I need some assistance from one of you tech guru's :)

My current system is a Dell XPS 710. Most of the system passed recommended except for the processor and video card.

I currently have a 8600gts 256mb video card and a core2 duo 1.86Mhz processor

I just ordered a Core2 duo 3.0 processor and a eVGA e-GeForce 8800 GT 512MB DDR3 PCI-E 2.0 Graphics Card (512-P3-N801-AR). What I want to know is will I see a significant increase in performance in AoC with that upgrade.

I also have a 500gb sata harddrive and 4 gigs of memory running vista home premium 32bit.

You will definitely see an increase from the processor upgrade. You are almost doubling the speed, and I think you'll see the most significant change because of that. As far as video card, while the old one may not have lagged you, you will see a better performance and somewhat of an increase in frames per second. I'm not sure on the rpm of your hard drive, but the 4 gigs while running vista is at the max memory capacity. All in all, you should have no trouble running the game. As always after a huge install or download, defrag your hard drive to help performance.

You will get a fairly large increase in performance with that upgrade, however I hope you also order some TIM and rubbing alcohol at the same time and made sure that you can actually remove your current CPU from your system. The one Dell machine I have owned actually had the CPU permenantly set into the motherboard.

The rubbing alcohol is to remove the old TIM (or pad) from your heatsink and the TIM (Thermal Insulation Material) goes between your CPU and your heatsink *read a guide on how to apply it). Make sure you you completely know what you are doing before you even open your case up.

AS sed above me if you dont know what your doing when swapping CPUs DONT!!!!!! if the thermal grease isnt set right or not placed correctly ur processor will overheat ALOT. so make sure you know 100% what your doing.

Originally posted by TrueWarrior1

AS sed above me if you dont know what your doing when swapping CPUs DONT!!!!!! if the thermal grease isnt set right or not placed correctly ur processor will overheat ALOT. so make sure you know 100% what your doing.

I don't know what I am doing hence why I am having a dell authorized tech do it. We have a store about 3 miles from our house that is a dell service center. Since my system is still under warranty I will not be doing the upgrades myself since that would void the warranty.