Need advice on upgrade hardware solutions

[skewdatom]

I am trying to get some feedback on what you think the best upgrade solution for my comp would be right now. I am focusing on CPU, Mobo, and Video exclusively and I am trying to find an instant performance boost with some longevity. I am also trying to stay under $300. I have listed my current components, and 3 Courses of Action. Please let me know which one you think would give me the best performance increase now, and the longest life later. Also, if you have a better solution, please post that as well. I have a pretty good idea on which one I am leaning towards, but any feedback would be appreciated.

Current
---------
MSI KT3 Ultra2-R Via KT333
AMD Athlon XP 2200+ 1.8GHz 266Mhz
Abit Siluro Ti4200 OTES 128MB AGP 8x
--------------------------------------------
1GB Kingston DDR2700 CAS2.5
120GB WD 7200 RPM ATA100
52X24X52X CD-RW
16X DVD-ROM
SB Live 5.1
--------------------------------------------


COA 1 (Upgrade to Athlon 64 CPU&Mobo)
-----------------------------------------------
Chaintech VNF3-250 nForce3 250 Athlon 64 - $90
AMD Athlon 64 2800+ - $184
Abit Siluro Ti4200 OTES 128MB AGP 8x - Keep Video

Total - $274


COA 2 (Upgrade CPU & Video)
-----------------------------------
MSI KT3 Ultra-R - Keep Mobo
AMD Athlon XP 2800+ 2.08GHz 333FSB 512KB Processor - $120
ATISapphire Radeon 9800 Pro 128MB AGP 8x - $169

Total - $289


COA 3 (Upgrade Video Only)
---------------------------------
ATI Sapphire Radeon 9800 Pro 256MB DDR AGP8X - $259

Total - $259



Thanks!

 

[HardWareBoss]

Going from 128MB vid crad to 256MB does not do much for you. Your better off with HIS 9800ProICEQ at New Egg for $239.

 

[Cybercraig]

You can get the VFN3-250 with a 3000+, a copper-plate heatsink & fan, and a FREE edition of Far-Cry for $285.00 while supplies last at Mwave.com. How can you beat that?

"I am become death, the destroyer of worlds. Now, let's eat!

 

[Zeekfu]

cool, I see it is back up there now. What are the details on the fan/heatsink, Craig? Is that better cooling than stock to get the oem cpu with the "mwave copper plate fan"?
I assume that is a fan/heatsink combo for $8, correct?

 

[Cybercraig]

It's a tall aluminum heatsink with a copper bottom, a 60mm Speeze fan, a chrome fan-grill, and a sheathed wire lead. We'll see how it cools but it might be a keeper!

"I am become death, the destroyer of worlds. Now, let's eat!