advice on upgrades to my current rig.

[triggerhappynme]

Hello all.

I am currently looking at upgrading my computer. It is a Gateway GM5632e
I am not very fluent in computers but have always been interested. Needless to say I have been reading so much my eyes hurt.

Realistically I want to know if it makes any sense to add upgrades to my computer or if i'm better off saving for a new one. My computer works but its lagging and I am looking into starting some gaming. I use my 40" lcd tv for a monitor and i'm a little overwelmed.

Specs:
processor: intel core 2 Q6600 quad core with vt
mobo: intel (schroeder town) g33
ram: 3bg ddr2
video: Nvidia Geforce 8500gt (256mb, directx 10)
audio: integrated 8 channel high deff
psu: 400w
add in slots: 1 pci-e 16x, 2 pci-e, 1 pci
hdd: 500gb sata
optical drive: lg 8.5gb dual layer super multi dvd rewriter 22x

My thoughts: I know my mother board supports up to 8gb or ram so i wanted to throw four 2gb ddr2 800mhz sticks in there.

I was then going to address my poor graphics by throwing in a nvidia GeForce GTX 460 1GB GDDR5

I would like to buy a new case but thats up in the air right now. at the minimum i want to do some case modding and throw some extra fans for cooling in the mix. as well as an upgrades power supply. suggestions welcome

My hope is the my quad core processor and mobo are still sutable enough that i can over clock my q6600 and get this computer to scream right along. i've read that the q6600 was very overclockable and that give me hope.

Problem is i need more info because i have no idea where to start with overclocking for if my system is worth keeping anyone willing to throw me a line please do so. Oh and i'm on a budget, no specific amount just not trying to break the bank (fourth kid on the way).

mobo specs: Gateway Support - Motherboard Specifications

computer specs: Gateway Support - Specifications

thanks in advance

[jdeb]

You would have to change the power supply and you would have to select the memory carefully. I assume you have 2x1 gb and 2 x 512mb of ram with no open slots. So you would add a 2x1 gb kit to have a total of 4gb if you upgraded (removing the 2 x 512mb). I also assume you have a 32bit OS which will not see more than 3.25 gb of ram.

rough calculation (390.00)
power supply 80
ram 50
card 160
os 64 bit 100

Another thing to consider is the quality of the system board.

The upgrade does not make to much sense in my mind, 290 to 400 would be better spent towards a newer system. That is my opinion.

[triggerhappynme]

I do have 2x1gb and 2x512mb with no slots but my board supports 4x2gb so i was thinking of going above and beyond being memory isn't too expensive.

I have looked into a nice 600 watt power supply from corsair

and yes i was looking into 64 bit windows 7

If i was to upgrade my mobo it would end up costing a bundle would it not? I was just hoping i could survive for a while without dishing out for a mobo and processor and cooler etc.

Thanks for the input i value everyones advice

[David M]

It's not that old of a computer technology wise.. http://reviews.cnet.com/desktops/gat...-32670774.html

Unfortunately factory computers are not engineered to be easily upgradable, other than the RAM and hard drive.

I would only bother to upgrade the RAM to 4 gigs. I agree with jdeb. It may be time for a new one if you need noticeably faster. Technology with the RAM, motherboard, chipset and CPU has changed from when your computer was new, and all of those parts need to be able to work together.

[jdeb]

Originally Posted by triggerhappynme I do have 2x1gb and 2x512mb with no slots but my board supports 4x2gb so i was thinking of going above and beyond being memory isn't too expensive. I have looked into a nice 600 watt power supply from corsair and yes i was looking into 64 bit windows 7 If i was to upgrade my mobo it would end up costing a bundle would it not? I was just hoping i could survive for a while without dishing out for a mobo and processor and cooler etc. Thanks for the input i value everyones advice

you could survive in the sense you could use the video card and power supply in your next build but you will be out the cost of the memory and the OS upgrade. You could eliminate the OS upgrade. The card may be a little long in the tooth by the time you upgrade as well. If your current memory is ddr2 800, this is your upgrade... (you could also hold off on the memory and see if the upgrade of a card and power supply are good enough to see you through until your next build). I don't think you will have a bottleneck at the CPU.
Newegg.com - Crucial 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model CT2KIT12864AA800

but your links seem to indicate ddr2 667 so this is the link for that
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820146526

*****************************************************************************
You could just add the card 200.00
4.376" (H) x 8.25" (L) make sure it will fit
Newegg.com - EVGA 01G-P3-1371-TR GeForce GTX 460 (Fermi) 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Support Video Card

and the power supply 90.00
Newegg.com - CORSAIR Enthusiast Series CMPSU-650TX 650W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Compatible with Core i7 Power Supply

Getting just these two parts may give you what you want and can always be used in a build while you save up for a board, hard drive, cpu, case, and memory (500.00 - 600.00).

[glc]

The Gateway motherboard cannot be overclocked. DDR2 is now too expensive to make any kind of substantial upgrade worth it. I'd leave the machine well enough alone till you can afford a new build.

Would you please post the brand and model of your current PSU?

[triggerhappynme]

I would post the brand and model of my psu but it came with the computer and i can't find any info without tearing it out and its not worth it.

I really do appreciate all the good advice. I had a feeling it wasn't going to be worth it, that is mainly why i went searching for people like you, with more knowledge of my hardware.

that said can anyone point me to any good sources of computer knowledge? I am less interested in hardware specifically and more in general computer terms, and know how. once again all is appreciated.