My computer.... what should I upgrade first?

M

Mermalion

Limp Gawd
Joined
Aug 22, 2007
Messages
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I need speed and to be able to play games at high res ( 1600x1200 ) with decent settings. I would like to know what would be the thing to upgrade first to get the largest speed increase in games.

Motherboard: MSI K9VGM-V AM2
Processor: AMD Sempron 64 3400+ Manila 1.8GHz 256KB L2 Cache Socket AM2
Ram: G.SKILL 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 533 (PC2 4200)
Power Supply: HIPRO HP-E4009F5WR ATX12V True 400W
Graphics Card: MSI NX8600GT-T2D256E OC GeForce 8600GT 256MB 128-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16
HDD: Some old 40gb Maxtor
Sound Card: X-Fi Xtreme Music
Speakers: Logitec X-530 5.1 70w

I was thinking that dual core would be a good upgrade... I would like to keep my budget around $300 but if need I can go a little higher. Any help is greatly appreciated. Thank you
 
Should look at getting a X2 4400+ 2.3GHz. 2GBs of DDR2 800 and overclocking 8600 GT to 620-650 core.
 
Please list the part names, so we don't have to click on a bunch of links. What is your current system specs? What games do you play?

Typically, to improve gaming performance, all you need is a vidcard upgrade. But without knowing your current specs, I'm unsure. Anyhow, look into the 8800GTS 320MB.
 
if you're going to upgrade cpu and videocard, you might want a better psu. im not totally sure what that psu has on the 12 volt rail.
 
Ahh, those are your current specs... I see now, lol.

I agree with lt_shiro... upgrade to a dual core, better RAM, and OC your card. If you're still unhappy with performance, sell your card and upgrade it to the 8800GTS or 8700GTS, which may be out by the time you decide.

forrehmmnd said:
if you're going to upgrade cpu and videocard, you might want a better psu. im not totally sure what that psu has on the 12 volt rail.
Click to expand...

According to this picture (of its label), it has around 21A - 29A available on the combined +12V rails. Hoewever, I'm not sure how trustworthy that label is, lol.
 
enginurd said:
Ahh, those are your current specs... I see now, lol.

I agree with lt_shiro... upgrade to a dual core, better RAM, and OC your card. If you're still unhappy with performance, sell your card and upgrade it to the 8800GTS or 8700GTS, which may be out by the time you decide.
Click to expand...

Apparently, the Nvidia card is no longer called the 8700GTS. It's now the 8800GT according to rumors:
http://techreport.com/discussions.x/13288

Anyway I concur with lt_shiro. Upgrade to a dual core and better RAM. Here are some buying links:
AMD Athlon64 X2 4400+ CPU - $84
G.SKILL F2-6400CL5D-2GBNQ 2 x 1GB DDR2 800 RAM - $70
---
Total: $154

However, if you're still not getting the performance you want, then get this video card as well:
Sapphire 100176L Radeon X1950PRO 256MB PCI-E Video Card - $137
 
ok I think I'll go with the x2 4400+ and DDR2800 and see how I like it. hopefully it'll give a nice FPS boost... if not then I'll get a faster GFX card. I'll let you guys know how it goes. Thank you
 
enginurd said:
Thanks for the heads up. Performance expectations seems to go lower and lower, lol. I guess they're trying to fill the gap between the 7900GS and the 8800GTS. I'm thinking there's no reason to wait for it anymore, lol.
Click to expand...

I'm gonna wait a bit and see what ATI releases in November. Or at least for a few more reviews for the x2900 Pro with a MSRP of $250. In the english review I read, that card actually beats the 8800GTS 320MB. And could possible OC to XT speeds.
 
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