E21 upgrades

[mythbuster74]

hi guys first post. Still learning about all the hardware and everything for a computer. im trying to get a few more years out of it. im thinking about getting a PSU and GPU. i have a e521 with 3gb of ram and a amd 3800+ 2.0ghz

PSU

Corsair TX750W Power supply

GPU

SAPPHIRE TOXIC Radeon HD 4870 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card


Will this work with my system?
What i want to get in the end is to be able to play fallout 3, spore, and maybe crysis( from what ive read i probably wont be able to)

Also what would you recommend i buy? i was thinking about getting a new mobo, PhenomII cpu, and trying to reuse my hard drive and disk drive(maybe new ones later one)

 

[delluser1]

You would have to do some case modifications in order to install a dual slot video card.
If you go for a new motherboard you''ll also need a new case, can't reuse the Dell BTX box.

 

[mythbuster74]

What kind of case modifications?

 

[delluser1]

You would need to cut away part of the heatsink shroud ( or install a new heatsink, which would need some modification's ) and also add an expansion slot.

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

Bulid a new sysytem...dells are limited on upgrades unless they are the gaming models!!!!!!!!!!

 

[mythbuster74]

How do you add an expansion and why do you need it?

If it's not too hard ill do that. Whats the best video card i could get in there now?

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

look on newegg.com

 

[mythbuster74]

If i was going to make my own do you have to solder anything? or is it just plug in? And how much of a difference would a Phenom x4 be than the lowest i7?

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

amd or intel is your choice!no solder needed.fairly easy to build your own rigs.be real careful on the cpu install!thermal

 

[mythbuster74]

I heard that sometimes you have to do maintenance if you run a water cooled setup, how often? and whats the chances of it leaking or something like that?

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

depends on how well you build it!i maintain mine every 3 to 4 months!