Old Rig needs an Update

Hey folks I am trying to update my rig as cheaply as possible, but still gaining a decent preformance boost. First here is what I have:

Nvidia 8800 GTS 640 MB
asus a8n5x(socket 939, using PC3200)
AMD 64 3500+ @2.2
1.5 GB Ram Not that exact set but that type-->http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820144055
Spoundblaster X-Fi xtreme-Gamer
Other than that I have some decent DVD drives, a few HDD, all packaged in some crappy case.

So here is what I was thinking. If I really wanted a decent upgrade I would have to go New MB, New CPU, and New ram...thats too expensive right now. I think I found some upgrads I could do on my set:
CPU --> http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductRevie...N82E16819103053
RAM--> http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16820211014

Both these arent as expensive as the future upgrades would be. I am hopeing for something that I can play newer games without being on medium/low settings.
Ill be perfectly honest I dont know much about ram, and that set linked is the cheapest 2GB of ram that newegg had that would fit in my MB.

Thanks in advance,
BK

Ram wise I'd suggest getting the Corsair one, more reliable and even cheaper: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16820145034

The processor is ok, it's actually the highest choice you have there on the 939 socket.... It's no top notch processor as I am sure some people will point out, but if that's your budget for now it will have to do.

That ram is 240 pin, my mobo is only 180 pin

Originally posted by BLACK KNIGHT@Nov 21 2007, 01:27 PM
That ram is 240 pin, my mobo is only 180 pin

Crap, I had 6400 ram in the back of my mind while selecting something. Now the a-data sticks don't look so bad after all.... Tried looking for what price you might get selling your mobo, cpu and 1.5 gb ram on ebay? If that gives an extra cash injection then we might be able to make a better configuration then you have now.

no not yet. But I am also planning on using my old stuff to upgrade my (soon-to-be)wifes 6 year old Hewlett Packer. Lets just say she can barely run XP.

This would be my Ideal Upgrade atm:

Definately get the 8800GT instead of the GTS, it's faster better and cheaper ;)

Originally posted by BLACK KNIGHT@Nov 21 2007, 01:37 PM
no not yet. But I am also planning on using my old stuff to upgrade my (soon-to-be)wifes 6 year old Hewlett Packer. Lets just say she can barely run XP.

Ah, congrats on the soon to be wife

Anyhow, back to business. I like the config you'd like to have but perhaps it's better to focus on the here and now, and get some prices on what you might get if you sold just your mobo, cpu and ram. I live in Europe so prices here are irrelevant and an accurate estimate from this side is unlikely, so you'll have to do that yourself or hope that Slaymate comes along and happens to know it.

Ever tried putting a Linux distro on your wifes pc? They run excellent on older pc's and contain all functionality of Windows, except Directx which only comes in handy if she games. I have a tread in the software section with a link to Ubuntu, a live cd that requires no installation unless you want too.

Gazz makes some very relevant points, particularly in relation to Linux. You really should try Ubuntu out, because it will make your S2B Wifes PC seem so much better than it currently is.

If he sells his cpu, ram and mobo I doubt if he'd get much
more than a $100-125. You can get those 3 items brand new
for around $200 or so. And you said your wifes PC was an
HP. You'll probably have trouble upgrading it. They tend to
be propriety. The power supply may not be pinned the same
as a standard one. The case may have odd connectors for the
power and reset switches. I'm not trying to scare you off, but
you may need to spend a little cash on her PC to use your old
parts :-)

I have been saving up parts for a while. The only things I would have to buy to upgrade her compy might be a case and a mobo...Everything else I have extra or we'll strip from her HP. If I sell my parts then she'll need CPU, RAM, MOBO, and Case. I am a computer hobbiest so I do save my extras and olds(but not as much as slaymate over there :P)