What would you upgrade next?

[RussianSensation]

4GB is more than enough. I had 6GB and 8GB setups before and got rid of the extra ram since it was doing absolutely nothing in games or any other apps I run. I imagine it helps those that run illustrator or photoshop-style programs.

 

[netxzero64]

4GB is more than enough. I had 6GB and 8GB setups before and got rid of the extra ram since it was doing absolutely nothing in games or any other apps I run. I imagine it helps those that run illustrator or photoshop-style programs.

+1 to this,

when I play starcraft 2 on my system on Win 7 64 ultimate, my maximum memory usage + apps running on the background is just 2.8gb out of my 4gb memory...

 

[sandorski]

Win 7 64 bit Home Premium OEM for $100. That is if they'll Sell it to you. OEM Versions used to require certain minimal Hardware Purchases, but when I bought mine I saw no such requirements.

 

[zebrax2]

OS first for me. I would then start saving up until i could buy a GPU and Monitor at the same time as it seems like you don't really need the performance of a new GPU yet. Buying a larger monitor first will result to a lackluster gaming experience due to the drop in performance caused by the larger resolution while on the other hand buying a GPU while your current GPU is capable enough for the games you play would be a waste in my view.

 

[blckgrffn]

+1 for the OS first - DX10 immediately with your current hardware (BC2 supports it) and *vastly* improved security over XP.

And as you have pointed out, it is likely to have the most longevity.

I strongly urge you to consider the Technet Standard subscription, even if you only do it for one year and hoard the .iso files and keys as they remain functional indefinitely.

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/subscriptions/buy.aspx

You know, so you can evaluate 7 x64 ultimate. And Office 2010. And any other MS software you might need to research. On one PC in your home. Get me?

 

[Petey!]

+1 for VC/Win7 and then monitor.

Really all your going to gain from a monitor is widescreen, and a higher resolution. That's also gonna be lower FPS on your current hardware.

a new VC and Win7 means better Image Quality, which your monitor can still display. Sure it might be nice to have a larger screen, but really, wouldn't you rather have a nicer image first?

a 460 and Win7 64 bit (home will be fine BTW, and so thats about $100) will give you DX11, a better image, and update your rig nicely. You've got a quad and 4gb of ram, so your good there.

Plus, your the dad, unless your kid payed for his Monitor, you can always tell him shit runs downhill and "borrow" his Asus 23" til you get a new one.

Also, if either of your kids are in College, you might be able to score a free copy of Win7 through the MSDNAA.

But yeah, 460/Win7 64bit first, monitor second. Theres still a ton of people playing on CRTs, and they do provide good image and no refresh rates, they're just huge.

 

[cusideabelincoln]

That would let me 'see' if a widescreen LCD would help me gaming or not.

Well it should so long as you can visually process the extra scenery you have. You will see more of the game with a widescreen monitor, and that could give you an advantage. A performance drop can't be negated by turning town a few settings.