Can i do anything with this basic pc?

[shuyjin]

Compaq - Presario Desktop with AMD Athlon™ X2 4450e+ Dual-Core Processor - SR5710Y

this is what i have... obviously if i bought this, you can see i don't have money floating around to invest 400+ dollars into building/buying something else.

is there anything i can do , upgrade wise, to make this better for ffxi for around 200-300 bucks...

thx in advance for any helpful replies.

[Hosom]

If you plan on using a 64 bit operating system you can upgrade the RAM, which is pretty cheap and always easy to upgrade.

With just looking over your pc it looks like it should run FF fine, but you could do with a video upgrade, something like this
Newegg.com - SAPPHIRE 100259-1GL Radeon HD 4870 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card - Desktop Graphics / Video Cards

Will more than play FF.

[Kohan]

What is the actual model number of your machine?

[Isiolia]

That's somewhat similar to what my living room PC has, 'cept that I have a slightly faster CPU (4850e), more RAM, etc in it. The integrated GPU is passable for FFXI, but ideally you'll want something a bit more powerful.
The main hurdle there, I'd think, will be the power supply, which is only a 250W unit according to the spec sheet.

I bought an HD3450 open box at Best Buy to put in mine, which runs FFXI at 1920x1080 at least (though I wouldn't push it with Drawdistance or oversampling).

If you wanted to put a better GPU in, I would also explore replacing the power supply. You shouldn't need a monster unit, but a solid 500W PSU or something would expand your options a bit. With what you have, you'd probably need to stick with lower end cards.
Alternatively, you could buy a case/PSU and just move the motherboard to that. Might need a different CPU cooler then too.

Also possible that you could do a CPU upgrade, since the general type/class of processors your board even supports are in the $50-75 range. However, the 'e' designation is a low wattage CPU..so...may not have cooling/power to put something much different in. Still, your motherboard should support something moderately faster if you wanted to look more into that.


Hard to say what'd be best though, since the actual hardware is barely worth $300 as it is...if you just bought it, I'd probably look at video options first, since the CPU is serviceable.

[shuyjin]

What is the actual model number of your machine?

the 5710Y is the exact model i have.

[Kohan]

Isiolia already discovered the information I was hoping to uncover with your model number.

I second the purchase of a new PSU and another graphics card. To keep things in your budget, I'd recommend downgrading from a 4870 to a 4850 (not because the 4870 isn't superior, as it is, but you'll want to save that cash) so you can buy a new PSU, too.

Newegg.com - SAPPHIRE 100245HDMI Radeon HD 4850 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card - Desktop Graphics / Video Cards

Also:

Newegg.com - CORSAIR CMPSU-550VX 550W ATX12V V2.2 SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Compatible with Core i7 Power Supply - Power Supplies

There are cheaper PSUs, to be certain, but that is an efficient, powerful one that may very well outlast your current computer. When you are considering a performance upgrade, do not skimp on the PSU, it is just as important as -- if not more so than -- everything else. Make sure you register its warranty, too.

Also, the aforementioned RAM upgrade is wise.

[shuyjin]

thx guys really appreciated the suggestions.... i think i'll take the long road and just save up to upgrade to a new pc as a whole.

that and i got lucky and got a limited edition halo 3 xbox 360 elite for $169 at my local gamestop and the VERY last copy of 08 collection of ffxi... so i'm set for now.

[Hosom]

The main hurdle there, I'd think, will be the power supply, which is only a 250W unit according to the spec sheet.

How did I miss that? >.>