need help with upgrading comp
 

im starting to get into computer gaming again and unfort i have no idea whats out there andlost track of what kind of video cards an system req needed to have a good system.. so in advance im sorry for sounding like an idiot! nwyze im looking into a strong gaming comp that can play games on a 1650x1050 ress on max settings for new games. my curent specs

am2 motherboard sli rdy
amd duel core 3.4 ghz black edition not overclocked with zalman aftermarket heatsink
2 gigs ddr2 corsair ram
8800 gt zotac amp edition..
ocz 850 watt psu sli rdy

my main question is im looking to purchase an new am3 proc and wondering if would be okay with my current motherboard? 2nd is if i need to upgrade my ram to 4 gigs or switch to dd3. 3rd if its a better idea to sli by 8800 gt since the cards are so cheap or just to purchase a new card around $250? again thanks for the help!

You will need to post your motherboard model number. The CPU model would be nice to know as well. Most AM2 MB will not accept AM3 CPUs.

Don't worry about AM3 processor right now, not really necessary unless you want to move to quad-core. Go upgrade your RAM to 4GB, and go get a GTX275/Radeon 4890-level card. The 4890 is cheaper, but noisier fan. Performance should be similar. SLI's probably not worth it... the 8800GT is a good card but a bit old nowadays.


John's comment is right - let us know what your motherboard model is. Check if your motherboard is capable of running AM3 or not, because AM2/2+ boards can run AM3 processors if their BIOS supports it.

thanks will upgrade ram and bpurchase a gtx 275. ..stupid quesiton were can i find the model on my mother board without opening my comp?

im just afraid that my cpu will bottleneck the card

Run CPU-Z it should tell you. Or Everest@Home.

I'd hold off on upgrading the RAM until you have figured out if you want to keep your current motherboard or not.

got my specs
cpu amd ahtlon 64x2 6400+
socket am2 core speed 3.4
motherboard
asus m2n4-sli

again thanks for the help guys

CPU compatibility chart.

Looks like you're using the fastest dual core CPU that works with the board.

If it's not fast enough for you, you may want to look into a new CPU and motherboard (and possibly RAM)

i say get more RAM
get a new video card (4870 / GTX260 or higher...whatever fits your budget)

/done

That CPU should be fast enough.

thanks again, one more question if i get a ram thats faster then my older version would it the new sticks just equal the speed with the older ram?

Yep. That's what the new RAM will do. Overclock that CPU... go for it, it's a Black Edition!

Oh, make sure your power supply can handle the new videocard. I'd recommend 600W or above for GTX260/Radeon 4870-level cards.

^ he said he has a ocz 850 watt psu sli rdy

Whoops, reading comprehension fail! :haha: