Can I get some extra mileage with an overclock?

[Terzo]

I played TF2 back when Valve had their free weekend. The game was fun, but it was very choppy for me; playing anything besides an engineer was a frustration.

I don't game much, but I think a lot of the reason is my system isn't capable of tackling many new games. What I have is the following:
Processor: Athlon 64 3200 (venice core, stock cooling, not overclocked)
Motherboard: Asrock 939 dual sata
Memmory: 4x512 of ddr (I don't remember the frequency)
Video Card: 7300 gt
PSU: Antec Smartpower 400w
Monitor: 1680x1050 resolution

I was thinking that I could get an core 2 setup, 7200, and an 8800gt (especially in a month, when intel has its price cuts and the new generation video cards come out).

However, money is a bit tight, and I was wondering what I could with an overclock and a new video card.
How far could I overclock the 3200, and would that be sufficient to run TF2 and other new games (1680x1050 medium detail)?
If that's feasible, would I need to get a new cpu cooler?
Would I be able to squeeze through with my current psu?
Would I do fine with the 8800gt, or could I do well finding a used 7600-7800? *I prefer nvidia since they have better linux support than ati*

 

[JasonandBecky]

If you get the 8800gt and later on decide to upgrade the system, the video card will still be decent. So for sure go that route.

As far as the CPU goes, first give overclocking it a go since its free. If its not enough perhaps try picking up a faster used CPU that will work in your motherboard. You can find some pretty decent deals on used 939 socket CPU's.

 

[ther00kie16]

yea, those venice cores overclock like a dream. just watch the temps while overclocking.

 

[Terzo]

So two questions;

If I overclock will I be fine with my stock cooling?
If I overclock and drop in an 8800gt, will my power supply hold up?

 

[ther00kie16]

Hard to say, can't find information on just the 12V alone but I think you'll be fine as 8800gt only draws 11.5A at load.
For CPU overclocking I don't know how good the stock hsf for socket 939 was but I'm sure you can do some overclocking as long as you watch the temps and keep it under 60C at all times.
To be honest though, I think getting a new video card will do the trick for you as GPU is much more important for games than CPU.

 

[themisfit610]

+1.

Get the video card, then bump up your CPU clocks if your minimum frame rates are still chunky.

~MiSfit