Which FINAL upgrade path should I go down?

[tkpenalty]

Hey guys I right now can choose between these three upgrade paths before I have to fend for myself/live off birthday money (I don't mean leave home, I mean no random "I WANT THIS" to my parents).

Out of the five choices which should I go down?

-RAM Upgrade (another kit of 2x512MB Identical to what I have) Costing: $100 AUD
-HDD Upgrade, to more storage (500GB?) $190~$250AUD
-GPU Upgrade, to a crossfire setup $275AUD
-Sound Card (NO XFIs plox) $300
-Case Upgrade to the P180.

I am reluctant to go down the sound card upgrade because they are far more expensive and I think not very practical. With the Case, I would love to upgrade to a case that I don't have to worry about anything.
With the RAM, yes its less than $100AUD... $75 in fact. for 1GB, I would like to because of the bottlenecking of my processor involved.
GPU... just to 2x my performance as well as a properly utilised system.
HDDs; what would the performance boost heed? Would It heed any?

I mean as in now... not in the next few years as i might build another PC anyway.

[DOM]

I say ram cuz you only got 1GB and its the cheapest one and do you need that much space and dont you get good FPS on games with your pro?

[tkpenalty]

Originally Posted by DOM_ATI_X800XL_PCI-E

I say ram cuz you only got 1GB and its the cheapest one and do you need that much space and dont you get good FPS on games with your pro?

I get great FPS in games atm (eating the FPS barrier in BF2 atm). I just want another X1950PRO for the pride.
Actually, should I get another Gig of RAM that is a single stick? How about the case? I seriously need a case that can cool itself quietly and not need extra fans. Like the P180.
In like a years time i wont have much time for gaming anyway... thus ill ditch the GPU for my birthday cash flow.

Btw, which one is better 2GB Mixed RAM same speeds. OR 1GB 2x512.

[DOM]

well do you got a pic's of the case

[tkpenalty]

here it is.



Note ive done a lot to it, the case now uses 92mm zalman fans. The GPU is at the bottom slot and the cabling is better. The case DOES warp... I just realised. But only on a diagonal axis (reason: no PSU support bar). Got rid of the FDD as well.

The RAM is cooled by a thermaltake cyclo as well.

[DOM]

I was asking bout the Case Upgrade to the P180

[ex_reven]

lol upgrade your ram
cant you totally upgrade it? i.e. get 2gb of 800mhz?

i wouldnt upgrade your case, but some black spraypaint would do it wonders.

[DOM]

Originally Posted by ex_reven

lol upgrade your ram
cant you totally upgrade it? i.e. get 2gb of 800mhz?

i wouldnt upgrade your case, but some black spraypaint would do it wonders.

thats what I did spray painted it

a set of 2gb kit or case

[Grings]

i'd try and get some good money for youre ram on ebay and get 2x1gb sticks, then you've still got the option of going for 4gb when (if) you upgrade to vista

[Wile E]

I say ram. I just bought a 2GB kit. Had 1GB before, saw a nice improvement in some games at high resolutions in XP. Saw a realllly nice improvement in Vista gaming. Much less stuttering.

If you want better cooling for now, cut a hole in the side panel and the top for some extra fans. 120mm if you can fit them.

[HellasVagabond]

From what i see you cant put another card in the box since the accelero should be taking your second PCIEX slot....
Id go with both the ram and a cheaper HD.

[MGrant1957]

RAM, 2x1G if possible, and a 250G HDD

[tkpenalty]

... I cant spend over $200 atm... I can get 2GB Generic 667 and clock it at 800.

[tkpenalty]

Originally Posted by HellasVagabond

From what i see you cant put another card in the box since the accelero should be taking your second PCIEX slot....
Id go with both the ram and a cheaper HD.

I can use the GPU btw. The GPU will fit (man theres a slot difference if I install both.

I think Ill just use $50 and get an updated version of this case and a HDD cooler.