Can I upgrade an i3 CPU with an i5 CPU on a gateway SX2840-01?

[adrienne223]

I have a gateway sx2840-01 computer. I want to start using it for gaming so I was wondering if I could replace the i3 cpu with an i5 cpu. Also could you tell me what other upgrades I should get for it for gaming such as call of duty, Star Wars battle front and minecraft.

[kalniel]

There are probably more important upgrades to make than changing the CPU. What are the specifications of the computer?

[Zak33]

welcome adrienne223

As Kalniel rigtly says, the CPU is probably not your holding factor.

I am not sure, but I don't think your PC has a specific discreet graphics card. I think it uses the onboard graphics, which from 7 years ago is ... quite quite slow.

I think it uses the Intel GMA X4500 integrated graphics chip which is, frankly, useless. Even Minecraft will struggle with that.

So... look into your case, see if it has a PCI-express slot for a proper graphics card, DONT get carried away on the latest newest card - you need what is now considered a budget card and it will make a huge difference.

I think you have 8gb of ram too, and it's possible that a further 8gb would help too, but Graphics are first.


Suggestions guys?

[DanceswithUnix]

From the look of: http://www.computershopper.com/deskt...eway-sx2840-01

the box needs a half height graphics card though it can take dual width. No mention on there of how beefy the PSU is, but then you wont be getting a half height 1080ti anyway so that might not be a problem

Edit: According to this page it came with a 220W PSU: http://www.ascendtech.us/gateway-sx2...284001aw7.aspx

Another edit: I'm thinking upside down aren't I, you can only fit a single slot card in there as the x16 is at the top with the fan going upwards.

[scaryjim]

... I'm thinking upside down aren't I, you can only fit a single slot card in there as the x16 is at the top with the fan going upwards.

Yep, looks like. single slot low profile card. There's only one realistic option - the GT 1030. It's the entry level Pascal card, and should actually provide moderate gaming performance - you'd need to turn down a lot of graphics options but shoudl be able to get playable frame rates in most games.

That said, the i3 530 has its issues too - it is quite slow by modern standards, but it's also old, and will be very hard to find a worthwhile upgrade for.

So in short - if you can afford it, buy a new computer! Even the cheapest new desktop you can find is likely to be a lot faster than your current computer. If you can't afford a new computer, buy a low profile, single slot GT 1030. Should cost about $70 + taxes. Don't worry about upgrading your CPU .

[CAT-THE-FIFTH]

I would say for some of the newer titles,especially online getting a quad core is a good idea though - the Frostbite engine for example likes more cores and threads though,and it leads to a smoother experience running online games. IIRC,it was either one of the newer Star Wars or Battlefield ones where people with Core i3 CPUs were struggling,Core i5 CPUs were not bad and the Core i7 CPUs seem to be the smoothest overall online.

Edit!!

CEX sell the Core i5 750 for £12:

https://uk.webuy.com/product.php?sku=SCPUINTI5750A

The Core i5 760 and Core i7 CPUs cost a bit more:
https://uk.webuy.com/product.php?sku=SCPUINTI5760A
https://uk.webuy.com/product.php?sku=SCPUINTI7860A
https://uk.webuy.com/product.php?sku=SCPUINTI7870A

You will need to also buy a cooler - the stock Intel socket 1156 one with the copper core should be OK.

Plonk in a GT1030 for under £70 and that should keep your system going for a bit longer.

Ideally you would want to get a newer system,but if you are on a tight budget it should improve gaming performance enough to be playable in some newer titles.

[Zak33]

I was thinking older passive job
https://www.scan.co.uk/products/1gb-...2-hdmi-dvi-vga

£26

[GoNz0]

Don't waste your time, it's so old it wouldn't run any game made in the past 5 years even with upgrades.

[CAT-THE-FIFTH]

My mate has a Phenom II X6 1045T at stock and he had an HD7850 and it ran newish games fines. He has an RX470 in there since it went kaput in there - no doubt he is CPU limited but will be upgrading the rest at some point.

A Core i5 750 will still have enough performance in newer titles with a lower end card.

[Xlucine]

I was thinking older passive job
https://www.scan.co.uk/products/1gb-...2-hdmi-dvi-vga

£26

Cex also do a 730 for £22: https://uk.webuy.com/product.php?sku=SGRAGEFOR7401GBA
Bit of a minefield with the different versions though:
https://www.geforce.co.uk/hardware/d...specifications