- last post: 01.01.0001 12:00 AM PDT
Hmm, that definately helps me. Well, if you do want to get a gaming machine, and want the cutting-edge, so to speak, a PCI-express/AMD socket 939 system is what you want.
To start off to even use the pc at all, you'd need a new:
motherboard
processor
RAM
video card
Cheapest way:
1. Chaintech VNF4 Ultra Zenith/AMD Athlon 64 3200+ combo. That's about as low as you go with socket 939 - definately the gamer's pc. I have that particular processor, it's perfect. I was also an owner of the Chaintech board. Disregarding price, it's still a nice board, but with such a low price [usually $90 alone], it's even more appealing. I will say, though, that the price for this little combo is about as cheap as you can get.
2. eVGA 6600GT. This will run most games today at high settings on a medium to high resolution with acceptable frame rates. You may one day need to upgrade, which is why it's really the best to do the setup following this one.
3. pqi value RAM, 1GB dual channel. You'll want 1GB nowadays. And unless you plan to be some hardcore-overclocking-power-hungry pc user, you'll probably just want to stick to value RAM. It'll save you $100 or more, too ;)
Now, the best, future-proof way that is also easy to upgrade:
1. Asus A8N-SLI. This will allow you to eventually have dual videocards, if you choose. This will provide you with a very convenient upgrade path, not to mention the mobo is one of the best out there.
2. AMD Athlon 64 3000+ Venice core. The Venice cores are the newest core for A64's. Very cool running.
3. 6800GT. Everyone will scream at me...but it does come down to this: if you just get a 6600GT now, and then later get another 6600GT...you'll have the same performance as one 6800GT. And by buying one 6800GT now, and then another later...twice the power. However, if you are crunched for cash, obviously choose a 6600GT.
4. Same RAM. No change.
That's the best case scenario, without considering your budget. IF you know you will be tight for cash - go for the first. You'll need all of that at the same time, plus your old hard drive and such, to get the pc running. Then I guess you can slowly get a new hard drive, then case, etc.
Also know that your old power supply is probably not going to cut it...so that's another $50 for a decent non-POS one that won't fail on you.
If it's not too much to ask, what is your budget like, how soon do you need the pc, etc? Maybe, if you are too crunched for cash, you can take a step back and get a socket 754 system - not as new, but still nevertheless pretty good. But not cutting edge by any means - socket 754 is starting to die out.
Maybe the above ideas will help you seek out what you need.