Attempting a Computer Upgrade

Hello All!
After having my PC in its current state for a very long time now, I want to go ahead and upgrade it, mainly to play games on as I don't really use it for anything else. Anyway, Any recommendations or help as to what anyone thinks is best for me to get would be very much appreciated.
As it stand this is what I have at the moment but its simply beginning to fall quite far behind now as its a fair few years old.

AMD Athalon(tm) xp 2000+ 1.69 GHz processor ( it was 2.0 when I got it)
RADEON 9200 Graphics (pretty crappy)
1 Gig ram
C-Media AC97 Audio Device (This soundcard had been lying around forever, I really didn't see the need to get a new on, but then again I don't really know the full properties of sound cards)

Im not too sure what else I would need to upgrade in order to make the whole thing work as im not too up to speed on these things, so any help or advice on what I should get baring in mind I want a decent gaming machine that won't destroy my bank account but that is better than what I have

 

For gaming, an upgrade is absolutely a good idea. But it all depends on your budget. You can use many of the parts you have now; hard drive, CD/DVD drive(s), floppy, case, maybe the power supply if it's strong enough, and maybe the RAM depending on the type (SDRAM? DDR?). You can get an Athlon64 3200+ with a motherboard as a combo for around $150-$170. You can get a good AGP or PCI-Ex video card for about $100-$150 (depending on the card and your budget; some video cards can be over $500!). If your RAM will work in the new board, you're covered (another 1gb of RAM wouldn't hurt tho'). With your current case and optical drives and hard drive, you'd have a decent gaming rig.... again, it all depends on your budget. I listed some low cost options mainly 'cuz I live a low cost lifestyle and don't have money coming out my @$$.....

hd2k

 

Thank you very much for the info.
A friend did mention to me to look for a motherboard and processor combo? I assume this is the Athlon64 3200+ combo you spoke of?
That would make the Processor and Motherboard?
Then a new graphics card. As for ram, I believe its DDR though i cannot be sure of that, I have 1 512 stick and 2 256 ones. another gig is what I'd want also.
Thing is, do these new motherboards have enough room for so many ram sticks?
And could you recommend any websites for me to get these over in England?
I'd say budget wise I have about £300 ($600) to blow.
Thanks again

 

Not sure about england prices/vendors..

I would build a new system from scratch saving your case, harddrive, sound card and optical drives.

Budget yourself something like:
$75 PSU
$75-100 Motherboard
$200 processor
$150 memory
$150 video card

Or there abouts. Puts you a little over budget, but you could cut costs as needed.
That would be my recommendation if you're willing to do an entire system swap.

Based on newegg prices (not UK, sorry)
E6400 Conroe = $196
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115005
Compatible Motherboard PCI-E, DDR2 800 memory = $100
OCZ 2GB DDR2 800 (1GB x 2) = $113
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227139
7900GS Video or similar = $150
500watt power supply (lesser quality will cost less) = $70
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817104037

In the US you could have this shipped to your door for $629. Not too over budget, but it will get the job done. You'd probably want to eventually get a new harddrive. I would recommend starting with 1GB of memory and getting a new SATA harddrive, but that's up to you. The brands i selected were just suggestions based on newegg prices and quality.

 

Hi Doddz,

I am looking at doing something like what you are but on a MUCH smaller scale.

Unless you are just in love with the metal and plastic case that surrounds your machine, odds are you would be better off buying a new machine, rather than spending as much or more to partially upgrade an old machine.

This URL was posted in my thread by a helpful person:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883107288

I don't know if NewEgg ships to the UK, but you get the idea.

Good luck!

 

lol and Sheesh721 would be that same helpful person too. lol

 

That Compaq is a great price, but if someone has $600 to spend the above is the best deal he's probably going to get. When you're willing to spend that much it's often cheaper to build yourself.

 

When buying a PC or PC parts, I think it's best to buy from a small independent PC store versus a big chain store or online. Better support, easier and faster returns if needed, and you can see and touch what you're buying before you shell out any dough.... anyway, back to the combo I mentioned above: from what I remember it's a BioStar motherboard and has only 2 DDR slots; but it does have a PCIX video slot, so you can add a high end video card if you like. Here's a link to the specs, no price tho': http://www.malabs.com/product.asp?product_sku=80057&item_no=MB-NF61C56&show=b&pass=&shopid=

 

lol I stand... er...sit corrected. lol