Help me play newer games

[irie]

Hi all. I'm looking to upgrade my stock configured computer in the next few days and would like some advice.

Here is what I have.

Intel 2.0GHz w/512 Cache Pentium 4 Processor & Motherboard
512MB DDR Memory
64MB NVIDIA Geforce2 MX400 AGP w/ DVI and TV Out
40GB 7M Ultra ATA Hard Drive

I'm looking to upgrade to the level where I can play the newer games such as doom 3 and Bf2. Someone at work suggested that I get a Geforce 6800GT and about 512MB more memory, but they were not very sure. It would be great if you guys could point in the right direction. Thank you in advance.

Irie

 

[imported_Kensai]

6800GT + 512MB-1.5GB of ram.

 

[mwmorph]

better processor or at least oc your proc. the processr will be holding you back somewhat.
6800gt is good, 512mb or 1 gb or 1.5gb more ram will be good.

 

[DanDaMan315]

x800XL plus 2gb of ram for the win!

 

[Matthias99]

Originally posted by: mwmorph
better processor or at least oc your proc. the processr will be holding you back somewhat.
6800gt is good, 512mb or 1 gb or 1.5gb more ram will be good.

The processor may be limiting him a bit, but only if he upgrades the RAM and video card considerably. Being "CPU limited" in games is WAY overblown IMO; you might be running at 60FPS instead of 100FPS in some situations, but you can still crank up the resolution and turn on all the IQ features if you have a fast video card.

 

[Fern]

Originally posted by: mwmorph
better processor or at least oc your proc. the processr will be holding you back somewhat.
6800gt is good, 512mb or 1 gb or 1.5gb more ram will be good.

About the cpu, usually I preach against the whole "OMGWTF your cpu is bottlenecking" thingy. But that is a pretty slow cpu. I've got one!

If you can swing another $180 you can pick up a Newcastle 2800+ and a Chaintech VNF3 250.

In my benchies, I have found D3 is not too ram dependant. Loading times etc were the same 512MB as 1 gig. But that was faster ram (200/400mhz), don't know the slower stuff you have would hold up.

I don't play BF2 so can't comment there except to say I see 1.5gig appears to be needed.

Painkiller, FarCry and some other FPS games really benefit from 1 gig in my tests.

If you can only afford the 6800GT/X800XL and ram, go for it. It'll still be a big improvement. (can your PSU carry the 6800GT?, how amps on the 12v rail?)

FErn

 

[theMan]

how much money do you have to upgrade.

 

[Pabster]

2GB is a good investment, especially if games ala Battlefield 2 are in your future. RAM prices are real good right now, no point in skimping.

 

[InfiniteLurker]

How much are you looking at spending?

 

[5LiterMustang]

That processor is hurting you, but if you wanna milk it, buy 2gb's of good ram and a good vid card then in 8 or 9 months you can throw both the ram and vid card in a new rig...this will give you some time to sort out whats going to happen 1st quarter 06 on the processor front.

 

[irie]

Wow. Thank you guys for all the great help.

 

[PingSpike]

Ok, the cpu and ram are definately limiting you...but am I the only one that thinks the video card is the first thing that needs to be upgraded? Thats a GF*2* mx400...I had one of those and it couldn't keep pace in RtCW or several other older titles. You're not even going to be able to entertain the idea of playing doom3 with that card.

6600gt agp 9800pro are decent options in the 100-150 pricerange, but I don't know what your budget is.

I'd say upgrade the cpu next and then grab at least 512mb more ram.

If you've got a limited budget, spread your money around on those three things. Don't be one of those guys that puts a 7800 in a celeron 1.3ghz and then brags about his awesome video card that isn't even fully utilized.

 

[hans030390]

6600gt or better (I recommend the 6800gt) at least 1gb of ram (2gb recommended) and a new CPU (get a nice Amd 64)

 

[irie]

:thumbsup:Once again thank you guys for all the help. Back to the world of Lurking for me.