Budget (600-800)Gaming Computer for University

[smokedyou911]

Hey guys first off I would like to ask will I be ok through university with a :
P4 3.0ghz w/ HT
1 or 2 gigs of ram
Nvidia 7600GS AGP

and a Dell d610 laptop.

If i can only afford to replace one which should it be?
I plan on doing some gaming but phasing out as I finish university. Would like to do some freelance graphic work as well.

APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: (In the next few months) BUDGET RANGE: (600-800 Canadian) After Rebates* Or 500-700 USD*

SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: (School work, Photoshop, casual gaming, web surfing, movie watching, ect)

PARTS NOT REQUIRED: (e.g.: keyboard, mouse, monitor, speakers, OS, harddrive(S), Dvd burner, Sound card Case(If I Can I get away w/ using an old one that I got free off craiglist?)

PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: (ncix.com Canadian prices please) COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: (Canada) I'm fine if you guys use NEwegg.com links but please take 20-30% from the total budget.

PARTS PREFERENCES: Doesn't matter. Always have used Intel/Nvidia, would prefer to stay away from ASUS after having warranty issues with them recently.
OVERCLOCKING: Maybe in a few years, SLI OR CROSSFIRE: Maybe in a few years.

MONITOR RESOLUTION: (1024x768 for everything other than games, 1600x1200 for games)

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: (Would prefer a low power one, minimal lights and noise please do not use bundles as I will be buying locally from a family friend and will get a decent discount.)

Thanks in advance!

 

[Guest]

If you are using an old case, make sure it has good ventilation (2-3 120mm fans inside).

Athlon x 435/Gigabyte 890GX USB3/SATA6 - 212.99
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.353224

G.Skill DDR3 4GB Cas7 - 112.49
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231276&cm_re=g.skill_ram_ddr3_4gb-_-20-231-276-_-Product

Gigabyte 5850 - 316.49
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125300&cm_re=5850-_-14-125-300-_-Product

Antec Truepower 750W - 119.99
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371025&cm_re=750W-_-17-371-025-_-Product

I know this is all from newegg.ca but you can always pricematch it at NCIX.
Use this site to help you with the pricematching:
http://www.pricecanada.com/c.php/Desktop-Components-14/

 

[smokedyou911]

Thanks! Do you think I really need a $320 video card? My brother just got the 1 gig 5770 for $160 and it is more than capable of what I need.

The case I think I'm going to be using is an old alien-ware one It has 4 or 5 fans.

 

[Guest]

The 5850 will tear up anything you throw at it but since you have experience with the 5770 you could go with that. But at your resolution you may have to remove some of the eye candy/image quality to get it running well.

Definitely go for the 5770 if you trying for bang/buck. You can always add a second one if the one alone becomes too slow.

Sounds like a good case too.

 

[smokedyou911]

Best answer selected by smokedyou911.