Advice Needed

[Ryan3D]

I am looking to switch over from Intel based machine to AMD. Currently having a little trouble deciding between the best mobo and whether or not this will be a worthwhile upgrade.

Just purchased a Radeon X850 XT PE (AGP) and am really wishing I got the PCI-E version at this point. In order to make myself feel better I just keep saying I saved myself some money. Anyway the point is I am now stuck with getting a motherboard with support for AGP which I am hoping will not fade out too fast so this new video card will last me at least a friggin' year.

Current Setup:

Case: Antec Super Lanboy
PSU: Antec TrueBlue 480W
Motherboard: Intel 865GBF
CPU: Pentium 4 2.8 Ghz 800FSB
Memory: 1gb Kingston HyperX Dual Channel (2x512)


3D Mark 05': 5353 w/ X850 XT PE.....


New Replacements:

Motherboard: CHAINTECH S1689 Socket 939 ULi M1689 ATX AMD Motherboard - $68
CPU: AMD Athlon 64 3200+ Venice 939 $193


1. Is the extra 260$ a worthwhile upgrade or should I stick with current?

A.)Will it improve the sub-par 05' score? (Have seen others in 6000+ range with same card.)

2. Any other recommendations?

P.S. Money is kind of an issue now that I spent most of my loot cakes on new vid card. Would like to keep any more upgrades < $400.

 

[Steven the Leech]

I would forget about the 05 score, what do you use the pc for Gaming? From what I have heard the A64 is a beast, but is it worth 260.00? I dont think you will see that much of a performance increase, I could be wrong, you should see some. The new motherboard may give you options for overclocking that you do not already have. [I did not check out your old board, but intel's are nice, but not always overclockable].
I have a p4 oc to 3.1 and would like to have a A64/6600GT setup, but cannot justify it as the only games I really play [Quake2 and Quake 2] Work just great on my current setup.

If you plan on selling that old setup, then that may defray the cost somewhat and make the cost less painful. Check out the going rates on the board and cpu on FS/FT forum, that may help to make the decision for you.

BTW from what i found your current setup does not allow overclocking, so you may see a modest amt of performance increase if you overclock the A64. I am surprised no AMD zealots, 80% of anandtech are one, have not jumped in to help out, they should have better insight into it than I. If I played some of the newer games I would make the jump to the dark side [AMD] lol as it is a nice cpu, I have been tickled to death with quite a few of them.

 

[Ryan3D]

Yes, I use this PC for lots and lots of gaming. IE: Half-Life 2, Doom 3, WoW... ect.

As far as the motherboard goes it is pretty slim on OCing options. About the only thing it allows me to change is memory timings. Definately would be interested overclocking if I do buy the 3200+ Venice.

Was actually thinking about getting a refund for Radeon X850XTPE (newegg) and just going with the less powerful A64/X800XL (PCI-E) setup which would be a more future proof investment. But it would cost me close to 80 more dollars just to send it back. 65$ restocking fee + S&H.