What should be my next upgrade?

[tortie]

I just got an Athlon64 2800+, a DFI lanparty NF3 motherboard & 2 256MB OCZ EL Platinum memory.

I also currently have a 36GB WD Raptor, ATI's All-in-wonder 9600XT and a 420W OCZ Powerstream.

I have about $300-$400 more to spend on an upgrade, what should I get? A better video card? More memory and/or a 72GB WD Raptor? Im torn with what I should get next. Pls post your inputs.

 

[bunnyfubbles]

what do you want to do with your system? If you aren't a heavy gamer the 9600XT is fine, especially with the AIW functions. The 512MB of memory is pretty slim and the 72GB Raptor is faster than the 36.

Not sure what was going on but any "upgrades" would almost be replacements. A new video card would replace the AIW 9600XT, with the larger Raptor being faster, the 36 would become a "backup" which is pretty skimpy for a backup, and the ram, you'd almost want to replace it with 2 x 512...

Unless you've got another system to dump the parts into you'd almost want to sell the parts you'd replace and you could probably end up upgrading everything...

 

[usernamemax20charact]

I'd say more memory. But what about a better set of speakers, sound card, or display? There's also the keyboard and mouse as well. Or you could just put it away (stocks, CDs) and use it in a year to do the upgrades.

 

[Blain]

Originally posted by: tortie
I just got an Athlon64 2800+, a DFI lanparty NF3 motherboard & 2 256MB OCZ EL Platinum memory.

I also currently have a 36GB WD Raptor, ATI's All-in-wonder 9600XT and a 420W OCZ Powerstream.

I have about $300-$400 more to spend on an upgrade, what should I get? A better video card? More memory and/or a 72GB WD Raptor? Im torn with what I should get next. Pls post your inputs.

You need to give us your total system specs. for US to wisely inform YOU how to spend YOUR money
😛

 

[tortie]

Originally posted by: Blain
[
You need to give us your total system specs. for US to wisely inform YOU how to spend YOUR money
😛

LOL. 😀

My Display is a Viewsonic G220f. I have a Microsoft Natural Keyboard Pro and a Logitech MX500. My soundcard is an Audigy 2 ZX, I use a Sennheiser 590 instead of speakers. I also have a 100G Western Digital SE drive for my music and data. Im pretty happy with all of them and dont plan to change these in the near future.

I dont have another system to dump my extra parts. Im currently leaning on getting a 2 x 512 Memory, or will adding an extra single 512 stick with my current 2x256 do the job?

 

[Blain]

Ratz, only three DIMM slots!

 

[RussianSensation]

1. I'd either get a better cooler to overclock your A64 to say 2.4ghz.

2. since S754 doensn't run dual channel, just get an additional 512mb of ram for 2x256 + 512.

3. it sounds like you dont need more space to store data since you already have an extra 100gb, so no hard drive upgrade since going from 36 wd t 74 wd will give u small improvements for $180, not worth it!!!!

4. if you play videogames heavily, i'd definately upgrade the videocard to 6800 or 6800GT.

Newegg has 6800U (downclocked) from EVGA LE for $325, so you should check that out.
Here

This is what I would get:

6800U LE $325 and try to squeeze 512mb of ram in there
or 6800 $270 512mb of ram, and a good cooler.

 

[Fern]

I play games. So I wouldn't hesitate to replace the 9600 card. The 9800's are struggling abit on some new games (Far Cry & Doom 3) now. The 9600 level is gonna have a hard time keeping up new games, especially if you like eye candy.

I'd get a 6800GT. 😛

 

[dmw16]

I'd say about $80 for 512MB more memory. But if you are gonna try to overclock that A64 you are gonna need to get PC3700 or 4000 memory. So maybe do this...

$211 for 2x512MB PC3700 (PQi @ newegg) but you could probably get this cheaper on FS/T forum

~$250 for a 6800 (again try the FS/T forum)

 

[tortie]

Thanks for the inputs guys. Im getting an extra 512 stick. Ill wait for the new generation All-in-wonder ATI cards since I cant live without its multimedia benefits 😀