Upgrading on a budget

[Omate]

Hello,

I am looking to upgrade my system but I have a budget of 500.00. It's not a hard budget but I would like to remain as close it as possible. This computer is mainly for gaming and would be playing DDO. My current system is

1.2AMD Tbird
Motherboard - unsure
Sound - onboard?
768 SDRAM - x3 256
Geforce FX128 AGP
Win XP Pro

A friend suggested some upgrades but through my dealer sources I come up with about $722.00. I don't need a monitor or OS. A case and power supply are an option if needed for the new system. I have been out of the computer game for a while so all the new tech stuff is well beyond my scope. Here is the suggestions my friend came up with. Any input is very appreciated.

AMD Athlon 64 3700+ / 2.2 GHz - Socket 939 - L2 1 MB - Box $235.00
ASUS A8N-SLI Premium - Mainboard - ATX - nForce4 SLI - Socket 939 - 2 x Gigabit Ethernet - FireWire - 8-channel audio $162.00
ATI FIRE GL V3100 - Graphics adapter - PCI Express x16 - 128 MB DDR - DVI $176.37
Corsair Value Select - Memory - 2 GB ( 2 x 1 GB ) - DIMM 240-pin - DDR II - 533 MHz / PC4200 - 1.8 V $148.86

I know that I won't be using the SLI feature for at least 6 months but it was still a consideration subject to change. Thanks again in advance for your input.

Omate

 

[Jjoshua2]

Do you overclock? If you do a 3200+ Venice would be sufficient to get probably around 2.4-2.6 ghz. Getting an opteron 144 from Monarch computer would be the best if you are willing to overclock. Get basically the 3700+ your looking at for about $140, plust a bit faster probably.
It seems to me the DDR II won't be compatible with your motherboard and cpu choice. I think you want DDR I.
I would say don't get such an expensive motherboard. Maybe a DFI infinity or ultra-D or an Epox board, can't remeber the model number. You could get the ASRock mobo if you want to keep your AGP card a bit longer and save up for a 7900GT or if you are happy with your graphics for a bit. The ASrock board is also only about $70.