Which is more important for gaming--CPU or video card?

[Gypsy1]

My Dad wants to play some newer games (Age of Empires III right now) but his current computer isn't up to par. I'm getting him a new one but (after weighing cost/benefits) I can't decide which way to go--better processor (AMD 4000+ vs AMD X2 4600+) or better video card (7600GT vs x1950xt or whatever you guys recommend). Money is a priority so I can't get him both, but he wants his computer to be relevant for a couple of years. Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[prozac26]

Video card is a lot more important.

X1950XT with 4000+ will totally kill a 4600+ with 7600GT. No contest.

The 4600+ is a better CPU because it's a dual core, but if your dad wants to game good, then the video card should be the first priority.

Try looking for a 3800+, or a Core 2 Duo E6300, and a X1950Pro. That would be a very nice setup, and the CPU will be ready for future, multi-threaded games.

 

[jitpublisher]

My 2 cents, definetly go with the video card upgrade if he is looking for a boost to play games. Though it's not a Core Duo, that 4000+ is no slouch by a long shot for gaming.
How much memory? If he has less than a gig, a memory upgrade would the be next best investment after the video card to keep him going for good while.
PS, make sure his power supply is up to par for the new card.

 

[cleeve]

THE VIDEO CARD

 

[Gypsy1]

The system will have at least 1 gig of DDR2 ram, so that shouldn't be a problem. Still shopping for the best PSU for the $. Thanks a lot for your help.

 

[outlw6669]

The video card is what you want.

 

[krisz]

Video card for sure. Then wait for the CPU prices to come down in the new year and get a new CPU later.

 

[djplanet]

You essentially want a CPU that won't bottleneck the video card you choose. The 4000 won't be a problem with the XT though. You would have to dip into the Pentium 4s before you got close to a serious bottleneck.

 

[rodney_ws]

CPU... definitely CPU.

Ha. Just kidding.

 

[SEALBoy]

Just in case you haven't gotten your answer: THE VIDEO CARD.

And I agree that an X2 3800+ with an X1950Pro is what you should look into. It will run AoE3 without any problem.

 

[krisz]

CPU... definitely CPU.