Upgrade graphics card

Question

I have an iMac 24-inch, Early 2009 3,06 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo, with 8 GB 1067 MHz DDR3 Ram.
1. I didn't see much of an increase in speed when I upraded my ram from 4 to 8GB, why is that?
2. I've ordered a graphics intensive game (Battlefield 3), I haven't yet recieved it but my friends tell me  I'm dead in the water with this setup. The graphics card is not going to handle the games graphics (NVIDIA GeForce GT 130 512 MB). I suspect they're on the money and I'm be crying this one out.
Here's the question : Is there anything decent I can do to my machine that will give me a fighting chance, like upgrade my graphics card to some beast on steriods? or am I just going to have to come to terms with the fact that these machines (Macs) really are beautiful and seem to last for ever making fantastic paper weights after just a couple of years.
I know what am I thinking?! 2009?!! fork out another couple K for a new soon to be old machine "-
Give me hope guys I love my Mac -

Answer 1

The only iMacs that you can replace and upgrade the GPU are the 2009, 2010, 2011 to present 27 inch models.
Smaller screen models have the GPU soldered to the logic board and are, definitely, not user upgradeable/replaceable.
Though, this is no easy task and not for a newbie or novice at upgrading internals of any computer.
You've maxed the RAM out in your 24 inch model, too.
I am afraid your friends are right.
If you are into heavy gaming, your iMac isn't going to cut it.
Without newer CPU, GPU and RAM, you're limited to what you can do.
I think with heavy gaming, RAM and GPU can be more of a priority.
New High end iMacs with maxed out component features will do the job well, but add to the expense with faster CPU's and GPU's. iMacs weren't designed to be the best computer for gaming anyhow unless you spend a lot cash for all of the option goodies.
You could try looking at either refurbished iMacs on the Apple site for an iMac that has better specs or try Apple Authorized resellers to see if there are used iMacs that they have for sale that will meet your specs. They will be, somewhat, cheaper than buying a brand new iMac.
If all you do is gaming, then you're right an iMac won't last you long as it it seems gaming technologies advance more quickly than any other software/hardware development.
I don't do any heavy gaming on my 2009 27 inch iMac, but expect to be able to use and still have a useful iMac for another 4-6 years, or so.
Sorry for the bad news.