Upgrade for $250 - $300

[grogking]

I would like to upgrade my system. Current specs are:

E2160 oc to 3.0ghz
gigabyte p31 mobo
2 gig ddr2 pc 800 ram
250 gig HD, couple years old Sata
9600gt 512mb

What should I upgrade to run games better? I also do some graphics work. I am not opposed to switching to AMD.

Thanks!

 

[grogking]

I would like to upgrade my system. Current specs are:

E2160 oc to 3.0ghz
gigabyte p31 mobo
2 gig ddr2 pc 800 ram
250 gig HD, couple years old Sata
9600gt 512mb

What should I upgrade to run games better? I also do some graphics work. I am not opposed to switching to AMD.

Thanks!

Anyone?

 

[sub mesa]

Phenom X2 550 - 3.1GHz will be a nice and cheap gaming cpu - the Athlon X2 250 with 3.0GHz and less cache is a cheaper option.

9600GT is fine, though maybe you can fit in an ATi 5000-series card as well. AMD motherboards are cheaper than Intel counterparts. If you have no second system to place the 9600GT in or selling it to anyone for a reasonable price, you can opt to keep this card instead. I still game with my 9600GT.

 

[jay2tall]

Drop a quad chip in like the Q8200 and a 4870 video card (assuming your PSU can handle it) That will put you around $300.

 

[neonmonkey]

what is your psu wattage?

 

[grogking]

Its an antec HE 500 watt modular

 

[skora]

What resolution do you game at?

Switching platforms probably won't get you increased gaming performance that you can't get with upgrading this system. Its just that this updated system wouldn't be able to be updated again and you'll be forced to switch platforms then. Or might be able to get it down now, but wouldn't see much in performance gains.

I'd say a GPU update and maybe a wolfdale depending on your monitor.

 

[grogking]

My monitor is a 22 inch 1680x1050. Would it be worth it to stick with my mobo and move up to a fast intel chip?

 

[skora]

Your mobo is fine still. Unless you have the cash to do a platform upgrade, I'd do small upgrades now.

1680x1050 is a heavy load for the 9600GT. I'd probably start there if you're looking for better gaming. Depending on the budget, then maybe a CPU also, but start with the GPU. If you're satified with that, then save the money for a future upgrade/rebuild.

For 1680x1050, the 4870 1gb is a monster of a card for $125. The 512mb flavor is enough for that monitor. The 4850 1gb can get the job done too for a little less.

On the Nvidia side, the 9800GTX+ is a great bargin for $100 amir right now too. Similar to the 4850.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814133246