What should I upgrade next?

[coolred]

Case-Antec SX1030B w/ 300wattPS for those that didn't know
Motherboard-ECS K7S5A
CPU-Duron 650@866 and I know I can push it up over a gig if I have multiplier adjustments or a decent FSB speed to choose from
Memory-2x256MB sticks of Crucial 2100DDR
Video Card-ATI Radeon VE, I know this is a weak link in my system, but I like the dual RAMDAC, so I can use the TV out and still use my computer monitor. I am thinking of upgrading to the Radeon 8500DV though. That supports dual monitors, at least to be able to use the TV and monitor at the same time right?
Sound Card- Herculese GTXP 6.1 version
Network-Onboard the ECS, but I also have a Linksys if I need it
Controller Card- Maxtor ATA100
Modem-generic 56K, till I can get my road runner back
Hard Drive- 2x Maxtor 30gig Diamond Max Plus 60, ATA100, 7200RPM. I got these for a good price, and was using them in raid on my KT7A raid, but now one is my main drive and I use the other for some extra junk. The problem is that I am only using about 5 gig of my possible 60, so I am thinking of trading in one of them for a bigger 5400RPM drive so I can use it for my PVR if I get the new video card.
CDRW-Liteon 24xx10x40
DVD-Liteon 16x
Floppy-LS120/Zip 250
Keyboard-MS Internet keyboard pro, I would like to trade this in on that cool cordless Logitech, but I don't want the mouse, since I like my MS Intellimouse Optical
Monitor- 17" Envision i think. It was really cheap(on sale when i got it, since my old monitor died), but it has served me well. I would like something with a trinitron tube since they seem to have better color to them, but they are also expensive. Maybe even a 15" LCD.

I have a few hundred to spend, so what do you think would be the best upgrade. I use my computer for internet, music, gaming(mainly RTS's, but I will start playing more FPS's to), if I get the new video card then I plan to turn it into a HTPC, maybe even get a DVD burner for it, once they decide which format will win out. I alos use it to watch DVD's

 

[cleverhandle]

How about a new video card and a T-bird or XP if you've got a few hundred? Can that squeeze into your budget?

 

[coolred]

Yeah, I am pretty sure the video card needs an upgrade. I wouldn't mind a CPU upgrade too, I am just wondering if there is anything else that i should upgrade first. Since as of yet, I have not noticed a slowdown due to the CPU.

 

[cleverhandle]

Well, the other stuff looks pretty solid to me. Case/power, memory, optical drives - great. Hard drive - fine for what you're doing, not worth the trouble of upgrading. Motherboard - you could probably argue that the ECS could be replaced, but it's still a good board, and replacing the motherboard is a PITA. Monitor - hmm, didn't really think about that. A good monitor is really nice to have, but, as you said, sooo expensive compared to upgrading components. If you use the PC to watch DVD's enough, maybe a good 19" CRT would suit you well. I would steer clear of the LCD's though - you want a decent screen size for games/DVD's and you don't have the money to buy quality at that size.

 

[aniki]

I would upgrade the cpu and processor. But wait a lil longer. I'm sure new technology is on the horizon

 

[coolred]

How exactly do you upgrade the CPU and processor, they are the same thing, but then your telling me to wait to upgrade them?


I think I may get an XP sometime, but only if I have the extra cash, if not then i think my duron will hold me over till Barton

 

[Duvie]

You can get one of the 1.1ghz durons which are based on the morgan core and have a lot of the xp features....If you want to keep it cheap...

The vid card is by far the poorest then the cpu is next. You upgrade to a geforce 2 pro or something and the cpu become the limiting factor...update the cpu and the vid card holds you back...

sell old components here and get about 60-70 bucks...buy new 1.1 or 1.2 duron (morgan) and take the other money and get a geforce 2 pro or better...I think they have some dual monitpr output cards you can use...

 

[coolred]

Geforce 2 Pro, no thanks, I fear companies that have good drivers.

Just kidding, but if I do upgrade the video card, i will be getting the AIW Radeon 8500DV. If I have the money left over I could upgrade the CPU, but like i said, the CPU doesn't seem to be limiting me so far. Do games actually take advantage of 1.5gig proc.s?

 

[ku]

I'd say get a new video card if anything first. Then, a CPU and then a motherboard (maybe to help you in your overclocking).

 

[coolred]

Alright the consensus seems to be video card, CPU, then motherboard.