What to upgrade?

[JupiterOdysseus]

I don't have much cash to put toward a new system but looking for advice on what I can upgrade on my system to get my game play somewhat less laggy. Which is currently almost playable. Which of these is best to upgrade for faster game play:

These are my specs:

Dell Vostro 330 All-in-one
Intel HD Graphics Card
Intel Core I3 CPU M380 @2.53GHz
4GB Installed Ram (2.93 Usable)

On a side note, I'm sure it's probably not worth it to Frankenstein this pc into something else but from what I can gather on Amazon a new graphics can is about $30, the I5 I can get for about $150 and 4GB of extra ram is $50.

Can one get a good PC for $250?

[Tanoxis]

Im no expert, so take my suggestions lightly.
IMO, video card and usable RAM, would make your PC run the game better. maybe you can make your i3 overclock a bit.

[Apinaheebo]

That PC has no dedicated graphics card, which is the reason games don't run very well.

Also it's hard to upgrade a PC like that, its more like a laptop. I found few HIGHLY overpriced and BAD graphics card made for that, and I wont suggest wasting money on them.

Save money and buy a proper, easily upgradable, PC next time.

[Anova]

I'm not an expert and have only gleaned some information from friends who work in the field.

Anyway, your current computer uses an integrated graphics card. This means it is competing for access to your computer's RAM. While these cards are more useful and powerful for less intensive graphics processing, it leaves something to be desired at more graphically intensive games. I don't know the specific make and model of your card, so I can only guess, but included below is a brief comparison between a Intel HD graphics card and the minimum recommended by SE.

http://www.game-debate.com/gpu/index...force-gtx-660m

Although the example is ridiculously overpowered to begin with, you should pay especial attention to the GPU display specs. The GPU memory information is less useful unless you are doing work in the CG and SFX industry, at which point you should know all of this already.


There are two ways to find your computer information:
1) Go to "Control Panel", click "Hardware", and find your "Device Manager". You can find your specific graphic card that way. Its type should be labeled as "display adapters".
2) Open your "Start Menu" and click the following: Programs -> Accessories -> System Tools -> System Information. This should give you an easy printout if you want to ask for specific suggestions and advice from an expert.


You may post here, but it is probably better to simply have that information prepared and try finding help on a technical or pc building forum. Of course, feel free to omit any information you feel is too personal or sensitive.

Also, I would not suggest poking around the computer yourself without extensive preparation and research. Dell PCs are notoriously tricky and difficult to maintain and change. This is even more so since your system is an all-in-one, which means the pieces may be customized to fit within the frame or use specialized software drivers. So it is as Apinaheebo said, it is not going to be a cheap or fast fix to change anything on that PC.

BTW, your RAM and CPU should be fine. The graphics card is your biggest hurdle at the moment. It is just complicated for this computer by the fact you have to find a card that not only meets the game requirements, but has to fit within the frame, meets the power limit of your power source, meets your cooling requirements, and won't cause any catastrophic driver errors. If you're still determined to give it a try, most of your hardware specs should be online, printed on the computer box, or printed in your computer.

[JupiterOdysseus]

Thanks for the very helpful replies. This was a free computer for me so hard to say no to.

I'll do a little more researching on the card, seem like that's my main issue.

[Theodan]

AS you already know, your current integrated Graphics card really cant cut the requirements to run FFXIV in a respectable way.
Good news... your CPU and RAM is good enough, and the standard spec on your Dell will mean the graphics card slot on the motherboard is empty.
Now you can pick up a decent pre-owned one off eBay from $50+, so I suggest looking for one with ideally 1GB Ram (go with a better brand name like Asus as they will be better made l have better support. No point looking at anything larger than 1GB as you wil probably need to upgrade your PSU, etc.

BTW it may not be easy to find a good enough spec machine for $250 unless you see one on sale (or on eBay) as pre-made machines/laptops run on shared memory graphics chipsets.

Hope that helps.

p.s. if you require more info or anything else just feel free to ask