So I bought a computer in 2004 (Not that old at all I know) pretty good 1GB, Prescott 3.0Ghz 800MhzFSB (Dell 8400). Now its weakness: 1GB Memory for me is not cutting it at this point, and the X800SE Graphics card has only 128MB RAM and half the normal pipes I believe. I love gaming and I also do lots of Photoshop/Dreamweaver/Flash use. Typically unless im in a game i have all three of those applications along with a few web browsers open. Now my question should I go and buy more memory (Buy a 2 GB set im thinking crucial?) and a new graphics card? (PIC-E NVidia 7800GT is what im thinking). Put together its a hefty investment. The alternative I was thinking was purchasing a new gaming oriented rig which would still perform well with my job duties (2GB RAM, 2x SLI 7800GT, AMD X2 4400 - I like the 2x1MB L2 Cache). Ideas? Thoughts? The new rig would go for around $2500 give or take. The upgrades im guessing wouldn't be nearly as much probably $600-$800. Other concerns i already have is does the dell have a good enough PSU? Just last night my dell nearly blew I had to reset the power connectors inside! half the memory has already fried once to (Dell sent me replacement sticks -.-). Advice/IDeas appreciated.
Good clean power is the start of any good computer, without stable ratings you might be kissing your new shiney components goodbye. Dell aren't know for their quality PSU's so I'd say you'd need a new one. The question is really are you willing to spend all that money on a new rig? It's a lot of money and you'd end up with a pretty sweet rig out of that but sometimes paying that amount is hard to justify - although I'm sure with your use it would be money well spent. Upgrading will only take you so far, and a Dell PC isn't the best place to start. If you are buying new then there's many different combinations of hardware available. $2500 should buy you a rather nice rig.
PC Power & Cooling makes Dell-compatible power supplies, as---at least in the past--the company has modified wirings so their power supplies are not the same as non-Dell ones, requiring you to buy Dell motherboards and Dell power supplies (although I'm quite sure Dell does not make these parts). I'd upgrade the power supply, RAM, and video card---in that order of importance. While, yes, there are benefits of PCIe, if you don't have it, you do have some decent choices in video card upgrades. The GeForce 7800GS AGP just came out, and XFX has a 7800GS available, if I understand the reviews correctly. As already said, $2500 will buy a very nice rig, especially if you build your own. On the flip-side, the dual-core is going to be a bigger benefit to you than most people.
i am using Dell Computer though........ I switched my power from 240 to 120 ..... my PSU goes bang....... I am using some other power supply hanging outside my computer case......... looks funny but I have no other choice...... I looked around to find the Dells power supply but unsuccessful...... Main reason why I cant put PSU in is because dell make their plug on the different side of the Unit ..... Now you decide, if you want to go with the Dell or not......... The main thing I like in their computer cases is; they design Bodies very cool....... U dont need any screw driver or any tool to open it......
Yeah, the input voltage switch determines if the PSU regulates power from a 240V or 120V system. 120V is for the US (and I believe Canada), but the UK and Australia---among other countries---use 240V. Some computers are low-profile and require a custom power supply, or odd-sized power supply.
You can get many cases nowadays that are tool-less, mine has screw less drive bays so you can just unclip drives as you need, very quick to install extra drives, only have to remove one side panel rather than two, so that kind of design isn't limited to Dell units.
Unless the potential head ache of the powersupply bothers you I'd say keep the Dell and do as BigB advised. The 7800GS should last you awhile, and sure the 3.0GHz proc might not make it forever an extra gig should tide you over untill you're ready to move to a totally new system.
