Give me suggestions...

[Kaworu]

Okay, so here goes. I need you guys to suggest to me what to buy too put a bit more UMMPH into my PC. Here's my spec's

P4 2.4Ghz
2 Gig PC3200 RAM (G.Skill)
Geforce 4 MX (64 MB)
200W PSU

My mother board is generic Dell, supporting AGP, PC3200 memory, and Intel Socket 478.

I'm looking for ideas on how to strengthen it. My PC runs FS9 okay, but with a balance of textures and FPS (mid range textures and 10-15 FPS) . I know, my big problem is my puny little GC. Too upgrade that, I need a new PSU. I'm not looking for 50 FPS and pristine textures, just solid FPS in most areas, and good looking  scenery. Above all, I can't spend more than $300. The lower the better. I just want an opinion on what I should do. I'll probably buy from newegg.

[MCAntonio aka AN21]

I would buy a new rig..If you dont have enough money then buy a new card(512mbs are ok) and maybe a new processor( I am not sure if they still sell P4,). About 3.0 ghz would be ok.. You could get about 25 stable FPS with all of that..My suggestion is to buy a new PC.

Cheers

[Kaworu]

I'm going to build a real gaming system for myself next year. But until then, I've found a very nice deal on a P4 3.0Ghz on newegg. I hadn't thought about upgrading it.

[MWISimmer]

I'm going to build a real gaming system for myself next year. But until then, I've found a very nice deal on a P4 3.0Ghz on newegg. I hadn't thought about upgrading it.

I don't think you'll notice a great deal of difference between the two (2.4 to 3.0 Ghz), especially with a GeForce 4 MMX.
I'd stick with what you have and save your money for your gaming rig.  ;)

[Kaworu]

That was what i had originally thought, but for $85, my mind is open. i'll certainly buy that after a new PSU and GC.

As for saving $$$$, there's not much point since i don't have a job this winter. decided i needed a break, i have income this spring. (remember, i'm only 15)

[Brett_Henderson]

I wouldn't put any money into upgrading what's pretty much a 5 year old computer. Even $85 would be better spent toward the new one.

But if you're bound and determined... see if you can get your hands on something like this:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6814102428

It would be a significant step up. (but I'd still save the 80 bucks toward a new computer)


Edit: (ever go shooting at the Power Room ? )

[Kaworu]

Edit: (ever go shooting at the Power Room ? )

Huh? I'm rather confused!

Thanks for all the input. like I said, I'd rather spend $200 now, then save for a year or two without having to endure such a terrible wait. I do understand your logic, though.

I'll also be keeping your suggested card in mind.

[Brett_Henderson]

Edit: (ever go shooting at the Power Room ? )

Huh? I'm rather confused!

Thanks for all the input. like I said, I'd rather spend $200 now, then save for a year or two without having to endure such a terrible wait. I do understand your logic, though.

I'll also be keeping your suggested card in mind.

The new forum shows a member's location. The Powder Room is a gun store / shooting range in Powel, Ohio  (I have a condo in Worthington.. used to shoot at the Powder Room often)..

[Mermaid Man]

Graphics upgrade will help, probably AGP but check. Also need a new PSU, and Dell cases aren't standard ATX so a new PSU might not fit on the connectors on the board.

If your system was a machine you built yourself from standard PC gear I would say GPU + PSU upgrade - last a a while longer. But because it's a Dell I wouldn't bother.