Computer upgrade suggestions

[Prevtzer]

Hello everybody,

I have a very old computer and because I don't have enough money, nor will I have it in the near future to buy a new one I am thinking about doing an upgrade.

My current specs are:
Intel Pentium 4 3.0 Ghz CPU, Intel Springdale-G i865G chipset
Ati Radeon x800 PRO 256MB graphics card
1024MB of RAM (this isnt 2GB like I thought it was...)
AsRock P4i65G motherboard
Windows XP SP3

Let me know if you need any additional specifications.

I would like to hear your suggestions what would you spend 20, 50, or even 100? on and how much of a difference can I expect.

Obviously right now I am really happy if I get 20+ FPS, but in more enclosed spaces it's usually around 10, which is shit (yes everything is low/ off and the resolution is as low as I am going).

Thank you!

[LITOralis.nMd]

There were at least eight different Intel Pentium 4 Chips released all running at 3Ghz.

Download CPU-Z and tell us the model number of your CPU.

Your power supply unit is getting old, this PC seems to have built around 2004 to 2006. Be careful when upgrading the video card, it's possible it will overwhelm your power supply.

The best CPU that I'm 100% sure will run in your motherboard is:
478 Pentium 4 n/a Prescott 3.40 GHz 800MHz 1MB All
PPGA478 G1 115 W BX80546PG3400E SL8K4 No 3A991.A.1 NA 8473301180-MPU N/A

source of this info:
ASRock > P4i65G
ARK | Intel? Pentium? 4 Processor 550 supporting HT Technology (1M Cache, 3.40 GHz, 800 MHz FSB)

HOWEVER, I AM NOT 100% CERTAIN THIS IS CORRECT.

-------------------

Your motherboard can support 2GB of RAM as follows:
- Dual Channel DDR memory technology
- 2 x DDR DIMM slots
- Supports DDR400/333/266 non-ECC, un-buffered memory
- Max. capacity of system memory: 2GB

------------------
regarding your video card, (and your power supply unit)

X1650Pro cards for about $50US, an HD2600XT for $80US, and a HD3850 for 85 bucks. You might also look for a X1950Pro.

The HD3850 is the best AGP card out there but you may also need a new psu to run it.

Finding ANY of these cards is going to be an interesting experience, you are going to have to search all over the place to find one in Slovenia, if you do, you can probably buy it for like 10 Euros at a community fair/market.

In my opinion, your best bet will be to look in the local newspaper or online For Sale ads, and try to find an old PC that has some or all of the parts you are looking for, the CPU, the GPU, the PSU, the RAM, ... most of these parts are beyond salvage age, meaning if you can find one of the parts it's going to be sitting in a box in someone's attic/basement/garage/woodshed, you should get it for cheap.

Good luck.

[Prevtzer]

Thank you for the answer. I was actually able to find an used computer with these specs...

AMD X2 5600+ Dual core CPU
NVIDIA 9800GT 1GB (HDMI) Graphics card
4GB DDR2 800 RAM
Nforce4m-a Motherboard
240gb-(160gb+80gb) Hard drive
Writemaster CD or whatever
Win 7 64bit OS

...for 130? and I think it a worthy buy. At 1920x1080 What kind of settings do you reckon I will be able to run PR at?

Thanks!

[LITOralis.nMd]

at 1080p, That should be just about able to max out BF2 R except for AA which will be set to 2X or OFF.

[R-MOD]Jigsaw ran a GTX9800 512MB for quite some time, maybe send him a private message asking his opinion.

Cossack112 runs a 9600GT and has everything maxed out, but I am unsure what CPU he has. maybe send him a private message asking his opinion.

That PC you found is a good buy, even if you don't use it for gaming, it is good enough to use a a home/home office PC for several more years.

Here is an article reviewing and testing your 9800GT ,
Gigabyte 9800GT Review ? Page 9 - Testing: Call of Duty 4 - Overclockers Club