I want to upgrade cpu and graphics card

[jcon891]

I built a new computer about a year ago, and i slacked off on the processor, so I'd like to upgrade. I would also like to upgrade the video card soon.

My system specs currently:


-CPU: AMD Athlon 64, 2015 MHz (10 x 202) 3200+

-Motherboard: Asus A8N-SLI (3 PCI, 2 PCI-E x1, 2 PCI-E x16, 4 DDR DIMM, Audio, Gigabit LAN)

-Motherboard Chipset: nVIDIA nForce4 SLI, AMD Hammer

-RAM: 2GB Corsair RAM

-Video Card: NVIDIA GeForce 7600 GT (256 MB)

-Disk Drive: Maxtor 6Y160M0 (160 GB, 7200 RPM, SATA)

-Operating System: Windows XP Home


My budget:

CPU: $300-350 USD
Graphics Card: $250-300

I would like to know any suggestions, please find products that will be completely compatable.

Thanks in advance for the help.

 

[Äߧý∩†H♠H䎀]

Well i'm not sure about the actual sockett for your Asus board. I'd recommend going with the highest AMD you can find unless you want to switch to a 775 sockett motherboard & get a core2duo. As for the graphics card I'd get a 8800GTS Extreme 320mb. Check out newegg your can find them from $279.99 for the cheapest to $329.99 for the most expensive. Just look at the clocks the low end has a 500mhz memory clock while the more expensive have up to 570mhz I believe. DX10 support & 96 pixel pipelines/shaders you can't beat that card for the price and its right in your budget unless you want to make it another $65 then go with the 8800gts 640mb version.

 

[jcon891]

its a 939 socket, and i think ill go for the 640mb version 8800GTS as i'll need more video memory for college. could you suggest a specific amd processor.. i am not good with CPU's. i can actually go anywhere from 300-400 USD

 

[kchi55]

Well, you're really restricted right now since you're still on skt939. 939 uses DDR memory and to be most up to date you should probably consider DDR2 memory now, which would require a DDR2 capable motherboard. If you want to keep the motherboard though, I'd just get a Opteron X2, since skt 939 is quickly phasing out.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103584
That's one of the better processors that are currently out for AMD skt 939, but you really should consider starting over and getting a new mobo/memory that supports DDR2 and probably Core 2 Duo.

 

[Istonian]

I agree, Core 2 Duo is the way to go. If you absolutely have to have a socket 939 processor then go with the opteron.

 

[jcon891]

I dont think i will have the money left over at graduation to pay for a motherboard, ram, video card, and processor... I really hope i will, but I have other things to pay for.

If having a newer motherboard is going to make a huge difference in the long run, i have no clue what i am going to do...

My computer will need to run all new games, as well as create and render high polygon movies and images for school.

 

[kchi55]

Yeah in that case I'd definitely consider just saving up money until you can afford an entirely new rig.