Improving my PC - CHEAPLY!

[knuckle50]

Hey,

Here's the specs for my computer:

-Mach Speed X-Caliber PT800DBP Mobo (POS!!)
-Pentium 4 3.0C at stock w/ SP-94 & YS Tech Fan
-Thermaltake 420 Watt Power Supply
-Kingston 512 MB Dual Channel PC3200
-512 MB Kingmax Hardcore PC4000
-GeForceFX 5200 128MB AGP Card | Sound Blaster Audigy2 ZS
-WD Caviar SE 160GB HD 7200 RPM/8 MB/ATA-100
-Nec DVD Burner, 32x16x40 CD-RW, 8x4x12x DVD±RW

What do you think my best bet is to get the most improvement out of the least amount of money? I'm looking to spend about 100 bucks.

I have access to an indoor place where people go to dump their old computers, so I can get all the old parts I want. What would yield the most improvement?

I use it mostly for browsing. I often keep 20-30 browser windows open. I run all my RAM at 333 rather than 400 because it's completely stable that way, so I can leave my windows open for weeks at a time. I also play games like simcity 4, but my vid card is adequate for my uses.

So what do you guys think?

 

[phosho510]

thats a pretty nice setup.
i suggest you upgrade:
video card
ram
or get better cooling

 

[knuckle50]

I'll certainly upgrade my cooling with old fans from that place, but I'm not sure if my PS can handle it. I remember there was a link to see how much power your system took... youd select all the components... do you know where that is?

 

[Codeine]

I say you need a better video card. If you could get a 6600 GT, then that would help alot. I dont see you finding, nor wanting to find a used 6600 GT. But a eVGA 6600 GT would be great. Of course thats more then 100$, but you cant do much with 100$.

 

[phosho510]

you can sell your previous video card, and get the 6600gt like Codeine said. it will be very useful

 

[comrad]

he dont need a VIDEOCARD!!!!! And your power supply will be enough for those extra fans(430W linkworld [pos] and it has 7 fans hooked up to it)

 

[Sh0r_ty]

Id get better cooling on the cpu and oc it

 

[Sh0r_ty]

more ram or faster ram might be good

 

[Trifid]

I remember there was a link to see how much power your system took... youd select all the components... do you know where that is?

http://www.jscustompcs.com/power_supply/

 

[idiotec]

Looking at what you use the computer for, I would upgrade to 1gb RAM. I think that would be your best use of money at this point. If you get into more demanding games then a new video card would be the next move.