Small Upgrade Recommendations

[roadlesstraveled]

Hey guys and gals,

This is my first post on these forums and I'm looking for some recommendations. My current build is listed below:

CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo E8500 3.16GHz stock (running at 4.0GHz stable)
Video Card: EVGA GTX 280 1GB
RAM: G.SKILL PI Black 4GB RAM (2 x 2GB)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3P Motherboard
Hard Drive: Western Digital Caviar Black 640GB HDD
Backup Hard Drive: Western Digital Elements 1TB External HDD for backups
Monitor: Acer X223W 22" Monitor
PSU: Corsair 750TX 750W
HSF: XIGMATEK HDT-S1283 120mm
XIGMATEK Retention Bracket
CD/DVD Burner: Samsung 22X
OS: Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit
Case: NZXT Tempest

Originally this computer was built with mainly gaming in mind. That is no longer the case. I now mainly use this computer for everyday tasks, programming, and some gaming (lately it's been less than one hour each week). I also use it to run virtual pc's. I'm a computer science student and enjoy tinkering with everything inside the computer including hardware and software (which often leads to a disaster...lol, thus the 1TB external hard drive with real time syncing setup).

I have allocated $120 to upgrade my PC. The main two upgrades I have been thinking of are the following:
1) Buy another Acer X223W 22" monitor. I feel that this upgrade would really help me become more productive.
2) Slap in another 2-4GB of RAM.

I was just curious as to what some of you other members might choose to upgrade with the above specs and price range.

-Peter

 

[iPROTechman]

You basically answered your question when you said "1) Buy another Acer X223W 22" monitor. I feel that this upgrade would really help me become more productive."

Unless your using applications that use more than 2 cores then your processor will be fine and your RAM is plenty for most programs.


- Josh.

 

[roadlesstraveled]

Yea, I've pretty much decided on getting another 22" monitor but now I've got another question.

Should I go with the same Acer monitor or switch to a different brand that may be better?

 

[iPROTechman]

Yea, I've pretty much decided on getting another 22" monitor but now I've got another question.

Should I go with the same Acer monitor or switch to a different brand that may be better?

Get yourself a price range, Find a monitor, doesn't have to be same make, LG make good screens so do samsung.

Get the best looking one with the best specifications E.G Full HD 1920x1080 + a high contrast ratio.

 

[MindoverMaster]

I always say, if you are happy with the current product, why change?