Looking to upgrade

[Lithium]

Ok here are my current system specs

Asus A8n-SLI Socket 939
AMD Athlon 64 3000+
Sapphire radeon x800 pro
2 gig corsair DDR XMS ram
160GB Western Digital Sata

I just ran into some clipping while playing a new online MMO. First time it has happened that I cannot play a game on MAX settings. So I decided it was time for an upgrade! Only problem is I cannot decide what to do for under 500usd. Here are my options

New video card + Processor upgrade

Video Card
Processor

or

Motherboard + Processor + Ram

MB
Processor
Ram

Basically I just want some opinions on where the money would be best spent and maybe where the clipping/video lag/bottleneck is coming from.

TIA

 

[jeff_2087]

I vote the video card+processor upgrade.

 

[drummerdude]

seconded. just make sure your psu has enough juice

 

[Lithium]

I have this model PSU

PSU

I think it will do ok with the new hardware

 

[CmdPT]

I would also go with the the Video card + processor, that PSU should be alright. So it would be a pretty nice upgrade.

 

[Lithium]

Thanks for the opinions I really appreciate them

 

[skynyrd4212]

my vote is the mobo+ processor option, and new ram. that way you can be ready for the future with a core 2 duo compatible mobo and ddr2 ram, then just save up a couple hundred for a decent video card. Video card+ processor would be good for speeding up games right now, but the option i discussed would be better for the future, cuz lets face it, outdated processor and ddr ram will only last you so long.

just my 2 cents

 

[lordaardvark2]

umm i'd have to say GPU first and foremost, and then maybe processor after the fact... generally the largest performance gains in gaming come from increases in videocards and ram. you've got enough ram, so its your videocard that is lacking a bit. i think that for you, a new gpu would be the most satisfying of all, the most tangible.

i would actually go so far as to say JUST videocard... that way you've got money left over for a full system overhaul...! yeah, you'll feel a bit wonky having an uber-gpu and a "weak" proc, but those processors really aren't bad... unless you're playing crysis or something, which i don't believe you are

 

[aceprowler]

I have that same video card in my cart. Looks to be a great video card.

As far as the processor. Why go Dual Core when nothing really uses it. I did upgrade from a opty 144 to this http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819103037

That would be well under a $500 upgrade and still be plenty powerfull enough for quite some time.

Just my 2cents.

 

[Lithium]

I have that same video card in my cart. Looks to be a great video card.

As far as the processor. Why go Dual Core when nothing really uses it. I did upgrade from a opty 144 to this http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819103037

That would be well under a $500 upgrade and still be plenty powerfull enough for quite some time.

Just my 2cents.

You know I didn't even think along the lines of just a proc upgrade for my current mobo. 8O

Of course buying the GPU is a given.

I think this is the route im going to take for now. Dropping 75.00 for a massive cpu upgrade seems resonable...then i can just save what money i have left over and add some too it down the road and do a full dual core overhaul.

Thanks guys for all the opinions.....really appreciate them!

 

[aceprowler]

I'm happy with the CPU, plus 1 meg L2 Cache. Can't beat it for 75 bucks shipped.

I am still trying to decide to get the x1900xt or wait it out. It's an awesome card. But for how much more though then my 1800gto is the 200 buck question.

Good luck, glad I helped!

 

[lordaardvark2]

I'm happy with the CPU, plus 1 meg L2 Cache. Can't beat it for 75 bucks shipped.

I am still trying to decide to get the x1900xt or wait it out. It's an awesome card. But for how much more though then my 1800gto is the 200 buck question.

Good luck, glad I helped!

oh damn, i didn't know you had that close of a card. for you, i'd say wait on the 8600 ultra... you heard about it? its supposed to rival the x19somethingxsomething for like $180, and have dx10 hardware support... and its coming soon. i'd say totally wait for that.

 

[Dahak]

Replace your current cpu with a 4200 or 4600 same socket.And replace your current video card with a 7900gtx.You should have very few issues(if any)when playing just about any game.Goodluck.

Dahak

AMD X2-4400+@2.6 S-939
EVGA NF4 SLI MB
2X EVGA 7950GT KO IN SLI
2X 512MB CRUCIAL BALLISTIX DDR500
WD300GIG HD
ACER 22IN WIDESCREEN LCD 1600X1200
THERMALTAKE TOUGHPOWER 850WATT PSU
COOLERMASTER MINI R120
3DMARK05 13,442