Beefing up my rig

[The Soapbox Lord]

I would like to try and increase the graphical performance of my PC.

Here a link with the specs. http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=c03616482&tmp_task=prodinfoCategory&cc=us&dlc=en&lc=en&product=5331423

However, I installed another 4 GB of RAM, so I have a total of 12. I want to boost my gaming performance if I can, without breaking the bank. Under $300, preferably under $200 though. My main goal is to be able to play The Witcher 2 on some higher settings. I am not looking to play new AAA titles like Titanfall or Thief, I do not want to invest a great deal in this PC since I would like to completely customize my own later. I just want to get the most I can out of this one for now.

Any suggestions would be appreciated because I am not too sure what I am doing.

Below I have posted the recommended specs for The Witcher 2.

Thanks!

Recommended:
OS: Windows XP/Vista/7
Processor: Intel or AMD Quad-Core
Memory: 3 GB (Win XP), 4GB (Win Vista/Win 7)
Graphics: GeForce 260 (1 GB) or Radeon HD 4850 (1 GB)
DirectX®:
Hard Drive: 25GB
Sound:

 

[Bravo Company]

I think I've seen people saying there is a PC hardware usergroup somewhere? You may wanna poke around, they'll prolly give you a quicker and more justified answer.

Anyway, You're going to need a graphics card. That PC is running integrated graphics which means you're motherboard is doing graphics rendering. That is great and all if you like surfing the internet. Purchasing a graphics card will give you the best performance IMO. Sure, graphics cards can be expensive but even a low end graphics card for $70 will be better than what you have now. When looking at graphics cards, make sure to look at their required power rating. That computer comes with a 300 watt, which isn't really powerful at all. So be careful with that. A cheap but durable psu is the raidmax 530W. (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817152028)Mine has been powering my computer for years now.

You don't really need more RAM, after 8 gigs of RAM the only thing you're boosting is your ability to run virtual machines and other not-really-important things for the average user.'

 

[Mocmocman]

Graphics card graphics card graphics card graphics card graphics card graphics card graphics card graphics card graphics card.
The graphics card is the most important thing for performance, gaming wise. Without it your system is weak little child that I crush with my boot.
One thing to note is that almost all graphics cards will go in the PCI Express x16 slot on the mobo. I don't think it will cause a problem with your wireless card, but I can't really see how the wireless is positioned. Of note, I have killed a HP Pavilion's 250w PSU by adding a graphics card, so an upgrade there should be on your list. A GeForce 260 is about $140, so with a PSU ($50) and a wireless card ($20 max) it should come to $200.

EDIT: Also, if you get nice components now, you can always transfer them to the PC that you are planning to build.