New CPU and RAM

[gamax]

Hi. I currently am thinking of upgrading my CPU and RAM. I have atm 2GB and an Opteron 170 overclocked to 2.8.

I read on some websites that Quad cores and 4GB are the way to go if I had vista 64 bit or something. However I don't plan on getting it and will continue to use XP for a while until I finally buy a new system.

I want to play Crysis though (have a 8800GTS 512), so I am curious, which processor would you guys recommend for this? A core2quad or core2duo? My main thing is gaming, I don't really do anything else on this comp. Also, for WinXP32, would 2GB be fine? Or must I get 4GB to play crysis fine? (I take it crysis is the most demanding game for a long shot)

I am estimating a budget of $450 by the end of June probably. (Including memory CPU and motherboard)

As of now, since I will build a new system around Summer next year, leaning towards a Q6600 and 4GB DDR2 G.Skill RAM (2x 2GB). Just would like to know if the cheaper E8400 and only 2GB would be enough.

Thanks.

 

[akhilles]

Dualies still rule gaming until the majority of games start taking advantage of the remaining cores. The e8400 is the most popular choice. I used to game. At 4ghz, it flies.

You can use up to 3.5gb in 32-bit os. You can get a 2gb kit for less than $50. However, the 4gb kits are dropping in prices like there's no tomorrow. It might be worth the money for the extra 1.5GB. The low prices won't be around forever.