need help deciding

[cheese]

hello
i need help deciding if i should upgrade to a new computer like a gaming computer (alian ware).
my specs now are:

Machine name: PREMIO
Operating System: Windows XP Home Edition (5.1, Build 2600) Service Pack 2 (2600.xpsp_sp2_gdr.050301-1519)
Language: English (Regional Setting: English)
System Manufacturer: AWARD_
System Model: PREMIO S650E
BIOS: Phoenix - AwardBIOS v6.00PG
Processor: Intel(R) Pentium(R) 4 CPU 1.70GHz
Memory: 1024MB RAM
Page File: 386MB used, 2075MB available
Windows Dir: C:\WINDOWS
DirectX Version: DirectX 9.0c (4.09.0000.0904)
DX Setup Parameters: Not found
Diag Version: 5.03.2600.2180 32bit Unicode

my graphic card:
RADEON 9600 SERIES
ATI Technologies Inc.
ATI RADEON 9600 Series AGP (0x4150)
Internal DAC(400MHz)
Enum\PCI\VEN_1002&DEV_4150&SUBSYS_00021002&REV_00
Display Memory:128.0 MB
Monitor Max Res: 1024 x 768 (32 bit) (75Hz)
Plug and Play Monitor
1600,1200
Driver Name: ati2dvag.dll
Driver Version: 6.14.0010.6575 (English)
DDI Version: 9 (or higher)
Final Retail

 

[Trifid]

How much have you got put aside for this?

Do not go AlienWare though. Huge waste of money. If you are not confident building a PC, than go to a local computer shop and get a quote for how much to build it. Do not let them talk you into buying components from their shop though. Get them online.

 

[cheese]

i hope i can get at least 2,000 dollars. i really dont want to build my own.

 

[slick_tech15]

Dude, a 2000 dollar build it yourself computer will kick a 2000 dollar alienwares ***. But it would be a very nice upgrade, seeing that you have a 1.7 Ghz Intel and 9600 radeon.

 

[Pwnz0r]

dude id go wild, theres not much you cant buy with that sort of money, you may even splash £400 on a nvidia 7950 as well as a dfi mobo and a dual core amd and 4gb ocr ram and an awesome looking lian li case etc. etc. just spend spend spend

 

[Trifid]

Except for 4GB of RAM has been known to lower performance in certain situations (XP doesn't allocate it very well.)

 

[Pwnz0r]

well yea just stick with 2gb ram but still, GO ALL OUT DUDE!!1

 

[Nukem]

Agreed... Build it... 2K is godly in the way of builds and you will still have money left when it's over... but is this just the machine, or the whole thing... LCD, KB, Mouse, speakers, etc... if you have to get those, then you might not have anything left... LOL

 

[cheese]

ok then i see i'm gonna have to build it........would it be ok if lets say Bestbuy build it for me. Im not really good with building and reading manuls

 

[LU4sTrooper]

dude id go wild, theres not much you cant buy with that sort of money, you may even splash £400 on a nvidia 7950 as well as a dfi mobo and a dual core amd and 4gb ocr ram and an awesome looking lian li case etc. etc. just spend spend spend

No point in the 7950 IMO, may as well buy a cheaper cardd like the 7900GT and then buy a G80 at a later date, and yes as others mentioned 2GB RAM > 4GB RAM