Upgrade PC vs console (PS3 or 360)

[techforumz]

So I wanted to know which was the better value. So here's my specs:
AMD Athlon 64 3200+
1GB DDR400 RAM (2x512MB)
Winfast NF4SK8AA MB (full ATX, SLI, PCIe16x2, PCIe4, PCIx3)
PNY Verto GeForce 7600GS
WD 160GB
DVD+/-RW
old generic keyboard (SOLID)
NO MOUSE
generic 17" CRT monitor
(hopefully upgrade to Asus VW246H)
Logitech X-540 (HELL YEAH!)
500W Xion PSU
Windows XP Pro SP3
Mid-ATX Xion Case
Internet by WiFi (too hard to run ethernet/phone line/Cable)
My upgrade plan was to throw in a GTX 260 Core 216 for ~$200
so here's the breakdown:

PC

Pros:
By FAR the largest game library
Cheaper games
Easily upgraded
full 5.1 on analog X-540
Overclockable & Hackable/Moddable
Best interface for many games (FPS, RTS, etc...)
Free online (except MMO)

Cons:
Potential performance issues (old CPU, limited RAM)
Upgrade costs really add up
Blu ray is an extra $100-$200 (I want something TANGIBLE!!!)
Possible PSU overload with GTX 260
Games can sometimes not work (It is a Windows PC after all)
No DX10 (Windows XP)

PS3 Slim:
Pros:

Loads of features (Swappable HD, Bluray & Wifi, built in recharge)
Free online service
Some cool exclusives
Instant Gaming

Cons:
games are $10 more, controllers etc... adds up
Online not as big as xbox

Xbox 360 Elite:
Pros:
Some cool exclusives
Instant Gaming
Prominent online service
All my friends are playing it 😛

Cons:
Online not free
WiFi is +$100
no bluray
recharged controllers are +$20/each
SUMMARY: it REALLY adds up

NOTE: I own neither a PS3 or 360 (duh), so this is just what I've read on the internet. Overall the PS3 is looking pretty good

EDIT: Oops sry for double post please delete the old one (keep this one)

 

[ulysses35]

for plug and play with no messing a console will win any day. I have a PS3 and you simply turn on chuck a disc in and away you go.

PC's on the other hand offer betetr visuals compared to the same game on any console - hardware issues plague a lot of gamers on PC's because the latest game often requires an expensive upgrade.

buy a console for causual gaming...
buy a pc if top notch visuals etc are you thing.

PS3 = £249
PC = anything from £450 upwards depending on how deep your pockets are.

 

[techforumz]

for plug and play with no messing a console will win any day. I have a PS3 and you simply turn on chuck a disc in and away you go.

PC's on the other hand offer betetr visuals compared to the same game on any console - hardware issues plague a lot of gamers on PC's because the latest game often requires an expensive upgrade.

buy a console for causual gaming...
buy a pc if top notch visuals etc are you thing.

PS3 = £249
PC = anything from £450 upwards depending on how deep your pockets are.

I already own a gaming PC, but I'm at the upgrade point and wondering if a console is better than throwing money at my pc

 

[LePhuronn]

for me it depends on what games you play.

i always play shooters on the PC because of the mouse/keyboard combo, but racers are always on a console, as are beat-em-ups.

personally i've gone with a console for GTA and its ilk, simply because i prefer it on my 50" TV.

 

[huntsman]

yea i say for sure shooters are the best on pc, flying and racing and 3rd person games are good on consoles,

id say if you just want it strictly for gaming i would get the ps3, if ur not a hardcore gamer because then u can buy a game once in a while and be set no trouble with getting it to work like you might on the pc.

i cant wait to get my ps3 this friday

for pc blu ray player and burner is gonna be around 100 + and then blu ray discs which i expensive also. but if u get a ps3 then might as well get a burner for the pc so you can get movies.

 

[MrDrift]

get a console

the gtx 260 upgrade wont do much

your processor would be a limitation for the gfx card

 

[welshmousepk]

in this case id say a console is the way to go.

and the ps3 is currently the best option (more features for the same cash, and free online play), so its probably the way to go.