Where should I upgrade?

[bsbrew]

Hello,

I am trying to upgrade an slightly older computer. I am trying to figure out if my CPU needs upgraded to avoid a bottleneck or should I upgrade my Graphics card. I am a casual gamer and my upgrade would be for playing newer games. Here are my system specs.

Processor AMD Athlon(tm) 64 X2 Dual Core Processor 4400+
Memory (RAM) 6.00 GB
Graphics NVIDIA GeForce 8600 GT
Gaming graphics 3071 MB Total available graphics memory
Primary hard disk 256GB Free (364GB Total)
Windows 7 Home Premium

System
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Manufacturer HP-Pavilion
Model GG045AA-ABA a6142n
Total amount of system memory 6.00 GB RAM
System type 64-bit operating system
Number of processor cores 2

Storage
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Total size of hard disk(s) 373 GB
Disk partition (C 256 GB Free (364 GB Total)
Disk partition (D 1 GB Free (9 GB Total)
Media drive (E CD/DVD

Graphics
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Display adapter type NVIDIA GeForce 8600 GT
Total available graphics memory 3071 MB
Dedicated graphics memory 256 MB
Dedicated system memory 0 MB
Shared system memory 2815 MB
Display adapter driver version 9.18.13.697
Primary monitor resolution 1680x1050
DirectX version DirectX 10

 

[FinneousPJ]

You could upgrade the GPU first if you can't afford a new system. Then upgrade CPU/mobo/RAM later. You will need to upgrade them all though for modern games.

 

[bsbrew]

Thats what I was afraid of.

 

[Scott_D_Bowen]

What did it cost you in $/cents per week to run?

 

[bsbrew]

I have no idea how to find that info out.

 

[Kiowa789]

Might need a new computer, otherwise, I would go for an upgrade to a better GPU, I suggest something in between the 7770-7850 area, like a 7770.

 

[arcticle]

Upgrading your video card will help, but you will only notice improvements in a few small areas such as in games. If you upgrade your CPU, you will notice increased performance in EVERYTHING. There will not be as much of a boost to performance in gaming, but the positive impacts of a modern CPU outweigh the positive impacts of a modern video card in my opinion.

 

[SinisterSalad]

Sadly, I would just ask Santa for cash so you can build a new system. You'd be scavenging eBay for upgrade parts at this point, being stuck on an AM2 board. I believe the best CPU you could do is a X2 6000+ or something, so you're stuck on a dual core. You MAY be able to go to a first gen Phenom, but I'm not sure of the watt rating on that motherboard. Being an HP, I wouldn't trust the power supply to handle anything fancy, either. They tend to put PSUs in that are just enough to handle what they sell you.

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/documentSubCategory?tmp_task=prodinfoCategory&cc=us&dlc=en&lc=en&product=3451996

EDIT: Found the watt rating... 89 watts. Doesn't leave much to be desired. X2 5600+ is the best you can do with that board.

 

[bsbrew]

Ok guys thanks for the info. Not looking good for me. I got a baby on the way so a new computer is pretty much out of the question. I might be able to do an upgrade here or there but I guess it doesnt really make sense. Thanks again.

 

[SinisterSalad]

Congrats on the youngin'!

 

[bsbrew]

thanks SinisterSalad