Gateway Parts

How should I proceed to upgrade my computer?

I have a Compaq Presario S4100NX, with windows XP, an Intel Celeron CPU (2.5GHz), 1TB storage and 2 GB of ram. (I've already upgraded it a bit, as you may be able to tell.) I would like to upgrade my computer (or purchase a computer that I can upgrade with some of the parts from this computer) to allow me to play games I have at mid-level settings with less latency/lag. I'm rather convinced that a large problem I'm having is that this computer has an integrated video card that isn't up to par with the requirements for several games I play (e.g. Mine craft, World of Warcraft WotLK, Dawn of War, and Portal). I've also looked around, and it would seem that the power supply I have (Max. output 200W) may not be powerful enough to supply power to a decent middle-range video card. Should I try to find a computer with a good power supply and core, and add in my ram or should I try to upgrade my existing computer to become more powerful? My computer is fairly easy to upgrade, having several expansion slots on the motherboard, and nothing requiring special tools, except the power supply would be slightly more difficult to exchange. I have a student discount several places that I could use (one of which would even allow me to purchase a Dell Inspiron 1545 with 4Gb ram and a 2.1GHz Dual core CPU and Windows 7 for $400). Any suggestions would be great. As I said my computer is already complete, it's just falling short. Any solutions that could be taken for under $600 would be great.

Public Comments

1. First few things you would like to upgrade are: - RAM 2GB to 4 or 8GB - Next problem seems to be Celeron CPU, which is the slower Chip - Display Card with faster display card with more memory.
2. I own portal on steam, but with my onboard video, even on lowest settings it was lagging. I upgraded my video card to a $50 one, a 512MB 64-bit DDR2 EVGA card. a simple and cheap upgrade, didn't wanna spend a lot of money on a video card. but now i'm able to play portal on high settings with NO lagg what so ever. First i would suggest upgrading the video card if your lagging in the video aspect of games. after that I would see if the computer is using 75% or more of the ram, if it is then upgrade that, The CPU, if your system is slow with less than 75% ram consumption then deffidently upgrade your CPU. I would go with something reletivly inexpensive but a big upgrade that allows me to do what i need without giving me any trouble.
3. For the kind of money that you are talking about ($600) you can get a lot more "bang for the buck" with a new computer than trying to stretch the life of your old computer. You would be getting faster RAM and more of it, Larger power supply, more modern graphics adapter, faster hard drive, better USB support and more USB ports, probably a media card reader, faster DVD burner. Your existing RAM is likely too outdated to be used in a new computer. You might be able to rig up your hard drive to be used as external storage. I have been in your position a few times and had to realize that for the same money or even less, I could be using a new computer (under warranty) instead of spending the money and still have an old computer that is at the end of its ability to be practically upgraded. I would get a new computer and use the old one as an emergency backup.
4. Since your computer is old, bringing it up-to-date involves replacing the followings; Motherboard, Memroy, Processor, Optional, Video card, Hard drive Power supply (yours is 200w and may be a problem). In other word, upgrading it means replacing the most of the component and excepting the case. Would not it better to simply buying a new computer? If budget is tight, buy refurbished from the manufacturer which usually comes w/ full warranty. Upgrade memory and adding a video card when you have the money later. Good luck!