Optimize My system

[b0red]

Well i lately have been getting back into teamfortress 2, but i get really low fps which really bugs me since im used to getting around 40-60 fps in CSS. I get around 20-30 fps and sometimes in the 15-20s and this really holds me back when I am playing as the scout. So I have around $200 to spend and i think i need to get a new graphics card if i want to get better fps but here are some of my specs:

Also the graphics card i am running is NVIDIA GeForce 8400 GS, yeah i know its really old and not very good and thats why I want to upgrade so anyone have any suggestions on a cheap graphics card that is around maybe $100-125 that could help me get better fps in TeamFortress 2?

[Coffee Crisp]

What's your power supply? And you can get a cheap 4670 1GB or 9800GTX (Preferably) for about 100 bucks.

[Akaru]

Processor holding you back too, since Source engine is very processor reliant.

[tinkerbell]

ok, $100 on gpu, $40 on new HSF and $60 donation to SG

 

 

gfx

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814187091

 

hsf

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835186134

 

 

then overclock that beast

 

the gfx is good enough for what you want it for, you will not be able to play crysis on high settings, but will get a lot better frame rate. the HSF is fucking awesome for the price you pay, and it will cool your cpu to around 28 C. then with the proceesor you have (also depending on the motherboard) be able to overclock that shit to at least 3.1 GHz on air, increasing your frame rate to about 50 fps on max settings at 1024X1080, then you can donate the rest of your cash to SG!!!! Happy Times!!

[Akaru]

Why would he need a new CPU heatsink? I doubt his 2.0GHz will even near overheating temperatures with a stock cooler.

 

My suggestion is ~ 80 dollar on a new CPU and ~ 100 dollar on a new GPU.

 

If your motherboard only supports a 800MHz FSB:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116074

 

If your motherboard supports a 1066MHz FSB:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116091

 

 

Graphics card:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127423

 

If you do decide to get a 9800 GT, don't go for tinkerbell's recommendation. Go for the following. It is the same price after rebate with a MUCH higher clock and better cooler:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125270

 

BTW, can you tell us your motherboard make and model?

[b0red]

thanks for all the help guys, but i have like a 550 power supply its enough, and yeah i know my cps is holding me back; Thank you tink i will most likely buy that one. Also akaru i think ill get that cpu to help, just again THANKS GUYS! I know i can always depend on you guys for cpu building, unlink facepunch; those guys never help me

[Wrathek]

he has a dell computer guys. seriously come on. he wouldnt be able to power ANYTHING GTX if i had to guess.

 

And as far as overclocking on a dell.. well good luck. if you're lucky you have model that is supported by one of the software overclocking programs, but like i said, good luck with getting even close to 2.5 on that piece of shit motherboard. (programs are NEVER stable or efficient at overclocking, compared to bios)

 

ah so you went and got a 3rd party PSU. well carry on with a decent graphics card then. but again, i really can't suggest in good faith getting a new processor when you're stuck with a dell. not saying it wont give you improvement, i'd just rather see you save money and get a better motherboard AND cpu.

[Akaru]

thanks for all the help guys, but i have like a 550 power supply its enough, and yeah i know my cps is holding me back; Thank you tink i will most likely buy that one. Also akaru i think ill get that cpu to help, just again THANKS GUYS! I know i can always depend on you guys for cpu building, unlink facepunch; those guys never help me

 

I updated my post. Don't go for tinkerbell's recommendation. That card isn't the best one you can get for that price.

 

EDIT:

he has a dell computer guys. seriously come on. he wouldnt be able to power ANYTHING GTX if i had to guess.

 

And as far as overclocking on a dell.. well good luck. if you're lucky you have model that is supported by one of the software overclocking programs, but like i said, good luck with getting even close to 2.5 on that piece of shit motherboard. (programs are NEVER stable or efficient at overclocking, compared to bios)

 

You are wrong for once (first part of your post), he has a 550 watt. He can power a GTX 260.

[b0red]

I updated my post. Don't go for tinkerbell's recommendation. That card isn't the best one you can get for that price.

 

What card should i get than for cheap?

 

Edit:

Nevermind saw your edit, also this is to wrathek; what is your suggestion on better motherboard

[Akaru]

BTW, what is your motherboard make an model. I want to check if the stuff I posted above will work in your computer before buying it, so you don't waste your money.