This is first time build for me. This is what I have gotten. Mobo: A S Rock A780GXE/128m CPU: AMD Phenom 9600 x4 2.3 Ghtz RAM: Kingston DDR2 / 800 (2x1G) VGA: Asus EN9500GT TOP PSU: 500w Hard Drive: WD Cavier Green 500G Sony DVD / Cd Burner Is this all going to compatible? I wanted a bigger power supply, but this one was given to me. Next is, how do I install everything and keep my current program set up? so I don't have to re-install my games and start all over.
not the ideal machine for games, but will do fine if you can take one or the other compromise. anyway, about the putting things together - the motherboard users manual usually comes with a 'how to' guide which shows how to install the CPU, RAM and extension cards (like your vga or NIC), and, of course, how to connect the PSU correctly, so check there or use the online copy. That's how I put my machine together. You can't really keep everything exactly the way you had. You'll have to do a reinstall and that's the best way to go anyway; so, backup all your savegames and you're good.
1. Different motherboard - anything that supports your CPU and DDR3 2. DDR3 memory,not DDR2 - the faster the better and instead of 2GB, 4(2x2)GB at least. 3. Video card: a Geforce 260 and up or a radeon HD5770 and up 4. Stronger PSU That'd be a machine one could consider 'mainstream'. Of course, doing all that stuff may not be cheap, but totally worth it. You could stick with the motherboard and the 2GB DDR2, but you'd have to add another 2GB (swap or trade the 2x1GB sticks and buy 2x2GB sticks) at least. One thing to change for sure is the video card. the 9500 geforce is outdated. If you want to go for the mid-to-low-end segment, have something more modern like the Geforce 250 or the Radeon HD4770
The motherboard has a built in ATI Radeon HD 3300. Would that work until I get a newer Video Card? I was planning on at least upgrading to 2x2GB later, if not 2x4GB/4x2GB. This is what the budget could afford at this time.
that might hold you off for a while but i strongly recommend that you get an ATI 5770 (about $170) or if you have more cash, a 5830 or 5850. and a motherboard that supports DDR3 memory.
