I’m wondering if I can upgrade my desktop computer for under $300? Specs: 2.66ghz CPU, 512MB of ram, 80 GB hard-drive, Intel Celeron. Also when I bought it a few years back they said it could be upgraded and is a generic brand. Would just like to play most games like World of Warcraft.
System Requirements and Computer Upgrades
The first thing to consider when thinking about upgrading your computer system is the kind of programs that you are looking to run. In your case, using World of Warcraft as an example, there are specific hardware and software requirements.
Software and Operating System Updates
Whether you are running Windows XP or Vista, you should have all the available Service Packs installed. For XP there are currently three Service Packs, and one for Vista. You can pre-set Windows Updates to run on your system, downloading and installing the most recent software updates as they become available.
Upgrading Processors
As far as processors go, World of Warcraft requires a minimum of 1.3 GHz on an Intel Pentium 4, but manufacturers suggest a dual core processor like the Intel Pentium D. The Pentium 4 sells between $80 and $130 for 2 GHz according to an online price comparison. As with the rest of the components that you’re looking for, you can search online for deals or go into a local computer shop for some specific advice. To stay under your price point you might trade some features for others, and a technician can help you swap things around to personalize your system.
Upgrading Memory
For memory you are currently OK - your computer has 512 MB of RAM, which meets the minimum requirements, as long as you are running XP. For Vista, the minimum is 1 GB and the recommended is 2 GB, so there is definitely room for you to add more RAM.
Upgrading Video Cards
Another relevant consideration for your upgrade is your video card. In order to support the graphics on games like World of Warcraft, you need a good 3D graphics processor like the ATI Radeon X1600 or NVIDIA GeForce 7600 GT. These video cards also have special features like Vertex and Pixel Shaders and superior lighting capabilities. You can find out more about the video card in your computer by right clicking the desktop, then clicking Properties. On the popup screen, choose the Settings tab, and then click Advanced. You will see the model name of the video card on the top of the blue box - you can click Adapter for more information.
Kate Dubensky | June 24th, 2009
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