Upgrade - Is it worth it?

[PacificGeek]

I have a 'mature' computer system that I want to play COD4 at 1680x1050 but the question is, is it doable?

My current computer is:

CPU: AMD 64 3400+ (Socket 754)
MB: MSI K8N Neo Platinum
RAM: 768MB (3GB max)
VIDEO: ATI X800 Pro 256MB AGP

I just want to be able to play COD4 at 1680x1050 (since I have a 22" widescreen LCD) with the settings at medium.

I was thinking of max'ing out the memory with 3 x 1GB DDR 400 sticks ($30 each), not sure about the video card.

COD states a minimum of 512MB and a 6600/9800Pro, recommends 1GB and a 7800/X1800.

I can afford a video card and memory upgrade, not a whole new computer.

Is upgrading the memory and possibly video card going to make a difference or is it not even worth it?

What video card would be best of the AGP slot and below $100?

 

[narreth]

sorry but it makes no sense to buy outdated hardware (AGP cards and DDR1 memory). Save up ~500 for a new budget level pc

 

[alimoalem]

I'm with narreth. I have no idea how the X1950XT would handle COD4 (I would assume it could at 1680x1050) and I'm not sure what resolution the recommended components are recommended for, but I would think it would handle it. Newegg has the GeCube X1950XT AGP 8X for $99 +$9.39 shipping.

The cheapest 1GB DDR400 sticks on newegg are $27.99 + free shipping. This'll come out to ~$193 before tax. The thing is, I honestly think you'll be bottlenecked by the CPU, anyway. Personally I would wait 'til I had at least $400, preferable $500+ for a full system upgrade.

 

[octopus41092]

With what you have it's not even worth it. Like Alimoalem said the CPU bottlenecks it. You can a completely new computer, for something mid to high end I'd say about $600 but I'd say at least a minimum of $450 before you upgrade.

 

[Blain]

Originally posted by: PacificGeek
Is upgrading the memory and possibly video card going to make a difference or is it not even worth it?

"Worth it" is a relative term that's different for each user. What may be "worth it" for me, may not be "worth it" for Bob.

 

[narreth]

an hd 4850/E7200/DS3R/4GB system would be like night and day compared to what you have now

 

[DSF]

Originally posted by: Blain

Originally posted by: PacificGeek
Is upgrading the memory and possibly video card going to make a difference or is it not even worth it?

"Worth it" is a relative term that's different for each user. What may be "worth it" for me, may not be "worth it" for Bob.

Bob is such a miser. No fun to hang out with, either.

 

[PacificGeek]

Originally posted by: narreth
an hd 4850/E7200/DS3R/4GB system would be like night and day compared to what you have now

I agree, anything would be better than my current system. Hahaha.

As long as I don't screw myself like I did with the Socket 423 and Socket 754, I will be happy. Just promise me LGA775 isn't going to disappear in a year.

 

[TidusZ]

Originally posted by: PacificGeek

Originally posted by: narreth
an hd 4850/E7200/DS3R/4GB system would be like night and day compared to what you have now

I agree, anything would be better than my current system. Hahaha.

As long as I don't screw myself like I did with the Socket 423 and Socket 754, I will be happy. Just promise me LGA775 isn't going to disappear in a year.

Actually it will disappear in q4 '08 / q1 '09 when nehalem comes out... So less than a year. Still though theres never a bad time to buy. You're Better off to buy a new (cheap) pc every year or two than to try and upgrade an old computer or hold onto an expensive one for too many years.

 

[Christobevii3]

You could get a basic socket am2+ board, 5000+ black edition, ram, and 4850 setup for like $300-400 depending on motherboard/ram.