What would YOU upgrade?

[Starfoxer]

i think it's time for an upgrade of my computer. I am not totally sure what to upgrade though. I am a heavy gamer, and I surf the interawebnet and watch movies. Here are my specs:

2100+ Tbred at 12.5x200 so 2.5ghz (SLK 800)
512mb Corsair XMS3200c2
Epox 8rda+
80GB 8mb cache WD
GF4200 64mb 8xagp
A04 DVD-rw
430w True Power Antec PSU



so what would you suggest. i am anticipating games like HL2 and an MMORPG like SWG or another.

i'd like to keep it close to 200 but i can spend more. Probably a new vid card and maybe ram.

[durrem]

Your ram looks good. I'd say try to get a 9700np Ati board. That 4200 is really holding you back if you are a heavy gamer.

You might want to wait until HL2 comes out though, to see what works best at that point.

[WejRepus]

yea, the vid card is what i would upgrade

[Graphic67]

I agree an ATI 9600 pro or clearance 9700 non-pro will both fall under $200 and be a substantial improvment in speed and quality.

[JaY_III]

i would wait till the game comes out in september (HL2)... keep saving money in the mean time, and then upgrade.. based on what you have, the best video card that you can afford will probly do you the most good

[michaelkahl]

video card defintately...get a 9800pro, go big or stay home. thats not a bad card, but I wouldn't trade my 8500 for a 9600-9700 pro, 9800pro or bust. Or 5900 ultra or bust depending on brand preference.

[rogerdugans]

Water cooling :)

Hey- you asked for opinions and I gave mine! ;)

I will give you a couple of reasons I think it is a valid upgrade though:
Components can move from system to system as you upgrade other components so the yhave a longer useful life than many pc upgrades.
Increased performance- quieter or lower temps.
Fun project/hobby in and of itself.
:)

But if you choose to stick with mere air cooling (;)) tah I would agree with waiting and seeing what comes out in fall: prices will be down on current stuff, yadda, yadda- you know the drill.

[Starfoxer]

hehe, thanks guys, i will most likely get a video card. probably a 9700 like said.

thanks roger, lol, but i've been through all of that before. i've used phase change, water chillers, and even direct die cooling. in the end, the upkeep was just too much hasstle. i also enjoy being able to move my computer from place to place. it was hard with all of the watercooling equip.

[Gage8]

Originally posted by WejRepus
yea, the vid card is what i would upgrade
ditto

[Nismo]

i ll have to say vid card. All other parts in your sys looks good