[Mataika]

Hey guys. I was wondering if it is at all possible to upgrade my Acer Aspire M1800. I know it's not the best comp but I was hoping to put a video card in it so I could play Halo 2 vista. The first Halo runs fine but Halo 2 has alot of fps problems and I want to play in a high detail instead of low. (Still bad framerate in low detail)

I'm not expecting to handle games like Skyrim or Crysis 2 without upgrading alot more, but I just want to be able to play games that look like my comp is just out of reach of playing (Like Halo 2, Trine, Spore). I was looking at an "Asus ATI Radeon HD6450 Silence 1GB Video Card" but don't know if I need to upgrade the power supply or anything else. Here are my specs:

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System Information
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Operating System: Windows Vista™ Home Basic (6.0, Build 6001) Service Pack 1 (6001.vistasp1_gdr.080917-1612)
Language: English (Regional Setting: English)
System Manufacturer: Acer
System Model: Aspire M1800
BIOS: Default System BIOS
Processor: Intel® Celeron® CPU E1500 @ 2.20GHz (2 CPUs), ~2.2GHz
Memory: 1790MB RAM
Page File: 1187MB used, 2641MB available
Windows Dir: C:\Windows
DirectX Version: DirectX 10
DX Setup Parameters: Not found
DxDiag Version: 6.00.6001.18000 32bit Unicode

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Display Devices
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Card name: NVIDIA GeForce 7050 / NVIDIA nForce 620i
Manufacturer: NVIDIA
Chip type: GeForce 7050 / NVIDIA nForce 620i
DAC type: Integrated RAMDAC
Device Key: Enum\PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_07E5&SUBSYS_01371025&REV_A2
Display Memory: 889 MB
Dedicated Memory: 249 MB
Shared Memory: 639 MB
Current Mode: 1440 x 900 (32 bit) (60Hz)
Monitor: Generic PnP Monitor

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Mataika
Please confirm that this is your model of computer http://www.pinoyprod...er-aspire-m1800

[phillpower2]

Mataika
Please confirm that this is your model of computer http://www.pinoyprod...er-aspire-m1800

[Mataika]

yep thats the one. only difference is that mine has a 160gb hard drive.

[phillpower2]

The good news is that you can fit a PCI-E X16 card which gives you plenty of choice, the bad news is that you will also need to upgrade the stock 250W PSU to be able to do so.
If you provide your maximum budget for both we can find you some options.

[Mataika]

Thanks so much for helping me I'm looking to spend about $200 or less if possible for whatever parts I need, but if I need to spend more how much am I looking at?

Edited by Mataika, 02 May 2012 - 11:51 AM.

[phillpower2]

You are welcome

$200 is good for a PSU and a video card and I will do my utmost to find the best for less for you
But first there are a couple of things that you can do to help us suggest the correct items;
1: Check your Ram specs, you can use the Crucial system scanner tool to find the best recommended Ram for your system, let us know what is suggested http://www.crucial.c...ner/?click=true (No purchase required)
2: If you are comfortable opening your PC case measure the dimensions of the present PSU and check what available free space you have in your case for the new PSU and video card, again please post the details.

Be sure to remove the power cord from the wall before opening the case and take anti static precautions and ground yourself before reaching inside the case, you can do this by touching a bare metal part of the case or PSU.

Off topic I know but I note that you only have Vista Sp1 installed, install Sp2 as a matter of urgency as there are many security updates and hotfixes included which will help make your system more secure and perform better.

[Mataika]

Ok I'll do my best

Here's the link with my ram specs http://www.crucial.c...161D18D31D926C3

I'm not sure how to measure the dimensions properly but this is what I got:

http://www.facebook....&type=1

http://www.facebook....&type=1

http://www.facebook....&type=1

Going on the second image I've measured:
13 1/2cm, sidways
8cm, up and down
14 1/2cm, depth

I'm sorry if I wasn't clear enough, I just wasn't sure how to measure the dimensions properly. Thank you once more for helping me out

Oh and one more question. I have Vista 32bit installed and will get SP2, but I also have Windows7 32 and 64bit. What would be the best thing to install?

[phillpower2]

Ram http://www.newegg.co...N82E16820178394
Video card http://www.newegg.co...N82E16814121442
PSU http://www.newegg.co...N82E16817139027
Please double check that you have room inside your case for the PSU and video card, the details are available at Newegg.

Run the W7 upgrade advisor http://windows.micro.../upgradeadvisor

NB: A 32-bit OS will not see any more than 4GB of Ram, the max that your MB will accept.

[Mataika]

You don't know how much I appreciate your help man
Thank you so much for everything

[phillpower2]

You are most welcome and any other questions regarding the upgrade give us a shout

NB: Some info regarding Ram, dual channel Ram works best when fitted in same brand and spec matching pairs and pairing a faster stick of Ram alongside a slower stick of Ram results in the faster stick of Ram slowing down to match the speed of the slower Ram.