Upgrade Help

[1sikbITCH]

Here are my current specs:

CPU: AMD Athlon64 3200+
Motherboard: Asus A8V Deluxe
Memory: 1024 MB of Buffalo Technologies PC3200
Video Card: MSI 6600GT Nvidia - AGP

I'd like to get into a PCIe setup for a couple hundred bucks and then try to really upgrade the videocard. I'm playing Stalker and I've hit a level that makes my computer stutter like I haven't seen since playing Quake2 online on a 400mhz Pentium and AOL dial-up

I'm thinking I don't have to go high-end on the motherboard right now. I can look to buy a kick-ass board around Christmas time when I get my bonus.

I don't even know whether to go AMD or Intel these days. Thanks for any help.

 

[1sikbITCH]

Ok after browsing a bit more at other people's posts more closely than I did before I made this thread, I came across this by ForumMaster:

Originally posted by: ForumMaster
alright then, so we're getting a CPU/Mobo/Ram/ and Video Card.

CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo E4300 1.86Ghz for $117
Mobo: Gigabyte GA-965P-DS3 for $110
RAM: CORSAIR XMS2 2GB DDR2 800 for $113
Video Card: Nvidia 8600GT for $129

total: $469 for something that will totaly destroy what you currently have.

Sounds good to me. It'll be weird building an Intel rig after years of AMD though

 

[hurtstotalktoyou]

Since your budget seems to be a little tight, I'd consider the following alternatives:

Gigabyte GA-945P-S3 instead of the GA-965P-DS3 -- they're pretty much exactly the same in terms of overclocking capabilities; the only meaningful differences are a few additional features on the DS3, but I don't think they're worth the extra $40.

2GB (2x1GB) Wintec AMPO DDR2-800 instead of the Corsair XMS2 -- the Corsair has *slightly* tighter timings, sure, but I don't think that's worth the hassle of a rebate (assuming they'd even honor it)

With the net $40 you save on the motherboard, and maybe an extra $8.50, you could get yourself an E6320 instead of the E4300. Or you could get a better video card.

 

[1sikbITCH]

Thanks. You're right about the tight budget and not needing the extra features. I'm just at the point where I need to upgrade my videocard and it makes no sense to seek out a new AGP card anymore.