$400 Upgrades

[AliasX]

3-400$ with which to purchase new

Motherboard
PSU
Processor
Graphics Card
Ram


I'm into gaming. Coming from 7800GT, AMD X2 4400+, 2gb ram.



Not really a video card exclusive question.

- AmberClad (Video Mod)

 

[allies]

What resolution of monitor?

What I would do (assuming you have 1680x1050 or lower)

$90 for an 4830
$30 for a DDR2 kit
$125 for a Phenom X3 710
$125 for a good board for it
$50 for a PSU

I guess you'd have to stretch a bit, but if you could put out the extra $20 it'd be worth it for a complete overhaul.

 

[Tempered81]

I would pick something like this:

1. open box newegg or cpu/mobo combo deal $50
2. cheap antec/corsair $50
3. e5200, e7200 $60 / $110
4. hd4830, 9800gt $80
5. cheap 2gb $25

 

[techboie]

Get a three core or quad core.
Get at least 4GB RAM at at least 800MHz
Get at least a 500 watts PSU, bare minimum
Get at least 500 gb space
Get a good mobo

 

[Denithor]

e5200 (2.5GHz, 2MB cache) $73
Asus P5KPL $50
G.Skill 2x2GB DDR2-800 $46
ASUS 4850 $145 - $30MIR
Corsair 400CX $60 - $20MIR

Total: $374 - $50MIR = $324

You could even consider bumping up to an E8400 (3GHz, 6MB) for $90 more or a Q8200 (2.33GHz, 4MB) for about $100 more.

Note that this system nets you a faster video card which is critical for gaming.

 

[AstroManLuca]

If you're up for overclocking, an E5200 should do you just fine and it'll probably overclock really well too. Maybe consider going for Denithor's suggestion and adding an aftermarket cooler to help with the overclock. The Xigmatek HDT-S1283 is good for the price (under $40 and includes a fan), while the Thermalright Ultra 120 Extreme (TRUE for short) is one of the best higher-end ones but it runs around $50 and you have to buy a fan yourself.