Hardware Upgrading Advice

[Shodex]

Alrighty, I've got an aging computer. And though I love my old school games, I still enjoy a good romp around a flashy new FPS from time to time. However, I'm 15, so money isn't exactly growing on trees. I'm looking for some advice on what I should upgrade next.

My Specs:
OS: Windows XP Pro 32-Bit (I have Windows 7 Ultimate, I prefer XP.)
CPU: Intel Pentium D 2.66GHz
RAM: 2GB DDR (Since I have a 32-Bit OS this one is pretty much impossible to upgrade.)
Video Card: Nvidia GeForce 9500GT 1GB
(If you want more info, just ask.)

I realize the computer is reaching the "slow beyond repair" point, and believe me I'm considering just getting a new computer.

I'm leaning towards getting a better graphics card. My crappy CRT monitor only runs at 1024x768 so just a 9800GT would be dandy.

But what do you guys think, is there anything here that needs more upgrading than the rest. Or is it about time to give up and just buy a new computer.

[President]

Spending Limit. Upgrade ram and switch to 7 Ultimate.

[Shodex]

Spending Limit. Upgrade ram and switch to 7 Ultimate.
No limit persay, I've got a job. But I'm still looking for the best possible prices.
Also, am I wrong in assuming that the limit for RAM is about 3GB for 32-Bit operating systems?

EDIT: Yes I am. I just read here (http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/aa366778(v=vs.85).aspx#physical_memory_limits_wind ows_7) that the limit is 4GB. Which is jolly good. Thank you Mr. President, I may do just that.

[muddy27]

Id sell that system for a little bit of money and grab a system off newegg for a few hundred dollars or build your own that would run games ok for around 400-500$.
newegg.com or tigerdirect.com for your pc needs although i prefer newegg.

[Shodex]

Id sell that system for a little bit of money...

How much would you think I'd get for it? I bought it a few years back for $200, though it's a totally different system now. I doubt it would be worth much more.

[Chanus]

There are barebones kits on TigerDirect and NewEgg all the time for around $200 that would blow your system out of the water.

[john_savage1982]

Can build an awesome machine these days for $400-500. If you're still using a CRT with 1024x768 then you need a new LCD monitor. Like 100% need.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824236106 - monitor

[Shodex]

... If you're still using a CRT with 1024x768 then you need a new LCD monitor. Like 100% need.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824236106 - monitor

No argument here mate, but I'd like to get my actual computer up to date before I get a new monitor. Take the monitor you linked to, 1600x900 is a lovely resolution. But it's rubbish if you don't have a computer with the stones to run it. I have trouble getting games like Crysis & Modern Warfare 2 running smoothly on 800x600.

[Japan]

Can build an awesome machine these days for $400-500. If you're still using a CRT with 1024x768 then you need a new LCD monitor. Like 100% need.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824236106 - monitor

crt > lcd for many applications.

it's definitely debatable, there is no "100% need" to it

[Shodex]

crt > lcd for many applications.

it's definitely debatable, there is no "100% need" to it

I like being able to stand up and still read the monitor. But overall, for my needs (gaming, gaming and more gaming) an LCD is just the way to go. Besides, 1024x768. Thats puny.

[muddy27]

I also decided to do some pc upgrading myself this year around tax season. Hope you get a good rig in the end you like. Gonna get another 4 gigs of PC1600 DDR3 ram for a total of 8 gigs and grabbing a GeForce GTX 460 SE (Fermi) 1GB from new egg. System would be as follows:

Athlon 2 x3 445 3.10ghz
8 gigz ddr3 ram
500 gig hard drive
geforce gtx 460se

that should last me a bit ecspecially since alot of times im playing older games.

[korrowan]

I also decided to do some pc upgrading myself this year around tax season. Hope you get a good rig in the end you like. Gonna get another 4 gigs of PC1600 DDR3 ram for a total of 8 gigs and grabbing a GeForce GTX 460 SE (Fermi) 1GB from new egg. System would be as follows:

Athlon 2 x3 445 3.10ghz
8 gigz ddr3 ram
500 gig hard drive
geforce gtx 460se

that should last me a bit ecspecially since alot of times im playing older games.

I thought about buying a new rig at tax time... then the government is like FUCK YOU PAY ME 6000 dollars =(.

[muddy27]

Ouch that sucks, its a shame we cant do to the government which is what they do to us which is rape us in the ass in so many ways it makes life look bleak living in this country. On a side not I dont really even wanna spend the cash on this upgrade id rather save it but figure it will get me along for quite a while aside from the new ram and video card, I built that system this past summer.