Upgrade - CPU or RAM?

[Abedeus]

Okay, so here's the deal. I can upgrade only one of those things (my GPU is okay).

The best CPU I can get without changing my 65nm Motherboard to a 45nm one is Intel Pentium Dual Core E2240. Also, I have 2x1GB DDR2 RAM... I think it's 800 or 1066. And I can get a 2x2GB 800 Kingston DDR2 or a 2x2GB 1066. Of course, 1066 is much more expensive than 800, but... yeah.

So what'd benefit me more? I've got a 9800 GT 512 GPU right now.

 

[Horticulture]

What processor and motherboard are you running at the moment, and what's your budget?

 

[Nivag the Owl]

If you already have a Duel-Core, I would recommend upgrading RAM first. I'm on an IT BTEC at the moment and one of my units last year was recommending a hardware upgrade for a specific case. You should totally listen to me

 

[Abedeus]

CPU - E2160, Motherboard is a Gigabyte GA-P35-DS3L (775).

I don't know if I can run anything from Core 2 Duo on it. I have only a 400W power supply.

Budget... 300 PLN + 150 when I sell my old 8500 GT. 450 PLN is about 100 Euro or $130.

 

[thehoff]

Bear in mind that 32 bit operating systems on naturally support up to 3gb unless you upgrade to 64bit. I'm not too sure what would be the best upgrade for you at the moment but I would lean more towards the ram as dual core is pretty good at the moment.

 

[Nimbus]

Upgrade the motherboard.

 

[Horticulture]

CPU - E2160, Motherboard is a Gigabyte GA-P35-DS3L (775).

I don't know if I can run anything from Core 2 Duo on it. I have only a 400W power supply.

Budget... 300 PLN + 150 when I sell my old 8500 GT. 450 PLN is about 100 Euro or $130.

That motherboard should run the entire core 2 family, quads, 45nm and all. An E7400 should fit your budget nicely and is pretty quick. Additionally, you could overclock your CPU if you're planning to ditch it anyway. I hear the Core2 Pentiums overclock especially well. No need for extra RAM if you're using XP.

 

[cleverlymadeup]

that's a tough one really but here's what i usually say

cpu is more brute power, ie like horsepower in a car
ram is the torque, it gives you more speed but a much better ride

the main thing tho is you will really only notice a speed increase if you double the cpu speed, going up a step won't do much for you or give you a "omg this pc is smoking fast" reaction

 

[Abedeus]

CPU - E2160, Motherboard is a Gigabyte GA-P35-DS3L (775).

I don't know if I can run anything from Core 2 Duo on it. I have only a 400W power supply.

Budget... 300 PLN + 150 when I sell my old 8500 GT. 450 PLN is about 100 Euro or $130.

That motherboard should run the entire core 2 family, quads, 45nm and all. An E7400 should fit your budget nicely and is pretty quick. Additionally, you could overclock your CPU if you're planning to ditch it anyway. I hear the Core2 Pentiums overclock especially well. No need for extra RAM if you're using XP.

Thanks for help. I didn't know, if 65 and 45 are compatibile... But I'll try to find that CPU you recommended.


edit: Just checked, E7400 is 470 PLN. Barely above what I have right now, so I'll just wait a month or two for my allowance and then I'll get it.

Or... I could sacrifice myself, sell current CPU for 220... But nah, I would be without a computer for the spring break.

Anyway, thanks for help.

 

[superbleeder12]

if(OS=XP)
cout<<"Save money";
else if (OS=Vista)
buy(ram);

 

[wordsmith]

Incidentally, what is your budget?

EDIT:

if(OS=XP)
cout<<"Save money";
else if (OS=Vista)
buy(ram);

Bugger that. I have 4GB in my XP machine so that I have a headstart when I get Windows 7 in 6 months/a year

 

[Abedeus]

Incidentally, what is your budget?

EDIT:

if(OS=XP)
cout<<"Save money";
else if (OS=Vista)
buy(ram);

Bugger that. I have 4GB in my XP machine so that I have a headstart when I get Windows 7 in 6 months/a year

Windows 7? That piece of wonder was running flawlessly on my 512 RAM virtual machine.

It barely requires more power than XP does.

Also, my budget... already said. But I'll have to go for E7200, as it's 150 PLN cheaper right now (no idea, why - probably a discount for the moment).

 

[wordsmith]

Did I say it was neccesary? I'm talking about being ABLE to use it, not NEEDING to use it.

Windows 7? That piece of wonder was running flawlessly on my 512 RAM virtual machine.

It barely requires more power than XP does.