New Build or Upgrade

[griffidj]

Hi,

I'm looking for some advice about whether to upgrade or buy a new system.

I've currently got an Alienware Aurora R5 which I purchased in 2006. The system went back to Alienware about 18 months ago and they replaced a bundle of stuff as it was still under warranty which is why I'm unsure as to what is and isn't worth keeping.

Windows XP Service pack 3
AMD Athlon 64 X2 Dual Core 2.40 Ghz
ASUSTeK Computer INC. M3A32-MVP DELUXE Rev 1.xx
4GB RAM
SAMSUNG SP2504C
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 295 [Display adapter] (2x)

DELL 2407WFP

If my understanding is correct the GTX 295 is still pretty good but I'm lacking RAM and processor power. Also is it right I need to upgrade my OS to use more than 4GB RAM? If I'm correct about the graphocs cards and the OS I was thinking of getting a new base system and putting the GTX 295 in it, that way i can spend more on the processor, RAM, Motherboard and HD.

Thanks in advance

 

[mosox]

Id this the mobo?
http://www.asus.com/Motherboards/AMD_AM2Plus/M3A32MVP_Deluxe/#overview

You can update your BIOS to the latest version and pop in a Phenom II X4

For more RAM you need a 64-bit OS like Windows 7-64 but for gaming 4GB is not bad.

A new platform (mobo/CPU/RAM) will cost you some $350 and it will be marginally faster than the Phenom upgrade in gaming (if you use 1920x1080) so you can delay the upgrade.

 

[griffidj]

Yes it is that motherboard.

Am I right that the graphics card I have is pretty good as well. I garnered that information from here but would appreciate confirmation.

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/gaming-performance-radeon-geforce,3018-7.html

 

[mosox]

Yep, you video card is still very strong.