Do you think it'd be a good idea to slap together a new computer, or wait?

[Ulyaoth]

I've had my current computer basically since about September 2003, started with an Athlon 2400, 256mb RAM, and an integrated GeForce 4. Now, I've got 768mb RAM, and a Radeon X850pro. Anyway, the cpu and RAM are just not good enough and are a bottleneck to my video card, but it leaves me with an annoying situation.

Either I can just do a cheap upgrade, get a decent A64 and new mobo, more RAM, and a new PSU and case fans(I need the last 2 things, my computer's overheating).

Or I could go all out and build a completely new computer, but then the video card would be a waste since I'd not have gotten much use out of it(only a few months) or if I use it it'd not go good with the other good stuff, and I'd need an AGP mobo, which I'm not sure is even around for the Intel cpus.

What do you guys think I should do? I'm kind of leaning towards just a cheap upgrade, deal with it for a year or 2 maybe, and then get a new computer in entirety. I'm just worried it might not run the games coming out very well.

 

[Mulholland]

What is your CPU socket, and what is your graphics card slot? The overheating might just be dust in your processors HSF which can simply be blown out with compressed air. You can probably do a very nice AMD/RAM upgrade for cheap that will keep you goiing for another year or 2.

 

[auldian]

My M/B is from 7/2004. I'm starting to see more and more game titles I'd like to try that recommend way more computer than I now have. Like you, I've upgraded here and there, my RAM 1.0 to 1.5gb and even my processor from 2100+ to 2800+.
I finally started saving some coin last fall and I'm getting the final parts later this week for a new "three year" computer. I figure with a new OS soon and the SATA, DDR2, x64 and DX10 technologies now arriving or even pervasive, it's time.
I'll will probably sell the old computer, though that won't net more than $50 or so.

 

[GenMarshall]

If you want to run on Windows Vista *shudder*, then I would suggest that you wait untill Vista compadible hardware comes into the market to avoid any headaches.