Next upgrade?

[VincentVega]

Hi, I've custom-bulit my computer (or had it built, from parts I've chosen) mostly for use as a gaming computer. However, with the rapidly changing requirements for games, I think it's time to upgrade. Here is my build:

AMD Athlon 64, 2200MHz (11x200) 3500+ <---I'm not an overclocker, btw

MSI K8N Neo4 Series (MS-7125) <- Crappy, but not a major issue

1024MB (PC3200 DDR SDRAM)

NVIDIA GeForce 7800GT (256MB) X 1

Creative SB0350 Audigy 2 ZS Sound Card <--- I use a headset, no use

TOSHIBA DVD-ROM SD-R1312 (DVD: 12x, CD: 32x/10x/40x DVD-ROM/CD-RW)

2 70GB HD's <--- One is pretty old... I should upgrade but it's not a big deal

APEVIA ATX-AS520W-BK ATX 520W Power Supply

The next upgrade for me is to go for 2GB of RAM. What should I consider after this? My rig needs to be able to run games like Company of Heroes, Silent Hunter 4, STALKER, on decent video settings without bogging down too much. Online play is a must. My budget isn't extremely low, but I'd appreciate posting only what you view as ABSOLUTE NECESSITIES. Thanks.

 

[VincentVega]

No one? I'm playing STALKER but it has to be on pretty low settings to run... a first for me. What should I upgrade?

 

[Trotter]

The RAM will make the biggest difference.

Your GFX card is not bad. The 7900/8800's are faster, but it should still perform well.

Your CPU isn't too far out, either. It's faster than mine. You could go for a faster one, though.

 

[Meithan]

I agree with Trotter. The RAM upgrade will make a difference, but concerning the rest, I think you're covered.

You could upgrade the processor. I think your motherboard supports X2 processors. Going dual-core will improve your general desktop experience.

 

[Apokalipse]

socket 939 processors are hard to come by now, I found (which is why I went AM2)

But if you can find a socket 939 X2, then it should do you well.