What to upgrade?

[WhiteBoy]

Okay, I am torn between buying the x800 pro to replace my current 9800 or replacing my 512mb PC2100 with 512mb of PC3200. I feel the new video card would help a lot in some ways, but my PC2100 memory is probably the slowest peice of hardware I have.

My basic specs are

3.0Ghz P4 800Mhz 1MB L2 cache HT
512MB PC2100
9800 non-pro 128MB
Audigy Gamer


Also, I have a friend who would be willing to buy my 9800 off me for $110. That's the main reason I haven't just bought the memory instead..

I think if I got a 512MB chip of PC3200, my computer would be able to handle Doom III and Half-Life 2, but I want your guys' input.

Also note, I am not loaded with cash, so please use comon since in deciding what is a reasonable amount of money..

 

[iamaelephant]

If I were you I would just get another 512mb stick of RAM to make 1gb RAM. But thats just me, and I'm no computer genius. Just seems to me the 9800 is still a hella fast card.

 

[WhiteBoy]

The 9800 will still get me through HL2 and maybe a few more games after that, but with my current PC2100 memory, my computer will be screaming in pain with almost anything new.

 

[ewilson248]

with your current setup , the best options are both 1GB PC3200 and x800pro
definetly ditch the PC2100 anyway you can.

if money is tight, do the 9800 to x800 upgrade first, that will make the biggest difference for H2 / D3.

if you already have a buyer for the 9800 for $110 , SELL IT NOW!

 

[bosox188]

Yes do the X800 upgrade first. I know PC2100 is slower memory, but you do have 512 which is ok for now.

 

[blahblahblah]

The 9800 np is still an awesome performer, it is the equivalent to the 9700 Pro in performance

http://graphics.tomshardware.com/graphic/20031229/index.html

I would get faster RAM, you will notice a speed increase. Also, if your motherboard supports dual channel RAM, buy two identical sticks (either 2 sticks of 256 or 512) and put them in the 1 and 3rd RAM slot (or whatever your motherboard manual says). You will have a 10% performance increase.

 

[WhiteBoy]

Hrmm.. This is the memory I am considering...

Corsair

http://www.newegg.com/app/viewproductdesc.asp?description=20-145-480&DEPA=0

Kingmax

http://www.newegg.com/app/viewproductdesc.asp?description=20-156-006&DEPA=0

Crucial

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=20-146-541&depa=0

And, what is the difference between a OEM next to a non OEM?

 

[snak3y3z1001]

I would get the mem first. It might hold you back if your gonna get the x800 first.

 

[blahblahblah]

The Corsair is best because of the quality and it is 1 GB. If you can't afford that, go with the crucial memory.

This is a 512 MB solution that will allow you to enable dual channel

Also, if you re-use the 512 MB of the PC2100, the RAM you add to it will still run at PC2100 speeds. You will have to remove the 512 MB of PC2100 RAM from your computer to allow the new RAM to run at its rated speed.

 

[snak3y3z1001]

Mushkin is the best mem. However it cost shit loads of money

 

[WhiteBoy]

I am trying to decide on which of these 2 to buy..

http://www.newegg.com/app/viewproductdesc.asp?description=20-145-480&DEPA=0

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=20-145-440&depa=1

I have no idea what the difference between them is.

 

[blahblahblah]

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=20-145-440&depa=1

Go with this one, it has a lower latency.