Hardware suggestions for a noob?

[manatee man]

To be brutally honest, this is the first part i'm upgrading for my computer. I'm not pretending to know anything about hardware, but I think I want a better RAM (possibly other components while I'm at it). So here are my specs:

CPU: Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo CPU E7400 @ 2.80GHz
RAM: 2GB
OS: Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium Edition, 32-bit
Graphics Card: GeForce 9400 GT
Free Disk Space: A whopping 679.4 GB (I've been cleaning up)

I don't know what to say other than i kinda want my PC to run faster on higher settings for more graphic intensive games.
No real price range, but I don't need top of the line gear, just something with good bang for its buck.

I really appreciate your suggestions!

 

[iEye Captain]

Pour manatee blood over your computer. It'll give it a speed boost.

If, for some reason, that's not an option...

If you want good bang for buck, go for a AMD processor (Phenom Quad Core Black Editions are generally good bang for you buck. Source: http://www.cpubenchmark.net). You'll need a new motherboard, so get one with AM3. 4GB of memory will do just fine. And an upgrade at the GPU wouldn't hurt.

All that should clock in at around $500.

~180 for CPU. Clickity here!
~120 for GPU. Clickity here!
~80 for RAM. Clickity here!
~120 for servicable motherboard. Clickity here!
To protect your investment, you might want to upgrade your PSU as well.

My own computer specs used those components, I get 200fps on CS:S and 60 fps on BC2 (High graphics settings).. so should be enough for a casual gamer.

 

[IDigitalDeadI]

Pour manatee blood over your computer. It'll give it a speed boost.

If, for some reason, that's not an option...

If you want good bang for buck, go for a AMD processor (Phenom Quad Core Black Editions are generally good bang for you buck. Source: http://www.cpubenchmark.net). You'll need a new motherboard, so get one with AM3. 4GB of memory will do just fine. And an upgrade at the GPU wouldn't hurt.

All that should clock in at around $500.

~180 for CPU. Clickity here!
~120 for GPU. Clickity here!
~80 for RAM. Clickity here!
~120 for servicable motherboard. Clickity here!
To protect your investment, you might want to upgrade your PSU as well.

My own computer specs used those components, I get 200fps on CS:S and 60 fps on BC2 (High graphics settings).. so should be enough for a casual gamer.

Good job /thread :thumbup1:

 

[Kain-]

there was deal on amazon with buying cpu's and they were a lot cheaper, they had a x6 for 180, but idont know if it is still going on

 

[reflex99]

if you don't live in canada, there are a lot better/cheaper options.

 

[iMatthew]

Maybe an HIS Raedeon HD 6950? Or 2x ATI hd 5770s in CrossFire?

And Maybe 2x 2gb sticks that have matching bandwith as your other

 

[Raul Tha Monk]

Your cpu is a bit low but if you really want to upgrade it i seen a few onces for 180$ and you need to get your RAM to 4gb