I am quite possibly in the beginning steps of maybe upgrading my computer... My current computer is a Gateway that I got in 2007. I realize it's getting up there in years, but I have reservations about scrapping it and getting a new machine. There are two main reasons for this- cash flow and the programs I have. Right now I have Office 2007 and a paid version of AVG that is good until 2018. I'm worried that if I get a new computer I'll be out those programs. (Word not so much as the AVG, I can live without it if I have to, though it does make working from home easier.) I do have my verification code for AVG, so that may save me the money? I had my video card upgraded two years ago and the guy who installed it added those two programs for me.

I know I need more RAM and more memory, but I'm not sure what else. My video card is newish, so I think that's fine. Can you all offer suggestions? *My* budget is nill, so I'll be getting assistance (for my birthday) from my parents. So upgrades on the less expensive side are better. I only use my computer for working from home (web based and Office mostly) browsing the internet, listening to music, and playing the Sims. I do download books, but those get transferred ASAP.

These are my specs:
==System==

Operating System:Windows XP Professional (5.1, Build 2600)
System Manufacturer: Gateway
System Model: DX420B
BIOS: Default System BIOS
Processor: Intel(R) Core(TM)2 CPU 6400 @ 2.13GHz (2 CPUs)
Memory: 1006MB RAM
Page File: 989MB used, 1431MB available
DirectX Version: DirectX 9.0c (4.09.0000.0904)

==Display==

Name: NVIDIA GeForce 8600 GT
Manufacturer: NVIDIA
Chip Type: GeForce 8600 GT
Approx. Total Memory: 256.0 MB
Main Driver: nv4_disp.dll
Version: 6.14.0012.7533 (English)
Driver Date: 5/25/2011 02:09:20, 4198272 bytes

==Sound==

Description: SigmaTel Audio
Driver Name: sthda.sys
Driver Version: 5.10.5082.0000 (English
Date: 6/15/2006 19:28:04, 1179784 bytes

==Disk & DVD/CD-ROM Drives==

Drive: C:
Free Space: 155.4 GB
Total Space: 233.9 GB
File System: NTFS
Model: HDT722525DLA380

Thanks in advance!

Dude! No budget?
How do I know which parts to recommend?

"Bad, cheap", or "Mediocre, cheap", or "Average, cheap"... Definitely "Exceptional, expensive" or "Average, don't-eat-for-a-weak" are out of the question.

And how long until your next PC purchase? I think with a "nil" budget, the most pressing upgrade that system need is RAM.
Do you want to splurge to 4GB RAM (the max the motherboard can take) now or just 2GB RAM to tide you over. Because, remember that these old components are not transferable to new architecture.
And it is Dual-Channel (although you have 4 memory slots, they need to be filled in pairs), means that you have to sell off your current 2x512MB (or 4x256MB) RAM sticks now and get new set of RAM sticks.

Also, a reminder that Windows XP, being a 32bit OS would only see 3.2something GB of this RAM.

According to this page http://reviews.cnet.com/desktops/ga...g=mncolBtm;rnav
these might work for your system:
4GB (2x2GB), 9 choices (@$53-$65) : http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...82%20x%202GB%29
2GB (2x1GB), 6 choices (@$30-$35) : http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...82%20x%201GB%29

My thoughts:
- the old RAM sticks may not be worth anything, so don't rely on that to count towards your budget
- if you can find the same exact, matching RAM models, you can just add another pair (provided you currently have the 2x512MB combination)
- 1GB to 2GB may not give a big improvement
- 4GB not all is recognized by 32bit OS
- either way, upgrade is not transferable to new PC
- if you're gonna need or plan a new PC purchase, forget upgrading and put the budget towards that instead.

Software registrations are usually transferable to another PC, as long as it is de-registered in the other. Just call their Customer Service to be sure.

ps: sorry, it took me awhile to search for the mobo info and being sure I have the right one, and then getting some suggestions together.

No problem! I appreciate any and all help with this. Really.

As for a new computer purchase I'm looking at a 3-4 year time window. Which may be a long view, but definitely 3 years at least. I just don't make enough to have a savings, I've got a paycheck and a quarter going directly to rent every month, and the rest goes to bills. I'm lucky internet is included in my rent, otherwise I wouldn't even have this... (And my rent is cheap! Sometimes it sucks living in a rural area... ok lots of times, lol.) So yeah, no budget. A box of frozen waffles is considered a big splurge at this point.

Switching gears here for a moment... So I know everything is mega outdated, so pretty much I'd be better off NOT upgrading and waiting and saving up for a whole new machine? And considering that there aren't any places within an hour's drive that can build a machine for me (hello cow neighbors on BOTH sides!) I'd be looking at a pre-fab machine from Dell or Staples. I know nothing about specs so I'd be afraid to go to the places listed in the Sticky without someone holding my hand, lol. (hey, at least I admit I have no idea what I'm doing! :D) I know I could move (really get someone else to move) my graphics card over to a new machine, since that's pretty new and works decently.

I spent a few minutes over at MaxForcePC looking at their desktops and without changes would this machine work: http://www.maxforcepc.com/systems.php?c=1&p=7 It's still out of my grasp cost wise (it's two week's pay!) but it'll give me a jumping off point... And maybe I can get my parents/relatives to give me cash instead of anything else for the next two years of holidays! :P

(You guys would CRY to see the computers I've got to deal with at work... we've got old white IBM monitors and it takes them 15 minutes to boot up in the morning...)

Upgrade
My take is if the next full PC purchase is in 3-4 years time, what I'd do is switch to a 64-bit OS (Windows 7) and upgrade to 4GB RAM now.
It is not worth to upgrade CPU as you need to upgrade motherboard with that, unless there is a CPU of higher clock speed to match the motherboard's specs (I'd have to research more on this). But the cost and ultimate payoff may not be worth it.
After the RAM and OS, next I'd target the GPU+PSU; but as this might create a bottleneck with the slow CPU, I'd just leave things alone.

So, bottom line? Upgrade RAM and OS now and leave the rest.
Once you got the budget for a new PC, build a new one.

New PC
There's no local store in your area who offers PC repairs/builds (or friends to help with doing a DIY Build - you order everything online, get a friend's help to come over and build it for you)? They might be even cheaper than buying prefabs online (like Dell) or the Electronic (mega) stores like Staples or BestBuy.

If not, then I would also check the 'net to compare those online retailers who has a build option for a price. I know NCIX, for example does this.
I don't know who's cheaper or better, though (NCIX vs Maxforcepc). Read consumer reviews / feedback on their service, warranty & returns policies, tech support, etc.

Doing it yourself is also not that hard. I learned ages ago when there's no Internet.
Now, there're videos and pictorial guides to show what component or cable goes where. Plus, the cables/connectors are color-coded and only go one way, there's no possible way for it to get plug in the wrong way. Just need to take the precaution against static buildup and stuff.
Well, you have the next few years to learn, anyway...while you save up.

Thank you so much for your help Ellacharm3d. I really appreciate it. I showed my mom your response and she floored me by saying "OK, we'll get you a new one." I did *not* ask, I swear!! She wants to go to best buy, and my 'homework' is to look at the website and see what I like. I'm supposed to meet her on Saturday and go to the store with her... Do you have any suggestions? She didn't give me a price range, but said that she saw one for $579, so I'm guessing that's around her range. O_o (that's more than my paycheck this week! :o )

I have to say, I'm really at a loss, it's been so long since I bought a computer I don't know what to get... is this a good one: http://bit.ly/esuPgS ? We have a Lenovo at work, but we only use it for a circ computer, so I know nothing about them. Other than graphics I *think* it meets specs, but is a different one better? There's also this one: http://bit.ly/kfJyCb I'm too not worried about the graphics card, since I can have someone help me pull it from my gateway and put it into the new one (if it's better?)...

I swear, if you help me (again) with this I will send you any kind of baked good that you want... I'm making strawberry jam soon!

Well let's see. If you wanna game, and if that 2nd link computer is available, I'd highly consider getting that. Compared to your current PC, it's quite a jump. I'm not exactly the "techno geek" type, even though I feel the need to be. So that's my guess.

Both of those links are no good - Integrated graphics.

CPU+RAM
Typically, from Electronics Stores, the price ranges from $700-$1000, or the $1000-$1200, anything lower is usually not a good bet for Sims.
The reason is they tend to stupidly put Core i3/i5 Dual Core processors, with 4GB RAM and an integrated graphics. Or a Core i7 Quad Core processors, with 8GB RAM and a too-weak graphics for Sims 3. It is totally unbalanced.
When they do bundle a PC with good graphics card that support Sims franchise, the build is overpriced (upwards of $900-$1200); compared to if you were to purchase the components and build it yourself (see the sticky self-builds for $650 and $800).
Although the components in the sticky are a generation or two older, you'll find that if you substitute current generations' components, the price won't differ by much.
For your usage requirements, I think any of these AMD ones from the 4th tier (counting down from the top), with 4GB RAM would do you fine. http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews...cpu,2951-5.html

GPU
If you look at the SysReq page (my signature has the link), most of the time where cards get green "Yes" across the board and can potentially still support future Expansion Packs are those above the mid-line for that Model.
EG:
- Nvidia GT 550, GTX 460, GT 450 and above
- AMD HD 47xx, HD 56xx, HD 67xx and above
Since you have budget constraints, I'd go with the 12th tier (from the top): HD 55xx or HD 65xx. http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews...670,2935-7.html
That would be fine for low-mid settings in Options.

Sure, you can yank out the 8600 from your Gateway, but be sure to verify the new PC has the PSU to support discrete cards. As usually these companies bundle a weak PSU to support that weak GPU (integrated hardly draws much power to count) and keep price reasonable.
From my searches for power requirements of this 8600 GT card, you'd do fine with PSU of 450W and higher.

Yum...jam!

Wanted to thank you again Ellacharm3d! I ended up getting a Gateway DX4850 and a 450 watt PSU. I installed my previous graphics card and the new PSU in it last night and have been adjusting settings as I like them today. I'm pretty sure this computer will hold me for a while since it's got a 1.5 aTB hard drive and 6 Gig of memory. As well as an i5 core processor.

I'm getting ready to re-install Sims and looking forward to a spiffier game.

Lovely! Specs for price does not look too shabby, apart from the weak PSU and IGP.

Don't forget to get appropriate drivers for the 8600, and run Windows updates (for SP1 and DirectX updates).

Enjoy your new shiny PC and Happy Simming!