graphics card upgrade for pentium 4 pc

bulldog5743

Distinguished
Dec 5, 2008
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18,510
Hi


Thanks in advance for any advice offered. My computer is dated but im not a heavy games player so it has done what I needed it to do up to now. I use it for the internet, my business accounts and football management games.

I cant play football manager 2009 on it and I would also like to play the new Blood Bowl game when it is released in the new year. Im not very knowledgeable with computers , but I would like to upgrade the graphics card, but im not sure what the processor will handle and if I will need to, or can change the power supply unit.

Any advice to upgrading the graphics card would be appreciated.

Intel pentium 4 processor cpu 2.40 ghz
512mb ram (im going to upgrade it to 2gig, if you could tell me if this will be ok or if my processor will handle more i would also be greatful)
Power supply unit 250w
pci-e slot
monitor - packard bell a727

If you could recommend to me a graphics card that my processor will handle and if I will need a new power supply unit, monitor etc or if there isnt much i can do about upgrades. I was looking at the Nvidea geforce 8500gt 1gb graphic card but i dont know if i can make it compatible.

Any help would be appreciated.
 

boulard83

Distinguished
Oct 20, 2008
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19,290
GPU : you might be ok. you can still take a look at some ATI card that seem to be better bang for the buck atm.

PSU : if you can change it, CHANGE IT.

RAM : More will help

A complete new system would be much better. for 400-500$ you can have a complete new BOX to play your game.
 

Kari

Splendid
+1 for new system... upgrading such an old system isn't very rewarding, 'used money vs increased performance' ratio isn't that great...

E5200 $82.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116072
ASUS P5K PRO P35 $102.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131275
HD4670 $69.99 (with rebate)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121274
4GB DDR2 800 $59.99 (or 2gigs and save a little)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231148
Antec Sonata III $129.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129024
WD 640GB $74.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136218

total $520.94 with quick browsing, might be possible to shave off a little if spent some more time