Advice needed on purchase. Update with more info!

[ishmael2k]

I am going to get the son-in-law something PC related for Christmas. Right now he is running a P2/450 with a TNT2 video card.

He is an avid gamer and does graphic editing etc. I know he has drawn (built?) a couple of CS maps and is taking Computer Graphics in college.

My question is of the two following options which will give him the most benefit?

A new PIII m/b and chip (Prob 700 or so)

Or a new video card? I am not sure which card to get so some suggestions there would help also.

Please let me know so I can go shopping for him.

Rob

PS I am also going to get him at least another 256 stick of ram so that shouldn't really enter the equation.

 

[BreakApart]

What's the budget? Money no object? or you trying to stay under..say $200? $150? $100?

 

[NelsonMuntz]

Generally, the new processor and motherboard are going to make the bigger difference, but the video card will make a big difference for games. If you want to promote the work he is doing at school, then do the CPU and mobo. If you want to tell him to relax more and play more games, then do the video card. BTW, it is possible that you could get him a PIII and a slocket and he wouldn't need a new motherboard. I went from a PII 350 MHz to a PIII (Coppermine) 850 MHz a while back and stayed with my tried and true BX mobo. Check that out first.

 

[ishmael2k]

Budget is rather tight, been a tough year. Plus we always set a limit on gifts of $100 or so. This isn't written in stone and I doubt anyone would be able to tell if I went over a bit. :Q

Hmm maybe a Slotket and PIII would work, have to look into it. It is a Dell tower and it just so happens I have the identical unit sitting in my workshop right now that I can test things on..

Thanks for the responses!!
Rob

 

[BreakApart]

If you see him find a reason to ask what motherboard he uses-(say a another friend is having computer trouble, and also has a 450)...

Once you know the motherboard brand/model---I'm sure a few people here could tell you the highest CPU it will support.
The motherboard/cpu upgrade would be your best choice...

 

[ishmael2k]

Ok here is what I can find out about the system:

Dell Dimension XPS-R450

ATX motherboard, BX chipset, running at 100mhz bus.

I "should" be able to drop a slotket in there and run a higher speed chip right?

As I said I have the same system here and am in the process of getting a slotket to try it out.

I have a Cel II 566 that I will try on the one here to see if it will work.

Any ideas as to whether or not it will work??

Thanks

Rob