Time to get a new computer?

Hey guys, i was just wondering if I should go for a new computer. I've had my current one for about 2 years now, maybe even 3. It's pretty much obsolete these days lol.

Here's the current specs:
Processor:
AMD Athlon(tm) 64 Processor 3500+
Core Speed: 2188.8 MHz
L2 Cache: 512 KB
Memory:
Memory: 1536 MB DDR (out of a 1gb stick, a 512, and 2 256 sticks)
Graphics:
nVidia GeForce 6200 LE
OS:
Microsoft Windows XP Professional Service Pack 2 (Build 2600)
DirectX: 9.0c


So that's my setup. Every now n then when I'm playing guild wars, the whole computer locks up for like 10-30 seconds, then goes back to normal.

Think its time for me to upgrade?

Somethings wrong if your PC is only reporting 1.5GB as your current configuration of 1x 1GB, 1x 512Mb and 2x 256Mb should give you 2GB of memory. Or are you running a motherboard that only accepts upto 1.5GB?

no, my mobo is asus a8ae-le
says that it can go up to 4gb

but my computer is retarded

I'd say the only thing completely obsolete about that computer is the video card, which was pretty much a joke 2 years ago and isn't even funny any more.

But I doubt that's causing the lockups. Have you checked the Windows event logs? For example, if your hard drive is failing, Windows may freeze when it attempts to read or write to it. It'll eventually timeout and continue doing something else. This, and some other similar failures, may appear in the event log.

i say the odd ram configuration has something to do with it as well.

since the system is detecting only 1.5gb, take out all the ram chips except for the 1gb. for your system, it shouldn't make too much a difference. you might even see a speed boost.

Is your Athlon 64 one of the X2 models? I've got one and used to get random lockups - the solution is to use Set Affinity (alt-tab out of guild wars as soon as you run, open Task Manager, right click on Gw.exe) to make the Guild Wars program only run on one of the two cores. Touch wood, I haven't had another crash since I started doing that.

no it's only one core, but thanks for the tip! I might look into getting a new dual-core pc.

The memory config does seem very strange. Best thing to do when putting in RAM is to make sure that all the memory sticks are of the same size, speed and manufacturer, otherwise you can get conflicts and unstability (had that on an old PC of mine). I'd definitely say that is part of your problem. If you have 2GB worth on RAM installed and you're only seeing 1.5 then there's something it really doesn't like.

The only other "issue" is the graphics card. It's pretty poor really but that wouldn't cause a system freeze like you're describing, at least i'm pretty sure it wouldn't.

The rest of your system looks fine. Unless you have money to burn i'd stick with it and just upgrade your graphics and swap out the memory for say 2x1GB sticks. You can get them in packs of 2 these days and even if you get the cheapest available it should be perfectly fine.

Check your bios and make sure you motherboard is recognizing all memory sticks, could be just your 512mb stick is a little loose. Get the free utility avalable at http://www.memtest.org/ to test your memory. Let it run over night performing the most intesive tests. I've run into freezes like you said running nvidia's vista drivers, the newer version fixed it somewhat, although the xp drivers have been fine.

Don't bother buying more memory. DDR is already obsolete, so no point throwing more money at it.

If you want to upgrade, grab a cheap video card like a 7600GT or x1650. They'll run GW noticeably better than your 6200. But if you plan to get a new PC and your budget is greater than $500-700, don't upgrade the video card.

For the freezing problems, make sure it isn't software related. Close all the non-essential programs in task manager (google them to see what they do first). If that doesn't work, temporarily disable your antivirus (not firewall unless you're behind a router) along with the stuff before, and test again.

Here's what i was looking for in my new pc:

AMD 64 CPU AM2 : AMD Athlon 64 x2 6400+ (Dual Core) AM2 2048K Cache
AMD 64 CPU Fans : Spire Kestrel-King II AMD 64 fan
AMD 64 AM2 Motherboards : ASUS M2N-E-SLI nForce 500, SLI PCI-EX, DDR2 ,1GB LAN, iEEE
DDR2 memory : 4GB (4x1GB) PC5300 DDR2 667 Dual Channel
PCI-Express Video cards : SLI Dual GeForce 8500GT 512Mb PCI Express 16X (2 cards)
Hard Drives : 500.0GB Hitachi/ IBM 7200RPM SATA2, UDMA 300 8m cache
DVD Recorders : LG 18x DVD Recorder Dual Layer +R/RW -R/RW (black)
Sound Cards : AC 97 3D Full Duplex sound card (onboard)
Network Cards : Ethernet network adapter (onboard)
Cases : Antec Nine Hundred Black Case, Side Window, front USB & iEEE
Power Supply : Okia 600W ATX Power Supply
Keyboards : Black Windows Keyboard, 104 key, PS/2
Mice : 2-Button Wheel Mouse, PS/2 Black
Speakers : Black Multimedia amplified stereo speakers


How's that? The two video cards are going to be connected by a bridge for a total of 1gb video. Is that good? haha

No, it's not good as the performance gained from SLi isn't worth the extra cost of the second card. Why not just drop in a single 8800GT instead which will easily out perform dual 8500GT's?

Also, you may want to look at a different PSU. Something along the lines of a Corsair TX 750W should suffice and also allow for some future-proofing too.

Agreed on the 8800GT, it's a pretty good card for the price. Almost as good as its bigger brother the 8800GTX for half the price.

Also, never try to save money on the PSU, a good brand PSU with a lower Wattage will be better than a cheap one with higher Wattage due to the way that the wattage is calculted (average wattage or peak wattage).

alright thanks.

How's a 1000w power supply? haha
I was thinking anywhere from 700w-1000w

I have an Antec 850W PSU in my new rig, it has no trouble keeping a quad core processor, tons of fans, two high speed HDDs and two 2900XTs running happily

I think you'd be more than fine with similar or even less in your computer, maybe your 600W chosen supply or 700W would be more than adequate in my opinion.

1000W would be nice, but it's overkill

Get an nVidia 8800GT, preferably from eVGA (if you can find them in stock...)

I'm looking at the BFG 8800GT OC2 myself, mainly because it comes clocked at 675/1950 and the shader clock is at 1674MHz. It's an extra £20 but what's that these days?

For GW your specs are way enough. You really don't need to buy new hardware.

If you plan to upgrade that computer later on (and reuse the power supply), get a Corsair HX620, Antec Quattro, or PC Power&Cooling Silencer 750W.

If not, the Corsair HX520 should be plenty for your current setup... or any other PSU with similar quality.

You may need to update your BIOS, that could be why your system only recognizes 1.5G of RAM