Hello InsaneApache,

If it is to run Empire, I'ld suggest to wait.

The Nvidia 9800 (the high end ones) should be released soon, and by the time ETW hits the store we'll undoubtly see better equiped ones of those.

That's just the graphicscard, it will be true for any part: it will be better and/or cheaper when you wait.

If you want to.. need to.. will upgrade today: Wolfdale E8000 Intel Core2Duo (the E8400 isn't the fastest, but best bang for bucks I think), an GF8800GT (but note that you won't be able to play STW or MTW then).

I wouldn't buy a quadcore yet. More expensive, consumes more energy, generates more heat, slower per core and games aren't going to use multi threads for a while (nor most applications).

2 GB RAM when you use XP, 4 GB when using Vista.