New computer components for DayZ

[Alegiant 0]

Hey guys, I have some questions regarding what upgrades I should make to my computer so I can run DayZ. Sorry if this is in the wrong section or if this type of post comes around a lot, but I need some advice from some people with computer smarts.

So I ran the test to see if my computer could run Arma II (stemrequirementslab.com), and it said everything was good to go except for my graphics card, which I admit is BAD. Here's my specs:

CPU: Intel® Core i7-2600 CPU @ 3.40GHz

CPU Speed: 3.4 GHz

RAM: 8.1 GB

OS: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium Edition Service Pack 1 (build 7601), 64-bit

Video Card: Intel® HD Graphics

Video RAM: 1.7 GB

Hardware T&L: Yes

Pixel Shader Version: 4.1

Vertex Shader Version: 4.1

The only thing it's saying is upgrade my graphics card, but I'm not sure what to look for or even how to install new components onto my computer. If I do get a new graphics card, will I need some other components to upgrade to keep up with it (power supply)?

My budget for a graphics card is 180$, and if I HAVE to get other components then I'll dish out another 100$.

So what do you recommend I do so I can run DayZ on normal/medium graphics with 40+ FPS? Thanks for any replies!

EDIT: I also ran the Arma 2 demo on lowest settings and I was getting 5-10fps. It was bad.

[Aftershok 14]

Quick question, are you using a laptop or desktop? If it's a laptop then chances are you won't be able to upgrade due to your integrated graphics.

You could pick up a GTX 460, I use one and it runs ArmA 2 and other games pretty solidly on high graphics, cost about £120 when i got it. But have a look at review for some of the newer low-budget cards.

[ynefel 38]

If it's an i7 2600, it's a desktop.

Just to clarify, your system is actually fine for Arma 2 - it's the integrated/onboard Intel graphics that's killing you. The guy that suggested a GTX460 is onto something. Good performance, cheap card.

[Alegiant 0]

Yea I got a desktop, and thanks for the suggestion. I'll check it out. As far as installing the card goes, is that hard to do? People are telling me I can do it easy with YouTube, but I'm not sure about that. I don't wanna go ripping into my computer and start messing things up.

[Hetstaine 10852]

Yep second that card , the 460 is a champion.

[ynefel 38]

Yea I got a desktop' date=' and thanks for the suggestion. I'll check it out. As far as installing the card goes, is that hard to do? People are telling me I can do it easy with YouTube, but I'm not sure about that. I don't wanna go ripping into my computer and start messing things up.

[/quote']

It's not difficult to do, as long as you observe proper precautions against static - like only handling the edges of the card and not touching contacts or components. Ground yourself on the PC chassis is an easy way to discharge static as well.

The main question would be if your power supply is up to it. Graphics cards have a minimum power supply requirement, measured in watts. It will say on the box for the card usually - like, it may require say 450W. Then you have to make sure your computer's power supply puts out enough power to run the card.

That should be really all you have to worry about.

Oh and obviously, make sure your computer has a free 16x PCI-E slot, of course.

[Hetstaine 10852]

Yea I got a desktop' date=' and thanks for the suggestion. I'll check it out. As far as installing the card goes, is that hard to do? People are telling me I can do it easy with YouTube, but I'm not sure about that. I don't wanna go ripping into my computer and start messing things up.

[/quote']

Grab an axe..some water and a lighter...

Dude ..its easy as :)

Whatever card you get, first find the latest (not beta) drivers from the manafacturers site (nvidia..ati/amd depending on your card and system win32 or 64)

In your control panel go to add remove programs..from there you need to scroll down to your Display Drivers and uninstall them..get a program called CCleaner (unless you already have it) before hand though. Once you have uninstalled the drivers do a reboot.

Then run ccleaner and choose the registry clean option.

Shut down.

Open case and install card,

Reboot.

Shut down the window that will pop up saying windows has discovered new hardware, dont let it run.

Install the new drivers you downloaded.

Reboot..

done. :)

[Alegiant 0]

Is there any way to find out how many watts my power supply has without opening my computer? Also, what exactly is a 16x PCI-E slot? I've never done anything like this before :P

Thanks for the little tutorial as well Hetstaine :)

[ynefel 38]

Is there any way to find out how many watts my power supply has without opening my computer? Also' date=' what exactly is a 16x PCI-E slot? I've never done anything like this before :P

Thanks for the little tutorial as well Hetstaine :)

[/quote']

Unless you can find what power supply wattage is in your specs - like if it's a prebought HP/Dell or something, you'll have to open the PC up and look at the power supply itself.

As for a 16x PCI Express slot:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PCI_Express

The first image on the right shows it pretty clearly. Basically, the long, thin slots.

Also, YouTube videos are helpful. Put it this way - the card won't even come to close to fitting into any slot it's not meant to.

[bovine3dom 0]

Installing it's a piece of cake. Just like lego, except there's only one way it will fit.

Be sure to buy an ESD wristband while you're at it, they're so cheap it's not worth the risk. Will stop you frying the GFX card with any static charge you have on you.

Shame you don't have the i7-2600k, they're brilliant overclockers.

Re. your PSU wattage, it's worth checking the back of your computer first - it might have a label if you're lucky. If you need to buy a new PSU, buy a branded one (antec, corsair etc.) - you need to pay ~£40+ or you'll get one that will blow up and fry your computer after a year or so.

[Hetstaine 10852]

pcie replaces the older gen agp , pci type bus , basically just make sure when you shop for a card it is a pci express version and all will be good :)

Easiest way is to pop the side off your case and look at the sticker on your psu, sometimes they place the sticker/tag on the back but it is just as easy to open your case.:)

Make sure when you are mucking around inside that your pc is totally unplugged from any powewr too dude.

[Alegiant 0]

Alright thanks for all the help guys, I will look into everything you have told me :D

I'll be on DayZ in due time :)

[Ninjutsu 1]

Just dont install your new gfx card on carpeted floor -> greatly reduces the static build up -> less chance of frying chips

Its a good learning experience and very easy to do. Good luck

(also maybe just google what power consumption your current card has and workout the difference from there)