Dolphin, the GameCube and Wii emulator - Forums

Upgrade HP a6000n or New Build???
Can anyone please provide input and help me out?
I am running a HP a6000n and am able to run Gamecube games, but not at full speed.
1. Should I upgrade components (IF possible due to integrated graphics card), change settings, or buy a NEW BUILD?
2. If I upgrade my video card what would you recommend?

Specs:
Processor
• AMD Athlon™ 64 X2 Dual-Core Processor 4200+ 2.2GHz

RAM
4GB

Graphics Processor / Vendor nVidia GeForce 6150
( INTEGRATED) ***

Any input is greatly appreciated

Based on the motherboard having an integrated Geforce 6150, it's safe to assume that your CPU is a socket 939. Finding socket 939 AMD Athlon X2's are quite difficult nowadays and even if you do, they are usually pretty expensive for an "upgrade".

I think a video card would be your best bet for improving performance for your current system, mainly for freeing up resources (CPU cycles and RAM). Doesn't have to be anything fancy either.

Thanks for the input. Could you, or anyone, recommend a video card?

depends on your budget , but a radeon 5750 will be fine

Thanks for the replies!
I would like to spend less than $100, if possible, because I think I also have to buy a new power source. My current power source is only 300 watts....

Any recommendations on a quality but budget video card & power supply?
Looking to order from Newegg

Best card for <$100 would be a Geforce GTS 250 or a Radeon 4850. However, on your 300W power supply, the best you can probably use is a 9400GT.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...6814500124

Socket AM2 i believe on the motherboard (i own a gigabyte am2 nforce430/6150 chipset board)
http://reviews.cnet.com/desktops/hp-pavi...olBtm;rnav

ATI 4670 400W Power Supply recommended. $66
http://www.ewiz.com/detail.php?p=AT-4670HDM&c=pw
OR
9600gso 768mb 55 bucks
http://3btech.net/pnygepny9676.html
PSU's
Coolmaster 650watt +12V1 @ 16A; +12V2 @ 16A $54
http://www.ewiz.com/detail.php?p=PS-NW-650B&c=pw
OR
Cooler Master eXtreme Power Plus Series 500W $39
http://www.amazon.com/Cooler-Master-eXtr...B001G0WPLK

If this machine is for dolphin then this selection might be better

AMD Athlon II X2 240 barebone kit $109
http://www.smksuperstore.com/product/54A...0.aspx?r=p

or add this to current setup
amd x2 6000 $54.99
http://www.ewiz.com/detail.php?p=A64-6000CZ&c=pw
and
GeForce 9600GT 512MB 65.99
http://3btech.net/pnyge9651pci.html
or
Radeon HD4670 512MB 66.99
http://www.ewiz.com/detail.php?p=AT-4670HDM&c=pw

Thanks to all those who took the time to respond! You guys are awesome!!!
Ok now I have some work to do on my PC and decisions to make on what upgrade is the best for the price, and if I want to make this a HTPC and run PS2 Emulation also

cheap go with the athlon II x4 or x2 system

your choice but check out

www.pricewatch.com

its like priceline.com for computer parts (they even check newegg.com)