Upgrade advice needed, graphics card or hdd?

[Deadalus]

My current system:

PIII 500, 256MB RAM, Voodoo 3 3K, 16GB IBM HDD, SB Live!, Windows 98SE...

As you can see it's not quite at the top of the pack, but it still oes its job

I have a little money to spend on an upgrade in my local PC World (UK), the question is, should I upgrade the graphics card to a GeForce2 MX or upgrade the HDD to a 40-60GB one? Also if you suggest the HDD which is a better make Maxtor or Western Digital?

Thanks very much,

 

[NelsonMuntz]

What are you doing with it? Gaming = graphics card, MP3, pictures, or video storage = HDD. I have used both WD and Maxtor hard drives and have not had problems with either. I have Maxtors in my systems right now, but that is because the prices were right at the times...

 

[kylef]

I'd go with a larger HD. But that's just me.

As for the HD manufacturer question, in my opinion the manufacturer is less of a concern. Make sure it has a 3 year warranty and the platters have a high areal density (20 gigs/platter is latest). A high areal density is even more important than RPM rate for transfer rates.

 

[Deadalus]

Considering my V3, although old, still plays all the games I want, I'm edging towards the HDD. Would I see much of an increase in FPS from a GeForce2 MX?

 

[Deadalus]

BUMP

 

[Helznicht]

"Would I see much of an increase in FPS from a GeForce2 MX"

YES

Quake 3:

http://www.anandtech.com/showdoc.html?i=1010&p=6
600 P3 VD3 3K = 45fps

http://www.anandtech.com/video/showdoc.html?i=1266&p=11
550 P3 GF2MX = 95 FPS

 

[Rand]

Your processor would really be holding the GF2 MX back from it's potential though.

 

[Stark]

You'll notice an overall speed improvement with an ata100 7200 rpm drive if you're running an old 5400 rpm (or worse) drive now. For games, the video card would definately help. The V3 is a good card, but not for playing games.

 

[COWWATCHER]

it really does depend on what you use your system for...

 

[Deadalus]

The thing is, I use it for a little bit of everything - graphics (i.e. Photoshop) and games.

I might treat myself and get both upgrades - I'll have to muster all my persuasive powers