So, I'm looking to convert my old Dell Desktop into a gaming computer, but to be perfectly honest, I have no idea how to go about this or where to start. It doesn't even need to be converted strictly for Gaming. I'll go into a little more detail later, but I want to be able to run a game without lag, and the graphics off the lowest settings.
I have a Dell Inspiron 531, it's still running Windows Vista, and I'd much rather upgrade this thing rather than get a new desktop all together.
http://www.dell.com/content/topics/topic.aspx/global/products/inspndt/topics/en/us/inspndt_531_sv?c=us&l=en
I have been using it and plan on using it mostly for StarCraft II, WoW, and other Blizzard goodies. The problem is that I've been having to play on the absolute lowest quality settings for everything graphics related, sounds off, everything possible on its lowest setting, and it still lags up quite a lot, and I've determined that it's me.
So the questions I have are:
1) Do I need to upgrade to Windows 7? I've been thinking of doing this anyways, and if it will help, then I'll do it.
2) I don't actually know what things I would need to make this upgrade. Do I need a different graphics card, power source, fans, etc.?
3) I'm afraid that whatever I add and take out will mess with the computer. Should I back up everything before I start messing around with the insides? Or, if I upgrade to Windows 7, should I just wipe everything and re-download.
As it seems, I really don't have any clue as to what to do about this kind of thing. Any and all help would be greatly appreciated.
I have a Dell Inspiron 531, it's still running Windows Vista, and I'd much rather upgrade this thing rather than get a new desktop all together.
http://www.dell.com/content/topics/topic.aspx/global/products/inspndt/topics/en/us/inspndt_531_sv?c=us&l=en
I have been using it and plan on using it mostly for StarCraft II, WoW, and other Blizzard goodies. The problem is that I've been having to play on the absolute lowest quality settings for everything graphics related, sounds off, everything possible on its lowest setting, and it still lags up quite a lot, and I've determined that it's me.
So the questions I have are:
1) Do I need to upgrade to Windows 7? I've been thinking of doing this anyways, and if it will help, then I'll do it.
2) I don't actually know what things I would need to make this upgrade. Do I need a different graphics card, power source, fans, etc.?
3) I'm afraid that whatever I add and take out will mess with the computer. Should I back up everything before I start messing around with the insides? Or, if I upgrade to Windows 7, should I just wipe everything and re-download.
As it seems, I really don't have any clue as to what to do about this kind of thing. Any and all help would be greatly appreciated.