A little upgrading

[Brim]

Ok, so I don't have anything near what one would call a gaming computer, so I'm looking to upgrade, and I was looking for some help. I'm student teaching now, so I don't have much of an income, so I'm trying to do this with around 120-150 bones. Mostly what I want is some RAM, which I've kinda found through just a general search, and a GFX card. Now I don't want anything super, but I do want to be able to play HL2, and I'd like to be able to do so fairly smoothly, but again, money is a real constrictor here. Currently have 2.4 gig processor 256 RAM and Integrated Graphics

 

[Smith|]

Before we upgrade, let's find out what would be best for you. Download a program called CPU-Z and post a screenshot of the CPU tab open along with the Mainboard tab. Then, I(we) can get to helping you.

 

[Brim]

Alright Smiffy, help me out!!!

 

[Smith|]

It's a sad day when I say this, but you won't be going very far with this ... at all. You have no AGP slot and your processor is on a very limited FSB (Front Side Bus). Any upgrade you make now will be completely bottlenecked by the rest of the system. It's time to start saving your money for a new one if you want to play HL2 well.

 

[Brim]

Damn this POS

Thanks for trying Smith, but is there anything I can do, or will doing something like buying just RAM or a ****ty graphics card be completely futile?

 

[frsrblch]

You would have nowhere to put said ****ty graphics card in your computer.

 

[Smith|]

Damn this POS

Thanks for trying Smith, but is there anything I can do, or will doing something like buying just RAM or a ****ty graphics card be completely futile?

Any money you spend will be a waste of money. You can get a PCI graphics card, but... don't expect miracles and/or good FPS. You could also buy RAM, but it'd be kind of pointless as your processor's bus is low.

 

[Brim]

Ah, ok, guess I'm gonna have to convice my buddy to help me build one out of his scrap pieces, thanks guys