CPU and graphics card upgrade

[Pun]

For a long time I was pretty much content with my system's specs, but when TOAU came out, I quickly learned that my CPU and graphics card can't handle the outdoor areas that have excessive detail such as Wajoam Woodlands and Bhafflau Thickets, and as such, I lag like there's no tomorrow when I travel within zones such as those listed, running slow and then zooming fast, camera moves 10seconds after I move it, etc.

So, what I would like to do is upgrade only my graphics card and my CPU, at the very least the CPU should it be too expensive for me.

Unfortunately, I know pretty much nothing about replacing CPUs (which to buy, how to install them - I've only done simple things like replacing RAM and hard drives/optical drives).

My current CPU is a 4-5year old AMD Sempron 2400+ 1.6GHz with MMX and 3DNow and I have an ATI Radeon 9250 128MB card.

My motherboard is an ASUS A78NX, and according to its documentation, it has a "Socket 462 (Socket A) Zero Insertion Force (ZIF) socket for the AMD Duron/Athlon/Athlon XP 3000+ processors."

So I'm assuming this limits me to only Duron/Athlon/Athlon XP CPUs and nothing else. (I bought this computer when I pretty much knew nothing about them, hardware-wise)

I'm trying to spend as little as possible, and since all of these sales are beginning, I figured this would be a good time to buy anything.

All I play game-wise is FFXI and Combat Arms, so I don't need some amazingly powerful upgrade, I'm just tired of the 1.6GHz and my shitty Radeon 9250.

Please keep in mind that I'm a hardware noob when you make any suggestions or opinions

[Shuemue]

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but it's time to lay that whole machine to rest and build a new one. When you say you'd like to spend as little as possible, what's your upper budget limit?

[Cephius]

You'd really be better off building/buying a new computer at this point, all your stuff is so outdated, whatever you replace is going to require something else to be upgraded. Its up to you if you want to buy a new computer just to play FFXI. I'd just buy one of the cheapest Dell desktops you can find, or something really cheap at best buy. Anything at the point will be better than what you have.

[Pun]

Well, I received a $1,100 check from excess loan funds I didn't need for school. As for budget, money is a bit tight these days and I'd like to use some of that check for emergency purposes, so I don't see myself spending over $600 for anything.

I saw this advertisement for a Dell, could you tell me any thoughts on it please: here

I realize I would definitely need to buy a graphics card if I bought that PC.

I only use my computer for FFXI/Combat Arms/Schoolwork, so I'm not in need of anything too fancy. My only concern is FFXI will run a hell of a lot smoother in detailed zones and not act like I was saying in the OP.

[Isiolia]

Echoing the above, just get a new machine. If budget allows, I would go with a decent Core 2 Duo or something still, or a Quad if you do a good bit of computing that isn't gaming...

You could possibly do well even with the integrated graphics on the AMD side (Intel stuff is still pretty shitty), depending on the resolutions you'd like to run at. I mean, they'd do better than your current card anyway, but if you'd like to be running at high res, or oversampling, then it wouldn't cut it (HD3200 anyway).

So $600 budget...are you able to get Windows from your school?

[Pun]

So $600 budget...are you able to get Windows from your school?

My school has a deal for Windows Vista Home Premium Upgrade SP1 for $79.98. Not sure if that's good or not, don't really keep up with OS prices.

[Cephius]

Well, I received a $1,100 check from excess loan funds I didn't need for school. As for budget, money is a bit tight these days and I'd like to use some of that check for emergency purposes, so I don't see myself spending over $600 for anything.

I saw this advertisement for a Dell, could you tell me any thoughts on it please: here

I realize I would definitely need to buy a graphics card if I bought that PC.

I only use my computer for FFXI/Combat Arms/Schoolwork, so I'm not in need of anything too fancy. My only concern is FFXI will run a hell of a lot smoother in detailed zones and not act like I was saying in the OP.

That computer is fine, upgrade the video card to the ATI that's on there, and upgrade the processor to the E8400 (or the E7200 if you really need to save $50) and you're golden. I'd recommend this over building your own PC since you don't seem too comfortable with that.

[Pun]

That computer is fine, upgrade the video card to the ATI that's on there, and upgrade the processor to the E8400 (or the E7200 if you really need to save $50) and you're golden. I'd recommend this over building your own PC since you don't seem too comfortable with that.

Thanks for checking it out. Just to verify: my lag issues in detailed zones will definitely disappear using the above system with your suggestions of the E8400 and the ATI card, correct? That's one of the main reasons why I'm upgrading.

[Cephius]

You can never say "definitely" when talking about FFXI performance and modern machines, but yes, 99% chance this will take care of all your problems.

[Pun]

Excellent, thanks for the help and insight everyone

[Isiolia]

My school has a deal for Windows Vista Home Premium Upgrade SP1 for $79.98. Not sure if that's good or not, don't really keep up with OS prices.

It's not that great a deal. Normal OEM price for Home Premium is about $100. Though you get it practically free with a Dell or something, which is a good reason to look at that route when looking at the low end of the price spectrum.

Thanks for checking it out. Just to verify: my lag issues in detailed zones will definitely disappear using the above system with your suggestions of the E8400 and the ATI card, correct? That's one of the main reasons why I'm upgrading.

That system will run FFXI decently. The HD3450 isn't -that- hot a card though. I have one in my living room PC (paired with a lower end CPU, AMD 4850e), and it can do FFXI at 1920x1080 on my HDTV just fine...but it's a long ways away from an HD4830 or something, which isn't -that- much more expensive in the grand scheme of things (the 3450 is about a $60 card to just go buy, Dell isn't exactly saving you money there).

The main caveat I would give with that system is that Dell only puts a 250W PSU in the 530s. If you later decided that you wanted something a bit beefier in the video department, it's likely that the PSU would be a hindrance.

I might suggest taking a look at the Vostro 410 (small business model). Has a -$50 instant on it, making it $499 base. You can add a Q6600 for $20 (they say $150 savings from normal), and it comes with the 3450 by default. Only other issue is that 1GB of RAM is standard, so you could either upgrade that from Dell or get RAM elsewhere.
Reason I say that is also because Dell offers an 8800GT as a build option (complete ripoff price, but they offer it). Despite the PSU capacity not being listed, that -should- indicate that it can handle a better card down the line if you want one (Googling seems to say that it's got a 350W PSU).
OS choice is different too, you can opt for Vista Business or XP Pro. Again, as an alternate suggestion.

[Pun]

Thanks, appreciate the info