I'm upgrading from:
Athlon 3000+ XP
1 gig (512x2) Kingston PC3200
GeForce 6600 GT 128 AGP
160 GB Western Digital 7200 RPM
1 dvd rom, 1 dvd writer
550 watt PSU
Basically what I want to do is replace just the mobo/cpu right now, use the onboard video for a short while, and once Christmas arrives I'll get the best video card I possibly can (at least a 7900gs). This is what I have picked out:
The total for just the hardware comes out to $159.98. I play DoD: Source and many of the other Source games, Battlefield 2, but am looking forward to future titles. If I go by what I've said, should I be okay on upgrades for a at least a year?
Good upgrade choices. They should hold out for almost a year. More around 8 months I would say. As for graphics card, look into the x1950pro, surpasses the 7900GS, for nearly the same price.
Thanks for the reply, I have another question now though . Would it be cheaper to move to Core 2 and still try to reuse my ram? If not, would the performance increase be worth the extra cash? I'd really like to upgrade now without buying another gig of ram.
Your're gonna need ddr2 to run a core2duo. That being said, you have to ask whether its worth spending $160 on something that's only going to last a year. I would save up and wait for a switch to core2duo (getting a 6300/6400 and OCing it seems to be the best bang for the buck route).
Based on the games you play, I'd get a 7600 GT and again save up cash for a DX10 card and a more extensive upgrade down the road.
Like mil said, the ram has to be DDR2 compatible to work with C2D. That would mean you would have to replace the motherboard, processor and ram.
C2D is the more logical upgrade path at this point. If you have enough cash to shell out, go for it.
. Would it be cheaper to move to Core 2 and still try to reuse my ram? If not, would the performance increase be worth the extra cash? I'd really like to upgrade now without buying another gig of ram.
