whats the specs ?
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Usually if you have a good motherboard and a decent cpu you can just add memory and a good video card and it will haul balls. Mine kicks ass from 2001.
factory dell motherboard and CPU.. and thats about it.
when buying the memory stick should I get it with dual channel ?
is it ok to mix different brands of memory sticks ? I have 2 slots open, if I want to add 1gig should I use 1 gb stick or two 512 sticks ?
+1 They can be a different brand as the old ones as long as they match. The dual channel ones are matched pairs that usually cost a little more than just buying 2 of the same single sticks. Either one works. Ram is cheap so get as big as what fits in your board for you don't have to throw out if you need to upgrade again.
its the best way to make a real tight gaming rig.
just like with cars, i never get some pre-built engine. i price them out and build myself, to my specs. always get exactly what you want, just not totally cost effective.
as for replying to original post... RAM, max out your ram, adn you may not even need to upgrade your vid card.
i would recommend the dual channel, get two 1 gig sticks. prices have dropped on them in that last year or so.
Upgrade the ram and get a GeForce 7800 + Series or 8600GT Graphics card...Any other kind of graphics card that is out your CPU will just bottle neck your GPU and be wasting money.
2GB Ram (roughly 40.00)
GeForce 7900GS (120.00)
total upgrade 160.00
able to play games - PRICELESS
I am going to put in 2 GB of ram for my old system and then build me a new pc from parts off of www.newegg.com
Look at tigerdirect.com too. They both get good deals.