Upgrade help?

[RadicalPi]

So a year or 2 ago, I bought this machine ('http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883107294') . It's not a bad little machine, but it's definitely not enough to 5-box on effectively. I can do so now, but my FPS is pretty low (~10fps on all 5 toons) and it can be a bit laggy at times.

I've already upgraded it to 4GB RAM and I want to upgrade both the processor and vid card (and probably will need to get a new power supply as well, just to be safe). I know for the processor, you guys usually suggest the Intel Q6600, but will that fit/work with my mobo? The processor I've got is AMD, so I just want to be sure. Basically, I'd hate to screw up and spend a bunch of cash on things that won't work.

Any help is greatly appreciated! You guys (and any gals around) are the best. :)

[Qlimax]

Unfortunately, AMD and Intel sockets are not compatible, but DO NOT FEAR! Amd is here ^^. Unfortunatly Newegg does not offer the X2 Black Edition any more, but the Brisbane 65 W ('http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=2+50001028+40000343+1050717007+1050923825&name=Brisbane') will fit your socket and the 5600 will most likely run the 5 games. As far as the graphics card goes, you have a pci-ex16 slot, which is great for upgrading, but you will also need a new powersupply ('http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139004') if youre still using the 300w. Your graphics card will need to have sufficient cooling so I recomend a dual slot card ('http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130317'). Also, before you buy anything, make sure you have enough cooling in your case, i.e. how much intake do you have and how much output (hot air) can you case handle. Hope this helps and Id like verification that I made the right selection of cards. Post again before you buy so we can build you a great 5 box rig



Qlimax

[RadicalPi]

OK, a few questions (not disagreement as much as desire to understand ^_^)...

1) Why a different dual-core processor rather than a Quad-core ('http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103249') one? Would there be possible issue fitting it on my mobo?

2) How big of a power supply should I be aiming for? I'm still using the 300w it came with, but I know I need to replace it once I start upgrading stuff. Do you think the 550w you linked should be good or would it be more beneficial to grab a 700w or something? Also, on the power supplies, how do I go about making sure I end up with one that's going to fit my case? I made the mistake a few years ago of trusting a guy at best buy after mine melted and ended up with a power supply balanced on the top of my case - ran nice and cool though!

3) As for ventilation, other than the new RAM, I'm running everything as it came from the factory - is a new cooling fan something I should be thinking about getting?

[X2Guy]

1) Why a different dual-core processor rather than a Quad-core one? Would there be possible issue fitting it on my mobo?
The MB listed for your box is the Nvidia Geforce 6150, compatible processors are athlon64(3000+- 4800+), athlon64x2, and athlon64fx.all are dual-core. Your MB can not do quads unless you upgrade your MB.

2) How big of a power supply should I be aiming for? I'm still using the 300w it came with, but I know I need to replace it once I start upgrading stuff. Do you think the 550w you linked should be good or would it be more beneficial to grab a 700w or something? Also, on the power supplies, how do I go about making sure I end up with one that's going to fit my case? I made the mistake a few years ago of trusting a guy at best buy after mine melted and ended up with a power supply balanced on the top of my case - ran nice and cool though!

Depends on the video card/or cards u choose really. 700+ cant go wrong there. For size check the dimensions in your case, look up the power supply you want. specs on it should be listed.



3) As for ventilation, other than the new RAM, I'm running everything as it came from the factory - is a new cooling fan something I should be thinking about getting?

New fans couldnt hurt. Keeping it cool= longer life.