what to do?

I can't afford a new computer but playing MS is becoming more difficult with each patch. Could you suggest some things to do?

This is an OLD computer, like 2002:
Pentium 3, 1.2 GHZ
512 RAM
40G HDD
Intel integrated graphics card


I do know that a decent graphics card is a must. Would I need an external HD too? Anything else? Thanks in advance.

more ram if your computer supports and a better graphics card.

more ram if your computer supports and a better graphics card.

Problems:
- That kind of RAM is no longer sold
- AGP cards are no longer made

You can't really upgrade that PC with 1 of 2 items, the only thing you -can- get to a new PC is that 40GB Harddisk, but the cheapest 500GB Harddisk is about 40 Euro here in Europe...

Just look for a cheap total upgrade:
- Cpu: AMD Phenom II X2 550 Black Edition 3.1Ghz AM3 Socket -> 80 euro/dollar
- Mobo: Asus M4A785TD-V EVO AM3 DDR3 [Integrated Graphics + Sound] -> 90 euro/dollar
- Ram: Kingston ValueRAM KVR1333D3S9 1GB DDR3 -> 30 euro / dollar
- Harddisk: 500GB Seagate Barracuda SATA HD -> 40 euro/dollar

Total: 240 euro / dollar

Cheapest upgrade I could find for you, parts are quite fast, and you can upgrade it a lot more if you want:
- More powerfull AMD AM3 CPU > Anything what's in your budget, but this CPU is already fast enough for maple -by FAR-
- 1GB Ram > 4GB (30 euro per GB)
- External Videocard (PCI-Express) > Anything what's in your budget, just remember, maple isn't GPU dependant, it's all CPU power...

Problems:
- That kind of RAM is no longer sold
- AGP cards are no longer made

You can't really upgrade that PC with 1 of 2 items, the only thing you -can- get to a new PC is that 40GB Harddisk, but the cheapest 500GB Harddisk is about 40 Euro here in Europe...

Just look for a cheap total upgrade:
- Cpu: AMD Phenom II X2 550 Black Edition 3.1Ghz AM3 Socket -> 80 euro/dollar
- Mobo: Asus M4A785TD-V EVO AM3 DDR3 [Integrated Graphics + Sound] -> 90 euro/dollar
- Ram: Kingston ValueRAM KVR1333D3S9 1GB DDR3 -> 30 euro / dollar
- Harddisk: 500GB Seagate Barracuda SATA HD -> 40 euro/dollar

Total: 240 euro / dollar

Cheapest upgrade I could find for you, parts are quite fast, and you can upgrade it a lot more if you want:
- More powerfull AMD AM3 CPU > Anything what's in your budget, but this CPU is already fast enough for maple -by FAR-
- 1GB Ram > 4GB (30 euro per GB)
- External Videocard (PCI-Express) > Anything what's in your budget, just remember, maple isn't GPU dependant, it's all CPU power...

you act as if they no longer exist. i'm sure he can find either of them at a local computer shop or even online.

Problems:
- That kind of RAM is no longer sold
- AGP cards are no longer made

To add onto what TugboatWilly just said:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductLis...in%20SDRAM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductLis...der=RATING

With that said, @OP: your money is better saved/spent for a new comp.

With that said, @OP: your money is better saved/spent for a new comp.

This. Since you don't have enough for a new computer, you should probably save up. With all the small amounts of money you're willing to throw into this old one, it's not going to be as worth it if you max out what the motherboard can support.

Thank you everyone for your help.
I was afraid that my computer was too old to do anything but had to try. I guess I'll save for a new one. It will take a long time and I have a little NX left.

Tugboatwilly and Devil, I will look into your suggestions in the meantime. Thank you.

No more Maplestory.

What happens to your account after a very long absence? Because it could take a year or so before I could afford a new computer.