Ok guys, i have decided to give PC gaming a try after seeing so many much better looking PC videos and have about 300 bucks to upgrade my system. Can someone please point me towards a official crysis 2 recommended or high end specs for the PC? Reason i ask is because i know for sure im gonna have to upgrade my video card and power supply so any help would be greatly appreciated.

How about telling us "what your current specs are" first...

Operating system: Windows XP Windows Vista, Windows 7
CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo at 2 GHz, or AMD Athlon 64 x2 2 GHz, or better
Memory: 2GB (Vista requires 3 GB)
Hard drive space: 9 GB of free space
Graphics hardware: DirectX 9.0c: NVidia 8800GT with 512 MB RAM, ATI 3850HD with 512 MB RAM, or better
Sound hardware: DirectX 9.0c
Network: Internet connection for multiplayer and one-time authorization for first run

***These are the minimum specifications***

my current specs are:

CPU: AMD Athlon 64 X2 5200+ Operating speed: Up to 2.7 GHz
Memory: Amount: 4 GB Speed: PC2-6400 MB/sec
Hard Drive: 500 GB Transfer rating: 3.0 Gb/sec
Graphics card: Integrated graphics nVidia GeForce 6150SE Up to 256MB (with 512MB or more system memory)
Sound: Integrated Realtek ALC888S Audio
Power supply: 160w

PC model: HP slimline s3521p

I am perty sure but not certain i will have to update the graphics card and the power supply, not really sure about the sound:(

You are indeed in need of a GPU and Power supply upgrades.

I would recommend the GTX 460 http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=6488427&CatId=3670

and this power supply http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3276567&CatId=2533

The gtx 460 or the 560, i had two 460s running for a while and i was very happy with them.

You are indeed in need of a GPU and Power supply upgrades.

I would recommend the GTX 460 http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=6488427&CatId=3670

and this power supply http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3276567&CatId=2533

Ok great thank you so much, HP cant even give me a good answer like this. And these will work in a slimline PC case no problems?

You are indeed in need of a GPU and Power supply upgrades.

I would recommend the GTX 460 http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=6488427&CatId=3670

and this power supply http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3276567&CatId=2533

Ok great thank you so much, HP cant even give me a good answer like this. And these will work in a slimline PC case no problems?
PC cases and Power supplies are all made to be interchangeable with upgrade parts. They should fit, but you may have to do a little wiggling to get stuff to fit proper, but it should be ok.

HP did manage to tell me that i would need a low profile graphics card, not sure if this is because of the case or the room available in it, but i usually always leave the case cover off anyway to keep it running a bit cooler anyway. The GTX 460 looks awesome, is it available as a low profile or is there one with the same performance that is low profile?

HP did manage to tell me that i would need a low profile graphics card, not sure if this is because of the case or the room available in it, but i usually always leave the case cover off anyway to keep it running a bit cooler anyway. The GTX 460 looks awesome, is it available as a low profile or is there one with the same performance that is low profile?
Post some pictures of the inside of your case.

That slimline case is a big problem if you want to upgrade the video card. There are cards out there like the GeForce GT 430 and the Radeon 5570 that are available as low profile cards, but the performance on those cards is pretty weak. I would include a new case+power supply in your upgrade, and make the video card either a GeForce 460 (with 1 gig of ram onboard) or a Radeon HD 6850.

You should also research your motherboard to make sure it has a PCI Express 16x 2.0 slot available.

here is the exact motherboard i have:

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=c01321559&lc=en&dlc=en&cc=us

It says that it has a available:One PCI Express x16

I have considered getting a barebones tower package and will likely do that comes next tax season, but dont think im gonna be able to anytime soon.

Your mobo is ancient. Given the size of that motherboard, I'm pretty sure your case must be tiny too. You do realize the graphics cards post GT200 series and beyond are almost double in size by length and width compared to the GeForce 6 series?

You need a brand new computer, ground up. That includes a case. And your power supply is weak.

Also, PCI Express x16? Are you serious? Even our computers AT MY COLLEGE are higher spec. Try selling it on eBay. Just try. The most you'll get is a 90% depreciated amount of the original value of your parts.

Sorry to come across as flaming, but your computer svcks and I am surprised you are even still running it. Actually, I'm surprised you even bought it, because HP sells low-spec crap packages. When I worked at a computer shop a few years back, the most common computers brought in for fixing were HP's and Dell's. Half the time, we just told our customers to scrap their machines and build new ones from scratch... They ended up spending LESS money (we're talking almost $500 in savings per customer) and got HIGHER quality parts that actually ran games at full detail comfortably.

DO NOT BUY COMPUTERS IN WHOLE PACKAGE (WHY do consumers do this to themselves? "OMG I JUST SPENT $2000 ON THIS COMPUTER, WHY WON'T IT RUN METRO 2033 ON HIGHEST DETAILS???!?!?!?! ZOMG) HP has one of the worst computer packages available.

Buy the parts and build it yourself. No, you do not need a Bachelor's in Computer Science. You just need to stick parts together and know how to screw Phillips on and how to use thermal paste. You'll save over $500 if you are buying the latest in tech.

http://www.newegg.com

Also, if you have to wait until tax returns to have spending money, you're spending too much.

your absolutely right man. I think i got this computer back in 07 or 08 something like that. i never was into PC gaming other then bejeweled. I have always been a console fan, just here lately and especially the differences between xobox360 and PC, i am just stunned by the lack of detail and graphics when i compare a 360 crysis game to that of a PC crysis game, plus with PC you can MOD and make new levels, weapons etc.

Earlier today i watched a vid on youtube of crysis 2 ran on the extreme option on a PC and i was literally blown away, i may have even got a tear in my eye, thats how beatiful it is;)A gamer can just stand there, not even play and bask in awe of the amazing graphics and environments the crysis 2 PC version has to offer. I decided you know what, the PC guys are right, the console guys are just missing out on so much, whereas before i just blew it off as the usual PC vrs console wars you see everywhere.So here i am with this old outdated good for nothing much PC ready to join the PC crowd. I love my 360 and always will, but i dont think i will ever look back if i had half the awesomeness you guys have in your PC's.

My plan is right now is i got about 300 bucks, so i can get a barebones tower, and slowly build up a machine capable of doing what can be done, and im just dying to check out the MOD tools available from crytek as well when you buy the game. So im guessing a good operating budget to get this game running on high to extreme option would be around $700-$1000 US dollars?

I am totally new to the scene of PC games and PC upgrading and dont know much of anything, so any advice would be appreciated on where to start and what is needed. I know how to plug in video cards, hard drives and all that, but as far as spec and techs go, thats where im fairly in unknown territory

I got into the business of building my own computer a few years back and I know the exact situation you're in. As others have said, you're right about the main upgrades being GPU and PSU, though other than that you're in a tough spot. The main issue with the slimline case is probably going to be length of the new GPU, and buying a new case will be difficult because it will still have to fit the min-ITX design of your current motherboard. The issue is if you get a new mini-ITX case now, your options for upgrading in the future will be severely limited in the event you want to upgrade to a new, more substantial motherboard. When buying your new hardware just keep in mind how easily it can be upgraded in the future. Also, if you have any questions feel free to message me.

So im guessing a good operating budget to get this game running on high to extreme option would be around $700-$1000 US dollars?

For a complete system, yeah, the price can get up there. If you already have a hard drive, operating system, monitor, and all your accessories, the price goes down quite a bit.

This is a pretty good sytem guide. The system they describe in the 'econobox' could easily run Crysis 2 on the highest settings.

The system you have right now just doesn't have any good upgrade paths. The processor in particular will really hold back performance. For $300, you could buy a new case, new power supply, and new video card. Then you could run some games like Crysis 2, but you wouldn't get performance any better than a console. It would take another $300 to get a new motherboard, processor, and ram.

Donovan is a noob, PCIx16 is fine for even a high end graphics card (you will lose about 10% performance AT MOST with a Radeon 5870 for example.)

This card is cheap, should fit and also run C2 fine at very high (not extreme) settings:

http://www.sapphiretech.com/presentation/product/?leg=&psn=000101&pid=495

/E

But he is right that if you are going to spend $300 upgrading you might as well build a whole new PC, in the long run that is better value for your money.

ok guys this one looks perty good, what do you think?

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=322842&CatId=7005

Also i read this at the same site:

There are 3 types of cardbus slots currently available: PCI, AGP, and PCI Express (PCIe 2.0 is compatible with PCIe slot)

So wouldnt PCIe 2.1 be compatible as well?

That isn't a very powerful card. You can tell because it has a 128-bit memory interface. Any decent card will have a 256-bit interface or better. Finding a card like that which also fits into a low-profile case might be impossible, though.

You also need to think about your power supply. You'll need an upgrade there if you want to add a video card to your system. I'm not sure if there is a standard size for power supplies that fit into micro-itx cases like yours.

Any PCI Express card SHOULD work with your motherboard. If it doesn't, you can always return it.

Finally, you're going to have heating concerns. Packing high-end hardware into a tiny case is a great way to make a system overheat. Hopefully your case has spots where an extra fan or two can be installed.

I found a micro ATX PSU with a wattage of 400 here:
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3860496&CatId=4324

However since i run the computer with the case door always off anyways could i just run a regular ATX power supply sitting outside of the case or on top of the case even?

I found a micro ATX PSU with a wattage of 400 here:
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3860496&CatId=4324

Your case is mini-itx, which is a bit smaller than micro-atx. I doubt you could put that power supply into that system, and letting it sit outside the case is just asking for trouble.

I took an interest and did some shopping for you.

This Radeon 5670 is probably your best choice for a video card if you aren't going to upgrade your case. The fan sticks out, and it will block the PCI slot on the motherboard. The card is also pretty long, and it may not fit inside your case.

This power supply might fit in your case. It depends on whether or not the case uses a standardized power supply.

I only looked into this because I was interested to see what parts were available for low-profile cases. I really don't recommend buying the stuff I just listed. It's a bad upgrade path. You won't be left with any parts you'll want to use on your next computer. The smart choice is to buy a new case that can be fitted with mini-itx motherboards as well as standard atx motherboards. Get a solid mid-range video card. Then you will still have that video card the next time you upgrade.

I am thinking that a new case just for space and heating issues would be the way to go, but man i tell you guys what. I am really stump here, i dont know whether i should be upgrading a mini itx or even mini atx to begin with. The options are limited and seem to be average to a lil better end at best as for PSU and graphics upgrades. Another thing is this slimline is cramped for space as is. I have a 1 gigabit network card that i have been dying to use once my ISP upgrades to DOCSIS 3.0, and if i get any kinda good card itll block the only other PCI slot available. I dont want to build another xbox 360 lol, i want to be able to build a gaming rig capable of doing justice for PC games. So i decided to start slowly and just build my way up, and make this my new hobby with the help of you guys.

So whats a good case, a cool one you know with the plexiglass siding so i can do some lighting effects as it grows into a gaming masterpiece. I would like to start out with this and the motherboard. MoBos's for short i guess they are called, are perty foreign to me, and this would be my first time ever even looking at them. I want to get one that is gonna have space and upgrade options available. The ones i have looked at so far this morn are not too terribly priced surprisingly, usually in the range of 100-200 bucks.

So here is what i can start with: A case, a motherboard, and a processor.

here is a case im interested in:
http://eb.magicmicro.com/pmoreinfo.asp?iid=2753

It stats it is standard ATX/Micro ATX, so im guessing this means you can put either size in there. But some of you guys got tons of experience at this, so what would be some great options to start out?