Upgrade HP a6000n or New Build???

[WhoRunIt]

Upgrade HP a6000n or New Build???
Can anyone please provide input and help me out?
I am running a HP a6000n and am able to run Gamecube games, but not at full speed.
1. Should I upgrade components (IF possible due to integrated graphics card), change settings, or buy a NEW BUILD?
2. If I upgrade my video card what would you recommend?

Specs:
Processor
• AMD Athlon™ 64 X2 Dual-Core Processor 4200+ 2.2GHz

RAM
4GB

Graphics Processor / Vendor nVidia GeForce 6150
( INTEGRATED) ***

Any input is greatly appreciated

[w4ffles]

Based on the motherboard having an integrated Geforce 6150, it's safe to assume that your CPU is a socket 939. Finding socket 939 AMD Athlon X2's are quite difficult nowadays and even if you do, they are usually pretty expensive for an "upgrade".

I think a video card would be your best bet for improving performance for your current system, mainly for freeing up resources (CPU cycles and RAM). Doesn't have to be anything fancy either.

[WhoRunIt]

Thanks for the input. Could you, or anyone, recommend a video card?

[abfab126]

depends on your budget , but a radeon 5750 will be fine

[WhoRunIt]

Thanks for the replies!
I would like to spend less than $100, if possible, because I think I also have to buy a new power source. My current power source is only 300 watts....

Any recommendations on a quality but budget video card & power supply?
Looking to order from Newegg

[w4ffles]

Best card for <$100 would be a Geforce GTS 250 or a Radeon 4850. However, on your 300W power supply, the best you can probably use is a 9400GT.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814500124

[Necorum]

Socket AM2 i believe on the motherboard (i own a gigabyte am2 nforce430/6150 chipset board)
http://reviews.cnet.com/desktops/hp-pavilion-a6000n-athlon/4507-3118_7-32384248.html?tag=mncolBtm;rnav

ATI 4670 400W Power Supply recommended. $66
http://www.ewiz.com/detail.php?p=AT-4670HDM&c=pw
OR
9600gso 768mb 55 bucks
http://3btech.net/pnygepny9676.html
PSU's
Coolmaster 650watt +12V1 @ 16A; +12V2 @ 16A $54
http://www.ewiz.com/detail.php?p=PS-NW-650B&c=pw
OR
Cooler Master eXtreme Power Plus Series 500W $39
http://www.amazon.com/Cooler-Master-eXtreme-ATX12V-Active/dp/B001G0WPLK%3FSubscriptionId%3D16330PR1NAHTNCZP5602%26tag%3Dpriwat-20%26linkCode%3Dxm2%26camp%3D2025%26creative%3D165953%26creativeASIN%3DB001G0WPLK

If this machine is for dolphin then this selection might be better

AMD Athlon II X2 240 barebone kit $109
http://www.smksuperstore.com/product/54AMXII240-51410.aspx?r=p

or add this to current setup
amd x2 6000 $54.99
http://www.ewiz.com/detail.php?p=A64-6000CZ&c=pw
and
GeForce 9600GT 512MB 65.99
http://3btech.net/pnyge9651pci.html
or
Radeon HD4670 512MB 66.99
http://www.ewiz.com/detail.php?p=AT-4670HDM&c=pw

[WhoRunIt]

Thanks to all those who took the time to respond! You guys are awesome!!!
Ok now I have some work to do on my PC and decisions to make on what upgrade is the best for the price, and if I want to make this a HTPC and run PS2 Emulation also

[Necorum]

cheap go with the athlon II x4 or x2 system

your choice but check out

http://www.pricewatch.com

its like priceline.com for computer parts (they even check newegg.com)