new upgrades

[Gajdycz]

ok so this is what im tinking of getting, and some queations:

512 more Ram, already have 512. do i really need 1gig(hl2 max settings)?

Sound card. do i really need one?

fans. what is a low noise level?

any answers would really help.

 

[blahblahblah]

What are the specs on your computer.

 

[blahblahblah]

512 Megs of RAM should be just fine. 1 GB is only needed if you have spare money or if you want to try to "future proof' your computer.

You only need a sound card if you have a good set of speakers. Having 5.1 sound will do you no good if you don't have a proper set of speakers. But, it may increase game performance because the sound card will processes the game sounds as opposed to the CPU of doing that task.

Fan noise really depends on you. I picked up a couple of case fans a month ago and I bought fans that were 20 Db. They were classified as ultra quiet fans. To me they are loud, but my computer is 2 feet away from me. So it really is subjective.

Hope this helps.
Don't be afraid to ask more questions, most of us don't bite.

 

[Gajdycz]

well i have

3.0ghz pro HT

512 ram Pc3200

9800pro 128

240 gig hard drive

2 intake fans, 1 exaust. My pro can brun my finger at 130 F while playing CS and my vid card can cook 140-150 i think.

 

[blahblahblah]

what is your sound card? If you don't know, is it on your motherboard?

For your full experience, I would definetly add another 512Mb of RAM to your computer.

I think your temps are a little bit on the high side. Nothing to be worried about though. I would probably add another case fan, if you could withstand the increase in noise, and had a place to put the fan. Periodically, you may want to check the inside of your PC and see how dusty it is. If it is dusty, buy a can of spray air, and clean it out. That will help keep your PC tempertures low.

 

[ComradeBadger]

Thats a lovely computer

It will play HL2 well, methinks, but the temperatures seem a little high

 

[SidewinderX]

hmm... you don't really need much more ram with that kinda of system... though naother case fan ot 2 wouldn't hurt.... look for Vantec Stealth fans.

 

[ewilson248]

first off you can never really have too much memory, i am already using more than 512 when playing UT2K4 at 1024x768xeverything on. however 512 is good for 90+% of the time.. i think you are best to concentrate on air flow in and out of your case, your heatsinks , etc.. It's time to crack that sucker open check for dust blockage, cables blocking fans, if you are using a stock cpu fan upgrade that too. , if your case is too small and cramped inside consider getting one size bigger to let everything breathe more. just remember heat shortens the life of ANY component. Here are some goals to shoot for -- try and get your CPU and GPU no hotter than 120F / your mobo temp 100F / you internal case temp 80F. the bottom line is moving air- how much and how fast, also getting it OUT of the case!