Weighing My Upgrade Option - need some advice

[yosuke188]

Hey I use a Dell Dimension 8400 that I bought some time ago. Spec:
- Intel Pentium 4 3.0GHz w/ HT
- 512MB (256MB x 2) DDR2 Dual Channel
- 80GB WD SATA
- ATI X300SE 128MB

I want to play games on my computer (Doom 3, Far Cry, San Andreas, etc.) The problem with this computer is obviously the GPU and the low memory.

Now here is the question: should I upgrade or get a whole new computer?

I guess the question that is making this decision hard is whether or not the CPU will be able to handle the games without being too much of a bottleneck. What I mean is, if I get a decent video card, like a X800XL, and a gig of memory, would it be able to handle games on my Dell 1905FP? Or will the CPU greatly reduce performance? Keeping that in mind, I have come up with couple of options.

Option 1 : Upgrade video card and add some memory
I would probably get a X800XL, and add 512MB or 1 GB to the system. Some questions regarding this option. Would the Dell cheapo PSU be able to handle the video card, or would I be forced to buy a new one? Is it okay to run 512MBx2 and 256MBx2? Or would it be better to do 256Mbx4? Also, how long would this last, not even a year?

Option 2: Just buy a new computer
AMD, new everything and stuff that I have not started thinking about. How would my CPU compare against a Venice 3000+?

The nice thing about option one is that if the CPU is too slow, I could jsut take out the video card (and the PSU if I need a new one) and put it in a new computer. Also prices would go down by that time which would mean better computer for me. The only bad part about it is that I would waste the money on the additional DDR2 memory and also, I might get better performance if I build a new computer now.

I know that is a ton a lot of questions, any feed back is appreciated.

 

[imported_Kensai]

x800XL + 1GB dual channel DDR2.

That should let you play all new games at mid-high resolutions until new games come out.

 

[yosuke188]

So you wouldn't worry about the CPU being slow? Or is it slow?

 

[Hacp]

Nice thing about some Xls is that they Don't require a power connector.. That means they use around 70 watts of power? Also, your cpu should be fine, a 3.0 GHZ p4 is no slouch no matter what other people may tell you.

 

[yosuke188]

Originally posted by: Hacp
Nice thing about some Xls is that they Don't require a power connector.. That means they use around 70 watts of power? Also, your cpu should be fine, a 3.0 GHZ p4 is no slouch no matter what other people may tell you.

That's why I chose the XL, hoping I would not need to buy a new PSU. Also a question on the ram, what's my best option as to adding memory? Buying 1 GB Dual Channel and taking out the 512MB (256MB x 2), Or adding the 1GB to the already existing 512MB, or buying 512MB (256MB x 2) and creating 256MB x4?

 

[imported_Kensai]

Add two more sticks of 512MB for 1GB, giving you a total of 1.5GB. That CPU should be enough but it would give you more performance if you overclock it (if the Dell BIOS lets you)

 

[Hacp]

Dell doesn't want customers to overclock .

 

[yosuke188]

I know
Anyone else have an opinion/suggestion?

 

[IeraseU]

I think you can get by with an upgrade rather then a whole new system. I would change the following:

-Videocard needs an upgrade if you are a gamer (priority)
-1gb of ram would give you a nice boost
-A larger hard drive would be a nice add-on (optional, only if you are starved for space currently)

 

[yosuke188]

lol now that I checked I only have 13GB left on my hard drive. Perhaps a new hard drive when a good deal comes around the corner.

 

[whatho45]

get the 6600gt and with the extra money you save get a hard drive

 

[yosuke188]

Originally posted by: whatho45
get the 6600gt and with the extra money you save get a hard drive

Might not be a bad idea. Also could someone tell me how the X800XT compares to XL and whether if it requires a power connecter. Thanks in advance.

 

[deadmantyping]

i'd say just upgrade your video card and add 1gb ram, i would think that your cpu should be ok for at least a while longer. you might want a larger hard drive, but if you're not using the space, dont bother.

 

[yosuke188]

So no one is suggesting I get a new computer? That's good news for my bank I guess. I'll probably be getting X800XL and a gig of memory. By the way, the current memory that I have is a DDR2 PC3200 Cas 3 Samsung memory. Would it be okay to get a PC 4200 Cas 4 memory such as these? Or would it be better if I find PC3200 memory w/ cas 3?

 

[yosuke188]

bump before I go to bed