Question about my computer's upgrading ability.

[johnnypok]

Okay so I am now getting into more computer gaming, but I just don't have the power I need in my pre-built vostro 230 Windows 7 32-bit desktop. I recently upgraded my RAM from 2gbs to 4gbs and I have noticed a difference, but I need more power.

Right now I have a Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo CPU E7500 @ 2.93GHz processor, which my friend says is decent. What I'm really focused on is my graphics card. I have a Intel(R) G41 Express Chip set that has extremely low video memory. I want to know if it would be possible to upgrade it to a real graphics card like some kind of GTX or something. What would be a good choice graphics card for me to buy? My computer case is pretty big and has a lot of extra room inside. I have read that the chip set is embedded into the motherboard so it can't be removed, but can I just override it with the new graphics card? Also, is it possible for me to change to 64 bit windows after I upgrade? Thank you for reading.

 

[synphul]

It depends how long you plan to keep that system. It also depends on your budget, how many watts your power supply is etc. So long as the specs for your system are the same as what I found online for a vostro 230, it has a 300w power supply which might be kind of limiting. Yes you can install a gpu (be mindful of the power requirements due to your smaller power supply wattage) and use the discrete graphics card instead of the onboard graphics.

Two things, yes you could install 64bit windows since the cpu is 64bit capable. It won't give you much advantage when it comes to system memory (32bit only allows up to 4gb, typically shows as 3.5-3.7gb usable) since your motherboard according to the specs I found lists ram max as 4gb. 64 bit will allow the full use of all 4gb of ram but since you can't install anything more than that your motherboard is limiting you a bit. Given the 300w power supply and the age/performance of the cpu, about the best you could go for a video card would be a gtx 750ti.

http://pcpartpicker.com/part/evga-video-card-02gp43753kr

That's one option. The other, depending on budget, would basically mean building a new pc and salvaging the hard drive and cd rom to use in the new build. New motherboard, cpu, ram (your current is ddr2, newer boards use ddr3), a larger more capable power supply with the ability to run newer/faster video cards and possibly a case if that one doesn't fit standard atx power supplies. Not a concern at the moment since your current cpu would be bottlenecking a more powerful gpu.