I dont really know much about computers.. I know a little but not much.
Getting my tax return soon and I was looking into buying a new graphics card... But I dont want to fool around with a small upgrade, if I get another one I want it to be the best.. I have been running GW on a Radeon x300 series since I got it and I thought wow it looks great, but the x300 is apparently ancient because Im seeing an X1900.. and its looking good. A few questions though I thought I would ask here since GW is the main game I will playing on it.
Will I be able to see a noticable difference when playing the game on the radeon x1900? from playing it with an x300? The graphics look pretty good with the card I have now and I barely experience any lag.
This question is kind of stupid but I dont know of anywhere else to ask without paying cash for tech support. So... If I buy this card will I be able to just take the old one out, put this one in, install and then play? Or is there some sort of other requirements as far as hard drive or special slots? It says the Radeon x1900 uses "PCI Express" interface slot.. so how would I go about finding out if I have one of those?
Help would be great, im asking all of this because I dont want to blow 700 dollah on something that I cant use. Thanks!
Should I do it?
Mako
Loviatar
Quote:
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Originally Posted by Mako
Help would be great, im asking all of this because I dont want to blow 700 dollah on something that I cant use. Thanks! |
welcomefirst we need some more on the pc you have now especially if you have an AGP motherboard or a PCI-EXPRESS (not to be confused with the old plain pci) motherboard.
i do not know if the 1900 comes in AGP version.
the 1900 version (if it will fit) is cutting edge and might be total overkill for your system.
i always go with 1 year old items that are vastly greater than what i have now but have greatly depreciated in cost.
you might do best by getting 1 or 2 steps down in video card 250-300 dollar range and add (or replacing) your ram with at least a gigabyte of gaster ram for maybe 75-150 (brand/type) more for a much better overall result
yes the results will be very noticible
EDIT
GO TO
RUN
TYPE IN
DXDIAG
HIT OK
GO TO DISPLAY TAB FOR VIDEO CARD MAKE AND MODEL WHICH WILL TELL YOU IF IT IS AGP OR PCI- EXPRESS
Mako
ran dxdiag and went to display heres what I got:
system
Like I said I dont know much about comps, I saw something like that where you could purchase memory sticks is that what youre referring to?
system
Like I said I dont know much about comps, I saw something like that where you could purchase memory sticks is that what youre referring to?
Loviatar
according to a quick check it is pce-express.it it also an SE which is to be avoided at all costs along with any other suffex such as SE/LE
your processor is slow and the 1900 would be overkill because the 512 of ram with the slow processor would be the bottleneck.
ram sticks are the memory i was refering to and twice what you have now is deemed the reasonable minimum
1 gigabyte
EDIT
HERE ARE A FEW CHOICES IN THE 200/300 DOLLAR RANGE FROM A RELIABLE STORE.
GOOGLE FOR COMPARISON REVIEWS OF ANY THAT STRIKE YOUR FANCY
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...ice=&maxPrice=
here is an example of 1 step lower but still faster than you can use and check the price difference
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814102698
an email or tollfree phone to the company to assure that there is not some small glitch that will stop it from working with your pc is always advised.
DOUBLE EDIT
YOU MAY NEED TO REPLACE THE POWER SUPPLY TO HANDLE THE ADDITIONAL NEEDS OF THE CARD AND IT MAY BE AN ODD COMPANY POWER SUPPLY SETUP MAKING IT MANDATORY TO GET A BETTER POWER SUPPLY FROM THE PC MANUFACTURER INSTEAD OF OFF THE SHELF
wsmcasey
Comment from the ATI website regarding the x300 series.
Future-Proof Hardware
Next generation operating systems and applications will be designed around PCI Express®. The Radeon X300 incorporates ATI’s one-chip PCI Express® graphics solution so that users can keep pace with changing technology requirements.
You have a PCI-express slot.
The Radeon x1900 is a very nice card, but it's overkill for running Guild Wars. That $600 price tag is a killer. When it comes to buying video cards I usually stick with a mid range card around $150-200.........nvidia 6600 gt, radeon x800, or possibly a radeon x1300 pro would all do the trick for a decent upgrade at a nice price.
Future-Proof Hardware
Next generation operating systems and applications will be designed around PCI Express®. The Radeon X300 incorporates ATI’s one-chip PCI Express® graphics solution so that users can keep pace with changing technology requirements.
You have a PCI-express slot.
The Radeon x1900 is a very nice card, but it's overkill for running Guild Wars. That $600 price tag is a killer. When it comes to buying video cards I usually stick with a mid range card around $150-200.........nvidia 6600 gt, radeon x800, or possibly a radeon x1300 pro would all do the trick for a decent upgrade at a nice price.
mathewthegreat
the 6600gt and the nvidia equivalent are nice, and should suit your price range if you dont wana spend too much, they are around 90 uk pounds. However if your after geforce six graphics and a little more fps then the 6800gt is your other option, on the nvidia side of things.
I would reccommend the 7800gt aswell, its a real nice card and you can pick them up for 200 pound now, possibly lower. Exellent framerates, and looks amazing!
However if you want a monster....this new nvidia card looks like its going to tear apart the current graphics cards!
can find all of these on www.ebuyer.co.uk or www.overclockers.co.uk
Edit: 6600gt equivalent being the x800gto! i think
I would reccommend the 7800gt aswell, its a real nice card and you can pick them up for 200 pound now, possibly lower. Exellent framerates, and looks amazing!
However if you want a monster....this new nvidia card looks like its going to tear apart the current graphics cards!
can find all of these on www.ebuyer.co.uk or www.overclockers.co.uk
Edit: 6600gt equivalent being the x800gto! i think
Mako
So youre saying I cant go faster than the one I have now without getting a new processor??
Im still a lot confused, the first link you gave... are those all ones that my comp can run right now? Or are they ones that are just good deals...
And where would I go about purchasing some ram sticks? And how would I go about installing them?
Sorry for all of these questions.
Im still a lot confused, the first link you gave... are those all ones that my comp can run right now? Or are they ones that are just good deals...
And where would I go about purchasing some ram sticks? And how would I go about installing them?
Sorry for all of these questions.
Loviatar
Quote:
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Originally Posted by Mako
So youre saying I cant go faster than the one I have now without getting a new processor??
Im still a lot confused, the first link you gave... are those all ones that my comp can run right now? Or are they ones that are just good deals... And where would I go about purchasing some ram sticks? And how would I go about installing them? Sorry for all of these questions. |
the ones listed were some choices in the 200/300 dollar range but i am very happy with my 6600GT i have had for a year noe.
back in a moment
EDIT
HERE ARE CHOICES IN THE 100-200 DOLLAR RANGE.
TO REFINE THE SEARCH SIMPLY USE THE SETTINGS AT THE TOP
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...ice=&maxPrice=
HERE IS 1 STEP LOWER AND STILL MORE THAN YOU NEED BUT LOOK AT THE PRICE.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814102657
Mako
Quote:
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Originally Posted by Mako
ran dxdiag and went to display heres what I got:
system Like I said I dont know much about comps, I saw something like that where you could purchase memory sticks is that what youre referring to? |
wsmcasey
You can buy more memory from almost any electronics store like best buy, frys, or compusa. Or you can buy it cheaper if you shop online.
You'll need to get more specifics on the memory you currently have like:
Memory Size: 512MB
Memory Speed: 400MHz PC2700, 3200, 4200.....etc
Memory Type: DDR
Pins: 184
open your case and find your memory slots to check for any free slots. You can buy memory in single sticks of 256, 512, or 1024.
you say you currently have 512. That means you either have 2 sticks of 256 that take up to memory slots, or 1 stick of 512 that takes up 1 slot.
find out what type of motherboard you have and research if on the internet if you don't have a manual and find out how much memory it will support and at what memory speed & type. Manufacturer and chipset.
If your still unsure of what to do, then the local stores I mentioned will install the memory for you at a reasonable price.
Yes, at least 256ram is required for most newer graphics cards with a 350watt power supply or greater. You should check your power supply also. More memory will greatly decrease your screen loading times in guild wars and decrease lag. I noticed a considerable difference in load times from 256ram up to 768ram on my old computer. I'm currently running 1.5GB PC2-4200 DDR2 (3x512MB) and its lightning fast.
You'll need to get more specifics on the memory you currently have like:
Memory Size: 512MB
Memory Speed: 400MHz PC2700, 3200, 4200.....etc
Memory Type: DDR
Pins: 184
open your case and find your memory slots to check for any free slots. You can buy memory in single sticks of 256, 512, or 1024.
you say you currently have 512. That means you either have 2 sticks of 256 that take up to memory slots, or 1 stick of 512 that takes up 1 slot.
find out what type of motherboard you have and research if on the internet if you don't have a manual and find out how much memory it will support and at what memory speed & type. Manufacturer and chipset.
If your still unsure of what to do, then the local stores I mentioned will install the memory for you at a reasonable price.
Quote:
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Originally Posted by Mako
Final Question: Will I be able to use this card with the setup I have now?
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Mako
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Originally Posted by wsmcasey
You can buy more memory from almost any electronics store like best buy, frys, or compusa. Or you can buy it cheaper if you shop online.
You'll need to get more specifics on the memory you currently have like: Memory Size: 512MB Memory Speed: 400MHz PC2700, 3200, 4200.....etc Memory Type: DDR Pins: 184 open your case and find your memory slots to check for any free slots. You can buy memory in single sticks of 256, 512, or 1024. you say you currently have 512. That means you either have 2 sticks of 256 that take up to memory slots, or 1 stick of 512 that takes up 1 slot. find out what type of motherboard you have and research if on the internet if you don't have a manual and find out how much memory it will support and at what memory speed & type. Manufacturer and chipset. If your still unsure of what to do, then the local stores I mentioned will install the memory for you at a reasonable price. Yes, at least 256ram is required for most newer graphics cards with a 350watt power supply or greater. You should check your power supply also. More memory will greatly decrease your screen loading times in guild wars and decrease lag. I noticed a considerable difference in load times from 256ram up to 768ram on my old computer. I'm currently running 1.5GB PC2-4200 DDR2 (3x512MB) and its lightning fast. |
are these what youre talking about?
wsmcasey
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Originally Posted by Mako
Thanks for the help. To check my power suplpy i just run dxdiag again right? Im very interested in the upgrading the memory, so what product should I look for to do that? And theres no requirements for those right? They just attatch or whatever?
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The requirements again are based on what your motherboard will support in the way of memory. So researching the memory that you currently have on your board is the first step, then finding out how much memory and at what speeds the board will support is the next step.
Quote:
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Originally Posted by Mako
are these what youre talking about?
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also maybe check Tigerdirect for price comparisons.
Mako
Quote:
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Originally Posted by wsmcasey
It would be easier to just open your case and check the watts on your power supply. Its usually labeled clearly. Most decent cases have the power supply located at the top of the case at the back end. If you bought a premade computer from say Dell, HP, Compaq..etc, then more than likely your power supply is 300 or 350. I would bump up to 400 or 450 for gaming.
The requirements again are based on what your motherboard will support in the way of memory. So researching the memory that you currently have on your board is the first step, then finding out how much memory and at what speeds the board will support is the next step. yes also maybe check Tigerdirect for price comparisons. |
The dxdiag stats said I have 510MB RAM
277MB Used 968MB available...
Mako
So far all I can find out about the mother board is that it uses a PCIe-enabled 915G chipset...
Mako
ok.. heres the power supply..
* Nominal voltage - AC 120/230 V
* Power device type - Power supply
* Power provided - 305 Watt
* Requency required - 50/60 Hz
and the mainboard...
* Chipset type - Intel 915G Express
* Data bus speed - 800 MHz
* Nominal voltage - AC 120/230 V
* Power device type - Power supply
* Power provided - 305 Watt
* Requency required - 50/60 Hz
and the mainboard...
* Chipset type - Intel 915G Express
* Data bus speed - 800 MHz
wsmcasey
Quote:
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Originally Posted by Mako
My comp was premade by dell =\ Though I requested that it be made for gaming so I would assume they put a decent power supply in it, I checked all over it and I dont see anything about power supply...
The dxdiag stats said I have 510MB RAM 277MB Used 968MB available... |
When you open your dell computer the generic sticker that dell puts on the power supply says the DC OUTPUT on the 3rd line from the top where it says DELL.
Mako
Quote:
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Originally Posted by Mako
ok.. heres the power supply..
* Nominal voltage - AC 120/230 V * Power device type - Power supply * Power provided - 305 Watt * Requency required - 50/60 Hz and the mainboard... * Chipset type - Intel 915G Express * Data bus speed - 800 MHz |
Oh well.
wsmcasey
Quote:
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Originally Posted by Mako
With that said, I guess I cant run this card. Looks like I cant make my graphics a little better without spending a crap load of money on other stuff.
Oh well. |
You could solve your problem for less than $300.
Serafita Kayin
You can run all the way up to an x1800xt no prob. You probably could run a 1900, I'm betting. If you have the 305, it's lowballing its rating. They've recently stepped up their PSUs, so they don't have the hell I used to go through fixing them.
And 512 of RAM will NOT cripple any card. Go look on XtremeSystems where they routinely run wild benchmark numbers with 256. It's what that memoory is doing, not how much, that affects it, and normally it's more a functionality of an increased frontside bus.
I've run a 6800 on a 200w micro power supply from an HP. Don't think for a second that you're unable to upgrade. Just got to choose wisely.
And 512 of RAM will NOT cripple any card. Go look on XtremeSystems where they routinely run wild benchmark numbers with 256. It's what that memoory is doing, not how much, that affects it, and normally it's more a functionality of an increased frontside bus.
I've run a 6800 on a 200w micro power supply from an HP. Don't think for a second that you're unable to upgrade. Just got to choose wisely.
Loviatar
Quote:
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Originally Posted by Mako
With that said, I guess I cant run this card. Looks like I cant make my graphics a little better without spending a crap load of money on other stuff.
Oh well. |
actually the most important thing has not been asked yet.
are you happy with how it looks and how it plays?
if you are having fun as it is (i am using on this pc a lousy 5600 ultra) and still quite happy with the results.
no need to put a bunch of money into something until you start getting unhappy with how it loks and plays.
and the longer you wait to upgrade the more prices fall and the more things you can upgrade for the same price
wsmcasey
If your still unsure of your stats, then maybe you can call Dells tech support to get the details of what you currently have.
Mako
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Originally Posted by wsmcasey
Not really. Because you were looking at a $600 card to begin with. You can buy a 400 watt power supply for about $50 bucks online, then get a mid range video card under $200. 512ram will be less than $50 also.
You could solve your problem for less than $300. |
Ascalon Chariot
hmm if your pc is PCI-Express get a GeForce 7500-7900...but with low ram and slow cpu speed....dunno...I would probally get a GeForce 6800Ultra...I duno if thats faster than a x300 or what...I dont use radieons...
Mako
Quote:
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Originally Posted by Serafita Kayin
You can run all the way up to an x1800xt no prob. You probably could run a 1900, I'm betting. If you have the 305, it's lowballing its rating. They've recently stepped up their PSUs, so they don't have the hell I used to go through fixing them.
And 512 of RAM will NOT cripple any card. Go look on XtremeSystems where they routinely run wild benchmark numbers with 256. It's what that memoory is doing, not how much, that affects it, and normally it's more a functionality of an increased frontside bus. I've run a 6800 on a 200w micro power supply from an HP. Don't think for a second that you're unable to upgrade. Just got to choose wisely. |
wsmcasey
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Originally Posted by Mako
Yeah the main problem is that I have no idea how to hook up something like that. The graphics card I think I could get by with but all those wires + power and electiricity + someone who doesnt know anything about comps = something on fire..
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There are several websites dedicated to computer installation if you search around the internet. They have walk thrus on how to do everything yourself. Installing memory and video cards are extremely easy to do, just the before hand research on what you need to buy can be difficult.
Mako
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Originally Posted by Loviatar
at lease we saved you the money you might have spent on that 600 dollar monster to do it with.
actually the most important thing has not been asked yet. are you happy with how it looks and how it plays? if you are having fun as it is (i am using on this pc a lousy 5600 ultra) and still quite happy with the results. no need to put a bunch of money into something until you start getting unhappy with how it loks and plays. and the longer you wait to upgrade the more prices fall and the more things you can upgrade for the same price |
Loviatar
Quote:
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Originally Posted by Mako
Yeah I was kind of just thinking about trying it, I have played games in which I havent met the sys requirements before and had no probs... I have a 305 watt and the card reqs a 350... thats a 45 watt difference and IF they are lowballing it... then I should just try it first and if it doesnt work then I will go for a new power supply.
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check to see if the power supply wiring is propriatary to them which would make using a regular off the shelf power supply impossible.
Serafita Kayin gives good advice and has the knowledge to go with it.
if you buy a major item from a store they will usually install it for a very reasonable fee
Serafita Kayin
I recommend for you the X1600XT, good compromise on cost, power, heat, noise, and performance. You don't have quite enough CPU to force-feed that X1900, and really, if this is all you play it's severe overkill. Use the rest of the money to upgrade your memory, as that will give you an overall general usage benefit.
My 0.02...
My 0.02...
Mako
Quote:
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Originally Posted by Serafita Kayin
I recommend for you the X1600XT, good compromise on cost, power, heat, noise, and performance. You don't have quite enough CPU to force-feed that X1900, and really, if this is all you play it's severe overkill. Use the rest of the money to upgrade your memory, as that will give you an overall general usage benefit.
My 0.02... |
OneArmedScissor
If you're wanting to drop alot of cash on a new high end graphics card... wait for Nvidia to release their G8 serious cards... it'll be worth the wait... trust me.
OneArmedScissor
Save your money and buy a new computer.
You've got like $700... save up another $300 and you could have a bad ass machine.
Here's what you would need:
CPU
Opteron 165 $325
If you want to overclock, this is the processor for you.
X2 3800 $295
Get this if you don't plan on overclocking.
Motherboard
DFI LanParty Ultra-D $125
Memory
Patriot $141
PSU
Aspire $60
Graphics Card
eVGa 7800GT $280
Harddrive
250GB $90
Case
Aspire $57
And that's it!
You can always use your old optical drives (CD-ROMs and DVD-ROMs) from your old computer... you can even use your old hard drive.
that's roughly $1080 for a pretty sweet computer... better than anything Dell could give you.
You've got like $700... save up another $300 and you could have a bad ass machine.
Here's what you would need:
CPU
Opteron 165 $325
If you want to overclock, this is the processor for you.
X2 3800 $295
Get this if you don't plan on overclocking.
Motherboard
DFI LanParty Ultra-D $125
Memory
Patriot $141
PSU
Aspire $60
Graphics Card
eVGa 7800GT $280
Harddrive
250GB $90
Case
Aspire $57
And that's it!
You can always use your old optical drives (CD-ROMs and DVD-ROMs) from your old computer... you can even use your old hard drive.
that's roughly $1080 for a pretty sweet computer... better than anything Dell could give you.
OneArmedScissor
Quote:
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Originally Posted by Serafita Kayin
I recommend for you the X1600XT, good compromise on cost, power, heat, noise, and performance. You don't have quite enough CPU to force-feed that X1900, and really, if this is all you play it's severe overkill. Use the rest of the money to upgrade your memory, as that will give you an overall general usage benefit.
My 0.02... |
Mako
Quote:
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Originally Posted by OneArmedScissor
Save your money and buy a new computer.
You've got like $700... save up another $300 and you could have a bad ass machine. Here's what you would need: CPU Opteron 165 $325 If you want to overclock, this is the processor for you. X2 3800 $295 Get this if you don't plan on overclocking. Motherboard DFI LanParty Ultra-D $125 Memory Patriot $141 PSU Aspire $60 Graphics Card eVGa 7800GT $280 Harddrive 250GB $90 Case Aspire $57 And that's it! You can always use your old optical drives (CD-ROMs and DVD-ROMs) from your old computer... you can even use your old hard drive. that's roughly $1080 for a pretty sweet computer... better than anything Dell could give you. |
OneArmedScissor
Quote:
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Originally Posted by Mako
Like I said the only game I really play is GW... Spending a thousand dollars and building a new computer would be pointless and a complete waste of time and money when the comp I have now runs fine. I just want to upgrade the graphics and memory. Everyone is saying the x1900 is overkill for GW and i believe them. Im going to go with the card he recommended as it is cheap, and seems like a really good card from the reviews. I also found a website that has memory sticks that are proven compatible with my Dimension 4700. I think im set but thanks anyways.
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Game play > graphics
Also... I would open your computer up and see what memory you've got. Find out what kind you have and then go to your local Fry's, CompUSA, or computer store and buy some name brand from them. It'll be alot better than whatever RAM Dell put in there and the timing of the RAM will be the same.
Mako
Well from what I know from the dxdiag and looking inside the tower is that it came with 512MB installed which are taking up 2 slots in one bank leaving a bank with 2 slots left, and it uses PC2-3200 DIMM 240-Pin which is what this site has so Im going to buy a 1GB kit (2-512MB sticks) Since the max supported is 4GB I wont even be close to peeking it, Hopefully that as well as the X1600XT card makes a difference.
OneArmedScissor
2GB of RAM is the most you will need. You will see a loss in performance if you go past 2GB.
I would also suggest overclocking your graphics card. Why not?
I wouldn't overclock it the first week you got it though... I'd let it "break in" first with some game play, etc.
Then, download this program ATI Tool, which will allow you to overclock your card.
But before you do that... read this first.
I would also suggest overclocking your graphics card. Why not?
I wouldn't overclock it the first week you got it though... I'd let it "break in" first with some game play, etc.
Then, download this program ATI Tool, which will allow you to overclock your card.
But before you do that... read this first.
Mako
Quote:
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Originally Posted by OneArmedScissor
2GB of RAM is the most you will need. You will see a loss in performance if you go past 2GB.
I would also suggest overclocking your graphics card. Why not? I wouldn't overclock it the first week you got it though... I'd let it "break in" first with some game play, etc. Then, download this program ATI Tool, which will allow you to overclock your card. But before you do that... read this first. |
Im not really sure I understand what overclocking is and how it will help me but ill do some research on that
Mako
LOL i've been a bad boy..
My sister and I both got computers (the same modle) at the same time so I was thinking HMMM... I popped the case on hers and took out a mem stick and popped it back on and booted her comp and it seemed to run the same (except the message that said the ammount os sytem memory has changed) So I put the one I took out of hers into mine and now I boosted mine up to 766MB, hers is real low but she ONLY uses her comp for messangers like AOL and Myspace and crap like that, no games at all, sometimes watches a movie.. So she shouldnt have any major probs right? And if so I can just say "Yeh I know how to fix it" anyway, I just saved about 50 bucks.. feeling a little guilty... but still good.
A couple things I have noticed with this small upgrade is it seems like its alot quicker with running multiple apps, when I minimize GW instead of the game slowly turning into my desktop from the top of the screen to the bottom, it just minimizes like MS-Paint or something, No real differences in game that are noticable yet.
My sister and I both got computers (the same modle) at the same time so I was thinking HMMM... I popped the case on hers and took out a mem stick and popped it back on and booted her comp and it seemed to run the same (except the message that said the ammount os sytem memory has changed) So I put the one I took out of hers into mine and now I boosted mine up to 766MB, hers is real low but she ONLY uses her comp for messangers like AOL and Myspace and crap like that, no games at all, sometimes watches a movie.. So she shouldnt have any major probs right? And if so I can just say "Yeh I know how to fix it" anyway, I just saved about 50 bucks.. feeling a little guilty... but still good.
A couple things I have noticed with this small upgrade is it seems like its alot quicker with running multiple apps, when I minimize GW instead of the game slowly turning into my desktop from the top of the screen to the bottom, it just minimizes like MS-Paint or something, No real differences in game that are noticable yet.
OneArmedScissor
Quote:
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Originally Posted by Mako
So I should just go with a 512MB kit (2-256MB sticks)? That certainly would be cheaper...
Im not really sure I understand what overclocking is and how it will help me but ill do some research on that |
For instance...
My eVGa 6800GS's core clock speed is 450MHz stock. But I used RivaTuner and overclocked it to 520MHz. That's a 70MHz increase... you'll notice a difference.
wsmcasey
Quote:
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Originally Posted by Mako
A couple things I have noticed with this small upgrade is it seems like its alot quicker with running multiple apps, when I minimize GW instead of the game slowly turning into my desktop from the top of the screen to the bottom, it just minimizes like MS-Paint or something, No real differences in game that are noticable yet.
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Your computer uses Ram to hold temporary instructions and data needed to complete tasks. This enables the computer's CPU (Central Processing Unit), to access instructions and data stored in memory very quickly.
A good example of this is when the CPU loads an application program - such as a word processing or page layout program - into memory, thereby allowing the application program to work as quickly and efficiently as possible. In practical terms, having the program loaded into memory means that you can get work done more quickly with less time spent waiting for the computer to perform tasks.
Think of it in term of this:
memory = A chalk board
keyboard = the chalk
filing cabnet = your hard drive
you = your cpu
You go to the filing cabinet and get the information that you need to write on the chalk board. You go to the chalk board and write the information, if the chalk board isn't big enough to fit all the information then you need a larger chalk board, otherwise you'll have to store some of your information back in the filing cabinet and you have to go back and forth to gather information when you need it which takes longer than having all the information on a larger chalk board. The larger chalk board saves you time so you can get your work done faster because you can easily access your information on the chalk board without having to go back to the file cabinet to find it again.
You see the difference in Guild Wars when you zone to towns and new maps or when entering and exiting the program. Your graphics card is the next step, research some benchmark tests on different graphics cards before making your final decision.
The only other issue I see that you might have is cooling a higher end graphics card in a Dell Case. You might want to invest $50-100 for a better case with fans (it will normally have a power supply included) which you can research to get one over 400w.