What should I upg to play GTAIV and other games in general..

Ok, I've got like 100 bucks to burn and Im kinda stuck on what to change first - a new CPU, Memories or just save til I can afford an entirely new setup. I am not a compulsory upgrader, my priority is to be able to play games like GTAIV at 1280x1024 with the highest quality/viewable distance possible.


Here's my current rig:


CPU - Pentium D 945 65nm at 3.4ghz

RAM - 1gb (2 x 512mb) Ram Corsair 800mhz

MOBO - Evga 680i SLI (122-CK-NG68-AR)

GPU - Evga 9800 gtx+ 512mb ddr3

PSU - 550w Topower.

OS - Windows Vista Ultimate 32 bits.

I've been told that Pentium D is probably bottlenecking the true capabilities of my GPU, but I believe it's really not worth buying a new CPU if the RAM is falling short(1gb). I am thinking about purchasing a set of 4gb ram (2 x 2gb) 1066mhz but I wonder if that will boost the gaming performance considerably... or should I purchase a C2D processor instead? Or simply save for the new i7 system? What do you think?

TIA.

How are you even running Vista on 1GB RAM?
I would look at upping that to 2 and then consider a fast Core 2 Duo after a bit more saving.

i7 will set you back perhaps $1000 if you reuse GPU, OS, Case, PSU etc. Basically you need DDR3 6GB, the CPU itself and a x58 mobo which is very pricey.

Memory is cheap - get 4GB of cheap DDR2 800 $26.99 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6820145184

Then have a think about CPU... Could try Intel Pentium E5200 Wolfdale 2.5GHz 2MB L2 Cache at $72.99 and OC the tits off it.... http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6819116072

(but the memory is MOST important and at that price is too good to miss)

Hey thanks for your prompt responses! So you think I should upgrade my memory sticks rather than the CPU? the Pentium D's rated FSB is 800mhz, so I should probably get some ram running at 800mhz alright?

I think the question is between keeping the Pentium D with a new set of 4 gb ram or keep the 1 gb ram with a new C2D processor.

Which will perform better?

You may not believe me but I've been able to play games like Gears of war, mirror's edge, call of duty 5, etc maxed with good framerates ( with some minimun performance lockups). But GTAIV came and blow my mind with ti's requirements, I dunno if it's really a hardware performance issue or some bug but the minimun requirements for the game is like 1.5 gb of RAM and thought it's about time for me to add some sticks.

It seems that almost every one agrees that RAM is a problem. Will a pair of Corsair 2gigs 800mhz at 5-5-5-18 do? (TWIN2X4096-6400C5 G) Or one with lower latecy?

You shouldnt have any problem getting 4 gigs of DDR2 800 and a Pentium dual core that you can overclock to at least 3ghz for about $100

Get more RAM now. Get a Q6600 when you have saved enough.

i registered for the first time on this site because i have 1st hand experience with improving quality and view distance on GTA IV.

processor will help alot but you wont be able to max out your GTA settings without one or 2 video cards with a hefty amount of video ram... think 2 1 GB cards in sli / xfire or one with 1700 ish megs of memory.

if i were you i would just save my money and plan out a nice quad core system. maybe i7 based. the 920 is nice and cheap.

oh and you should be planning to run with at LEAST 2 gigs now a days.