Computer Gaming Help

[Fatories]

I need help deciding what I should do to enhance my computers performance with games because I'm running games like Counter Strike Source at 10-15 frames per second. I need to know if I should just get a new computer or if I need to get a graphics card, processor, more ram etc.

My computers specs are:

Operating System:
   MS Windows 7 Home Premium 32-bit

CPU
   AMD Sempron 3200+ 1.80GHz   
   Manila 90nm Technology

RAM
   1.5GB Single-Channel DDR2 @ 200MHz  3-3-3-9

Motherboard
   Acer EM61SM/EM61PM (Socket M2)
        Brand: Phoenix Technologies, LTD
        Version: R01-B1

Graphics
   AL1706 @ 1280x1024
   GeForce 6100 nForce 405 (Elitegroup)
        Physical Memory:   256 MB

Hard Drives
   164GB Hitachi HDT72251 6DLA380 SCSI Disk Device (SCSI)


Any advice would be appreciated, thanks.

[Joey]

Hi, welcome to the site.

I see the major bottleneck there is the AMD Sempron CPU. Semprons are cool for going on the Internet and using Microsoft office but not good at all for games like CS Source. Gamers should also get at least 2 GB RAM but I recommend 3 GB + for First Person Shooter gamers. I recommend the minimum graphics card you buy for CS Source is the ATI HD 4350.

The minimum CPU I recommend you upgrade to is the AMD Athlon II x4 (Phenom II x4 would be even better). The problem with this is the mother board you have supports "Socket AM2" CPUs. The newer and faster AMD Athlon II x4 CPUs only fit into "Socket AM3" motherboard.

I recommend buying a new computer. It will cost about the same if you upgrade, since you have to upgrade all major components (Motheroard, CPU, RAM, Video card) and some minor ones too (like power supply).

Here is a config I made for you on the HP website. You will love how it plays CS Source.
http://bit.ly/HP-p6350z-041710

If you are like me and still want a faster, faster, faster PC even though the one I made for you above if more than fine you can upgrade various items on there. If you upgrade anything I would say upgrade to the ATI HD 4650 video card first. Then if you have extra money upgrade to a faster Phenom x4 CPU 2nd.

[Fatories]

Thank you so much, but I have just one more question about the config you made me.
If I were to buy the config would I just get the parts or and actual computer case and all?

Thanks again.

[Joey]

Do you mean it you were to buy the HP system in the cart I linked you to? It wold be a complete PC. The only thing missing would be the monitor and speakers. You can use your current monitor and speakers with it.

If you are talking about what you would buy if you were to build it on your own you would need the following...
- New CPU
- New CPU FAN
- Good Thermal paste to use when installing the CPU
- New RAM (memory sticks)
- New Video card
- New Motherboard
- New Power supply
- New Case
- It might be a good idea to buy an extra Case Fan
- New copy of Windows 7
- Your can use your current SCSI hard drive, CD/DVD drive, mouse and keyboard

[Fatories]

Alright thank you so much for your help, I really appreciate it.

[Joey]

np. 

When you get the new system don't forget to post on here to tell us how much faster it is... it will probably even LOOK a lot better. 

[Fatories]

EDIT:
I'll make sure to do that, unfortunately it will be a bit because im about $100 off.
Speaking of witch, I have tow more questions.

1. Does the website charge US dollars? Because I live in Canada.

2. What is the difference between these two processors. I'm wondering because one has more Ghz and is cheaper.

AMD Athlon(TM) II 250 dual-core processor [3.0GHz, 2MB L2, up to 4000MHz bus]

AMD Athlon(TM) X4 630 quad-core processor [2.8GHz, 2MB L2, up to 4000MHz bus]

[Joey]

1) When you checkout the site it will recognize you are from Canada. I am not sure if it will change currencies or not. I will ask a member who is from Canada for his input on this.

2) The X2 processor has like 2 little CPU core engines working at once. The X4 has 4 of them working at once. Since it has twice the amount of cores working at once the X4 does not have to run as fast.

[Fatories]

"The HP Home & Home Office Store ships to street addresses within the 50 United States and the District of Columbia. We cannot ship to P.O. boxes, United States territories, or addresses outside the 50 United States and the District of Columbia."

Looks like I can't buy the computer because I live outside of the US

Thanks for a lot for your help but it looks like I was just wasting your time, sorry.

[Joey]

Sometimes when I recommend a configuration from HP, Dell or another site what some people do is print out that PC configuration and take it to their local store to find a computer with similar specs. So you can print it out and take it to Future Shop, Best Buy or whatever stores are in Canada.

[Fatories]

Alright, I'll do that and hopefully I'll find a computer just like that. Thank you so much for your help.

[angelicscar]

Go for AMD Athlon II X4 cheap yet very great! and replace your video card to 512mb or 1g for better gaming.