Spring RTS Engine

Current Specs:
AMD Phenom 9500
XFX GeForce 8200 Motherboard[MIA78S8209]
(I use built in graphics, not bad so far, just turn everything to minimal)
4 Gigs Ram
24' widescreen lcd hdtv


I run the Ubuntu OS (32 bit).

The reason I want to upgrade is because having more units on screen in Spring lags my computer a lot. About 500 will slow my system to a crawl. 1 v 1 games are not bad, but starts lagging somewhat in 2 v 2.

I'm not sure if it's linux not being able to utilize my CPU and need to buy a better one, or I need a better graphics card.
If CPU, what CPU would you recommend my system?

CPU Compatibility list: http://docs.google.com/gview?a=v&q=cach ... list&hl=en

maybe try a smp build?

Your CPU should be perfectly adequate, you should perhaps investigate a standalone GPU. Common onboard graphics chips right now are designed to be able to competently display an Aero desktop and little more.

A Radeon 4770 would be a good low-budget choice. There aren't really any decent NV boards in a sub $100 price range, which I'm guessing is what you're aiming for.

cadyr, I can drop 1500 units on the map with my integrated 8200 @ 1680x1050 in a window and keep 20-30fps... the main difference between my system and his regarding spring involves a 1.4ghz increase per core and a newer processor architecture

The bottleneck is in his GPU

Seriously dude, you can pick up a really nice 9600GT for less than 70 bucks. Go maek buy.