Whats next for my computer!!

[merlin85]

i was wondering what would be the best next improvement i could use in my computer for gaming with the technology today...Im looking for whats most important for my compuetr right now..and what makes games run best, etc. heres the specs...
Sapphire ATI Radeon 9600XT 128mb video card
Abit NF7-S2(G) motherboard
AMD Athlon 2500+ fsb 333 mhz running at 1.8 ghz ( not overclocked)
512 mb of PC3200 RAM

if you need more specific information.. PLEASE LET me know!!and please help!!

 

[aCb]

well how much money you plan on spending if its alot i would suggest building a new system but if its not mayb a new video card not really worth it to get a higher athlon xp considering there wont be much difference.

 

[trance565]

cpu,mobo, prolly gfx card, i suggest gettin a64 cpu, pci-E mobo, and pciE gfx card

cpu : a64 3200+ sock 939 winchester core = $220
mobo : msi k8n neo4 ultra/sli = around $150-$200 i think
and gfx: MSI 6600GT pci-E

 

[DarkBlade1]

Merlin, what is your maximum budget you want to stay under??

 

[merlin85]

well I built this computer about 6 months ago for pretty cheap..now im more looking to improve, and not to completely buy a new system. My main problem is not being able to play Farcry very well...i will spend an additional 200-400 on some new hardware..unless you guys think i need to start all over and get a new mobo...The main question is Out of what I have, what imporvement or what factors do I need to look at next to improve my pc.

 

[trance565]

.... i would suggest doin wut i said
get new mobo cpu, and gfx card

 

[merlin85]

trance....why would I need a new mobo if it supports what I want?
also what specs do I need to be aware of when looking for a new graphics card and and processor...im new to this...thanks in advance!

 

[aCb]

trance what you suggested is the biggest waste of money for him. I would suggest just getting a geforce 6600gt and see how it runs from there. If you are not pleased with your results you might wanna get a mobo/procesor barebone kit at tigerdirect here are some links

http://www.buy.com/retail/product.asp?sku=10390586&loc=101&sp=1

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1218224&CatId=1619

and its not really necesary to get pci express if you get a new mobo/procesor just sell what you got now on ebay and hopefully you wont lose to much money.

edit:does your mobo support athlon 64 or just xp?

and get this card instead of a 6600gt.

http://shop2.outpost.com/product/4082672?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG

 

[merlin85]

Hey why GeForce? I heard that the Radeon's were better for the games out today that use Direct3d technology...as opposed to OpenGL....

 

[DarkBlade1]

Not really... nVidia and ATi are about equal except for the Radeon x850XT PE, which is insane....

You need to get a new mobo and processor. I recommend on that budget a low end 754socket Athlon64 and a decent MOBO and a good GPU. Here, let me see what I can do you you.

MSI Neo4 nForce4 Ultra MOBO (NON SLi)
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=241158
This MOBO is PCIe and is socket 939. Go you!
Price= 154.00

AMD Athlon64 3000+ Winchester Core 90nm
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=80699-2
You can OVERCLOCK this like CRAZY!! 90nm is insanely awesome!!
PRICE= $160


GPU:
Chaintech GeForce6200 PCI Express GPU with Turbo Cache.
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=323279
This GPU is VERY GOOD for the price. It has Turbocache, and can beat the x800SE in 40% or tests and the x700Pro in 85% of them. It is very good card!

Price= $413
This PC would be very very good for $400! This will play DooM3 and HL2 VERY WELL, and even better with OCing!