[SickSnappy]

How hard would it be to get a new processor into a Gateway SX2851, would it take a new motherboard, video card, and such?
I want to get into more advanced gaming such as Amnesia, Dota 2, Skyrim, and other games that require more to play smoothly.

Will include a picture of computer specs, if that helps any...

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SickSnappy

Your processor is okay performance wise so I would leave it, also it would not be cost effective to replace it.

If you are using Windows 7 64-bit I would add another 4GB of Ram.

Is this your computer http://www.microcent...duct_id=0354707
If yes then I would recommend that you upgrade your video card and power supply, things to note are that due to the small case size you will need a low profile video card and before you actually purchase anything you should measure the present PSU as it may be smaller than a regular size ATX power supply see http://www.ebay.co.u...#ht_3130wt_1185

[phillpower2]

SickSnappy

Your processor is okay performance wise so I would leave it, also it would not be cost effective to replace it.

If you are using Windows 7 64-bit I would add another 4GB of Ram.

Is this your computer http://www.microcent...duct_id=0354707
If yes then I would recommend that you upgrade your video card and power supply, things to note are that due to the small case size you will need a low profile video card and before you actually purchase anything you should measure the present PSU as it may be smaller than a regular size ATX power supply see http://www.ebay.co.u...#ht_3130wt_1185

[SickSnappy]

Thank you for replying to me, but i'm a little new when it comes to computer hardware and such. So if you don't mind me asking, what exactly would getting another 4GB of RAM do for me in my case? Also how would i go about measuring my PSU, and even if i got that far what is the size of an average ATX Power Supply?

[phillpower2]

Sorry for the delay, I got side tracked elsewhere.
8GB of Ram is the sweet spot for Windows 7 64-bit as it allows you to use all of the software features and helps improve the graphics performance, the 32-bit version will not recognize more than 4GB of Ram though.

The average PSU dimensions are around 5.9"(W) x 3.4"(H) x 6.3"(L) but if you look at the link that I provided which is a replacement PSU for your system http://www.ebay.co.u...#ht_3130wt_1185 the size and shape of the PSU is different.

[SickSnappy]

Okay thanks for all the help so far, and so your saying that the PSU i currently have is the same size as the one you linked right? How would i go about changing the video card, could you link one for me that would work with my system, and how would i go about changing the PSU?

[phillpower2]

Okay thanks for all the help so far, and so your saying that the PSU i currently have is the same size as the one you linked right?

Correct and unfortunately it seriously limits your options not only down to the size and shape but also due to the fact that the maximum output you can get with a replacement PSU is 250W.

Technical Specs:

3.5" Wide X 2" Tall X 6" Deep
One ATX connector (20/24 pin)
One P4 connector
One SATA connector
Three Molex connectors
One floppy connector

Link to product http://www.atxpowers...-DPS220UB-A.php

Before I make any card suggestions please read the question and Best Answer @ http://answers.yahoo...07134600AAXdZKu as you may decide on another approach such as a new case for better upgrade options.

[SickSnappy]

Alright that's really helpful but I'm a little confused so just to clarify.

I could take this http://www.newegg.co...N82E16811129065 then take everything out of my SX2851 and put all of that besides my PSU and video card into it and then add this video card? http://www.newegg.co...82E16814121442?

And if I'm correct how hard do you think that would be to accomplish?

[phillpower2]

Alright that's really helpful but I'm a little confused so just to clarify.

I could take this http://www.newegg.co...N82E16811129065 then take everything out of my SX2851 and put all of that besides my PSU and video card into it - yes but be aware that unless you have previously had an add on video card fitted you will only have the MBs integrated video chip present.

and then add this video card? http://www.newegg.co...82E16814121442?
Which particular card at the link please.

And if I'm correct how hard do you think that would be to accomplish?
A tutorial provided courtesy of Troy and Artellos respectively http://www.geekstogo...r-own-computer/

You need to decide what you are able/willing to spend on your upgrades as a half decent video card will cost not far off $140 - $150 so with a case, PSU, 4GB of Ram and the card itself the cost will be around $300.

Case http://www.superbiiz...CA-ANTE300&c=CJ
Video card http://www.newegg.co...ID=3938566&SID=
PSU http://www.newegg.co...ID=3938566&SID=
Example Ram upgrade (check present Ram for specs before ordering http://us.ncix.com/p...facture=Corsair

[SickSnappy]

and then add this video card? http://www.newegg.co...82E16814121442?
Which particular card at the link please.

Whoops, meant to link this video card http://www.newegg.co...N82E16814121442

I could take this http://www.newegg.co...N82E16811129065 then take everything out of my SX2851 and put all of that besides my PSU and video card into it - yes but be aware that unless you have previously had an add on video card fitted you will only have the MBs integrated video chip present.

I'm not quite sure what you mean by this

Video card http://www.newegg.co...ID=3938566&SID= In the yahoo answers thing the guy said that this case http://www.newegg.co...N82E16811129065 comes with a 450W power supply, and this card is the best that i could get without my CPU being bottleneck, may i ask what this means?

And one last thing, I used this scanner here http://www.crucial.com/systemscanner/ and in the end here is what it came up with this Now correct me if i'm wrong but it looks like I don't have any space for another RAM card

Edited by SickSnappy, 21 July 2012 - 12:49 PM.

[phillpower2]

Thanks for the link - good choice of video card for the price.

In your earlier reply you said;

then take everything out of my SX2851 and put all of that besides my PSU and video card into it

I was bringing to your attention the fact that your computer specs show that the computer does not use the add on card slot, it uses a video chip that is integrated into the MB so unless you have added a card you will not find one, please refer to your PC specs @ http://www.microcent...duct_id=0354707

Your video card link does not work - sorry but a better video card will not bottleneck your CPU, a bad one will.

It is entirely up to you of course what you purchase and I can only advise you.

Use google and research the case, PSU and video card I have suggested and then make your decision.

Yes your memory slots are full so it is up to you, stick with the 6GB or sell the two 1GB sticks and put in another two 2GB sticks to take you up to 8GB.

NB: Please note that your PC specs say the computer only has 4GB of Ram fitted yet you have 6GB so you may have an add on video card in there, run Speccy if you would like to find out http://www.piriform.com/speccy

[SickSnappy]

I still don't quite get what you mean when you say: I was bringing to your attention the fact that your computer specs show that the computer does not use the add on card slot, it uses a video chip that is integrated into the MB so unless you have added a card you will not find one

How does this video card http://www.newegg.co...N82E16814121442 compare to this video card? http://www.newegg.co...ID=3938566&SID= I see that it has 2 fans and the other one only has 1. and how will this one http://www.newegg.co...ID=3938566&SID= work with this http://www.newegg.co...N82E16811129065

Edited by SickSnappy, 21 July 2012 - 02:05 PM.

[phillpower2]

I am sorry but I do not see what you are not understanding, the difference between integrated video chips and add on cards explained @ http://www.techterms.../definition/igp and fitting an add on card http://uk.gamespot.c...o-card-6142716/


Go with your case, PSU and card, the card is not as good but it is less expensive and the PSU is not as powerful but like I said the final decision is yours.

From your MB specs;

[SickSnappy]

Sorry or the long delay, its been a busy day... anyway I think i might understand so what your saying is my computer may have this video card that is essentially inside of it all, can it be removed and does it even have to be removed in order to use a different video card?

Also will these work together?

This Video Card: http://www.newegg.co...ID=3938566&SID=

and

This Case: http://www.newegg.co...N82E16811129065 (includes a PSU just in case you didn't notice)

What i'm asking is will the video card be compatible with the PSU that is included with the case?

Correct me if i'm wrong but from this report it appears that all it's using is 2 2GB RAM cards and 2 1GB RAM cards, and I do not have an add-on video card.

Edited by SickSnappy, 22 July 2012 - 02:35 AM.

[phillpower2]

No worries we all have other commitments to get on with.

The MBs integrated video chip is soldered into the socket, however when you fit an add on video card it overrides the MBs video chip and becomes the primary display source, this can be changed in the BIOS but should not matter here.

No the card I suggested requires a PSU with a Minimum output of 500W and this was the reason that I suggested you go with your card and case.

Just so that you are aware a 500W PSU is the norm today due to the demands placed on computers by gaming and watching videos both of which require a powerful video card which in turn needs an adequate source of power.

Correct on the Ram, for the video card information you would need to click on the graphics tab in the window to the left and again post a screenshot for us before we could say so or not.

[SickSnappy]

Alright well I think i'm gonna go with your video card and PSU.

And how would i figure out what kind of RAM cards I would need.

Also here is the Screen Shot