recommended computer hardware upgrades

[Spektrewing386]

Ok im pretty sure my bottleneck when playing games is the processor, but what do you guys think i should uprade to get better performance in games.

Specs:
Windows XP Service Pack 2
Asus A8N-E 939 socket (nForce 4) motherboard - has dual processor capability
AMD Athlon XP 3000+ (running at 1.81 GHz)
1 GB DDR PC3200 RAM
Nvidia 7600GT 256MB
onboard Realtek AC97 audio




Should I get a completley new motherboard and processor. a different processor, another (2) processor?

im confused, not good with hardware stuff and i feel that the local computer store overprices stuff.

[Turbo04]

About the only thing that ISN'T a bottleneck for you is the XP Service pack 2. The entire computer is outdated. I'd get new mobo/CPU/Ram....if you still have cash left over get a new G/C. 7600gt are ok.....

[Spektrewing386]

i knew that im just in denile.

[Turbo04]

Realizing you have a problem is the first step. Accepting it is the 2nd...

[RBS]

if anything, upgrade your processor.. that will definitely make the BIGGEST difference with your current setup

[ATK_Designs]

as of right now, it's not worth it to upgrades. best bet is getting a whole new system.

DDR1 RAm will be more expensive than DDRII.


Cheapest option would be:

A good AMD AM2 Mobo
Black Edition AMD X5000 CPU + Good Heatsink
4GB DDR2 RAM (Go for DDR1000 since you'll be Overclocking that CPU like no tomorrow)
A good PCI-E Video Card

You're good to go.

[lilmanx01]

if you dont want to spend too much start off with the upgrade on the ram 1 gig these days isnt much for gaming.. you want atleast 2-3 gigs 3 recommended if your going to spend the money. but if your looking to spend some money then yea maybe its time to just go ahead and get a new computer like the one stated above...