Upgrade CPU or whole system?

[Kendrite]

Hi all, hoping I'd be able to get some advise or tips.

I want to upgrade my system and was planning on a complete overhaul (mobo, cpu, ram, hdd, psu, etc.) though cash is a bit tight at the moment.

Is it worth me just upgrading the CPU? It'll save a lot and I can do it straight away though I don't know how much of an improvement I could expect.

Anyhow this is what I currently have:

AMD Athlon(tm) 64 Processor 3500+
Upgrade Socket 939
MultiCore 1 Processor Core
Level 1 128 KB
Level 2 512 KB
Level 3 0 B

NVIDIA GeForce 8600 GTS Driver 6.14.11.6218
Total Local Video Memory 256 MB
Total Local Texture Memory 625 MB

2Gb RAM:
Memory Slot 1/4
Installed Enabled Size 1.00 GB
Form Factor DIMM
Frequency 400.0 MHz
Slot DIMM0 [BANK0]
Type DDR
Type Details Synchronous
Enabled Size 1.00 GB
Total Bit Width 64 b
Data Bit Width 72 b
Memory Slot 2/4
Installed Enabled Size 1.00 GB
Form Factor DIMM
Frequency 400.0 MHz
Slot DIMM1 [BANK1]
Type DDR
Type Details Synchronous
Enabled Size 1.00 GB
Total Bit Width 64 b
Data Bit Width 72 b

Supported Slot Types ISA, PCI, PCI Express
Manufacturer ASUSTeK Computer INC.
Model A8N-VM CSM

WDC WD3200JD-22KLB0
Device Drive Type Hard Disk
Name WDC WD3200JD-22KLB0
Capacity 298.09 GB

System is used mainly for gaming and the CPU seems to be the current bottleneck. Should I grab a better socket 939 CPU or wait a little longer and go the whole system?

Any feedback appreciated.

David

[Technogeek]

You might get a little more performance if you could use something like a Duel core cpu, but I'm not sure if your MB can support it. I would upgrade everthing just becuase if your into playing games, then just upgrading your CPU is only going to last you a while. Your GPU is really holding you back.

[randomness]

If you do want to upgrade your CPU, your options are very limited as the fastest you can install is ATHLON 64 FX60 or a 4600+

If i were you i'd hang on to that system and build an entire new system when you have the cash, because socket 939 is oldies technology and your DDR 400 RAM will be incapable in the new board.

Your 8600GTS would be fine for most games, but not the latest on highest settings. If you do find it slowing down severly, think about getting a new graphics card.

[Kheldar]

i woudn't upgrade the cpu - save it for new mboard/ram/cpu

[Kendrite]

Thanks for replies. I didn't realize the MBoard limited my CPU options. I thought I could get an Althlon X2 (whatever I could afford).

If that's the case then I guess I'll keep putting away my penny's and go the whole lot.

Thanks for the advice.

David

[Athanasios2104]

Mind also that a strong cpu needs a strong motherboard and a strong vga and a strong ram and and and...