low?

[phillpower2]

Could I run it on low?

As descrbed in post #6