Best bang for the buck? [mod--pls move to gen hardware]

[SantiClaws]

I want to upgrade my machine for gaming. Question is, do I upgrade my cpu or my vid card first. I'd love to do both, but there is a matter of $$$$. So the question is, if you had my machine:

P3 866@962
GF2 GTS

Would you first upgrade your cpu, which with memory and MB will run $250-300 (I want to get about a 1.5Ghz cpu, probably AMD), or would you get a GF4 Ti200 for about $135?

Thoughts?

 

[Neuroanatomist]

I think it depends on what kind of games you play (FPS vs. RTS).

If you are looking for more frames per second, then first upgrade your videocard to a GF4-level card.

Although since you already have a GF2 GTS, you probably should just get a new 1.5Ghz CPU + AMD motherboard.

 

[Packy]

If you got an ECS K7S5A mobo, you wouldn't have to upgrade your ram right away. I only spent ~$120 on that mobo AND an AMD XP1600+ overclocked to 1800+ (1.6ghz). I spend the money I saved on a GF4200ti for about $150.

Works well for me! When I get the money, I'll upgrade my ram to 2700.

 

[kimber]

i would say go for the vid card.although its a close one to call.but seeing your running close to a 150 buss i'd say your mem and processor are speedy enough.

 

[jiffylube1024]

This is a very tough choice for you, I'm afraid... I upgraded from a P3 733 to a Celeron 1.0A @ 1.4 Ghz and on a radeon DDR original (slower than your GTS) I went from 2300 -> 3300 3dmarks (and a noticeable speed bump). However, getting a Ti4200 would also give you a big game speed upgrade, probably more so.

So, I'd say do the logical thing in terms of price devaluation: which do you think would devalue faster? It looks to me like the Ti4200 won't have competition in it's price range for some time, and as such will be worth around what you pay for it for at least a few months. CPU's on the other hand are going down in price every week it seems.

Personally, I'd do both at the same time, but if you must wait, for gaming I'd say get a Ti4200 now, and upgrade your CPU as soon after as possible).

Just my opinion...