Help Ugrading my old Gateway DX4860-UB32P psu and gpu

Otaku Legend

Reputable
Mar 9, 2014
90
0
4,630
So I have a stock Gateway DX4860-UB32p. No Upgrades whatsoever.

I'm a noob at what computer things usually mean. Like what are these 6-pin things?

Specs:
64 bit
Intel Core i3 2120 @3.3ghz
Intel HD 2000
6 GB SDRR3
300w power supply

I've always been playing games at low settings most of the time.

What would I need to play Skyrim for example, at High?

And my HS Graduation is coming up so my parents will buy me something up to maybe $300 or maybe up to $350 if I'm lucky.

If you could, dumb it down for me. Thank you.
 
Solution
You need to change the BIOS settings before you even install the GPU into the PC or you will get nothing but a black screen. After that, install the GPU and boot it up with the monitor connected to the GPU. Install the drivers and then you are good to go.
It's hard to upgrade that because there is so much weakness.

A GPU, like a GTX750ti, will run in that machine, will use your existing PSU and CPU. http://www.ncixus.com/products/?usaffiliateid=1000031504&sku=94334&vpn=02G%2DP4%2D3753%2DKR&manufacture=eVGA&promoid=1334

It will be a huge improvement, but will not get you 1080p high. What is the resolution of your monitor?

Replacing your motherboard will require a new copy of the OS, most likely. I'd be looking at a different plan, involving a new computer.

http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/id-2625445/build-log-consolidated-middle-school-builds.html
 


My monitor is a 1600x900
 
AS Tiny Voices has said, with that monitor resolution, you will be able to get high. The particular GTX 750ti I suggested, does not need extra power, it draws it all from the pci-e slot it sits in. I would want to use such a card. If your PSU is older, the 'wear' on the capacitors will reduce its output, and I don't know how many Watts you will have on the 12V rails.

There are many GTX 750ti's by other manufacturers as well that will do too, not just that one, and you will be able to overclock some of them lightly to improve performance a little, if you want to.

Newegg has a couple of refurbished GTX 750ti;'s so you could save. My students builds have used the EVGA and MSI units and have performed very well.
 


But I watched a video from AMD that showed no updating of the BIOS only the drivers themselves. Also there's another link for a BIOS tutorial from this site, and It's different.
 


So In what order should I do these things?
 
You need to change the BIOS settings before you even install the GPU into the PC or you will get nothing but a black screen. After that, install the GPU and boot it up with the monitor connected to the GPU. Install the drivers and then you are good to go.
 
Solution


SO should I use this site's tutorial which has BIOS for specific models, or should I use the link you gave me, which also seems easy?
 
I have the same pc and am wanting to upgrade psu and gpu. I am wanting nvidia only. Can anyone recommend the best combination given my current cpu/ mobo config. I am looking for as much gaming performance as I can achieve. I would also be willing to upgrade cpu as well but not sure what is compatible or still available for this mobo. Will be playing pc games and emulators. Thanks for any help.