Is it better to upgrade this computer, or just replace it?

Question

I've an HP a6230n, 5 years old. Performs great but I want to sup it up for gaming. I'd like to play Mount & Blade WarBand, Call of Duty: MW2, and Empire: Total War on high settings.

 I've replaced the HDD and added a video card, it's otherwise stock:
   * AMD x2 5300+
   * 3 GB DDR2 RAM, PC2-5300
   * XfX GeForce 8400 GS 512MB (I know...)
   * 300 W PSU
   * 500 GB SATA HDD with Vista 32-bit

Thoughts: 
* MoBo can't take a more powerful chip (I checked specs)
* If I upgrade Vista to Win 7 64-bit (chip is 64-bit) I can upgrade RAM to 8 GB (4 240-pin slots)
* If I upgrade the PSU to 500W I can upgrade the GPU

Both of the above options will run between $170 and $220. 

Or should I just save my money and buy/build a new PC in a year or so?

Elie · Accepted Answer

Build a new pc because its better

White Yaksha · Answer

you need to build a new one, because your processor alone will not be able to handle future games more likely. Build a pc that has ddr3 ram and quad core compatibility and a 500w or higher PSU. And use an AMD GPU instead of nvidia.

? · Answer

That is very similar to my old computer except I have a 500 W PSU & Windows XP. Keep it for a spare as I do & build a whole new one.

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Is it better to upgrade this computer, or just replace it?

3 Answers