Optimal RAM and video card for games?

I am looking to purchase a new computer. It would be used by my son for games as well.



System: Intel® Pentium® Dual-Core E2200 (2.20GHz,1MB L2Cache,800FSB)



should I upgrade from 2gb to 4gb of ram? Is this necessary?



The video card is: Integrated Video, Intel® GMA X4500HD



Should I upgrade to: 256MB ATI Radeon HD 3450 -supports DVI,HDMI,VGA Connections ?

|||yea upgrade the RAM it will make it a lot faster. Also get a video card, dont use integrated graphics|||Yes, it's always a good idea to upgrade to more ram. Be sure that the ram is dual channel. No, it's not necessary for some games.



Yes, if you have an integrated video, then you should definitely upgrade. I am not familiar with ATI Radeon to know what card is good. Regardless, coming from integrated video to a card is a step up. Seeing as how it has DVI, VGA, and HDMI connectability, it seems like a good card.|||ram alone wont help much.



i would say go for the 4 gigs. if you have a 32 bit operating system, then your computer cant quite use all 4 gigs but just about.



processor upgrade would def help. maybe a lower end quad core like a Q6600. very popular and great performace. or a E8500. both run about $180, but well worth it.



for a video card i would go with nothing less than something in the 8000 series. i am running a 8800 GT w/512mb of ram and im well over due for an upgrade. but you can find some really nice 9600's around $100. just have to look at the more detailed specs as far as price goes.



remember how much green you put into it is how much performace you're gonna get out.



since your asking this i would think you dont know much about this really.



i use newegg.com for all my buying. they are great prices.



def hit up some local computer stores near you. they can be a lot of help. i love getting questions about gaming at work!



good luck!|||Integrated video cards have their limits performance wise but they are getting as technology advances. . Upgrading to the suggested video card would be more beneficial than upgrading the Ram. Only update the Ram if the games your son is playing starts to freeze while playing. That would be an indication that more Ram is needed.