Why should I upgrade?

[NulloModo]

I've sort of been out of the loop for a bit when it comes to bleeding edge technology. Last time I seriously read up was when I built my system about two years ago, and things seem to have gotten pretty complicated sense then. Life was easier when it was P4, Celeron, Athlon, or Duron and there weren't tons of variations on each .

With all of these new processors though, the dual core stuff, SLI graphics cards, Dual-channel DDR memory, SATA-II, and everything else I see being tossed about around here, well, what is the reason for me to want it all?

Right now my machine is as follows -
P4 2.4@2.7
Asus P4PE
512 MB DDR333
350 gigs HD space (two EIDE drives)
DVD-Burner (single layer, older TDK model)
CD-Burner
SB Audigy2
Radeon 9500pro

With this system I can do anything I want pretty much, I mean, I can encode video, play games and have them look good, watch DVDs, do photo editing, and use all the random programs I need to use.

What would I be able to do extra if I upgraded to one of these new Dual-core SLI systems? Is gaming the only reason to go for the really high end hardware right now? Am I missing out on some killer app or something i could be doing on a computer that my system now just won't let me?

 

[Shmuckety]

Yes, the new games are pushing hardware sales. If you want to play any newer game (take farcry for example). If you play @ 1024x768 wi 4XAA and 4XAF your 9500pro will have a heart attack.

You have to at least have a 6800nu to play the latest games at full detail at 1024x768 or higher, with acceptable framerates.

If you are not really in to games or you don’t mind playing at lower res with most of the eye candy turned down. Then your system will last quite some time.

If you are really a gamer and love all the detail that comes with AA & AF and 1600x1200. You must upgrade, constantly.

 

[Carlosinfl]

Besides you have an Intel (toaster) and a old graphics card - if the system does everything you want it to - don't bother upgrading.

Your system looks fine for what you do and like you said, its been 2 years and you have not had any issues.