What should I upgrade? CPU or Video (Complete specifications inside!)

[TripleA]

Hi, I am new to this board. I am a PC gamer and my computer seemed to be lagging a bit from the lastest games out in the market. Should I upgrade my Video card or get a new CPU+Mobo combo?

My computer specs:

Celeron 466@525
Azza BX440 mobo
128 mb PC100 ram (2x64MB; 6NS, 8NS)
Diamond Viper 2 32mb video card at 136/166
20gib Western Digital HD ATA/66
Promise ATA/66 controller
5x/32x Samsung DVD
6x/4x/24x S&F CDRW
SUperexpress 56k modem ISA
Xitel Platinum A3d vortex 2 PCI soundcard
17inch KDS monitor

Thats basically it. I have about $170 to spend. If I upgrade my CPU, I am going to get a used BH6 mobo and a Celeron2 566@850. If I get a new Video card, I am either going to get a GeForce MX or the Radeon 32mb DDR. Which path should I take? Thank you

 

[shabby]

I would suggest to get a new video card. If you have $170 to spend, i'd probably get the radeon, but i have no idea how it performs on a celeron.
If your lucky you can find a geforce2 gts for 170-185 on the fs/ft forum

 

[Engine]

I had a similar config (p3 450@558 with a tnt2 ultra) on my computer, and upgraded my processor to a celeron II @ 850. I saw a moderate increase in framerates -- about 10-15 fps. I have a friend who has a celeron 300@450 who upgraded his video card to a Geforce II, and his Quake3 framerates practically double mine. If gaming is what you're wanting, I'd suggest upgrading the video card.

 

[xtreme2k]

it depends on what resolution you play at

if you love 1024/32bit then get new video card

if you just use 800/16 or even 1024/16
a TNT2 is still acceptable

i would upgrade the CPU if i were you
it is kinda weak

No 3dnow/SSE is a sign that u need to upgrade CPU more than anything

get 566 at 850 or a 700E at 933 depending on how much you have

upgrade your video card will make only your games faster
upgrading cpu will make everything fast

doesnt your mobo supports a coppermine core?

 

[shabby]

Actually i suggest you check out this article first.

 

[TripleA]

Hey, thanks for the help! That was a helpful article! I am a little confused though. In the article, what the Radeon the 64MB DDR version, 32MB DDR, or the 32MB SDR? From the looks of things, I am definitely going to stick with my CPU and get a geforce MX instead.


Also, does the MX have FSAA? I play a lot of Counter-strike and was wondering if I could have the benefit of FSAA, yet still pump out acceptable Frame rates at 1024/16 lmk!

 

[xtreme2k]

i would get a CPU instead of a MX if i were you tho

honestly

a CPU will make your whole system fly

 

[Rellik]

Triple A, maybe my experiences will help you in your quest:

I had a 366 celery with a V3 2k. The V3 was ok so i decided for a cpu
upgrade. I bought a P3 700E cbo stepping that can do 966 @ 1,65 V.
I did extensive benchmarks to check out the gains from 700 to 966.
I am runnig at 700 now because the V3 is SERIOUSLY holding me down.

Now I knew that. I wanted this cpu because i needed more power for stuff like photoshop and I wanted to be ready for a new vidcard.

I will probably buy a g800 or Gf2 pro when prices are a little lower.

As for your needs, your graphic card is even more limited then mine
and since it is easier to get a new vidcard, i suggest that u buy
a nice GF MX card. The creative ddr 64 bit or the current asus or hercules... U will get benefits when playing t and L games and u can
upgrade your cpu and board when DDR Athlons are widely available.

 

[TripleA]

just to tell you, my mobo does not support Coppermines

Thats why if I upgrade my CPU, I will have to upgrade my mobo too.

 

[TripleA]

Woohoo!!! I just got a ATI Radeon 32MB DDR on egay for $160

Awesome. Did a bit of research and the Radeon seems to be the best for my setup. Thanks for the help again!

 

[Wooster]

TripleA

I have similar setup and same problem. It happen when I play UT online three days ago. I played at 800x600 in 16bits. Since I got cable modem I know it's not connection that cause the problem. After I upgraded my memory from 128MB to 256MB and it never lag agin during the game. If you are playing higher res, then a new card is in needed.

** EDIT ** oops!! didn't see your previous post, seems like you already got yourself a new video card.

 

[Odin30]

In most benchmarks any cpu above 700mhz(athlon tb or p3)can handle anything, after that you are video card limited. I would say get a new card as you can upgrade the cpu later and see a much bigger performance boost from the card.
my 2cents