[thaull]

I'm not that computer-savvy, so I really need help in upgrading my computer.

I'm using:

Windows Vista Home Premium
3070MB RAM
DirectX10
NVIDIA GeForce 8600 GT 1523 MB
1440 X 900 (32 bit) (60 Hz) Monitor
AMD Athlon 64 X2 Dual Core Processor 5000+

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I used the CPU-Z program to find out the motherboard. What came up was:

Manufacturer: ASUSTek Computer INC.
Model: NARRA3 3.02
Rev.: A3
LPCIO: Fintek F8000

I have no idea what this means...

Does this help with anything?
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These are some things I've been looking over:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819103300

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814130469

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819103649

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814121308

I want to improve my computer to allow me to run games on max setting. I'm trying to keep my budget around $300, but if it's a bit more, I don't mind.

Anyone know any others that's better?

[Carbon]

Not bad selections for the most part, but largely unnecessary. The best route is to first dump that old 8600GTS: even in its day it was underwhelming.

For staying at 1440x900, you want to look at the 4850 mostly. It's well under your budget at under $100 even without mail in rebates.

Your motherboard is a M2N68-LA. It is old and definitely will not support Phenom IIs. Right now, your CPU is old too but to replace the motherboard and CPU and end up spending like $200 really isn't worth it with games not caring too much about the CPU. If you want to replace the CPU, wait another generation or two.

I would, in your position, buy a 1080p monitor like this 23" Samsung 1080p monitor (coupon code "22X6DLMFK6K92G" for 10% off) along with a 4890 like this one. You will come in under your budget before mail in rebates, with a final price somewhere around $260 minus tax.

Then I would buy a new PSU if you aren't 100% sure the one in there is any good: the motherboard you've stated is mostly OEM, and it's unlikely an old OEM (Dell, HP, whatever) PSU will handle a 4890. The $30 MIR on the 4890, paired with the budget left over from the combo I detailed, should be enough to allow you a great PSU. The real splurge is the 520HX, but I recommend it only because it's on sale now. You'd be fine with a 550VX , PC P&C 500W Silencer, or maybe even a 450VX or 400CX, but keep in mind lower rated PSUs trying to work harder increases your power bill and you may need to mess around with adapters to get the other PCI-E plug to power the graphics card.

Finally, make sure this isn't in a "slimline" or BTX case. OEMs like to make crazy cases that don't fit anything aftermarket. If this is the case, you may need to adjust a little, perhaps even buying a new case. However, OEMs have gotten better about this and even if it is you may be fine. Use your own discretion: how wide is the existing case, if it's an OEM computer? What is the model #?

To summarize:

- I wouldn't upgrade the CPU because then you upgrade the motherboard and that's a big budget hit for very little gain
- I would upgrade either the graphics card to a 4850 or upgrade both your monitor to 1080p+ and graphics card to a 4890. Either will allow you to play anything you want at those resolutions at max settings.
- If this is an OEM machine, go ahead and say what the model # is so I can do some more research

[Bubba]

LOL Thuall, I thought I posted a link to Carbons computer guide to you on your (exact same) thread at bleeping computer. I see I didn't, but this brings me a good opportunity to ask Carbon a question:

Edit: Decided here wasn't the appropriate place to ask lol.