Upgrade the CPU or RAM?

[PrayForDeath]

I want to upgrade my machine, but I don't know whether I should upgrade my CPU or RAM. I play WoW a lot and do lots of video/audio encoding/decoding. I also multitask alot because of my large screen. If I upgrade my CPU I would get an A64 X2 4200+, and for the RAM I would make it 2Gb instead of 1, but I can't afford both upgrades. So which upgrade would give me better performance, and why?

I don't think the CPU upgrade will improve my WoW performance since it's probably limited by the GPU at 1920x1200 (and the framerate goes below 15 during intense boss fights, otherwise it's usually above 30).

Thanks

 

[Seekermeister]

Get the processor. I was facing a similar decision, and from the responses that I have received here, the processor will make the most noticeable difference. I can't speak first hand on this, because I just ordered my X2 4400+ a few minutes ago.

 

[westihockey09]

Get the processor for sure, a 3000+ is much more out of date and will slow down your system a lot more than the gig is. A gig isn't out of date and isn't causing the slow framerates is your game. Buy the dual core, however if you are looking for an improved framerate look at video cards.

Buy the dual core.




Westi

 

[dBTelos]

If you were planning on more intense things in the future, you might want to save your money for a mobo/CPU upgrade to C2D. Because you won't be able to use any DDR RAM you purchase now, Conroe only supports DDR2

 

[KeithTalent]

I'd say go for the processor. It will help with the encoding for sure and may help with WOW as well.

Edit: just saw this Linkage may be food for thought.

 

[Seekermeister]

I think that if you could afford a X2 processor with 2x1MB L2 caches, it might improve your gaming.

 

[kuqdew]

Get the processor however if you ever plan on getting more RAM, now would be the time to do it as prices on DDR Ram are surely going to increase.