Quick question about upgrades

[sevens]

So like all good stories, this one starts out about a game, I just got World of Warcraft a few weeks ago and while I loves it greatly, my computer is having abit of trouble keeping up. It is pretty old, but it has an up to date graphics card and enough memory, what would be then next thing to upgrade on the computer to improve game preformance?

[KMA-628]

You are gonna need to post as much info about your computer as possible to get a good answer to this question.

[bendsley]

Apparently you didn't read the sticky posted above entitled Rules of Tilted Computers.

When asking for help... We need as much information as possible to offer our best assistance. We need to know what is wrong with what, and as much general information about your system and anything you may have done to it recently (new hardware, applications, cat spilled coffee on the keyboard, etc...)

OS: What version, have you patched it?
Processor: Intel, AMD, Mhz, overclocked?
Motherboard: what type...
RAM: how much and what type. PC100, PC133, PC2100, PC2700, how many sticks.
HD: size, type, partitioned
Media: floppy, Zip, CDROM, CDR, DVD, etc...
Browser: IE, Mozilla, Opera, what version <-- VERY important for web problems.

[sevens]

sorry sorry, posting in the morning is a no no, heres all the stuff

OS: Windows xp professional (patched)
Processor: AMD Athalon x86 Family 6 Model 6 Stepping 2 1250 MHz
RAM: 256 MB PC2100
Video Card: NVIDIA GeForce FX 5700LE
Hard Drive: 20 GB (5.52 GB free)
Media: Floppy, CD-R, CDROM
Audio Card: Vinyl AC'97 Codec Combo Driver (WDM)
Browser: Internet Explorer

Hope this helps, sorry for not posting before

[Paradise Lost]

Your graphics card seems fine, but you might want definitely look into upgrading your
processor, my friend raves about the new Athlon 64's...

Also, a definite upgrade to your memory would be in order (ask around on that, I've
never been a memory person.)

The rest is up to you, I suppose - not really necessary for the gameplay, but inhancing
your value, anyhow.

[KMA-628]

The first thing I would do is overclock the video card.

The card you have overclocks really easily: CLICK HERE for Cool Bits instructions

I was able to get mine up to: Clock - 500MHz and Memory - 515MHz without any problems. Probably could've gone higher on the clock speed, but the slider maxed out. The memory was tricky though, it got unstable over 520MHz.

I have had mine clocked at the above settings for several months without a problem.

That's a free little upgrade that only costs you a little time.

Next:

What is the brand/model of your Motherboard? You might be able to spend a few bucks, get a little better processor, a little better memory and be on your way without spending a lot of cash.

If you have the cash, I would also look at a bigger/faster hard drive....

and.....

Get rid of IE and use FireFox

[Lasereth]

You mentioned having an up to date graphics card and enough memory. This statement is ironic! Your videocard is seriously lacking and your RAM amount is just enough to make the game work. I have 768 MB of RAM in my PC and I still cringe when it chops in certain areas. My brother has 1 GB of RAM and it runs perfect. 1 GB seems to be the magic number for WoW.

If I were you, I'd put money towards a new motherboard and processor (processor needs upgrading also), a new videocard, and new RAM. The rest of your system is fine. I hate to be cynical, but there's no reason to upgrade your current system. The only possible upgrade that would be worth it is a $100 videocard and a lot more RAM. After that, your motherboard and processor will hold ya back.

So, if you don't want to upgrade the whole system, my recommendation is buying at least 512 MB of RAM (if your system will hold it). I'd also recommend upgrading to a Radeon 9600 Pro or GeForce FX 5600 Ultra, but only if you have at least 512 MB of RAM or more first. Upgrading your processor wouldn't do much in your situation.

-Lasereth