Gateway DX 4200 09 - What would you upgrade with $300??

[eespin23]

Hey!

I have $300 bucks to use on my computer upgrade. I seriously want a better video card but I don't want to bottleneck the performance becayse of the CPU. Could I upgrade GPU and CPU processor for this amount? What would you get? GPU, Power supply, CPU? What combination and maybe if you could recommend which one specifically 

I will do some gaming on my 100'' 1080p projector screen. I mainly play World of Warcraft now, but I want to be ready for Diablo 3 and maybe Crysis.

My current system:
Gateway DX 4200 09.

Processor
Type AMD Phenom X4 9100e / 1.8 GHz
Multi-Core processor technology Quad-Core
64-bit processor Yes
Installed Qty 1
Max processors supported 1
WIndows Vista 64

Cache Memory
Type L2 cache Installed Size 2 MB
Mainboard
Chipset type AMD 780G
Data bus speed 3600 MHz

RAM
Installed Size 4 GB / 8 GB (max)
Technology DDR2 SDRAM
Memory speed 800 MHz
Memory specification compliance PC2-6400


Expansion / Connectivity
Expansion Slots Total (Free) 1 ( 0 ) x Processor - Socket AM2 , 4 ( 2 ) x Memory - DIMM 240-pin , 1 ( 0 ) x PCI Express x16 , ( 0 ) x PCI Express x1 , 1 ( 0 ) x PCI Interfaces 1 x Mouse - Generic - 6 pin mini-DIN (PS/2 style) , 1 x Keyboard - Generic - 6 pin mini-DIN (PS/2 style) , 6 x Hi-Speed USB - 4 pin USB Type A ( 2 in front ) , 1 x Display / video - VGA - 15 pin HD D-Sub (HD-15) , 1 x Network - Ethernet 10Base-T/100Base-TX/1000Base-T - RJ-45 , 1 x Modem - Phone line - RJ-11 , 8 x Audio - Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm , 1 x Audio / video - HDMI - 19 pin HDMI Type A , 2 x IEEE 1394 (FireWire)

Power
Power device type Power supply
Power provided 300 Watt

 

[invisik]

Need spec on psu? like how many amps? In my opinion i would try to overclock the cpu maybe to 2.5ghz. At stock it will bottleneck it a little bit playing at 1080p. Most likely you need to upgrade the psu, just buy good quality 450-550w psu and get a 4870.

psu: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817341016
gpu: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161269

$198.98-45$ rebates = 153.98

Here is a cpu if you really want to upgrade it but i would try to overclock your cpu 1st if not get the card try it out if your not liking the performance then upgrade.
cpu: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103648 $99.99

 

[eespin23]

Thanks. Would i need a new power supply too or would the stock one suffice?

 

[eespin23]

Never mind... i just saw the recommendation for the power supply.

Would this combination let me play WoW on Ultra with low shadows on 1080 resolution?

 

[coozie7]

You will need a stronger powersupply, the one linked by Invisik is a sweet deal BTW, plenty of power, modular so no messy cables cluttering the case and it's actually quite cheap; Especially if you get the rebate.

 

[coozie7]

Not so sure about ultra, WoW can get very demanding when its options are that high, but certainly it'll handle one step down-call it 'very high'.

 

[invisik]

You should be able play that game on v.high settings. It doesn't take much to run that game compared to newer games like crysis =P

If you need more power oc the 4870.

 

[eespin23]

Will that power supply fit in my case? And will it work with my current MoBo connection pins?

(http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817341016)

 

[invisik]

I believe your case is a full/mid tower. It should fit fine. =]

 

[Lateralus86]

I have the same machine..the Video card is out of stock what would be another option that would work just as well?