Desktops forum: Upgrading my desktop

You MUST BE 100% sure what your mtrbd. is capable of with cpu upgrades. Otherwise, this is all a mute point. Once you understand and the specs suggest what can be done, then you need to find the proper fit. As for the GPU, that is a separate item and can be upgraded, again to what your current PC can handle. In many cases the PSU has to be replaced to best handle any new power demands and/or maintain stable outputs, NOT just the peaks. These are areas of concern and shouldn't be taken for granted, know what needs to be done.

While, you provided PC details, you offered nothing in the actual mtrbd. model# or if this is an OEM system. It all matters for a better answer. Full details and you MUST know what you have in order to best upgrade your needs. I have used PC Wizard 2011(maybe 2012 now) for system details and specs, good to have pgm..

tada -----Willy

My computer is a Dell XPS, I bought it in 2009ish.

Motherboard info:

Product- 0PP150
Version- AOO
Serial- CN7082185O5145

My cards are PCI Express, 2 of 4 are used

Quite frankly, while the XPS is a capable PC, it may not offer the full range of cpu upgrades. Find out the mtrbd. true maker and follow the info to get the full specs, such as socket, current cpu, etc., then visit the cpu maker to follow-up on what that class of cpu falls-in. The group it's part of suggest the upgrades, but not all of them can be installed. Next, I would install the latest bios update which in turn provides greater support and flexibity of cpu upgrades. What makes somewhat less felixble is that the XPS is Dell maker, thus OEM. OEM,s tend to be restrictive and your only hope is through Dell, etc.. releases, updates, etc.. While it can be done, it becomes a PITA to proceed. jhe bios updates helps but even that is still cloated in limited flexibility. It's far better to just pitch the mtrbd. and install a more user-friendly gamer type mtrbd. that basically is already set to go, it's not locked down as it were, its more open to changes, etc..

Here's what I would do with what you got or more immediate upgrades. Increase ram, but only what you need, don't over stuff it. Next, replace PSU with a more capable one that matches the needs of the GPU upgrade. That's a better power fit as GPU replacements offer better apparent end results, but they are power hungry. Last and NOT to be left out, increase cooling or assure cooling is well taken of.

tada -----Willy

I figure I'll replace the GPU, processor, and motherboard if needed over this summer, plus anything else that I need to. I'm looking at an Intel i7 processor (maybe i5) and EVGA GeForce GTX 560 Superclocked GPU.

My questions are, with these upgrades should I go ahead and replace my motherboard? If so what brand/spec suggestions would you make.

Should I go with one GPU or two? I have two right now.

If I make these upgrades, should I also upgrade the cooling and power supply?

Also, what should I replace first?