Gaming PC Upgrade

[ptur]

Mobo - ASUS M2A-VM
CPU - AMD Athlon (tm) 64 X2 Dual Core Processor 4200+ 2.20Ghz
PSU - Antec 500W
RAM - 2gb DDR2
GPU - Ati Radeon x1650 Pro

Hello, i'm planning to upgrade my PC to run the latest games such as STARCRAFT II, but i'm not sure what needs to be upgraded after my graphics card. CPU, RAM, PSU, or motherboard?

For the graphics card I was thinking of the GTX 460(I haven't even checked if my motherboard or PSU supports it yet), HD4870, GTS 250 or HD4850. Are these good choices? Which would be the best for the price?
My budget for the graphics card is around 200 dollars.

Then after upgrading my graphics card I might need to upgrade my CPU or RAM but i'm not sure about this, so could anyone help me decide what to upgrade after my GPU?

If anyone can help me I would really appreciate it!

 

[ionut19]

With your current system, i need to know the exact model of your PSU but i think it will handle the increased power usage.

As for video card i would recommend this one http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130562 or this one http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125334 for the 200$ price. If you play or want to play at resolutions over 1680x1050 go for the 1Gb model witch scales better and it is only 30$ more expensive http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125333

You also need to upgrade you CPU. The one you have is not that good. Something like this might help http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103279

You can buy a second 2Gb RAM kit but that is not a must have especially when your PC is not that new.
What model of RAM do you have, any links to it?

With the new video card and the new CPU you will see your games fly. If you play at 1280x1024 buy the 768Mb GTX460. You will not need more.

After this upgrade a new PC would sound good, not worth to upgrade again because some of the components are old.
The CPU will draw the card's performance dawn, so it is a must also.

 

[ptur]

Thanks for the reply.
I was already planning to buy the GTX 460 that you linked me to but I wasn't sure if my computer could handle it.
Also is a .7Ghz upgrade really that useful?

 

[ionut19]

The CPU is really cheap and yes, the speed increase will affect the gaming potential very much.
I think this will be your last upgrade with this PC. Also buy a arctic silver 5 thermal compound(paste) to apply on your new CPU.

 

[ptur]

Do you think it is wise to maybe upgrade to quad core with a 100-150$ graphics card or should i just stick with the 50$ CPU with 150-200$ GPU upgrade?

 

[ionut19]

Can you tell me the max resolution you want to play your games?

Buy the dual core and the gtx460. For your motherboard that is the best option, at list that is what i would do if i ware you.

 

[ptur]

Best answer selected by ptur.