Upgrading for DCS: A-10

[jinro88]

Hey guys, I'm looking to upgrade my old computer so that I can play DCS A-10. I tried playing it as is, but it wasn't loading past the splash screen even after the 3GB fix (I'm on XP 32-bit), so apparently I'm going to need upgrades to run the game, and I'm looking for some input. I'm looking to do this as cheaply and pain-free as possible.

 

Computer: Dell Dimension C521

OS: Windows XP 32-bit

CPU: AMD 64 X2 Dual Core 4000+ 2.1GHz

RAM: 2GB

Graphis: Integrated Nvidia 6150LE 512mb

 

Ideally, I want to upgrade just the RAM and graphics card, but I'm open to upgrading the processor as well. I do not, however, want to upgrade the motherboard, OS, or power supply. I might as well buy a new computer if I have to do that.

 

My main concern with RAM is that I have 4 slots for RAM, one of which is bad, so I only have 3 usable slots. What's the best, cheapest 1GB stick of RAM so I can get 3GB?

 

As for the graphics, I'm wondering what will be best; I always thought the higher the MB the better, but apparently that's not the case. Supposedly the motherboard in the C521 favors Nvidia, but I don't know which card will be compatible with my processor/motherboard.

 

If I do have to upgrade the processor as well, what would be compatible with my motherboard and power supply (280W)?

 

Thanks.

[KillaALF]

That system is not worth upgrading, imo. What's your budget like?

[asparagin]

Don't think it is even possible to upgrade:

 

You need a new CPU, which will not fit on your old MB, so you get a new MB + GC, then you will need a more powerfull PSU because your old one most likely won't have enough juice for the new GC and CPU.

RAM: you'll go for DDR3..your old RAM must go.

 

So realistically speaking with 1000€ you're good to go, sure you can still save here and there but not much..

[galagamo]

I think Your system as a whole is below minimum requirements for DCS. you do have some upgrade options though ram is cheap but check the QVL for your mobo before you decide what you need.

You should heed Killalfs advice, and save your money.

[cichlidfan]

I am afraid I have to agree with the above. Unfortunately, I suspect even your power supply will prove to be a bit weak as well. Systems like yours are frequently built with a bare minimum PSU.

 

EDIT: I just looked and the PSU in there is only 280W which is definately short of what you will need for an acceptable video card.

Edited March 2, 2012 by cichlidfan

[Pilotasso]

Same opinion here, think I3 or I5 for a cheap system that is already MUCH faster than yours. A 4000+ is little more than an abacus. :D

[EtherealN]

Yup, agreed. Also, remember that you're almost guaranteed to not be able to get a better grpahics card without also swapping out PSU - Dell always go as cheap as possible with their setups, so the current PSU is not likely to have enough juice for a discrete graphics card of any quality. The CPU is also definitely on the extremely weak side. And getting only 3GB total RAM is not worth it either, imo - though in your case you'd be stuck with that anyhow since it's a 32-bit system. You wouldn't be able to use the full 4GB even if you got it, since some of your adress space would end up hogged by the graphics card.

 

Ideas for a new build can be had here throughout all possible budgets: http://techreport.com/articles.x/22513

[jinro88]

Well crap. I was hoping I could at least keep the PSU at the least. What's the best wattage for a PSU these days?

 

I'm trying to keep it under $500 total, which appears doable after looking at mobos, CPUs and GFX cards. Haven't checked out PSUs and RAM yet though.

 

I was looking at the AMD Phenom II quad-core--if that won't work with DCS A-10 I have no clue what will.

 

As far as GFX, what's a good card around the $150-$200 range? I had my eye on one Nvidia card but promptly forgot which one it was.

[blackbelter]

Well crap. I was hoping I could at least keep the PSU at the least. What's the best wattage for a PSU these days?

 

I'm trying to keep it under $500 total, which appears doable after looking at mobos, CPUs and GFX cards. Haven't checked out PSUs and RAM yet though.

 

I was looking at the AMD Phenom II quad-core--if that won't work with DCS A-10 I have no clue what will.

 

As far as GFX, what's a good card around the $150-$200 range? I had my eye on one Nvidia card but promptly forgot which one it was.

 

I just came across this website yesterday:

http://extreme.outervision.com/psucalculatorlite.jsp

 

It should answer your question regarding psu's.

[cichlidfan]

I just came across this website yesterday:

http://extreme.outervision.com/psucalculatorlite.jsp

 

It should answer your question regarding psu's.

 

I just gave it one run through but it seemed to provide a reasonable answer.:thumbup:

[jinro88]

Well, I messed around with the calculator (didn't put everything in) and it looks like I'll be needing something like 400W :joystick:

 

 

 

Will an AMD Phenom II X4 quad-core 3.4GHz and a GTX 550 get the job done? Those appear to be slightly above what's listed in the recommended requirements for the game.

[EtherealN]

Yes, they should work, though you won't be maxing the graphics settings. Note however that I strongly recommend you also get yourself a 64-bit operating system and at least 4GB of RAM. (Getting 4GB of RAM with a 32-bit OS is pointless - if you have a 1GB graphics card, your system will only be able to use 3GB of RAM due to the 4GB adress space limit of 32-bit operating systems - and 32-bit OSes might also require some tweaking to make it work properly with DCS, see my signature and/or the FAQs.) This might be a problem if you are re-using the motherboard and only have three DIMM slots available - you'd want to doublecheck that your motherboard chipset allows 2GB DIMMs.

 

Another note: it is usually a good idea to get a slightly oversize PSU - if the calculator indicates 400W, consider a 500W+ unit. (Unless the calculator already did this addition.)

 

Have you checked out the other, newer, AMD processors?

[jinro88]

I'm starting to consider Windows 7 64-bit now; I can probably get a student discount on it.

 

I haven't looked into AMD's newer stuff as I'm honestly not sure what models are newer.

 

As for the motherboard, It looks like I'm definitely going to need a new one but I'm worried about compatibility issues. I've tried upgrading a PC once before, and although my CPU and GFX slots matched correctly with the hardware I still had compatibility issues. I expect an AM3 socket motherboard to work with an AM3 socket processor but I guess it goes deeper than that.