Suggestions for Upgrading My Gaming PC's CPU and Graphics Card

[Justin Erickson]

Hi everybody. I would love some input from someone more knowledgeable than I, on the topic of upgrading a gaming PC. I might be wrong, and someone could correct me after reading the specs of my current setup, but I feel an upgraded CPU, graphics card, and some additional RAM is the way to go for me. As of recent, I have run into a few issues with performance. I haven't had many problems with my gaming PC, but in the last year or so there have been a handful of games that have taxed my PC a noticeable amount. Load times have become longer, and when running on higher detail settings, my frame rates and general smoothness have suffered in some cases. As my PC hasn't prevented me from playing any of these games (only had to reduce some visual detail settings) I don't feel the need to completely replace my system as of yet. I am hoping with a few upgrades my gaming PC will last me a few more years (sophomore year of college here so money isn't abundant at the moment). Any and all advice/suggestions/help is very much appreciated. My current setup is as follows:

OS: Windows XP, Version 2002, Service Pack 3
CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo, E6750 @ 2.66 GHz
RAM: 2 GB of DDR2 RAM
Graphics Card: nVidia GeForce 8800 GT

I plan on adding some additional DDR2 RAM already (at least up to 4GB, but 8GB is also an option floating around in my head), but would really love some suggestions as to possible CPU and graphics card upgrades. I am not confident in upgrading these components without some input, as I'm worried about compatibility with the available slots, and I don't want to dump a bunch of money into a graphics card that will be working at half its potential, due to a CPU that's not fast enough. As I mentioned above, money isn't overly abundant, so there is a slightly conservative budget going in. The maximum amount I'd feel comfortable spending is around $300 for each component, give or take some if need be. If possible to do for less, that option is definetly welcome as well . If I need to provide any further information, feel free to ask. Thanks in advance to anyone that helps out.

 

[kirilmatthew]

You really need to upgrade your MB as well. Power supply info is also important, because that might be an upgrade I'd get. Are you saying you want to spend $300 on CPU and $300 on GPU, so $600 total? Here's my recommendation for CPU, GPU, MB and Ram
CPU: FX-8320, $145
MB: AM3+ $105. I'll link if you want
Ram: 8Gb DDR3-1600 $50
GPU: Radeon 7970. $285
For all of them I'll link if you want! It comes out $585. I also recommend a custom cooler for the FX and maybe a new PSU if yours is less then 500W. This should play games on ultra at 1080p. Hope this helps.

 

[geofelt]

I think you need to plan a new build.
Your E6750 is not as strong as a $50 G1610.
Your 8800GT is not as strong as a $60 6770.
2gb ram is not enough. It will cost you about $30 to add a second ddr2 stick; it will cost you $35 for a 2 x 2gb kit of ddr3..
8gb and a 64 bit os are the norm these days.