Please assist with first computer upgrade ($500 limit)

[Lt.Pliskin]

I am upgrading from a:

P4 3.0 Ghz (not upgrading)
AGP 8X MSI Neo P somthin or other (upgraded to pci-e)
512 Mb 2700 DDR SDRAM Kingston (adding another 512Mb)
250Watt PSU (--> 400Watt psu)
GeFroce Ti 4600 (upping to 7800GT)


Here are my prospective purchases:

Albatron PX915P4C Pro ATX Intel Motherboard - $89
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813170143

FSP Group (Fortron Source) AX400-PN 400W Power Supply - $40
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817104953

CORSAIR ValueSelect 512MB 184-Pin DDR SDRAM - $40
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16820145026

eVGA Geforce 7800GT 256-P2-N517-AX Video Card - $309
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814130249

The price and shipping comes out to be exactly $499.99 =o


please give criticism/suggestions for improvement, I really appreciate the help!

 

[GForce64]

I'd personally go to AMD with a AMD Athlon 64 3000+ Venice, Chaintech VNF4/Ultra, FSP AX-450PN, 512MB more RAM, and a 6800GS. Leaves you a wee more open for future upgrades.

 

[Lt.Pliskin]

I appreciate the input GForce64! I have a few questions (open to everyone) about two of the suggestions.

I realize that the P4 is a phased out socket type, but how much of an upgrade would it be going from the P4 3.0Ghz to the AMD Athlon 64 3000+ Venice? Also, I am looking to play demenading games(F.E.A.R. Quake 4, Elder Scrolls IV:Oblivion, etc.) at high settings. Would the 6800GS be able to do this at 1024x1280 resolution?

 

[GeForceX]

For the 3000+ Venice, you will see quite a jump actually - especially in gaming. The difference will an appreciative experience. $165.

I wouldn't recommend you to use the PC-2700 RAM. Throw that out and get 512 MB x 2 Corsair Value Select RAM. Dual RAM's should be similar in specs. $91.

PSU should be 450W+. The Fortron 450W does good. $50.

You can get some good money back when you sell your parts. You can be certain to get enough money for a 7800 GT. I would suggest you to put in an extra $100 for the 7800 GT. You can run 1280 x 1024 with a 6800 GS but you'd have to run medium quality or so to do that. If you're a competitive gamer like I am, you wouldn't worry about quality, now would ya?

-J.

 

[Wesley1357]

1gb of ram is not enough anymore get 2gb (for vista).

a 400 watt psu?? are you kidding?!! get at least 500 or more if possible.

 

[GeForceX]

1 GB is more than enough if he tweaks his computer appropriately. 2 GB for Vista is just purely hype and it's ridiculous, really. Besides, who even needs Vista? Not even the most hardcore user like me.

-J.