Computer upgrade for online gaming

[cricket4019]

My son complains that his computer is too slow for online gaming (Steam) - below is a list of his hardware:

Processor Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Kentsfield 2.4GHz 2 x 4MB L2 Cache LGA 775 Processor

Cooler ZALMAN CNPS9500 AT 2 Ball CPU Cooling Fan/Heatsink

Motherboard ASUS P5N-E SLI LGA 775 NVIDIA nForce 650i SLI ATX Intel Motherboard

Ram 4GB, Ballistix 240-pin DIMM, DDR2 PC2-8500 memory module

Video Card EVGA 320-P2-N815-A3 GeForce 8800GTS 320MB 320-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card

Sound Card Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi XtremeGamer Sound Card ( 70SB073A00000 )

Hard Drive Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD7500AAKS 750GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s

I would appreciate any help someone can give on proposed upgrades that may speed up his gaming (Christmas gift) ... I also think maybe putting a PCI wireless adapter in vs. his USB adapter may help, as I have a feeling our internet speed is the limiter - any thoughts?

 

[allanitomwesh]

Get him ram and a gtx 660ti/670. That should max him out.
An Ethernet connection is best,fiber optic works well. Speed is definitely the culprit.

 

[cricket4019]

Thanks for the response... to add ram & a video card I will probably have to go to windows 64 bit, because from what I understand, the current set-up (32 bit) will only recognize under 4gb of memory (which includes video card). Does that sound correct?

 

[allanitomwesh]

yes,you'd need 64bit windows to utilise the extra ram. However DRAM from the graphics card doesn't add to the system memory. If your windows is retail packaged,it should include 64bit,however, 4gb is already enough for gaming.
How about you get him a Radeon HD 78XX? They present excellent value,especially the 1GB HD 7850. It'll game on a 1080p monitor,and the price is right. He'll be able to run the latest games comfortably if his resolution is lower.

 

[cricket4019]

Thanks again!!! That's what I'm going to get him... the 7850 and maybe upgrade to windows 7 - 64bit with more ram...

 

[allanitomwesh]

That'll definitely eliminate his gaming issues, as for online,get a wired internet setup.
Your welcome. Choose a best answer.

 

[cricket4019]

Best answer selected by cricket4019.