Upgrading

[mank!]

With all these new games coming out and the fact that BF:Vietnam doesn't run as well as it could even at lowest detail I think it's about time I upgraded as it hasn't been touched since I built it two years ago. The current spec is:

Pentium4 2.0GHz
Epox 4BDA2
512MB PC2100 RAM
GeForce 4 Ti4200
1x 80GB Seagate Barracuda 7200RPM
1x 40GB Seagate Barracuda 7200RPM
Chieftec case w/ 360W PSU
Lite-On LTR 40x12x48 CD-RW
LG DVD-ROM
iiyama 17" VisionMaster Pro 413

I think that's about it unless I've forgotten something vitally important.

What I presume needs upgrading is the processor, my graphics card and I wouldn't mind whacking 1GB of RAM in there as I still haven't got round to it. Problem is reading all of the stuff on websites makes no sense to me so I come here for laymen's terms. What's the best processor and graphics cards to go for? I've got no real budget but I don't want to spend a fortune. If anyone thinks something else could do with being upgraded then mention it please.

thanks

 

[Clown]

Is that 512MB one stick or two?
If you wanna save some money, maybe bump that up to 1GB and get a 9800 Pro... then see if it plays to your satisfaction. The 9800 Pro would still be good when you put it in a new computer

 

[mank!]

I'll upgrade the RAM to 2x 512mb PC3200 at some point, that's decided.

 

[Clown]

Then you're gonna need a new motherbaord I think. And if you get a new motherboard then you might as well get a new CPU. You could probably get an AMD Athlon 2500+ Mobile XP Barton (whatever round alll those words go), which would give you really good performance if you overclock it and for much cheaper. I dunno. I don't like talking like I know stuff, because I'm nearly always wrong.

Then you would probably need a new CPU cooler. And maybe a nice new case to put it all in. I hate doing this. I end up replacing everything and end up like my thread down there

 

[mank!]

Why will I need a new mobo? I don't want a new one.

 

[mank!]

I suck. I meant PC2700 not PC3200. Clown sucks.

 

[Clown]

According to the Epox web site then your motherboard doesn't take that either.

 

[mank!]

We've discussed this in IRC. I'll have to go for the 2100 then. Never mind!

ta though

 

[Lazarus]

Then you're gonna need a new motherbaord I think. And if you get a new motherboard then you might as well get a new CPU.

and if you get a new cpu, you might as well get a new heatsink fan. If you get a new heatsink fan, you will need a bigger PSU. If you gt a bigger PSU youll need a bigger case. If you get a bigger case, you might need a bigger room

You might as well move house when you are at it matey.

dont things have a habit of spiralling out of control

 

[Clown]

Then you would probably need a new CPU cooler. And maybe a nice new case to put it all in. I hate doing this. I end up replacing everything and end up like my thread down there

What?