I am seriously in need of a new computer, as my current one is very out of date, and I think it is just starting to show signs that it might not be long for this world.

I am planning to get a pre-built one from a computer market (which is where I got my current one, except for the video card which was an upgrade I made a few years after I got the computer), I do know that I will be getting one with XP on it if I can. I just want to have some suggestions on things like CPU, graphics card and RAM.

Also, I plan to use the computer for gaming, so I would like the hardware to be ones that do not have too many compatibility problems.

don't bother, just throw yours away

that would leave him with not computer at all

Build your own computer and save a truckload.

Molgrew: I think that was his point :p

most of those computers bought at computer markets tend to be around the price of their component parts, which makes it far easier than buying the seperate components and a computer box. Because getting them shipped over from the US takes time, and is expensive, will possibly get me something that doesnt work on an Australian power supply, and buying the seperate components at the market when pre built systems that are already set up are available for only slightly more than the cost of the components is just silly.

Mentioning you live in Aussieland would have helped :p

No, they're not. That is only the case with el cheapo 499$ systems. If you want something good, the price difference is dramatic. Isn't there an Australian equivalent of Newegg?

uhhhh, no there is not.

Also, the Australian dollar has gone to crapness again, and is about 0.70 US dollars at the moment. Also, these computer markets are quite cheap.

Oh, that sucks.

Hey, my PC is an el-cheapo and works beautifully.

also, I dont need the newest top of the line video card, I just need something better than my current radion 9800, something that can play games like oblivion with top settings in something other than slideshow mode would be nice. (though at the moment, I cant even play it due to lack of hard drive space to install it. stupid 80 gig hard drive)

CPU:

Get a fast dual core. Intel Core2duo out performs AMD's X2. I never played it, but I heard Oblivion is one of the few games that is very CPU dependant, most games are more GPU dependant.

GPU:

I really have trouble recommending anything less powerful than a 4850 or 9800GTX. IMO this is the most important choice for a gamer, try not to go too cheap here.

RAM:

Timings doesnt have much of an impact, I would stay away from DDR3 unless you are planning get an i7 or upgrade to one in the future. So you want DDR2-800 or better, based on what processor or overclock you are planning.

For the amount, I would base it on your OS. If your planning on running XP(32bit) then it will waste any memory over ~3.25gb. (PAE in XP is buggy and ofcourse then theres the performance hit). So in that case I would plan on 2 or 3gb.

I dont have much experience with XP64, I remember people complaining about driver support but I suspect its on par with Vista64 now. If you planning on getting XP64, I would get 4gb only because ram is cheap.

for my GPU, while I dont necessarily want the top of the line newest video card, I do want something reasonably new and good.

ATI HD 4870.

Mid range price, huge bang for the buck.

That is, if your comfortable with ATI products. Some are not.

Most people will say 4870, but if you're not playing Crysis, you could definitely get something cheaper and still have great performance. 4850 would be a good choice (it's still very fast.) It really depends on the resolution you plan on playing at. And if you're planning on playing JK for nostalgic reasons or whatever reasons you have to playing it, than stay away from ATI, and get a 9800GTX (tbh it's like an 8800GTX...) or GTX 260.

64bit Vista is better than XP64, it's much more stable.

4 GB of RAM isn't a huge must, but it's a recommendation. 2GB is barely cutting it these days, and it's only a matter of time before you'll need more. You don't necessarily have to get all 4 GB right away though. But plan on it.