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The PC (Personal Computer) is a highly configurable and upgradable gaming platform that, among home systems, sports the widest variety of control methods, largest library of games, and cutting edge graphics and sound capabilities.

I need help upgrading and replacing parts for my pc

#1 Posted by Mr_Faraday (241 posts) - 6 months, 24 days ago

Sorry if this seems a bit unorganized I just decided at the last moment to make this thread. I need help, i recently was given a hand-me-down pc and I want to tear it apart and replace everything in it. I know that the parts I need will mostly depend on the size of the tower and what motherboard I can fit inside it. So I'll give you the very base information of the tower and I hope someone can help me from there.

Okay I have a Dell Dimension 9200, it was bought new back in 2007. I need everything in it replaced except for the disk drives and the power supply, so I need to start with the motherboard. This pc will be used for gaming but I wont be discouraged if it cant play everything, that said I would like to see whats the very best I can fit into the pc. I really hope some of you can help me (especially before cyber monday) and I really appreciate any help at all. If you need any more information please ask I'll be keeping an eye on this all day.

#2 Edited by Franstone (963 posts) - 6 months, 24 days ago

Most video cards (worth spending money on) require at least a 500w power supply.

I have a feeling that the power supply in that machine won't cut it but I could be wrong.

With some cases being as cheap as $50 and a power supply (possibly under 500w that might not be enough) only leaves you with a HDD.

I'd say turn that into grandma's email machine and start over fresh.

I'd look into saving some loot (about $550) and build a machine w/ onboard video (like an AMD APU), then just add a nice video card later after you save more.

Dats just me though...

#3 Edited by Mr_Faraday (241 posts) - 6 months, 24 days ago

@Franstone: Okay after looking at the power supply I was given (its a new one to replace the old one) it sais its max wattage is 375w so I guess I do need to replace that too.

I appreciate the help so far but Im not really that knowledgeable about building computers, are you saying it may be better for me to build a whole new computer from scratch? If you are, could you clarify a little on this part.

"I'd look into saving some loot (about $550) and build a machine w/ onboard video (like an AMD APU), then just add a nice video card later after you save more."

thanks

#4 Posted by Kidavenger (2351 posts) - 6 months, 24 days ago

The problem with Dell's is that they use proprietary components, nothing you buy will be compatible with that case(the power supply in it is not standard dimensions so nothing aftermarket will fit in it properly and the I/O panel for the motherboard is irregular so you won't be able to fit a real motherboard in that case either, your only real option is to start from scratch.

A case and a power supply can be had for $100, if you are really strapped for cash, maybe sell that Dell for $100 and you'll be off to a much better start on a new build.

If you have a budget in mind, that makes recommendations that much easier.

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