More Computer Needs!

[Genoa]

I thirst for better hardware D:
I pre-ordered Age of Conan, and I want to play it on high-end graphics as best as I can. At my current computer specs, it might not be possible. So... I thought I would purchase a few more things. Nothing... big xD you know... just a more ballin processor and graphics card =0
Not just for age of conan, but to help be more... future-proof I guess.

This is what I was thinking:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115043
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130337

I liked what I saw for the most part. But my knowledge with computer specs is actually quite fresh... so I was hoping a word from the more experienced would help.

HOWEVER, after thinking about getting those 2 things... I remembered I only have a 400-watt power supply unit D:
My Tower is:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811208019
So I was wondering what kind of unit I should get and how many watts.

If it helps to know my motherboard and memory...

Motherboard: Asus P5KPL-VM Intel G31 Chipset w/6-channels, Gb LAN, S-ATA 3Gb/s, USB 2.0, Single PCI-E MB
Memory: 2048MB [1024MB X2] DDR2-800 PC640

[MetaZedlen]

Hey, I think I could give you a couple of pointers.

Unfortunately, as savvy as I am, you're on your own with the processor, but the 8800GTS is quite the kick-ass card, but if you want an alternative (being that it takes up 2 slots...) I would say the ATI 3870 is a good card too, and it only takes up 1 slot.

Depending on what other hardware you have, maybe a 500 or 600 watt PSU would be a good choice.

As for memory, if you want to, invest in another gig (512 x 2) or 2 (1gB x 2), being that DDR2 RAM is so cheap nowadays.

[VioletSkye]

What resolution will you be playing at? For anything 1600 x 1200 and under (especially at the 1280x1024 or 1440x900 resolutions) it would make more sense to go with a 9600GT and save yourself $100. Framerates will be comparable (in many cases less than a 5 fps difference.) The processor is a good one and although not a great overclocker, you can easily hit 3GHz and slightly higher on stock cooling but you may want to consider an aftermarket cpu cooler if you plan to overclock to help with cooling.

As for a PSU, I've used this in a few builds and it's performed great. It will easily handle a 9600GT or even an 8800GTS (which is a lot more power hungry.) It's semi-modular which is nice. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817152028

[Genoa]

1680x1050 screen res.
I'm always extremely skeptical when it comes to Graphics cards D: There's just so many different kinds =/
I'll wait a little on the graphics card. I need the power supply first anyways xD
Thanks for the input.

[VioletSkye]

Waiting is a good idea anyway as newer cards from both ATI and Nvidia are coming very soon. ATI will have their R700s (the HD4870 bests the 9800GX2 in many early tests) and Nvidia will have a 9900GTX and a 9900GT (supposedly outperforming the 9800GX2 and 9800GTX respectively.) That also usually means price drops on slightly older cards http://www.pso-world.com/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_wink.gif



<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: VioletSkye on 2008-05-11 19:10 ]</font>

[Genoa]

Yeah I can wait on the cards I suppose. ;o