Thinking about building a new computer.

[Urchin]

Just built my old one a couple years ago, but it doesn't really seem to run all that well.  The old specs are as follows

AMD 4200+ (Dual Core) processor

Radeon X800 Pro (I think) 256mb vid card

Using an onboard sound card right now, but I have an old SB I can use instead (have surround sound speaks.. my old SB doesnt have the plugs for it)

4 Gigs RAM

The processor is about as fast as I can throw in my motherboard, which is why I am considering building a new computer.  I also have an old 19" CRT that I'd like to quit using and get a nice widescreen monitor. 

So should I keep the mobo+processor and upgrade the video card and the monitor, or build a new comp and keep the old monitor? 

[Getback]

Great! We get to live vicariously through you. As Baldegle is going to tell you, research your components first. After that here is where I would start: PC Power and Cooling power supply and an e8500 chip or the E8400.

I'm sure many others will chime in with some very good info. All the best!

[Skuzzy]

I am curious as to why that configuration would be running badly.  Maybe defing what you think "running badly" means might give a clue as to what can be done to make it better.  Just a thought.

[BaldEagl]

If you've got the money build new.  If not I'd probably upgrade the video card, add a new sound card and buy the monitor for half the price unless that's an AGP card, then I might look at building.

[alskahawk]

 Take a good assessment of all your components. Determine what you really need. If all you play is AH then you may not need as much as you think. Your 2.2Ghz(4600?) is adaquate for AH. Not optimal, adaquate. If you have a AGP motherboard. Build a new computer.

 Most peps recommend Intel; AMD looks to be on the ropes. But AMD x2 CPU's are dirt cheap. 2.8Mhz dual core $87. Intel $150ish.