Get a new monitor/possibly video card

[pcsavvy]

I am not a high end gamer but I like watching japanese anime on my computer and playing the occasional game like Hoyle Board/Puzzle games, and surfing the web.
My current system is the following:

AMD 64 3700 San Diego core
Gigabyte GA-K8NSC-939
1.5 Gb PC 3200RAM Corsair Value Select (2x512 + 2x256)
EVGA 6600GT AGP
Viewsonic 17 inch CRT (5-6 years old)
Antec TP 480 watts


I realize this is not the latest system but eventually when money allows me to I will upgrade to a dual core system. For now I would like to upgrade my CRT since it is reaching the end of its expected life cycle. I would like to get a wide screen LCD between 20 inches and 24 inches that I can watch movies with and will last. I was thinking of getting either a Dell or NEC MultiSync 20WMGX2.
I am not sure if I should upgrade my videocard at the same time. I have been thinking of getting a 7600gt or 7900 gt apg card. Or should I just go ahead and upgrade to a pcie mb also and get a 7600gt or 7900gt pcie card.
I will have about $600 or so dollars to spend.

edit: I would also like to watch tv through this monitor.

 

[Rabidwerewolf]

Hello there pcsavvy.

As far as monitors are concerned, it is a personal taste, but if you are considering 20 to 24 inch LCDs, then I would go with 22 inch. The cost jump between 22 inches to 24 inches is quite a bit, and you can get a really nice 22 inch LCD for a pretty reasonable price.

I recommend taking a look at the 22" Samsung 226BW which has a native resolution of 1680 x 1050. I've had several clients request this particular model, and they have been very satisfied with them. It is also a pretty popular one, and you can read alot of different reviews from people that have them to give you an idea of the quality of the product. I would also recommend Acer AL2223Wd or the ViewSonic Graphic Series VG2230wm. My personal opinion is that the Samsung is the best of those, but its just my opinion. I always like to see the picture quality of the monitor I'm thinking about getting in person so I recommend that people go to their local electronics stores and see if they carry that particular model so they can get a good look. Then you can search around for the lowest price.

You will need a graphics card that at least supports 1680 x 1050 resolution or better, and with the digital and tv out hook ups. I know you are looking at the nVidia cards, but I would recommend the SAPPHIRE 100209L Radeon X1950GT 256MB. At its price point of $146.99 it out performs the Geforce 7600GT which you can get for between $149 to $150. It also has a composite tv out as well as the HDTV and S-Video outs. You can't find a 7900GT agp card now, but I would consider the XFX PVT71AYDF3 GeForce 7950GT over it anyways. It is about $120 more than the Radeon X1950GT or Geforce 7600GT, but is a more powerful card. The 7950GT performs on par with the Radeon X1950XT.

 

[pcsavvy]

Thanks rapidwerewolf for the info. It is really hard to know when it is time to upgrade to a new platform. But I know I definately need to invest in a new monitor and possibly a new video card.
If I get either of the cards you suggested will I need to upgrade my power supply?