DIY Upgrade

[discodaz]

Evening guys

Ok, im thinking of upgrading my desktop PC, probably memory and graphics card. I run CAD and creative software and recently its just not up to the job

Current spec AMD 64 3400 processor, ATI 256mb graphics card, 1GB memory (2x512mb)

How hard would it be to say buy the components myself and install? My main worry is that ive not done it before and dont want to destroy my PC from doing something wrong.

Am i right in saying that I cant just buy 1Gb and install it? It needs to be the correct type and compatible with whatever graphics card I buy

With the graphcs card is it a case of get the best i can afford or should i look for something specific? Given that I use Cad and creative software like photoshop

Sorry for the long post and all the questions. Im sure its cheaper doign it myself but just want to be sure of a few things before I take the plunge

Thanks

[mcflurry]

In that situation, why not buy a matched bundle from someone like novatech?
There are others that are slightly cheaper, but at least you know all the bits will work together

http://www.novatech.co.uk/novatech/bundles.html

[discodaz]

thanks

will have a look at them and see what i can find.

[Mattt]

Go to Crucial.com - run their memory scanner and tell us what it says.

[discodaz]

Just done scan

1024mb memory installed

available slots 1
number of banks 3
dual support channel NA
CPU Family AMD 64 3400+
CPU speed 2411MHz

[Mattt]

I'm guessing from the limited info, that the mobo has 2 slots and you have 1x 1GB stick installed at the moment - what type is it? What did Crucial suggest you buy?

What make/model is your MoBo?

[discodaz]

Mobo manufacturer says eveshamvale
But it says NA for the model


It says I have 2 x 512mb DDR PC3200 with 1 slot empty

With regard to what it suggests, it says 1Gb DDR PC3200 184-pin DIMM

[Mattt]

You could upgrade that, but to be honest - like said above a matched bundle will be better value for money IMO.

You might even want to consider buying a new base unit - the Acer ones from Dixons and the like are pretty cheap. Might be a better bet if you don't know what you're doing - although it really isn't too hard if you want to give it a go.

[discodaz]

ok...thanks guys..will have a think and let you know what i did

cheers

[K77-widow maker]

If you want to see whats on the inside of the pc case....check out www.belarc.com and download their app which reveals all. I always thought that evesham pc's were an upmarket clone pc, so the M/Board in their should be identified by this app. You just then need to google the board and find out what memory it's using. One thing though, buy it in pairs.

[Road2Ruin]

I would have to say if you are using CAD and some other creative software then the CPU would best be upgraded too. In this case you are looking at a new Mobo, CPU, ram, G.card at the minimum. With the costs of new PCs at the moment just get a new one. Especially as depending on the licence for your OS you may need to get a new OS licence too if you change too many component.

Peter