Looking to upgrade computer RAM and Video Card.

[Fiye]

Current Computer

I've fitted in a Nvidia 7200 (512 Video Ram) and a 500 Watt power supply.

I'm wondering what I should upgrade to as far as RAM goes. I'm looking at 4 Gigs (Vista is such a wh*re) and possibly and Nvidia GeForce 8600 or 8800.

I'm looking forward to camping out at Fry's Electronics on Black Friday. fun, fun, fun...

[Iku]

yeah, im camping Fry this Black Friday for a new LCD TV. lol.

Last year i went at 6am and that sh1t was packed. Took like 2 hours before i can pay for my stuff.

@ Fry in San Jose, btw

[Kohan]

Current Computer

I've fitted in a Nvidia 7200 (512 Video Ram) and a 500 Watt power supply.

I'm wondering what I should upgrade to as far as RAM goes.

Supposedly, this motherboard--its actual name is ASUS A8M2N-LA--supports dual-channel. In this case, you should buy four 1GB sticks if at all possible. That will max out your RAM and ensure that each stick is utilizing dual-channel.

Also, you're probably adding on RAM, so you should make sure it's the same clock speed as your old sticks, which are likely 533MHz. If you ever decide to replace the whole shebang, though, that motherboard can actually support PC2 5300 (667 MHz) DDR2 DIMMs.

[Fiye]

To be honest, after reading what you said, i'm thinking about just buying the 4 sticks of those.

Thank you for letting me know about that. With Vista and having a pre-built computer designed for Media (And not vidya games) crap, I'm taking this a tad carefully. I don't want to buy two sticks of 2GB ram that end up not working with the computer.

Beyond that, would you recommend a specific mid range GFX card? I'm aiming for a $100-$200 price range. Depending on how much the Ram runs me.

[Kohan]

To be honest, after reading what you said, i'm thinking about just buying the 4 sticks of those.

This is not a bad idea, but keep the packaging and receipt just in case. I'm not saying this to discourage you, but rather, I'm mentioning it because the BIOS on these HP machines is usually inaccessible to end users (there aren't even any modded BIOS files out there). Because of this, if the current configuration rejects the RAM--or refuses to run it at its proper speed--you may not be getting your money's worth, if it functions at all.

Again, I'm not saying this to dash your hopes, I'm just advising caution. You will probably not have any issues, I doubt HP's monkeys know much about modifying BIOS settings--they all follow a "Paint By the Numbers"-like instruction booklet, anyway--so the new RAM should work without incident.

Beyond that, would you recommend a specific mid range GFX card? I'm aiming for a $100-$200 price range. Depending on how much the Ram runs me.

This was recommended just a few threads down: Newegg.com - SAPPHIRE 100265L Radeon HD 4830 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card - Desktop Graphics / Video Cards

A slightly more expensive model: Newegg.com - VisionTek 900241 Radeon HD 4850 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card - Desktop Graphics / Video Cards

And since I'm a big fan of EVGA's customer service: Newegg.com - EVGA 512-P3-N975-AR GeForce 9800 GT 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Desktop Graphics / Video Cards

[Shuemue]

Why wouldn't they just run 2x 2gb? That's dual channel, and leaves 2 slots free.

Also; I'm running a HD4850, it's great, plays Warhammer, WoW both on max settings with np

[Kohan]

Why wouldn't they just run 2x 2gb? That's dual channel, and leaves 2 slots free.

The motherboard is a bit old--though not ancient--and I'm not certain as to whether it can handle two 2GB sticks or not. It can handle 4GB max, but its age and its being mass-manufactured for HP makes it suspect. However, that's only assumption on my part; two 2GB sticks may work fine.

[Shuemue]

Pretty sure the scanner at Memory upgrades, flash media, and usb storage at Crucial.com would say whether it can handle 2gb sticks

[Kohan]

Pretty sure the scanner at Memory upgrades, flash media, and usb storage at Crucial.com would say whether it can handle 2gb sticks

Just checked, and it reports this:

"Each memory slot can hold DDR2 PC2-4200,DDR2 PC2-5300 with a maximum of 1GB per slot."

Now we know for sure.

[Fiye]

One last question. I saw the 9800 card you posted mention "PCI Express x16 2.0"

Is my motherboard able to use 2.0 PCI Express x16 cards?

[Kohan]

One last question. I saw the 9800 card you posted mention "PCI Express x16 2.0"

Is my motherboard able to use 2.0 PCI Express x16 cards?

It should be able to work, yes.

The only thing that could potentially stop it from working would be if the card requires more power than what the motherboard and PSU can provide. Unfortunately, I can't answer that question.

[Fiye]

If the power supply can't support it. It'll just end up choking itself. I've done it before on this computer.

Anyways, thank you for the help Kohan.

[Fiye]

Kohan, I wanted to say thank you for the advice. Just finished installing/updating every and it runs smooth now.

*Gives you a cookie* I'm broke at the moment ^^;

[Kohan]

You're very welcome, and I'm glad everything works.