Seeking help from computer hardware experts!

[Leencat]

I no longer need help with this matter! Thank you to anyone who read. I also posted this on another site alongside this and got the replies and help I needed.

 

 

Hello, everyone. I just finally got, literally last night (with only about an hour tonight of play in because of work) Final Fantasy XIV. It looks lovely, even on low settings, but I do long to be able to enjoy MMOs on higher settings. Plus, windowed at a resolution of 1600x900, with all other settings turned low/off, I can only manage an average of 13 FPS. That's how gaming has always been for me, as I've managed with what computers I could get, most of them barely-breathing hand-me-downs. This computer I have now is the first I've ever owned brand-new.

 

 

That said, I wanted to get some confirmation from some people confident in their knowledge of computer hardware (specifically for gaming) before I spend a couple hundred dollars on two new parts: a video card and a power supply.

 

 

Almost a year ago, I linked my exact computer model on a thread elsewhere to see if someone would be able to help me look for parts they promised should work with my computer as it is now.

 

 

This is my exact computer model: HP Pavilion HPE h8-1214 Desktop PC

 

 

Yes, I bought a computer as it was from a store and was overcharged for too much RAM, a lot of hard drive space, and a lame power supply and video card. I'm a very impatient person and my laptop had just fried at the time.

 

 

First, I was told to remove the 2 GB RAM stick from my computer, which I did, after having something called "single-channel memory" explained to me. I was reassured by a few people that I don't need the 10 GB RAM the computer has by default, and that it's better to just have the pair of 4 GB RAM sticks. So, the only thing presently different about my computer not listed on the page linked above is that I removed 2 GB of RAM myself, apparently safely, as the computer is working fine still.

 

 

Now, onto the parts I would like to buy:

 

 

Video card: Sapphire AMD Radeon HD 6850

Power supply: CORSAIR Builder Series CX500 500W ATX12V

 

 

These were recommended to me with promises that they would fit in my computer and that the power supply would be strong enough for the video card. I know so little about computer hardware; at one point, I thought it was a matter of having a nice video card, lots of RAM, and nothing else. I understand only the basics of why a strong power supply is needed, so I'm thankful it was pointed out to me when I first linked my computer for suggestions.

 

 

I'm on a budget, a tight one. My job does not pay well and I do have loans, but I've budgeted such that I can safely afford the above parts on my next paycheck (in less than a week). I want to be absolutely positive that it will all work. Getting parts that are more expensive is not an option. A new computer is not an option; this computer is fine as it is minus its onboard video card and 300-watt power supply. The point of this thread is to seek confirmation and perhaps open the door to better suggestions.

 

 

Also, I'm really paranoid about this. I have an older brother with plenty enough extensive knowledge of computer hardware, and he's fully confident he can install any new parts for me without damaging my computer. Still, I want to be positive. I would not have the money for a new computer if something went wrong. My goal is to enjoy Final Fantasy XIV on decent settings (I don't even ask for highest) and to know I'll be safe when Elder Scrolls Online comes around.

 

 

Thank you in advance for any replies/suggestions. I'm super excited to get some much-needed upgrades, but I don't want to let my impatient nature get the best of me too much!

[Asyria]

Yay for quick help!

Also, your avatr only needs stars around her eyes and she'd look outrageous!

[Chisae]

I was just coming to help out... glad you have it figured out though. ^_^b Love your avatar, she's pretty.

[Leencat]

Thank you both!