Im getting hl2 for x-mas, and i've recently dl the demo. Works fine, but a bit chuggy at times, and i can only run it OK on med. settings.I want to try to get as much out of it as i can. i have this semi old computer ( Ati radeon 9000 pro, 256 RAM, 1.7 ghz, 50+ gigs of HD left). And now im wondering. For the least amount of money, and most improvement, should i upgrade my RAM or Graphics card? My mom doesnt want to pay for a new graphics card, so i'll have to save up. And hich would make the most difference, RAM or graphics card?

card

I'm with DT, get the card... HL2 runs fine on my 256MB RAM... the only problem with mine is graphics quality (ugh, GeForce 4 MX)

Oh man, i've been installing the HL2 demo for ten minutes now and it's still at 0%...

Card yes, but cost more than RAM.

Yeah, the card's the brake. Maybe you can get a used card or you help a friend with a better card finance his new card and grab the old one ;)

Is buying a used card good?

It doesnt really require that good card, i can run it with GF FX 5200 around 60-100 fps @ DX7 800x600 no aa nor af, medium details

command to set dx level (really improves performance) mat_dxlevel

google it for more info

My dad has a dell with 2.4 ghz, 512 ram, but only has an integrated card. I'm thinking about buying a PCI card and switching the two comps. He doesn't use it for much anyway. this'll save me money on RAM and give me a major processor boost.

Egack! my godly avvy!!! NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

as long as a used card works, it is just as good as a new card... they either work or they don't