Whats the next step for my PC?

[AJClark]

Hey,

I've had my current PC since 2007 and it has mostly been used for gaming. When I got it, I could run the current games on high settings with pretty good FPS. However, after getting more recent games for Christmas, I realise that my PC is no longer up to date and it needs upgrading. At the moment, my PC struggles to run new games on medium settings, let alone high.

So I was wondering if anyone could me help in picking the next step of how I could improve my PC for a better gaming experience.

Here is my current specs (the ones which are relevant anyway):

CPU: Intel(R) Core(TM)2 CPU 6600 @ 2.40GHz
RAM: 4.0GB
Graphics Card: GeForce 8600 GTS

I expect its probably my graphics card which is out of date. If so, can anyone recommend an upgrade for me?

 

[JackNaylorPE]

I just replaced my son's 8800 with a XFX GTS 250 w/ 1 GB .... he's happy.

 

[AJClark]

Aha, so it's definitely the graphics card which needs upgrading?

The Radeon HD 4870 is actually a card I've been looking at and it's price is reasonable for me.

How much of an improvement will I see from upgrading to any of the cards I've had recommended? Would it be worth the £100 I spend?

 

[Bluescreendeath]

$60 = 4670 or 9600GSO
$80 = 9600GT or used 4850 on ebay
$100 = 9800GT or 4830
$110 = 9800GTX/GTS250 or 4850
$125 = 4870 512mb

What is your PSU? You might have to go with a 5750 (performs equal to a GTS250/9800GTX or a 4850) since it draws very little power.

 

[AJClark]

$60 = 4670 or 9600GSO
$80 = 9600GT or used 4850 on ebay
$100 = 9800GT or 4830
$110 = 9800GTX/GTS250 or 4850
$125 = 4870 512mb

What is your PSU? You might have to go with a 5750 (performs equal to a GTS250/9800GTX or a 4850) since it draws very little power.

I do believe my PSU is a CoolMax 650 Watts.

http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=3616