RAM or Graphics card?

[ríomhaire]

My specs:
3GHz Intel Pentium
512MB or RAM
RADEON X300 Graphics card

Now, I have a bit of cash I want to upgrade my computer. Would I be better off getting more RAM or a new graphics card? Where is the best place to get them cheap (but good quality of course) and how would I install them?
Thank you.

 

[Asus]

I would say Ram. Granted both need upgrading, but more memory would make just about everything you do with your PC smoother (Lot of programs open on the desktop or Gaming). Are you OK playing at 1024x768 resolution? I'm sure some games you could up it a bit but not the new games.

If you would rather have sharper or more detailed graphics and you could bare any lag then go for a GFX card. I know a few people like this. lol

 

[giant384]

if you have enough money you could buy a graphics card and a 512 stick of ram
how much money do you have exactly?

 

[ríomhaire]

ATM I think I have about €300-400 ($380-510/£207-275) and I should be getting paid again soon.
I'm more interested in RAM than a graphics card TBH.

 

[tehsolace]

It depends on if you play games alot or not to me, as well as how much money you have.

If you have enough to spend on a real good video card, maybe you should go for a reasonable card and get ram as well. Or if you want to go the 'either-or' way, then I suggest a new card if its a real good one. If you can't afford a real nice one, then just get ram for now.

 

[The Brick]

6800GS AGP €220
512mb ddr €50

 

[Saketi]

boost urself upto 2GB RAM & then when u get paid again, buy a better GFX card

 

[hungryduck]

I'd also agree, ram first.
Like asus said....ram will make all of your PC generally faster.....video card will help mostly with games.

 

[giant384]

2gb is not really needed 1gig is plenty
im not sure what graphics slot you have but if its pci-e get a 7600gt if its agp for with the 6800gs or a ati equivlant

 

[ríomhaire]

I don't know much about this kind of stuff. If I get 512 megs can I add it on to what I already have? Do I have to get a gig? Do you need a special sort of RAM 512 MB, I don't have a clue.

 

[Asus]

First know what kind of memory you use. DDR or DDR2
If you have 1 stick @ 512MB then you can easily add another 512MB stick.

If you are running dual channel memory with 2x 256MB then you can add memory but it needs to be in matched pairs.

 

[ríomhaire]

Hmmm. I think I have 2 256MB but I'm not possitive. How can I check?

 

[Shakermaker]

Hmmm. I think I have 2 256MB but I'm not possitive. How can I check?

Just open your rig. Somewhere on your motherboard there should be four slots of which two (if you have 2x 256MB) or one (if you have 1x 512MB) are filled with this. Don't forget to turn the power off.

 

[bbson john]

What is your motherboard? If you are using AGP, you won't expect to ungrade your display card. As far as I know, there are not that many high-tech display card using AGP.
I hate upgrading my PC 'cos whenever I want to upgrade a component, that's gonna involve a lot other upgrades.

 

[ríomhaire]

I have no idea what type of motherboard I have. How do I check?

 

[giant384]

my guess is you probably have a dell and its pci-e am i right lol because the only dells that come with x300s are pci-e ones