Upgrading new system, need help.

[JayZe]

Here is what my new system will look like once i get the parts ordered... I am on a tight budget but i basically will pay for a system that will run best for quakeIII and counterstike (gaming benchmarking is very important ).. The only things im not sure about are the Processor (should i get higher, or it it fine??) and if the motherboard will be stable enough for my processor???

-motherboard - ASUS A7V133 is based on VIA® Apollo KT133A PCIset supporting Socket A, 1.5GB PC133/VC133 SDRAM, 5 PCI (with 1 PCI/AMR shared), 1 AGP Pro/4X, No Audio On Board, Support Raid 0, 4 USB max, and 2 UltraDMA/100 - $114

-vid. card - Leadtek Winfast Geforce 2 Pro 32MB 5.5ns DDR RAM 4X AGP Video Card with TV Out-with 32MB 5.5ns DDR memory is running at standard 200/366 Mhz (Core/memory) speed -$132

-Processor - AMD Thunderbird 1.2GHz 266MHz Bus Socket A processor OEM Version -$111

-Hard Drive - Western Digital CAVIAR 3.5 inch EIDE Hard Drive 2MB Buffer WD400BB 40GB 7200RPM Ultra ATA 100 - $114

-Microsoft USB Intelli Mouse Explorer OEM -$37

-CPU FAN FOR AMD -$10

also, im wondering on whether or not i should upgrade my ram.. i have 128 megs (SDRAM) right now and was wondering how big of a difference it would be if i upgraded it to 256 megs for my system? Would it matter if i just kept the 128 megs o ram that i have or do you think that there will be a big difference in my games if i upgrade to 256?? oh yeah, i havent upgraded my system for 2 years so its about time im doing this ... any help is appreciated, thx. oh yeah, im not really into overclocking so im hoping i can get the best performance for what i am buying.

 

[Burn]

The reason you went for the SDRAM board is to keep your existing ram and save money; right? If so good choice on the motherboard. The only thing that I think you should change is the cooler. $10 sounds like a really cheap cooler. Do your self a favor and get a higher quality cooler. I don't have an AMD chip so I will let the other guys recommend a CHEAP, but good cooler.

 

[JayZe]

yeah, i bought the mother board to save money on my ram, im not sure what kinda cooling i should get though i thought the one i got would be sufficient, oh well ill make the change.

 

[tornadobox]

I got the Thermaltake Volcano II cooler from newegg.com for $13 shipped. AMD approved up to 1.33GHz...not too shabby

 

[JayZe]

yeah, thats the one i wanted but they're all sold out there

 

[tornadobox]

Microbarn.com also has this cooler...but their shipping is a bit more expensive (only by a few dollars though). I've had wonderful experiences from my pasy Microbarn purchases.

 

[NelsonMuntz]

I might suggest a slight change in video card. not sure where you found a GeForce 2 Pro with only 32 Mb of RAM (maybe it's GTS) but Newegg.com has the MSI Pro w/64 Mb RAM for only $10 more than the price you listed plus shipping. I think the extra 128 Mb main memory would be a good investment also. It's so cheap right now, why not?