Upgrading Pentium Dual Core E5300 2.6GHz

[nrftw64]

I have a 250w PSU with a Intel G33/G31 Express Chipset Graphics card.
6 GB RAM

I want to upgrade to play Crusader Kings 2. Also if possible Command and Conquer 2013, and Rome 2 Total War to play at medium settings.

I wanted to upgrade to:

PSU:
XFX Core Edition PRO550W or SeaSonic S12II 520 Bronze 520W

GPU:
Radeon HD 7850

Is this a good idea?

 

[GhislainG]

Could you also upgrade your CPU? It's rather weak for a 7850 GPU. Unfortunately your motherboard doesn't allow overclocking the CPU.

 

[nrftw64]

I suppose I could. Any recommendations? I'm guessing I have to upgrade to quad core.

 

[MrKopaka1016]

Usually for RTS's (From what I have heard) are CPU intensive, so a quad might be a good idea.

 

[GhislainG]

I suppose I could. Any recommendations? I'm guessing I have to upgrade to quad core.

If you can't afford a new motherboard and memory, then try to find the fastest used and inexpensive processor supported by your motherboard. A Quad would be better, but not an absolute must.

 

[nrftw64]

Here are my mothboard specs: http://www.findlaptopdriver.com/pegatron-corporation-benicia-specs-motherboard/

It looks like the highest CPU from Pentium Dual Core line I can upgrade to is the E6300
http://ark.intel.com/products/41493/Intel-Pentium-Processor-E6300-2M-Cache-2_80-GHz-1066-MHz-FSB

the Core2Quad supported don't seem very good and are more expensive.

Is the pentium dual core E6300 worth upgrading to? It's still in my budget

 

[GhislainG]

Upgrading to a Core 2 Duo E6300 1.86GHz is not worth it and your motherbaord is not compatible with the newer 2.8GHz Pentium E6300.

I don't know about prices in your area or on eBay, but I can buy a Q6600 for $75 or an E8400 for $50. The E8400 might be worth it if it's inexpensive enough. Just bear in mind that you can't overclock with that motherboard.

 

[nrftw64]

Thanks for the info. Do you think Overclocking will be needed to play games like Command and Conquer 2013, Rome 2 Total war?
tbh I don't really want to play much of the newer games, just of a few. Usually I play games that are not too CPU-Intensive.

 

[GhislainG]

You would need a new motherboard, but even if overclocked, your CPU only meets the minimum requirements for a game like Command & Conquer: http://gamesystemrequirements.com/games.php?id=1535 Adding an HD 7850 is nice, but your system won't be balanced (powerful GPU and weak CPU). If I were you I'd wait until I can afford to build a better system with a modern CPU, etc.