I am upgrading my computer soon. I don't really know all that much about the hardware side of PC's and I need help with what I should upgrade to have a balanced system and how much it will cost.

Here's my systems specs at the moment:
Processor - Pentium II
CPU Speed - 400Mhz
RAM - 60MB
Video Card - SiS 620

I am really only upgrading for playing FPS online games like Quake 3 and Serious Sam.

1: I am upgrading RAM to at least 128MB, how much will this set me back (approx.)?

2: I've been told I should upgrade my Processor also because 400Mhz probably won't cut it with the games I'm looking to play. What speed do you recommend and also what brand (don't want to spend TOO much)?

3: Is there anything else you think I should consider when upgrading my current system?

Thanks heaps in advance for your time and knowledge :]

Re: The right upgrade path

You should be able to buy an upgrade kit for $500-600 from most retailers, that should get you into a celeron 700, you may want to purchase a video card as well. Usually the upgrade kits feature "on board" video, which is not much chop for games. I would suggest a TNT2 32meg @ $99 available almost anywhere, or if your budget can stretch a little further - low end 32 meg G-Force cards (a quantum leap over the TNT cards) can be had for around $160.

The main thing you will have to tell the shop is wether your system is AT or ATX formfactor, so you get the appropriate motherboard.

Re: The right upgrade path

Originally Posted By Andrew Kennedy: "The main thing you will have to tell the shop is wether your system is AT or ATX formfactor..."

Thanks for replying Andrew, how would I know whether it is AT or ATX formfactor and what does this mean? I'd just like to know a little more about computers so an explanation would be nice :]

Thanks again.

Re: The right upgrade path

Hi Mark,

I was reading the thread from Andrew and I agree wholeheartedly, in regards to the ATX power supply, the easiest way to tell is by looking at the motherboard power connector, which is basically the thickest bundle of wires coming out of the power supply "box" at the end of this is a plastic connector, which connects to the motherboard.

An AT powersupply connector/header has one row of "holes" and is split into two sections, this is the older style if you have this you will need a new case.

An ATX powersupply has two rows of "holes" and the connector/header is one piece, if it has this then you have an ATX supply and therefore hopefully an ATX case. You will not need to replace it then.

Hope that's useful,

Brenton

Re: The right upgrade path

Why don't you just buy a new computer?

Upgrading is not always the effective solution. Believe it or not, I got an Athlon 1.4 gig, 256 MB DDR, 64 MB Geforce 2 MX400 for $1000!!!!! not much more than your upgrade you mentioned. Note: do not buy Pentiums they are slow and cost too much.

Also if your looking to play online games you have to have a fast internet connection. A normal 56Kbps modem will do you no good. You need cable or ADSL to play the games you mentioned.

From past experience I was much like you - trying to save money by doing small upgrades from time to time when my computer was slow.

This cost me more money in the end!