Need Upgrading Advice

[se7en16]

Hi! I'm a PC gamer, and would like to upgrade my machine to get better performance in some newer games (like Bioshock...it runs pretty good @ 1280x1024, but all options are turned off).

My Rig:
CPU: AMD Athlon 64 3800+ 2.4GHZ
Mobo: ASUS M2N4-SLI
Video: EVGA GeForce 7600GT 256MB
RAM: 3GB Corsair XMS2 DDR2 800 (PC2 6400)

What would be the best upgrade for gaming: a dual-core processor, or a newer video card?

Any help/advice is appreciated.

 

[BurnItDwn]

A New Video card will make a huge difference.
A new CPU probably won't make a difference as far as upping the graphics.

Figure out your budget and go from there ....
An 8800GTS or 2900XT would let you play pretty much everything out with the options maxed out, but they are close to $300 ....
Otherwise perhaps a 7900GT or X1950pro will boost you nicely ....

 

[InflatableBuddha]

Try to grab an 8800GT. I think they come out in 4 or 5 days. The performance is between an 8800GTS and a GTX.

 

[se7en16]

My budget won't get me an 8800. I did find an EVGA 8600GT 256MB for $90 after the rebate on NewEgg. That's more in my price range.

Do you think that will give me a big boost?

 

[InflatableBuddha]

You will see little if any improvement moving to an 8600 GT. This would be your best bet for a cheap upgrade: 7900 GS

7600GT vs. 7900GS

It runs $120, but that's about the minimal upgrade you can do that will give you a noticeable performance boost (similar to X1950 Pro).

Alternatively, you might try for an X1950XT, and sell your 7600GT. That would cost about the same and give you an even bigger boost.

 

[se7en16]

WOW! That Tom's Hardware comparison site you gave is great!

However, I looked into the CPU upgrade and compared it to a Video card upgrade, and it seems the performance jump is higher when going from my Athlon 64 3800+ to an Athlon X2 4200+, which is only $75 on Newegg.