What to get next...

[adam1v]

ive just purchased a new sound card from OC and im well impressed with it.
Trouble is, what do i buy next?
IVe been contemplating a Physx card, but im not sure that its needed as of yet as i only use the pc to play CS Source and WoW, suggestions welcome.
Spec:

AMD XP 3500
3gb DDR2 RAM
ATI X1900XTX
Creative XFI Fatal1ty Sound Card 64mb
250gb Sata Hard Disk (adiquate space)
DVD Burner

 

[BillytheImpaler]

I'd say you should go dual core next. I'm assuming that you're on socket 393 with a decent motherboard. If that's the case you should try to pick up an X2 3800+.

Physics cards aren't quite ready for the prime-time yet and I'd hate to see early adopters get burned.

 

[Spirited]

Ok, just going to throw out some accessory ideas here, with alternatives if I can. I love spending other peoples money


Headphones:

Sennheiser HD515 Stereo Headphones (SP-018-SN)
-or-
Sennheiser HD555 Stereo Headphones (SP-019-SN) [[My pick]]
-or-
Sennheiser PC160 Pro-Gaming Headphones (SP-014-SN)

I don't use a mike, hence the 555 as "my pick". Decent all-rounders for gaming, audio and movies. The 160's are good so I'm told. I've never used them though. Sennies rock the casbah, regardless, and represent a good deal for the money.


Keyboard:

Saitek PZ30AU Eclipse Illuminated Keyboard - Blue (KB-015-SK) [[My Pick]]
-or-
Logitech G15 Gaming-Grade Illuminated Keyboard - Retail (UK Layout) (KB-077-LG)

I don't really like the G15, but it's a visual thing. It's too bulky for my tastes, but a lot of people love em.



Mouse:

Logitech G5 Gaming-Grade Laser Mouse (KB-069-LG) [[My Pick]]
-or-
Razer Copperhead Tempest Blue 2000dpi High Precision Gaming Mouse - Retail (KB-015-RA)

I just like the feel of the Logitech. The Copperhead's an awesome gaming mouse though, and comes in more colours than the one I listed. Blingy!



Speakers... I have some pro-audio monitors on my desk, as that's my thing. Not sure what's the best pick there, I'm sure someone can post their advice.

One thing is for sure though. You've got a sweet sound card there, you definately want some good quality speakers or headphones. If you have them already, cool. If you haven't, that should be the first upgrade for you.

 

[adam1v]

thanks for the suggestions.. yeah ive been thinking about a dual core chip, and i do have a half decent mobo (Asus A8n Sli Prem i think).

IS there that much different between a dual core and single core?

i noticed the chips are coming down in price now, i think they've stopped manufacture for the 939's havent they?

I got the creative headphones with the new sound card, and its amsolutly amazing, i couldnt believe how much difference it made.

 

[BillytheImpaler]

Depending on what you do dual core can have a lot of benefits. For gaming expect a few percent improvement because most games are single threaded. for things like photoshop, media encoding, and other similar operations having two CPUs is a boon to speed and productivity.

There are large price cuts on skt939 CPUs as they are indeed discontinued after the introduction of AM2 CPUs.

-BTI

P.S. Welcome to the forums, sir.