System upgrade options

[Valkerie]

mb: pc chips-agp8x,3pci,Lan,sound,video,478,sata,ide
cpu: celeronD @ 2.4 GHz
memory: 768mb DDR (3200)
hd: SATA 80gb 7200
optical: dvd-rw16x, cd-rw48x
video: geforceFX 5500 256mb
sound: audigyLS
lan: x2, dsl 900k
os: xp pro w/sp2

I want to play Unreal Tournament 2004 with decent frame rates, nothing blistering. I'm not buying a new system just to play some 3D games. Currently, I tried playing the Urban map of UT2004 over the Internet, it's super slow and choppy, especially when I try to play the Assault missions.
Any suggestions on what to upgrade to?

 

[live2game]

your processor to a regular p4 and your video card. Those would be the best ways

 

[keeleysam]

That FX5500 kinda suck... I have an MSI 6600GT, and it really pumps at UT2K4. The rest of your system shouldn't be a bottleneck.

Heres the MSI 6600GT... MSI is the best brand for this card:
http://www.newegg.com/OldVersion/app/Vi...Desc.asp?description=14-127-150&depa=0
With the MSI you get the following nobosy else has:
-Copper Heatsink
-Heatsink actually cools RAM
-Silent Fan
-Very nice software bundle
-VIVO

 

[RussianSensation]

Overclock the celeron D to 3.0ghz. Get a 6800NU AGP for ~$200 and unlock its pipelines/vertex shader units. Your other option is to get $160 6600GT.

 

[The Green Bean]

Originally posted by: RussianSensation
Overclock the celeron D to 3.0ghz. Get a 6800NU AGP for ~$200 and unlock its pipelines/vertex shader units. Your other option is to get $160 6600GT.

:thumbsup:

 

[DaveSimmons]

Currently, I tried playing the Urban map of UT2004 over the Internet, it's super slow and choppy, especially when I try to play the Assault missions

before you spend the money, you might try playing it locally offline against/with bots, just to make sure it is not a network problem.

Also, the resolution you play at and the amount of "eye candy" can make a huge difference in frame rates. Dropping down from (say) 1024x768 to 800x600 might make it playable for $0.

 

[Valkerie]

I've tried, but the 5500 isn't going to cut it. I want better image quality and nice frame rates. An $200 6800LE (OC and unlocking) will probably do it for me.