Looking for upgrade advice: from AMD 64 3700+ to ???

[sikonawt]

I've been running this computer for about 3.5 years now and would like to get another six months at least out of it before replacing it. At the moment I have the following setup:

Motherboard: DFI Lanparty NForce4 Ultra

Processor: AMD Athlon 64 3700+

Memory: 2x1GB Corsair CMX1024-3200

HDD: 74gb Raptor 10k rpm

Graphics: GeForce 8600 GTS


This is a gaming PC, although it's gotten far enough behind the curve that I'm waiting on playing most recently released games until I upgrade to a new comp. At the moment I'm only really playing Warhammer Online, and the performance I get is pretty abysmal. The game is playable only at absolute rock bottom settings.

My understanding is that it's mainly my processor that is bottlenecking me right now, especially as Warhammer Online is notoriously CPU intensive. So if I can find a cheap and easy upgrade that won't require me to change my other hardware around, I'm considering doing it to hold me over for the 6 months or so until I get a new comp.

I've never overclocked or built my own box before, although I'm planning on doing these when I upgrade in the summer and have more time on my hands.

Any advice on what I might want to consider in terms of processor upgrades?

 

[Devastator_uk]

You would need to replace the motherboard due to the socket which also means chnaging the memory.

 

[sikonawt]

Yes, it seems that you all are correct. All the socket 939 stuff is more expensive now than it's worth. Thanks!