Computer Problems (running counterstrike)

[Numkut]

Ok sorry for posting this on this site but you guys are the closest to computer guys I know.

My problem is that my computer can't even run Counterstrike Condition Zero w/o being choppy. I have been researching into buying some upgrades for my computer tonight. I want to buy Counterstrike Source and be able to run that. Right now I have a Pentium 4 w/ 2.40 Ghz, 512 mb RAM, GeForce4 MX 440, CD-DVD 16x. Sorry if that sounds weird but I am new to the computer stuff.

Can you reccomend what I need to upgrade and to what so that my computer can run CS source?

Again sorry I know it is off-topic but I need the help!

[TRX350_On_The_Rack]

Everything sounds good enough to run the game except the GForce MX card. Get a better video card.

[RL400]

that looks like it should run CS:CZ/S pretty good.  Do you have the latest drivers for your graphics card? http://www.nvidia.com/content/drivers/drivers.asp.  other than that i dont know.

rl.

[Bigscrb15]

rl is right, the graphics driver will solve tons of problems with what seems like a slow cpu when its really just an outdated video driver. I have the same card as you and I was tryin to run a 3D game and it was very choppy and slow, when I updated it, it was super fast and smooth.

[KingQuad]

I would go with a Radeon card.  They have some good stuff, but they aren't cheap.  Remember, you get what you pay for!  I have a Radeon 7200 Pro and it is awesome, no complaints. 

http://www.ati.com/products/gamer.html

[Numkut]

Downloaded the driver, no improvments. Guess I'll go with a better video card and some more RAM. Does that sound like a good option? I'm pretty sure I'm ganna give it a frontial and bottoming after I get some more stuff.

[RL400]

first check your settings for your card, after making sure you have the latest driver updates. turn on anti-aliasing and see if it helps, then turn it off.  also make sure your running at 800x600, 1024x768 MAX.  anything bigger isnt needed in gaming.  also, look at some other options/settings for your card.

if all else fails and you want to upgrade (wont hurt for the long run, depending on how long you keep your computers) get the GFX card first, then ram if little/no improvements.  512mb ram should be fine.  if not bump up atleast another 512mb, you might as well for the price (over 256mb).  Ram is nice to have.

have you looked at the minimum system requirements and recommended specs on the bottum of the CS:CZ box?

rl.

[Numkut]

Don't have the box my freind gave it to me for free. I'm seriously contemplating on just buying another 500 or so mb's of RAM and a graphics card, then getting a frontial and bottoming.