Current system:
3500+ single core cpu
MSI K8N Platinum socket 939 mobo
1gb DDR 200mhz RAM
ATI xt850 gfx card
2 hard discs (a raptor and something else)

Upgrade items:
4200+ X2 dual core cpu - 50 pounds from ebay (used)
2gb DDR 400mhz CL2 RAM - 50 pounds from web site (new) - couldnt find CL2 used, only CL3
Sapphire Radeon 4850 512mb DDR3 ram gfx card - 110 pounds new, to be ordered

Now - the questions in my mind are will this new setup be good enough to play WAR at a half decent resolution without lag?

Am I wasting my money - should i have just gone for a big upgrade?

Should I just go for a 4870 card instead which costs 165 pounds but would last me in to my next upgrade?

Next upgrade is about 6 months to a year away if I can get the setup above to work with WAR - I will do a major upgrade when Nehelum is released.

What do you guys think?

Can your MoBo handle a DualCore processor?

And I would go so far as to say, the only thing you need is more ram. I have a hunch your Graph card is enough.

Yes I checked on the MSI site that it can handle dual core.

Hmm i've already bought a new cpu - i will hold off on buying a gfx card until I have installed the ram and processor then. Thx for the tip Raptah.

I'm sure my mobo can handle dual core - it's nfroce4 chipset and i found it at the MSI sight with wulle's excellent guidance (he got me using cpuz too which helped massively).

• Supports 64-bit AMD® Opteron™, Athlon™ 64 X2 Dual Core, Athlon™ 64 FX, Athlon™ 64 processor (Socket 939)
• Supports up to 3500+, 3800+ Athlon 64 FX 53, or higher CPU
http://www.msicomputer.co.uk/index.php?func=proddesc&prod_no=165&maincat_no=1&cat2_no=&cat3_no=

I did want to run at a higher resolution so i may end up buying a graphics card anyway - but i guess i should first overclock the pants off the one i have, although this card has had a tendancy to run VERY hot ever since I got it.

If overclocking this card and with my new setup gets me what i want i might have a go at watercooling for fun

I may have to upgrade my PC as well so will be interested in seeing what you guys are planning on getting!

I plan on getting - a steady job and some fucking money before upgrading my pc