I'm the kind of person who built their own computer and is constantly "frankensteining" new parts into it a little bit at a time. Before I can do any more upgrades, though, I need to get a new PSU. Right now I'm running an Athlon 64 X2 3800+ with a GeForce 7600GS 512MB, 2GB of RAM, as well as a 250GB SATA drive and a 40GB IDE. My PSU is 500W.
My first question is this - I eventually plan on sticking an 8800 in there, definitely a new processor as well, probably an X2 6000+ or maybe an equivalent Core 2, and maybe a third hard drive. I know I need to upgrade my PSU first - will a 750W be enough, or would I need 800W+ to run something like that?
Second, what would be the best upgrade for gaming purposes? I was thinking the video card should be next, but maybe a new CPU might be a little more cost-effective. I'm likely going to buy a new motherboard no matter which CPU I pick (my current one sucks), so would it be better to switch over to Intel since I'm buying a board either way? I looked over some tech specs and it looks like the 6000+ outperforms Intels of the same price range.
If anyone could take a few minutes to answer one (or all) of these questions for me, I'd greatly appreciate it. Thanks!
My first question is this - I eventually plan on sticking an 8800 in there, definitely a new processor as well, probably an X2 6000+ or maybe an equivalent Core 2, and maybe a third hard drive. I know I need to upgrade my PSU first - will a 750W be enough, or would I need 800W+ to run something like that?
Second, what would be the best upgrade for gaming purposes? I was thinking the video card should be next, but maybe a new CPU might be a little more cost-effective. I'm likely going to buy a new motherboard no matter which CPU I pick (my current one sucks), so would it be better to switch over to Intel since I'm buying a board either way? I looked over some tech specs and it looks like the 6000+ outperforms Intels of the same price range.
If anyone could take a few minutes to answer one (or all) of these questions for me, I'd greatly appreciate it. Thanks!