Processor or motherboard?

Ok here is my delima....I bought both Condemned:criminal origins and The Elder Scrolls IVblivion.......now both games are extremley(did i spell that right?) graphically advanced. Im running on the minimum requirements.
(both games call for the same thing)
-windows xp
-512mb of ram
-2ghz p4 processor
-128mb graphics card with dx9 or better
-dvd-rom
I just recently bought a new stick of ram just so i could have 512, and i already have a geforcefx5200(128mb), and my computer is running on 2.4ghz processor. But the problem is that im running on a celeron and the clocking time is different....Now i found a p4 processor on tigerdirect.com for around $110 bucks which im guessing isnt too bad. Now heres the thing the person at the computer store said it wouldn't be worth the trouble of buying a new processor and that i should just buy a new motherboard with the processor already in it......but if i buy a new motherboard i need to buy a new case since im using a Dell as far as i know the motherboard might not fit. So my question is..."Should i buy the p4 and just replace my celeron with it or should i just go ahead and buy a new motherboard and case and all that stuff....please someone help me.....or if there might be another problem solver lemme know....(oh btw i can't change my clocking time in the bios screen.....)"

 

This isn't necessarily true. It depends on the form factors of the motherboard and case. However, you are right in a sense, as Dell does NOT like to make hardware changes easy. Or affordable. If you are considering upgrading your case, mobo, AND CPU, it may be more economical to simply buy an entire system. I know places like tigerdirect, summit direct, ITXchange often sell VERY reasonable, complete systems (ex, we got $3000 intellistations for $800 - we're using servers as workstations! AND they were brand new!). You could get a half decent system and use the parts in your existing system to upgrade. Might be that you will end up with a GIG of RAM and a better CPU for cheap!

But, if I had to choose between the two options you are considering, I would probably only upgrade the CPU.

 

Thanks for the advice....i'll prolly just get the processor it seems the easiest way to go....but another question or two actually....is a processor hard to replace and do i need to buy another cooling fan for the processor?

 

No, replacing a CPU is fairly easy. Granted, you usually have to take alot of components out of your system, but component designers have made things all but fool-proof. Your socket is likely a ZIF (zero insertion force), meaning that it should drop right into place, provided you have the CPU oriented correctly, and the securing latch open. Also, you will not need a new cooling fan, as they are dependent on your socket, not the CPU. IIRC, these are held on by four plastic arms. A butterknife was the easiest way to remove them, I found. You may want to read these instructions on applying thermal compound between your new CPU and its cooling fan. If you have any further questions, just post back!

 

As far as Oblivion goes if you look at this thread there are many who mention toning the game down to meet their req (reduced qual but they can play the game!):

http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=86819

If you go the CPU route well it will be the easiest and probably the cheapest but you have just listed at least 1 high end game and thus if you go down this path I'm guessing you will be at a similar bridge in the very near future but if you get a new mobo ypu can recycle some of your old components but have a good "basis" to upgrade and expand upon for the future. Cases can be quite cheap but if you do obtain a new mobo I would definately consider PCI-e (x 16 Vid Card) for better gaming. Just my 2c

 

Well lemme ask if i put the new processor in will i have to install any software like will i need to redo the whole windows setup? or will it be like when i add ram and all i do is put it in?

 

Yes you will just put it in but dpending on the chip (CPU) you may want to run:

Intel Chipset Software Installation Utility 8.0.1.1002;

http://majorgeeks.com/download.php?det=1667

 

well i have been calling around my local computer shops and i have found the processer for around 100 bucks and i think im gonna pick it up then i will need to install it......hm....

 

Ok i got a great deal i was looking for p4 2ghz for around 100 and i got a p4 2.6ghz for 90 bucks sweet.....ok i installed it. i did the utility setup. and the games work really really really well. i think i need a better graphics card. cause with oblivion i had to turn everything down. oh and when i exit out of my games i have a little warning saying my virtual memory is too low.....is there any tips you guys can recommend?

 

Now that you've upgraded to a more modern CPU, your video card is the item holding you back. (the RAM is too, but not as much as the graphics). The FX5200 may be 128MB, but its a terrible DX9 card. The minimum upgrade for you should be an ATi Radeon 9800 series, or a Geforce 6600 series (AGP version).

Of course this assumes you have an AGP port on your motherboard. If your current card is PCI, you're out of luck.

 

I did a little bit of digging, and depending on your price range, here are my recommendations:

Cheap:
Radeon GeForce 6600GT (open box) 8 pixel pipelines 128MB 900mhz GDDR3 RAM $74
Mid-Range:
ATi Radeon X800GTO 12 pixel pipelines 256MB 980mhz GDDR3 $140
High End:
GeForce 7800GS CO 16 pixel pipelines 256MB 1300mhz GDDR3 $265 after rebate

Occasionally there are very good deals on AGP X850XT 's, which are between the mid and high end range.

Once again, this only stands if you have an AGP port. If you are unsure, give us the model # or service tag of your dell and we can help figure it out.

 

I don't think i have that kind of port the only thing i know of is the pci port. But don't they have like good graphics cards that can fit in a pci? Or do i need a new mobo?

 

I took a look at my motherboard and it has a little section that looks like it could have an agp port like all i would need to do is buy the little piece of plastic and just put it in there.

 

if only it was that easy . If you do not already have the (usually brown colored) AGP port, you are out of luck, and need a new motherboard in order to upgrade the graphics

there ARE PCI-graphics, but they are terrible, and what you have is basically near the top of whats available for those. (NOT to be confused with the newer PCI-Express graphics cards-- thats an entirely different slot, the replacement for AGP)