Upgrading computer, any thoughts would be great

Currently i have:
Barton 2500 (not over clocked)
epox 8rda+
2 x 512mb ddr333
9800 pro 128
36 gig raptor
200 gig WD SE
antec 430 true power PS

I need a faster computer for Half life 2 and whatnot, what i was thinking of upgrading is:
AMD Athlon 64 3000+ (socket 939)
Nforce 3 mobo
another raptor

OR

AMD Athlon 64 3000+
nforce 4 mobo
6600gt video card (PCI-E)

Would i see much of an upgrade in video cards? Anything you could suggest would be great, thanks for looking.

BTW, this is from tax money, i have around $400 to spend.

 

[imported_NoGodForMe]

You may need new memory, not sure if yours will OC to run at the default MB speed.
You would need more money to build an Nforce4 setup, I wouldn't worry about it, Nforce3 is good enough for what you're doing. MSI Neo2 Platinum is the best for OCing if you can get it set up (picky board). There's a good chance you could OC a 3000+ to 2.4 or 2.6, but you'd need some good memory that goes for $200 on the FS/FT forums.

That's the best idea I have for you, browse the FS/FT forums and buy from people who are upgrading.

For example, I bought an Abit IC7 MAX3 for a grand total of $63 from someone who is building an AMD system. I'll use it as a backup for my main rig.

 

[ayman]

supposably the ATI's are ment to run HL2 better.

The 6600GT will surely out perform your 9800pro and you'll notice a big difference

 

[Markfw]

I would say with your budget, get a 754 Athlon64 3200+ and a 6800 or 6800 GT. Your memory will work fine....I ran some PC2100 on a 754 3200+ on an ECS motherboard, no problem ! (but I did take a performance hit)

 

I could spend another $100 (total of $500) on it considering that i will be selling the leftover parts. My corsair memory overclocks quite well.
I was thinking of getting
AMD Athlon 64 3000+ $150(ish)
nforce 4 ultra (MSI K8N Neo4) $160(ish)
6600gt video card (PCI-E) $190 (ish)

Thats about $500

What do you think?

 

[moonsite]

I would just spend more money on the video card and overclock the 2500+ barton. You can easily do 3200+ with stock fan, by just increasing the FSB. How much gain can you get from an A64 3000+? I don't think there is much difference. You can save the money for new setup later.

 

[Markfw]

My 3 barton 2500's ? none will do 200 fsb. @ an a7nx8, and one on chaintech NF2 mothrboard. And I see a substancial difference in performance in F@H. I would get the Fry's combo for $200 (Athlon64 3000+ and motherboard), and then spend the $300 on a BFG 6800 OC.

 

Originally posted by: moonsite
I would just spend more money on the video card and overclock the 2500+ barton. You can easily do 3200+ with stock fan, by just increasing the FSB. How much gain can you get from an A64 3000+? I don't think there is much difference. You can save the money for new setup later.

I had a 6800GT and a p4 2.4c before and my computer was alot faster for me. I have reinstalled many times trying to fix whatever it is that is keeping my computer from being good to no avail. If i have seen a performance difference with a P4 then i sure will see a difference with a new cpu and mobo.
I dont want to spend extra money but i am really fed up with all the issues.
But seriously, thanks for the suggestion, that logic has kept me with this setup for sometime. Its really time to upgrade.

 

Originally posted by: Markfw900
My 3 barton 2500's ? none will do 200 fsb. @ an a7nx8, and one on chaintech NF2 mothrboard. And I see a substancial difference in performance in F@H. I would get the Fry's combo for $200 (Athlon64 3000+ and motherboard), and then spend the $300 on a BFG 6800 OC.

You saw that in the paper today as well? (gotta love the NW)
I tried to call and find out if it was a 939 and what mobo but i was on hold for 5+ min. I guess i should try to call again.

 

[Munky]

The 6600gt is not much faster than a 9800pro, especially at HL2. If you're gonna spend money on an upgrade, spend it on something that's worth the money. I'd get at least a 6800gt, and then upgrade to an Athlon64 when you have more money.

 

[Wolfshanze]

I'd say buy a 6800GT, stop, take a break, and see where you're at... that may be all it takes to improve HL2.

Bumping your CPU up from it's current speed would be a minimal gain at best... in your boat, the video card is definately your bottle-neck for better HL2 performance.

 

[nick1985]

honestly, you really dont need to upgrade. your current rig will run HL2 just fine

 

Thanks guys, i appreciate the help.