Upgrade?

[cory1234]

I wondering if i should upgrade anything in my computer or just start from scratch and build a new one.

Specs:
amd socket 754 3400+
1gb ram
160 gig ide
dvd burner
cd-rom drive
nvidia 6600 agp
creative sound blaster audigy

My computer just isnt moving as fast as i want it too..with the new itunes and virus software running. I dont really game much but i do on ocassion. Should i get 2 gigs of ram or just build a low budgit dual core system? My budget is roughly around $800-$900.
Thnx

 

[enforcerfx]

If you recycle your parts: (Case, powersupply{if its powerful enough} Harddrive, Dvd/CD drive(s), then you could get by with something decent. Don't forget windows

 

[cory1234]

Yeah i dont think the power supply could be reused..its only 300w..im probably already pushing its limits :/ and the case cannot be saved...dont ask lol.

 

[yas]

For $900 you can definately afford to get a new c2d system but you'd have to save as many of your old parts as possible.

 

[cory1234]

would getting 2gigs of ram improve my systems speed that much? Also my harddrive only has 36 gigs left of space..does that slow anything down also?

 

[CompuTronix]

I agree with yas. It would be counter productive to invest in an upgrade. You can build yourself a very fast 6300 or 6400 rig for those funds. I can't seem to find it at the moment, but there's a thread somewhere in these THG forums, which outlines how to do it for about $750.00.

Hope this helps.

 

[PCAnalyst]

900 bucks is a solid price range...


GIGABYTE GA-965P-DS3 Socket T (LGA 775) Intel P965 Express ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail $129.99

Intel Core 2 Duo E6400 Conroe 2.13GHz 2M sharing L2 Cache LGA 775 Processor - Retail $218.00

CORSAIR ValueSelect 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 667 (PC2 5300) Desktop Memory - Retail $199.99

Western Digital Caviar SE WD1600JSRTL 160GB 7200 RPM 8MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive (2)x $59.99 = $119.98

XFX PVT71GUQL3 GeForce 7900GT 256MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 Video Card $239.99

Total - $905

Keep the old Box and don't Overclock

 

[joefriday]

This really sounds more like a situation of poor software than a problem with inadequate hardware, IMHO. Your rig should be pretty quick with the tasks you listed thus far, and should be at least acceptable in gaming (cpu is fine, graphics card is a bit weak for today's games). If you're looking for an increase in gaming performance, than a full on mobo/cpu/video card upgrade will be in order, but if you just want your system to be more responsive when doing such mundane tasks as iTunes and virus scanning, well all I can say is, there are probably less-bloated alternatives to iTunes and the antivirus software you're currently using.

 

[cory1234]

I know what your saying..i feel like theres a virus in my computer cause its takes windows like 3 minutes to load..but ive ran several different anti virus softwares, and i always watch what i download so i dont know how i could have any viruses.