Computer Gaming Question

[xStaRx]

I have a bit of a dilemma right now. I have a somewhat old Hewlett Packard, Windows 98, DSL (soon to be Cable), a sad excuse for a video card, and 128MB RAM. I'm in desperate need of a better system because I am a huge computer gamer and I can not deal with lag, and since I want to play graphic-straining games like PlanetSide I need a lot better system. I do not want fork out $3k for a whole new system, so I am thinking about upgrading. My upgrade plan consists of getting Windows XP, at least a gig of RAM, and an ATI 9700 or Geforce FX video card.

That being said my question is: Will upgraded allow me to run big games smoothly even though my system is a bit old and has gone through a lot. If so, what are some upgrades I should look at besides and/or instead of what I listed already.

Thanks.
StaR

[Urban_Squrill]

I does not cost that much to build a new system. Add a new mobo and CPU to what you got. I would go with AMD 2600+ and ASUS a7n8x dux. ATI is the way to go.

[StealthyV]

you can build a kicking system for less than you think...check out one of my earlier threads which deals specifically with peoples' systems and what they paid. granted a few of the systems listed are outdated, but most are current. look around NewEgg or TigerDirect for some prices. also PriceWatch has quality parts.

good luck, and from one DIY'er to the next, building your own is not only cheaper, more rewarding, and fun, but you'll also have bragging rights!

~Branson

[ShawnD1]

Stay away from GeForce FX, they suck balls when it comes to DirectX (super laggy!).

Cheap out on the CPU and go nuts on the video card. Video card is more important by far. For example, my computer has an AthlonXP 2500+ and GeForceFX 5200. A friend of mine has a Duron 800 and GeForce4 Ti4400. My system actually costs MORE but his computer just destroys mine when it comes to gaming performance. In Neverwinter Nights, his computer gets higher fps at a higher resolution and higher quality.

The only things you have to worry about for games are the video card and the ram; a faster CPU will give only marginal increases in performance.

[HeadBand]

yes you will definately need a new cpu and that would require a new mobo and that would require a new case and so on and so forth and so you will be looking at close to a new system so you could go with a completley new one and have the old one for a kid or linux or something also a gig of ram wont do much if you are not runninga lot in the background while gaming 512 or 768 will do just fine

for 750 you can easily get a pretty nice system

[The Terk]

true, an upgrade is not as expensive as you think, an entire new system (if cdrom, floppy, etc are recycled) could cost u anywhere from 400-700 dollars depending on what you get....
PERSONALLY, i would get an AMD 2500+ barton due to the overclockability with the ASUS deluxe board mentioned above, with some good ram, then overclock slowly until maximum performance is achieved....

PS: I also agree with an ATI, i suggest 9600xt cuz it is nice and comes with HL2

[pinipig523]

you cant resuscitate that system... you need to start with a new fresh one. if you dont feel comfortabl ebuilding one yourself, go to dell or ibuypower and configure your own. you dont have to spend 3000, you can easily get a great one for half that. building your own would cost a little less.

[Dax_Brandy]

yeah.. settle with an AMD rig and a *ss-kicking ATI cards! Good luck on your gaming career

[ShawnD1]

Originally posted by HeadBand
a gig of ram wont do much if you are not runninga lot in the background while gaming 512 or 768 will do just fine

512 is not good enough. I'm not running any games and my system is already using 528mb of ram. I'm just running some basic programs that you would find on any computer:
Norton Antivirus
Zone Alarm Pro
Kazaa
Spamihilator (it's a spam filter)
D2OL (distributed computing program)
Trillian (MSN, AIM, ICQ and YIM together)

768 should do fine.

[butch81385]

i have 512 and its fine for me
OS: Win XP Pro

BACKGROUND:
winamp agent
DU Meter
AIM
Pop up stopper free edition
musicmatch jukebox
norton anti virus
norton internet security

programs i use with these running:
adobe photoshop 7
bryce 4
games (bf1942, CoD, Halo)
etc