Hey all. I could really use your help right now... I used to be a regular forum lurker and used to build computers for all of my friends about 3-4 years ago. The last decent computer that I built was my own, about 4 years back. It is still running and running quite well, but I think its time for me to upgrade (I tried bioshock the other day and it ran slow as heck) I have lost touch with the hardware world, and really dont know much about what is happening out there today. If you disengage for a few months you are already lost, and ive been gone for about 3 years now. So I'm hoping you guys can give me some advice.
I have always been the type to sell my old system to a friend, and build one from scratch, but that is obviously more expensive than upgrading my current system. I also dont get as much playtime as I used to, so I figured I probably dont need a brand new system just yet. Here is my setup:
mobo-ASUS K8V SE Deluxe
AMD Athlon 64 3400
Nvidia Geforce 6800GT
512x2 PC 3500
Im thinking of upgrading the basics, Video card and Memory.
So here goes the first stupid question, can I buy extra memory and just put it in with my existing memory? I have one more slot available, and would like to bring my total memory up to 2 Gigs. Would there be a problem with using two 512 DIMMS and one 1Gig?
Second, Video cards... im totally lost, stopped following the battle as soon as I got my pre-ordered 6800 GT delivered. What do I do? can I double up my video card with another one (they are doing that nowadays right?) Should I just buy a new one? I would hate to throw this one out!
Third, Should I just upgrade to a completely new system? If I dont, Im thinking of splurging on a nice 24 inch widescreen monitor (I currently have a 17' Sony Trinitron )What are you thoughts?
PD- Ive been eyeing this deal... looks pretty good doesnt it?
http://www.costco.com/Browse/P...v=&browse=&lang=en-US#
I have always been the type to sell my old system to a friend, and build one from scratch, but that is obviously more expensive than upgrading my current system. I also dont get as much playtime as I used to, so I figured I probably dont need a brand new system just yet. Here is my setup:
mobo-ASUS K8V SE Deluxe
AMD Athlon 64 3400
Nvidia Geforce 6800GT
512x2 PC 3500
Im thinking of upgrading the basics, Video card and Memory.
So here goes the first stupid question, can I buy extra memory and just put it in with my existing memory? I have one more slot available, and would like to bring my total memory up to 2 Gigs. Would there be a problem with using two 512 DIMMS and one 1Gig?
Second, Video cards... im totally lost, stopped following the battle as soon as I got my pre-ordered 6800 GT delivered. What do I do? can I double up my video card with another one (they are doing that nowadays right?) Should I just buy a new one? I would hate to throw this one out!
Third, Should I just upgrade to a completely new system? If I dont, Im thinking of splurging on a nice 24 inch widescreen monitor (I currently have a 17' Sony Trinitron )What are you thoughts?
PD- Ive been eyeing this deal... looks pretty good doesnt it?
http://www.costco.com/Browse/P...v=&browse=&lang=en-US#