What do I need to add? [Ram/PCU/Graphics Card]

[Cody Hibbard]

Hello folks! Just in advance, thanks for the help. Anyway, my problem is that when I play games on my computer (WoW, Smite, etc.) on HD I experience lag. Basically, My screen is kind of skippy, and when I try to move my mouse (to look around on certain games) there is a .4 second or so delay, from when i move the mouse, to when the actual movement in the game happens. And the moving and such on HD is not smooth at all. On top of that though, on Low Details I seem fine, with not much lag.

P.S. - Even on LOW Detail on games, (Mostly Smite) I experience a lag about once every 15 minutes or so, that lasts about 30 seconds. When this happens, it sounds like a fan on my computer is turning on, or going into overdrive or something. So in a nutshell, when i get this lag every 15 minutes or so, my computer starts to get louder, and once the fan or noise stops, so does the lag.

Computer Specs:
-Graphics Card: ATI Radeon HD 5450
-Processor: AMD Phenom II X4 955 Processor 3.20 GHz
-Memory(RAM): 4.00 GB

P.S.S. - I'm not sure if this matters, but i also have a small sub plugged into my computer. It's only around ~6 inches.

If any other specs need to be known, let me know and I will add them, Thanks!

 

[Someone Somewhere]

What PSU do you have? A crappy one can limit your upgrade options (and should be replaced anyway).

You likely need a new GPU - the 5450 is incredibly gutless. Budget?

 

[DarkSable]

Grab a $30 Hyper 212 EVO and overclock your processor.

Then blow $100 on a Radeon HD 7750.

 

[guanyu210379]

You have some options and you can choose to get all of them or several or even only one of them according to your budget.

Here is my recommendations in priority order (priority order is according to my opinion):
1. Get a better GPU like HD7770 or higher. I would recommend at least HD7850 but only if you can afford it.
2. Add Hyper 212 EVO and OC your proc.
3. Add a more RAM to 8GB. (I am guessing that you have DDR2, get the rAM modules from ebay as second handed, not really worth it to get a new one)
4. Add an SSD a least 128GB.

Important note:
- Before getting any of those check if your PSU is still strong enough if not you might want to get a new and moe powerful one.

 

[RazberyBandit]

There's no use getting more RAM unless you're running a 64-bit version of Windows, and 4GB is plenty for most games and applications.

To get better game performance, you should upgrade the GPU. As has been said, you'll need to check the PSU's specs to see just how much power you have available for an upgrade. However, the power requirement for an HD7750 or 7770 isn't much more than the 5450 you're using currently.

The CPU's still quite capable of solid performance in the overwhelming majority of today's games, even at its base frequency. Overclocking is an option, but the primary cause for poor game performance lies with the underpowered GPU, not your CPU.

 

[Cody Hibbard]

What PSU do you have? A crappy one can limit your upgrade options (and should be replaced anyway).

You likely need a new GPU - the 5450 is incredibly gutless. Budget?

I have a Dynex 520-Watt ATX Power Supply
My budget is around $100-200, cheap if possible, but i want performance more than I'm worried about price.
I'm with Win7 64-Bit

 

[Cody Hibbard]

There's no use getting more RAM unless you're running a 64-bit version of Windows, and 4GB is plenty for most games and applications.

To get better game performance, you should upgrade the GPU. As has been said, you'll need to check the PSU's specs to see just how much power you have available for an upgrade. However, the power requirement for an HD7750 or 7770 isn't much more than the 5450 you're using currently.

The CPU's still quite capable of solid performance in the overwhelming majority of today's games, even at its base frequency. Overclocking is an option, but the primary cause for poor game performance lies with the underpowered GPU, not your CPU.

What type of GPU should i get? Like how many GHz and stuff like that, or does it even matter? I'm fairly new when it comes to GPU's, all i know a fair amount about is RAM, Cpu's, etc. Im no expert.. A link on Bestbuy or amazon or something so i can see exactly what i need would be nice. Thanks!

 

[Cody Hibbard]

You have some options and you can choose to get all of them or several or even only one of them according to your budget.

Here is my recommendations in priority order (priority order is according to my opinion):
1. Get a better GPU like HD7770 or higher. I would recommend at least HD7850 but only if you can afford it.
2. Add Hyper 212 EVO and OC your proc.
3. Add a more RAM to 8GB. (I am guessing that you have DDR2, get the rAM modules from ebay as second handed, not really worth it to get a new one)
4. Add an SSD a least 128GB.

Important note:
- Before getting any of those check if your PSU is still strong enough if not you might want to get a new and moe powerful one.

Like i've asked others, what GPU should i get? I had DDR3 Ram by the way. Thanks!