PC Upgrade Advice Needed

[jkanownik]

I recently received a HP a1210n (http://www.shopping.hp.com/webapp/shopping/product_detail.do?landing=computers&category=desktops%2Fhp_pavilion%2Fa1130e_series&catLevel=4&storeName=computer_store&subcat1=rts&product_code=ED895AA%23ABA&jumpid=oc_R1002_USENC-001_HP%20Pavilion%20a1210n%20Desktop%20PC) as a graduation gift. I purchased an extra 512 MB stick of RAM, plan on getting the -11 AR 160 GB HD from CC and will pop in an extra DVD-Rom drive out of my old computer, so it will look like this:

AMD Athlon 64 3500+
Window XP MCE
1 GB Ram (2x256, 1x512, 1 slot free)
200 GB Hard Drive
160 GB Hard Drive
Integrated ATI RADEON XPRESS 200 graphics
1 x DVD±R/RW (Lightscribe)
1 x DVD-ROM
2 x PCI slots free
1 x PCI-E slot free

Monitor is a HP VS17 (http://www.shopping.hp.com/webapp/shopping/product_detail.do?landing=monitors&category=hp&catLevel=4&storeName=computer_store&subcat1=flat_lcd&product_code=PK657AA%23ABA) (17", 16 ms, 450:1 contrast, 1280 x 1024 native, Analog)

The system currently meets all of my needs, but down the road I would like to do some video editing (just clipping some home DV movies), play higher-end games and start playing around with the HTPC features. Fortunately I have the luxury of waiting to upgrade, so I can seek out some hot deals. Obviously the upgrades I would be looking for are a PCI-E graphics card, PCI TV Tuner, more RAM and possibly upgrade the processor or monitor. What I am looking for is answers to questions like these:

What should I target for an upgrade first?

Should I just get a cheap 128 MB graphics card (~$50), settle for a decent deal on an average 256MB PCI-E card (i.e. ~$100) or is it worth it to wait for a really hot deal on higher end card?

What TV Tuners should I be looking at and what price should I target?

How should I go about upgrading the RAM? Is 1 GB enough? Should I just get another 512 MB stick for $30 or wait until I can find a cheap 1 GB stick?

Will my monitor be passable for watching movies and playing games?

Will my processor be a bottleneck for my system or is it OK unless I go after a high-end graphics card?

I am hoping that by starting to look at this stuff now, I can save some money by shopping deals for future needs. Thanks!

[SOSTrooper]

I guess the first I would do is upgrade the video card and get a PCI TV-Tuner card. TV Tuner cards are cheap, $40 will get you a good one (Hauppauge, ATI are fine). I've never used those video editing package that comes w/ software and capturing hardware, so I couldn't give you advice on that. As for video card, can't go wrong w/ a nVidia 6600GT PCI-E, those are around $130 on newegg (even cheaper if you wait for deals). Your memory is good for now, but since they're dropping slowly in price, upgrading memory should cost you $40 if you want to add a 1GB stick in there. But memory shouldn't be your priority right now, only if the PC demands more memory when you do video editing (which will be a good idea). Your CPU is fast enough to do most tasks, so don't spend money upgrading that yet. The monitor is ok, I'm assuming its an LCD. Gaming might be a bit harsh on your eyes, but since you dont do much gaming, I would just leave it as is.

[headpiece747]

Upgrade your video card because all games nowadays need high end graphic cards. Your processor is fine and will be for awhile. 1gb is great for almost all games and 2gb is only viable in the future so wait. I say your system is pretty good and only lacks a video card. So skip everything else in my opinion and get a high end graphics card with 256mb.

[bmsdaddy]

If you want to play higher end games, get at least a 6800 GT. I know the 6600GT has long been a favorite for its price/performance ration, but its day is rapidly fading away. Spend more on the video card now unless you plan on doing more updates on it down the road.

[greenbags125]

Actually, you could spend up to 20 grand on a top of the line Powermac.

[Moxio]

Actually, you could spend up to 20 grand on a top of the line Powermac.

Hehe yeah if you equip it with quad processors and the QuadroFX ;)

[greenbags125]

Hehe yeah if you equip it with quad processors and the QuadroFX ;)

That won't push it over the edge. The 16GB of EEC ram would.

[Moxio]

That won't push it over the edge. The 16GB of EEC ram would.

:rofl: Man, to try that out... ;)

[greenbags125]

:rofl: Man, to try that out... ;)

Yup, configuring everything on that Power Mac to the fullest cost more than my car. I might hold off on buying it.

[greenbags125]

Yup, configuring everything on that Power Mac to the fullest cost more than my car. I might hold off on buying it.

Summary
Subtotal $24,127.00


Specifications

2.5GHz Quad-core PowerPC G5
16GB 533 DDR2 ECC SDRAM- 8x2GB
2x500GB Serial ATA - 7200rpm
QUADRO FX 4500 512MB SDRAM
Apple Cinema HD Display (30" flat panel)
Apple Cinema HD Display (30" flat panel)
AirPort Extreme + Bluetooth built-in
Apple USB Modem
16x SuperDrive DL (DVD+R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW)
Fibre Channel PCI Express Card (w/ SFP-SFP cable)
Apple Wireless Keyboard & Mouse - U.S. English
Mac OS X - U.S. English
Final Cut Express HD + Motion 2 preinstalled
Accessory kit

[jkanownik]

Thanks for the help (the half of you that aren't smoking apple-flavored crack)

[greenbags125]

Thanks for the help (the half of you that aren't smoking apple-flavored crack)

From the half that was smoking apple-flavored crack, I think that everything that needed to be said was said and therefore didn't need saying again. By introducing another topic which would get replies, it would only bump it up more and therefore give you a greater chance of getting a reply.

[jkanownik]

Thanks for the bump!! (the half of you that are smoking apple-flavored crack)