Well, I would say get more ram before anything else. 256 just doesn't
cut it for much these days. My system is using 219mb right now, and
I have nothing running, not even in the taskbar. You'll see the
biggest boost with that purchase no doubt. And then for your sister's
game, get any newer graphics card. I think the ATI 9600s are still
a good bang-for-the-buck, though you could do better.
The rest of your specs aren't too great, but they'll do. Those two
things I mentioned will probably make the biggest difference
per dollar spent.
[edit]But if you have a crappy motherboard, all of this becomes moot.
cut it for much these days. My system is using 219mb right now, and
I have nothing running, not even in the taskbar. You'll see the
biggest boost with that purchase no doubt. And then for your sister's
game, get any newer graphics card. I think the ATI 9600s are still
a good bang-for-the-buck, though you could do better.
The rest of your specs aren't too great, but they'll do. Those two
things I mentioned will probably make the biggest difference
per dollar spent.
[edit]But if you have a crappy motherboard, all of this becomes moot.