Hardware upgrades

[Shinami]

More or less, I'm wanting to upgrade my video card, processor, RAM, and harddrive.  Included below in spoilers are my specs and reasons for wanting to upgrade my compy.

[spoiler=System specs]
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System Information
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   Operating System: Windows XP Home Edition (5.1, Build 2600) Service Pack 2 (2600.xpsp_sp2_rtm.040803-2158)
           Language: English (Regional Setting: English)
System Manufacturer: Compaq Presario 061
       System Model: PW534AA-ABA SR1417CL NA520
               BIOS: Phoenix - Award BIOS v6.00PG
          Processor: AMD Sempron(tm) Processor 3000+,  MMX,  3DNow, ~1.8GHz
             Memory: 1024MB RAM
          Page File: 370MB used, 2089MB available
        Windows Dir: C:\WINDOWS
    DirectX Version: DirectX 9.0c (4.09.0000.0904)
DX Setup Parameters: Not found
     DxDiag Version: 5.03.2600.2180 32bit Unicode
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Display Devices
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        Card name: NVIDIA GeForce FX 5200
     Manufacturer: NVIDIA
        Chip type: GeForce FX 5200
         DAC type: Integrated RAMDAC
       Device Key: Enum\PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_0322&SUBSYS_203C1682&REV_A1
   Display Memory: 256.0 MB
     Current Mode: 1024 x 768 (32 bit) (60Hz)
          Monitor: Default Monitor
  Monitor Max Res:
      Driver Name: nv4_disp.dll
   Driver Version: 6.14.0010.9371 (English)
      DDI Version: 9 (or higher)
Driver Attributes: Final Retail
Driver Date/Size: 10/22/2006 11:22:00, 4527488 bytes
      WHQL Logo'd: Yes
  WHQL Date Stamp: n/a
              VDD: n/a
         Mini VDD: nv4_mini.sys
    Mini VDD Date: 10/22/2006 11:22:00, 3994624 bytes
Device Identifier: {D7B71E3E-4062-11CF-A951-360000C2CB35}
        Vendor ID: 0x10DE
        Device ID: 0x0322
        SubSys ID: 0x203C1682
      Revision ID: 0x00A1
      Revision ID: 0x00A1
      Video Accel: ModeMPEG2_A ModeMPEG2_B ModeMPEG2_C ModeMPEG2_D
Deinterlace Caps: {212DC722-3235-44A4-BD29-E1652BBCC71C}: Format(In/Out)=(YUY2,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,2) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_PixelAdaptive
                   {212DC723-3235-44A4-BD29-E1652BBCC71C}: Format(In/Out)=(YUY2,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,1) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_MedianFiltering
                   {335AA36E-7884-43A4-9C91-7F87FAF3E37E}: Format(In/Out)=(YUY2,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_BOBVerticalStretch
                   {212DC722-3235-44A4-BD29-E1652BBCC71C}: Format(In/Out)=(UYVY,UYVY) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,2) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_PixelAdaptive
                   {212DC723-3235-44A4-BD29-E1652BBCC71C}: Format(In/Out)=(UYVY,UYVY) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,1) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_MedianFiltering
                   {335AA36E-7884-43A4-9C91-7F87FAF3E37E}: Format(In/Out)=(UYVY,UYVY) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_BOBVerticalStretch
                   {212DC722-3235-44A4-BD29-E1652BBCC71C}: Format(In/Out)=(YV12,0x32315659) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,2) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_PixelAdaptive
                   {212DC723-3235-44A4-BD29-E1652BBCC71C}: Format(In/Out)=(YV12,0x32315659) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,1) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_MedianFiltering
                   {335AA36E-7884-43A4-9C91-7F87FAF3E37E}: Format(In/Out)=(YV12,0x32315659) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_BOBVerticalStretch
                   {212DC722-3235-44A4-BD29-E1652BBCC71C}: Format(In/Out)=(NV12,0x3231564e) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,2) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_PixelAdaptive
                   {212DC723-3235-44A4-BD29-E1652BBCC71C}: Format(In/Out)=(NV12,0x3231564e) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,1) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_MedianFiltering
                   {335AA36E-7884-43A4-9C91-7F87FAF3E37E}: Format(In/Out)=(NV12,0x3231564e) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_BOBVerticalStretch
         Registry: OK
     DDraw Status: Enabled
       D3D Status: Enabled
       AGP Status: Enabled
DDraw Test Result: Not run
D3D7 Test Result: Not run
D3D8 Test Result: Not run
D3D9 Test Result: Not run
[/spoiler]

[spoiler=My reasonings for the upgrades]
I've had issues with my GeForce on Bioshock giving me a BoD(in relation to inefficient memory handling I believe) and when I researched a way to fix it, I found that the problem   had been going on for a long time with the GeForce series on other games but Bioshock is the first one to crash on me and I've had this card for about 3 years. Should I forsake my GeForce and go with a Radeon? I haven't heard many complaints at all about Radeon cards. So...yea...which brand should I go with and why?

I honestly have no idea if my current processor is able to handle 4gigs of RAM. If it can't, then I would very much so like to upgrade to a better processor. How can one tell if a processor can handle 4gigs? I know there're ones that can't but meh...I'm not tech savvy. =/

Ram...I run 1gig ram. If I turn on the shadow rendering for Oblivion, the performance falls through the floor into the basement. I see the game move in still-frame unless I set it to the lowest settings, which kinda pisses me off. F.E.A.R lags to NO END when I try to play it. croNous(MMO) runs slowly as well. Hellgate gives me trouble as well... >_< If I have to elaborate why I want more ram any more than I already have...I'll cry.

I have a total of 255 gigs of space and I'm nearly out. Granted I have a 106 and 149 hooked in but meh...it's not enough for an anime watcher who don't like deleting episodes. Especially considering I rarely uninstall games.

Finally, what sites do yall recommend for buying over the internet? I've heard from multiple sources that buying through the 'net is often much cheaper than going to the store and buying things. If it turns out that it'd be cheaper in the long run for me to buy a new computer, is there a way I could piggyback my current comp's resources into another computer???[/spoiler]

[Kokowam]

Hi Shinami Haven't seen you in forever. I'm sure Roph will help. GO FOR THE RADEON.

[Roph]

The CPU and Memory are ok if you're not looking to spend alot.

I'd just go for a better graphics card. Try something like this maybe?

[Kokowam]

Cons: - Gaming is basically out of the question - Able to play Call of Duty 4 on low settings with about 10FP

Isn't that bad for him? Lol.

[ShadowOD]

GeForce is pretty decent. 8800 series is the one to get

Get two 1 gig Rams

All set to go =]

[Shinami]

Cons: - Gaming is basically out of the question - Able to play Call of Duty 4 on low settings with about 10FP

Isn't that bad for him? Lol.

Hiyas moo! Yea, I did mention that this computer is used mostly for gaming. I'd like it to at least be a little ahead of the commonly recommended specs on high-end games that way I don't have to upgrade something once a year. As for cost...well...that's not a problem either.

@ShadowOD:Eh...I dunno...GeForce has shaken my faith a little since the problems with Bioshock happened. Know a site that sells one at a good price?

[ShadowOD]

Ah ok then bro.

Well check this chart for a guide of what you want  http://www.videocardrankings.com/  Top is best, obviously lol

Here is one site but its British £  http://www.videocardshop.co.uk/

We have Ebay to look at too lol. saw a few cheap deals.