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10643
Gaming on XPS 420
Here are my specs:
Intel Core 2 Quad CPU Q9450 @ 2.66GHz
4.00 GB RAM
ATI Radeon 3650 running on 128mb of RAM
Power of 425 Watts
I find myself frustrated with having to put every single game on the lowest quality possible so that the game will run smoothly.
The question that I'm asking is to play games at a faster pace without lag, what on my system to I need to upgrade?
I know it's not my RAM, so do I need a new Processor? or only a new graphics card? I'm looking into either the ATI 4850, or GeForce GT 9800. Will either of these run on my computer?
Thanks to any reply in advance.
JMICHAEL
1.7K Posts
1
March 25th, 2009 20:00
Gaming is mostly about the video card. Your CPU and Ram are fine. I would upgrade your video card. The ATI 4830, 4850 or Nvidia 9800 GT or the new GTS 250 would be some cards to look at. Of the four mentioned, the GTS 250 would be the best. If you don't have a high resolution monitor that can run a game at 1920 x 1200, then a 512MB card will be fine and there is no need to go for the 1GB cards and spend the extra money. HERE is one to look at. HERE (The sale is off now. Was $129.99 with free shipping) is another and not a bad deal right now with free shipping. Both include a free game also. With the GTS cards, you are getting dual slot versions which will run cooler and exhaust heat out the back compared to the GT's. It is really not worth it to me based on the minimal price difference to get a 9800 GT over a GTS 250. The GTS will take up two slots, but both the GT and GTS are the same length with the new board design on the GTS. Any of these cards are a big improvement over what you have with the 4830 being the least expensive. If you are looking at a 4830, I would get the Sapphire for the price. Note that this particular model does not have dual DVI connectors if that is important to you for running two monitors. With the GTS 250 out there, I really would not consider a 4850 since it beats it in most benchmarks and runs cooler.
smithsonga
40 Posts
0
March 26th, 2009 09:00
I have an XPS420 and replaced my HD2600XT card with a Radeon 3870 512MB card. I have a Dell 22" lcd, so run the games at 1680x1050 without issue. Including World of conflict, company of heroes, Call to duty etc.
squall25
5 Posts
0
March 26th, 2009 13:00
JMICHAEL,
Thanks so much for the reply. You really answered my question. I'm really digging the GTS 250. I was also looking at the radeon 4870, would my cpu be able to handle that? or would I have to upgrade other components? GTS 250 is great looking, i was just wondering about the 4870 is all. Thanks man.
JMICHAEL
1.7K Posts
0
March 26th, 2009 14:00
It should if you have the 425W power supply. You might be running close to 70%, though. It would take around 30-40 more watts over the GTS 250. It will also run hotter if that is an issue. The 4870 will also take 2 6-Pin PCIe connectors from the power supply versus one for the GTS 250. The price on the 4870 has been falling and they are very popular cards. The 4870 actually competes with the GTX 260. Whatever you decide, make sure you check the fit before you buy.