upgrading!

[Bratton]

I'm new here and decided to drop in as I couldn't find much help for my problem simply googling around.

I played WoW last summer somewhat pathetically
2ghz intel p4
512 ram
and a geforce 2pro
Going into Orgrimmar, and sometimes even the Crossroads made the framerate generally die, and so I wasted about half my account time by giving up. I beileve this was also on the lowest settings of every aspect possible.

So, now I'm looking to upgrade... with a budget (hopefully not far above ($800US). Currently I'm looking at an AMD64 3200+ which I may or may not overclock to 2.5ghz or so, with 1gb ram. The question is, what video card should I use? I'm looking at a geforce 7300gs and a 6800xt for $80US. But, how well would each of these cards play WoW? Would this system still pull high frame rates in Orgrimmar etc. with high settings and eye candy? And should I definitely upgrade to 2gb if so?

This may be a bit to ask for a newcomer, but I am desperate to play! :laugh:

[from deaTh]

Wow benefits from Ram memory- I have Athlon 64 3000+ , with 512 ram and ge force 6600 LE (256mb) and everything go on max details in 1024x768 , with framerate from 35 to 65fps.Except in ogrimmar and other cities, when my framerate dies- that's all cuz lack of memory... U can buy either 7300 or 6800, wow will run perfectly, but upgrade u'r memory-2gb would be excellent.

[Bratton]

I think I'll go with the 2gb ram then; but, I can get the 7300gs for $60US and the 6800xt for $80US, would it be better to go with the 7300?

[Bratton]

well...i just bought the video card on it's own from newegg (6800xt with $40us rebate). unfortunately ill have to wait until the end of summer to purchase the rest of the computer as i don't have completed funds at this instant. for now it will be going into my girlfriend's computer to play the sims2 along with numerous expansions :grin: