upgrade guidance...

[Kraeoss]

hi guys my specs are:

E2200 @ 2.8
GA-P31-S3G
2 GB Crucial Value memory
8800 GT SC EVGA
430w PSU Generic

what item would i benefit most from if upgraded here ?

budget is $200 usd
EDIT: system mainly used for heavy gaming res @ 1024*768

 

[DSF]

Probably the processor, but what are you doing?

Edit: RAM's also a candidate. You could also upgrade the video card, but for most applications (outside of high-res gaming) the other two will make more difference.

 

[AstroManLuca]

At 1024x768 you won't benefit from a new graphics card, I'll tell you that much.

I'd get a new CPU and a new power supply, and move to 2x2 GB of RAM if possible.

For CPU, E7400 or E8400 are good for the price. Unfortunately you can't get a quad for under $200, and even if you did, you should still get a new PSU. Something from Corsair, SeaSonic, FSP, OCZ, or PC Power & Cooling. Doesn't need to be high wattage but most "generic" power supplies are pretty bad, especially if you're overclocking.

 

[yh125d]

2gb of ram, and a bigger monitor. Don't know if your monitor is 1024x768 or if you just play at that res, so I'm gonna assume its 1024x768

22" for $170 or 20" for $140

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16824009145
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16824009126

2 more GB ram, assuming your current 2gb is 2 x 1gb. If its 1 x 2gb, just get a matching stick for like $20

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16820148160



But, if you really do have a bigger monitor, buy the ram and an e8400 and start playing at a higher res :\

 

[betasub]

1024x768 FTL (unless you consider yourself a pro-gamer!).

Better monitor required before you can claim "heavy gaming".

 

[Kraeoss]

lol hehehe ok ok this old monitor can only run @ 1024*768 that's the highest res. sadly saw a 22' in my country for like $200 will get that last lol

moderate gaming thx betasub

 

[AstroManLuca]

Still... I remember when I moved from a 17" CRT to a 22" LCD, it was a bigger improvement than getting a new graphics card!

 

[Kraeoss]

really hrmm lol seems like i'll have to try that one for size

 

[AstroManLuca]

You could always go for a smaller LCD too, you know. There's a cheapo Hanns-G 17" widescreen (1440x900) LCD for $110 shipped on NewEgg right now. Doesn't ship with a DVI cable, unfortunately, but you can't beat that price (and it still does have a DVI input, you just have to buy the cable separately). Even that would be a huge improvement over whatever you have now (15" LCD? God forbid, an old CRT?).