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Author Topic: Need help choosing components to upgrade my boy's computer  (Read 2902 times)

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bssage

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    • OS: Windows Vista
    Need help choosing components to upgrade my boy's computer
    « on: July 10, 2015, 02:11:07 PM »
    Hello.  I posted and got a lot of help around December then went a differnt way for his gift.  He still wants to upgrade for his Bday.  I would like to keep a budget around $300 could go as high as 4 but I would rather not.  He want to make his more of a "Gamer"..This is the system we are building on.

    Sons computer.  The one I would like to upgrade.

    Moniter specs:


    Acer
    Model
    S275HL bmii (UM.HS5AA.001)
    Cabinet Color
    Black

    Display
    Screen Size
    27"
    LED Backlight
    Yes
    Widescreen
    Yes
    Recommended Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Refresh Rate
    60Hz
    Viewing Angle
    178° (H) / 178° (V)
    Pixel Pitch
    0.3114mm
    Display Colors
    16.7 Million
    Brightness
    250 cd/m2
    Contrast Ratio
    ACM 100,000,000:1 (1000:1)
    Response Time
    6ms (GTG)
    Panel
    IPS

    Connectivity
    Input Video Compatibility
    Analog RGB, Digital
    Connectors
    D-sub, HDMI
    D-Sub
    1
    DVI
    No
    HDMI
    2
    DisplayPort
    No

    Power
    Complies with
    ENERGY STAR
    Power Supply
    100 - 240 VAC, 50/60Hz
    Power Consumption
    Energystar Off (typ.): 0.5W
    Energystar Sleep (typ.): 0.5W
    Energystar On (typ.): 36W

    Computer specs:
    HP ENVY h8-1540t
    Operating System
    Windows 8 Professional (64-bit)
    DISPLAY
    Monitor
    No
    Monitor Features
    N/A
    MOTHERBOARD
    Chipset
    Intel X79 Express
    RAM
    RAM Type
    DDR3 SODIMM
    RAM Capacity
    10 GB
    Preloaded Memory
    DDR3-1333
    PROCESSOR
    Processor Model
    Intel Core-i7 3820
    Processor Type
    Quad Core
    Frequency
    3.6 GHz
    Cache
    10.0 MB
    HARD DRIVE
    Interface
    SATA
    Memory Storage
    2000 GB
    RPM
    7200
    GRAPHICS
    Video Card
    GeForce GT 640
    Sound Card
    Integrated
    COMMUNICATIONS
    Wi-Fi
    Yes (Type: 802.11b/g/n)
    Bluetooth
    No
    Infrared
    No
    Card Reader
    No
    Modem
    No
    More Connections
    PCI Express: 3
    STURCTURE
    Casing
    Tower
    Dimensions (WxHxD)
    6.88 in x 16.22 in x 16.34 in
    Color
    Black
    OTHER
    Optical Drive
    SuperMulti DVD Burner
    Power Supply
    460 W
    Ports
    15-in-1 multimedia card reader + Top I/O (2 USB 3.0 + 1 headphone jack + 1 microphone jack) + Front I/O (2 USB 2.0)
    Camera
    No
    Microphone
    Yes
    Accessories
    USB standard Keyboard, Mouse, TV Tuner


    Thanks in advance
    Bryan

    camerongray



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    Re: Need help choosing components to upgrade my boy's computer
    « Reply #1 on: July 10, 2015, 04:27:08 PM »
    The key thing that stands out is that while that machine has an extremely powerful CPU, the graphics card is pretty low end.  I'd highly recommend upgrading this with a GTX 960 or 970 as this would drastically improve the gaming performance.

    The only tricky thing with this video card is that you may need to upgrade your power supply to power it.  Would you be able to let us know the make and model of the PSU in the machine currently - There will be a sticker somewhere on it inside the PC with a model number.

    Geek-9pm


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    Re: Need help choosing components to upgrade my boy's computer
    « Reply #2 on: July 10, 2015, 07:12:15 PM »
    Camerongray,
    Doing an upgrade on this computer will not be easy.

    You might consider buying a newer unit and selling the old computer. 

    BC_Programmer


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    Re: Need help choosing components to upgrade my boy's computer
    « Reply #3 on: July 10, 2015, 08:23:12 PM »
    Doing an upgrade on this computer will not be easy.
    Replacing the 640GT would not be difficult. I find it unlikely that they could find a new unit within the price range they specified that is equivalent to the system they have now, let alone better.
    I was trying to dereference Null Pointers before it was cool.

    bssage

      Topic Starter


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      • Experience: Familiar
      • OS: Windows Vista
      Re: Need help choosing components to upgrade my boy's computer
      « Reply #4 on: July 10, 2015, 09:04:04 PM »
      I know the power supply is not enough.  The last time I asked this was recommended http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817207013&cm_re=xfx_550w-_-17-207-013-_-Product  Still OK???

      I think the last time I had this discussion there may have been some concern about cooling?? 

      Let me know If that PSU and the 960/70 is all I need???