Doom 3 PC question

[Habeeb Hamusta]

Alright...I don't know crap about computers so help me out here. I have a pretty old computer (2000) running xp pro. I just got Doom 3 today and I already know i don't have the hardware to play it anyways. What I want to know is:
How do I check how much RAM I have available (required 384 for doom3)?
How do I check how much GHz my processor is( pentium IV)?
I looked around properties in my CD-rom drive but couldn't find out if it was 8x speed.
What is a good 3D accelerator card that is cheap?

I'd also like to know how much all of this stuff would cost around and if it's even worth to add this stuff to my computer....or just get a new one?

Any help with this issue would be appreciated.

[Berserker]

How do I check how much RAM I have available (required 384 for doom3)?
How do I check how much GHz my processor is( pentium IV)?

Start > Control Panel > Performance and Maintanence > System

As for the 3D card, well... go to Newegg.com, video cards section, and browse by lowest price first. Filter results for AGP, since that's what you likely have, and avoid anything by Rosewill. Check the Doom 3 box to make sure the card in question is supported.

[Habeeb Hamusta]

Thanks. I am low on RAM though. Have an idea of how much it costs to get more put into my compute...can I do it myself?

Also, do you know if I probably have a directx 9.0 combatible 16-bit sound card? I know it's kind odd to ask but it's just a stock computer...nothing special.

[kaedesdisciple]

Thanks. I am low on RAM though. Have an idea of how much it costs to get more put into my compute...can I do it myself?

Also, do you know if I probably have a directx 9.0 combatible 16-bit sound card? I know it's kind odd to ask but it's just a stock computer...nothing special.

I gotta be honest, if you're upgrading your compy because you need to upgrade it for other purposes, then by all means go ahead. But if you're doing all this just to be able to play doom 3, then do yourself a favor and pick up a cheap copy for the xbox. I've played both and I actually had more fun playing it on the xbox despite the lower resolution.

[jajaja]

Well.. it depends on how much you are going to play on the TV. I would never start to upgrade a 6-7 year old PC. I would build/buy a new one. PCs today are pretty cheap.

[Habeeb Hamusta]

That's true. Thanks...was just interested. mods can close this

[jajaja]

For serious gaming that is :) Putting in some extra RAM and a bigger HDD is fine, but using hundres of dollars on new RAM, CPU, 3D-card etc. etc. to upgrade an 6-7 year old PC, that i wouldnt do. If you're first going to do a big upgrade to play games i would recommend getting a newer PC.