second hand computer upgrade+oc

[iwinulose]

Hello all.

A friend of mine recently aquired a computer second hand (didn't take my suggestion to build his own ), and I've been working on him to upgrade it. I'm not sure of the exact specs re: manufacturers, but hardware is as follows:

Processor: P4 2.6 ghz HT
Mobo: (I believe) MS-6743 (dont know the "product name", as he wont let me open the case :-|)
RAM: 512 mb
Video: ATi 9600 (AGP -- I don't think the 9600 comes in a PCI-e version neway)

My questions are:

1. Will motherboard monitor support the motherboard? I didn't see it offhand, but I might not have been looking hard enough.
2. Which would be more beneficial: a RAM upgrade or a video card upgrade. He says he'd "like to be able to play stuff if possible", and is very upset that FEAR doesn't work (something he was looking forward to playing since his upgrade from a mac powerbook .)
3a. In the case of a memory upgrade, how far should he go? normally I would just say 1 gig is good enough, but if he want's to play more modern games, then maybe add 1 gig+ total (bringing him up to 1.5-2 gigs)
3b. In the case of a video card, which video cards should I/do you reccommend? I have thought about either a 6800 or x850xt pe. Which would be better? Is there another alternative I'm missing?

The two options in question two are not necessarily exclusive. That being said, an opinion on which to do first would be helpful.

Thanks.

[blue60007]

1) The only thing I can suggest is to just try it
2) Depending on the power supply, a better video card would help gaming performance and more RAM would help overall performance. Most higher end AGP cards need a 350W power supply or better. That 9600 just isn't going to play newer games very well, if at all
3) If he can afford it, a 7800GS would be the best option (and really the only one you can find these days). Again, you'll have to check on the power supply.

Also, searching that motherboard number brings up MSI as the manufacturer.

[jayb1234]

Here is the motherboard at MSI's site. Other than fact it uses AGP video cards it is fairly new and from a decent maker.

[iwinulose]

thanks.