Upgrade video card, or...?

[Rogue 2]

OK, here's the deal. I have an Athlon X2 4200+ (939), non-SLI mobo, 6800GS card, 2GB DDR400 RAM.

Thinking of saving up a bit to get the 9600GT as a replacement, I mainly play COD4 but don't want to get screwed out of playing new games that come out. I sense my 6800GS won't cut it too much longer...

I mainly play COD4 at 1024x768 but I'd like to play it higher (along w/ other games). I have a 20" CRT (I know, I know!) that will get up to 1600x1200, so of course that would be great too...

So I'm thinking of a couple options... please comment:
1) Replace video card with 3850/3870/9600GT-range card.
2) Replace CPU/mobo/ram, leave video card alone
3) Replace mobo w/ 939 SLI model and get a second 6800GS

I'm interested in #3, since may that will give me lots more performance for relatively cheep $$$... but then I'm still locked into an obsolete platform.

Did I mention I'm cheap though?

TIA for your comments.

 

[Magusigne]

I'll sell ya my BFG 7800 GT OC 256 ROFL. In all honesty the 9600GT is supposed to be pretty freaking sweet for the price.

 

[scheibler1]

get the xfx 9600gt stock edition for $180. The xfx cards have a double lifetime warranty if you register within 30 days of purchase. That means that not only do you get a lifetime warranty covering overclocking and changing heatsinks, but if you decide to sell the buyer also gets a lifetime warranty! Lifetime warranty for buyer=higher resale value for you!

 

[Magusigne]

Exactly. Your processor isn't really as big of a bottleneck as you may think. I mean sure it would help, but I think the best bang for the buck would be getting the 9600GT and using that. Also Scheibler is right, eventually if you come into some money (tax rebate) cough cough you can upgrade your other components!

 

[vanvock]

& I've got a 7900gt laying around. I just got the 8800gt for my rig & it's a real kick in the pants. Any of the cards you listed would be a good upgrade or if you can strech it a little further for the 8800, they may even get a bit cheaper after the new release gets flowing.

 

[Bateluer]

I'd get a 9600GT or a Radeon 3870, whichever you can get for cheaper. Then, wait until after Nehalem is released for a total rebuild.

 

[Rogue 2]

Cool - I really appreciate the input, helps to steer me in the right direction. Now I just have to finish my tax return!