Frames Per Second Question

First of all, here's my system specs:

Operating System: Windows XP Professional (5.1, Build 2600)
Processor: Intel(R) Celeron(R) CPU 2.70GHz, ~2.7GHz
Memory: 512MB RAM
Video Card: NVIDIA GeForce FX 5700LE

- Display Memory: 256.0 MB
- Resolution: 1280 x 1024 (32 bit) (60Hz)

I have a 1GB stick of RAM on its way through the mail, and I'm wondering how much, if at all, it will increase my fps. Anybody have an estimate or know how to calculate it?

Adding RAM will not increase your framerates at all.

You will need to upgrade your video card and/or CPU to get more frames per second.

adding ram can make the game load more fluent, maybe increase a few fps but not much.

Well snaps, looks like I'll be purchasing a new video card before the end of the year. I just got the RAM installed and it's great and all but yeah, no increase in fps from what I can tell. Ahh well, now I need some recommendations for a cheap, reliable video card that'll give me better framerates than what I have. Any ideas?

We'll need a bit more statistics before we give you any specific advice. Remember that newer video-cards have higher power demands, and unless you have a 400 watt power supply, you'll need to consider upgrading that too.

$100 - Nothing realistic you can do. Save up.

$200 - The nVidia 7800. This thing is a beast. It'll give you enough power for years to come. This might be difficult to find for 200 dollars, but its possible with heavy use of eBay and pricewatch.com. If you want to go with ATi, pick up th x1800. Great performance, but a bit less powerful than the 7800.

$300+ - The 7800 GTX editions. These things can be SLi ready, which is hooking up TWO physical video cards on one system. You can opt for 2 SLi 256mb's, or the 512 monster. The ATi x1900s are also available in Crossfire mode, which is the same idea as SLi.

Dont forget to check you motherboard and PS for compatibilty, and Good Luck.

if you can find a 7800 or x1800 for $200 in good state you gotta be realllllllly lucky.

Guys, thanks for the advice. I was playing Counter-Strike Source earlier on the LOWEST setting and I typed in net_graph 3 into the console and I was averaging around 12 fps, how terrible is that?