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So, after looking at all the games coming out which are not XP compatible, and have 64 bit java runtime processes, I am thinking of upgrading my base system to a good OS. I'm currently XP-32 bit

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System Information
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Time of this report: 2/16/2014, 15:34:37
Machine name: MARTIN-D616CC9D
Operating System: Windows XP Professional (5.1, Build 2600) Service Pack 3 (2600.xpsp_sp3_qfe.130704-0421)
Language: English (Regional Setting: English)
System Manufacturer: System manufacturer
System Model: P5Q DELUXE
BIOS: BIOS Date: 06/13/08 15:48:03 Ver: 08.00.14
Processor: Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo CPU E8500 @ 3.16GHz (2 CPUs)
Memory: 3326MB RAM
Page File: 1579MB used, 3631MB available
Windows Dir: C:\WINDOWS
DirectX Version: DirectX 9.0c (4.09.0000.0904)

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Display Devices
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Card name: AMD Radeon HD 7800 Series
Manufacturer: Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.
Chip type: ATI display adapter (0x6819)
DAC type: Internal DAC(400MHz)
Device Key: Enum\PCI\VEN_1002&DEV_6819&SUBSYS_25531458&REV_00
Display Memory: 2048.0 MB
Current Mode: 1024 x 768 (32 bit) (60Hz)
Monitor: Plug and Play Monitor
Monitor Max Res: 1600,1200
Driver Name: ati2dvag.dll
Driver Version: 6.14.0010.7270 (English)
DDI Version: 9 (or higher)
Driver Attributes: Final Retail
Driver Date/Size: 7/28/2012 10:01:10, 305664 bytes
WHQL Logo'd: n/a
WHQL Date Stamp: n/a
VDD: n/a
Mini VDD: ati2mtag.sys
Mini VDD Date: 7/28/2012 12:05:12, 6646784 bytes
Device Identifier: {D7B71EE2-2B59-11CF-8E6B-5905A1C2CB35}
Vendor ID: 0x1002
Device ID: 0x6819
SubSys ID: 0x25531458
Revision ID: 0x0000

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Just using a logitech sound card and a generic wireless mouse and keyboard. I have a 500GB harddisk.
Any suggestions on upgrades?

You could do with some more RAM (8GB is always nice) and a better graphics card (directX 10-11 is the goal) but they aren't too out of date, if can only get one then go for more RAM. If you upgrade either of them you should look into getting windows 7 64-bit, it's a little pricey but will let you get the most out of more powerful rigs.

The HDD and processor should be fine as they are, though they obviously could be better.

EDIT: Is this a laptop or PC?

This is a desktop rig. Was going to go both the ram and graphics card (any recommendations) plus upgrade to 64 bit, Whats better, windows 7 or the latest?

Windows 7. Don't even bother with 8.

Yeah, definitely update. XP is a dinosaur these days. Even if you're not using your computer for gaming, it's beyond time to upgrade.

I'll echo what HBMC said, go with 7. And always go with 64 bit.

I don't mind 8 but I wouldn't say it's better than 7 in any respect, once you get used to it it's pretty much the same OS so don't bother there. Windows 7 64-bit should cost around $140 AUD.

To go from the 4GB RAM you have to 8GB (the next worthwhile step, 6GB won't give too much of a difference) will set you back about $130 in aussie dollars so your budget will limit that. Corsair is a decent brand to look at.

As for graphics, you're probably going to spend around $190 to get a mid-range card that will max out graphics on most triple A games for the next 3 or so years. This is the sort of things to go for.

What wattage power supply unit do you have? If you upgrade your PC too much it may not be powerful enough to run at all.

I've got a 550W PSU at the moment.

Yeah you might want to get a 700W one if you get a mid-range GPU and 8GB RAM.

Do you know anything about the motherboard?

Unfortunately not, Its probably going to need upgrading.

If you're replacing the motherboard, OS, GPU, PSU and RAM you may as well just start a new PC.

ASUS p5Q Delux Mobo.

A quick check on Asus, and boy, is my face red. I'm going to need a new computer.

Why not just flashgit win 7 and see how things run?

You don't need huge psu, 550w is pretty solid. I'm guessing you could even run 6990 with 550w.

With a 32-bit OS, you're losing out on a chunk of your RAM. 32-bit can only see 4GB of ALL your memory, including video and similar.
So, you really need to go 64-bit to get use of it all.

If you're going to upgrade, get at least 8GB. Get pairs, and try to fill the RAM slots if you have more than 2.
I always have at least 2 hard drives. A quick one for Windows and system software, a large one for games and apps, and probably a small one for Temp folders and the pagefile.
If you're adding another drive, get an SSD for Windows, and slot it in place of your current drive. Add it back when you've reinstalled Windows, and your old software will still be there.

 Corpsesarefun wrote:
If you're replacing the motherboard, OS, GPU, PSU and RAM you may as well just start a new PC.

This. Keep an eye out for bundle deals - most parts websites I visit will bundle mobo's and CPUs together (among other things), and you'll save a couple bucks. As for the OS, I prefer Windows 7, but I don't have any problems with Windows 8. That's really up to you at this point.

I'm looking at something like this, but swap out the 250GB SSD with something like either 500GB SSD or 1TB.

http://www.stormcomputers.com.au/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=43_389&products_id=3650

Maybe up the GPU as well.