Athlon XP platform

[Codewiz]

I have a decision to make. I know the Nforce2 has the best performance but the price is a bit high for my tastes.

Here is my current system:

900mhz Duron
512MB PC133
Abit KT7
Geforce2 Ultra

When I look at newegg I can get a refurbished KT333 chipset board for $60. Add new memory and I have my system. My video card is definately aging but I don't know if the Nforce2 pricetag would be worth it for stupid integrated video.

If I just go with the refurb at newegg I could end up with $260 for the MB and memory. Where if I buy an Nforce2 then I am looking at least $450-500. The only reason I see for Nforce2 is because it will upgrade my video card at the same time but I can't take that to any upgrades later. I figure that I can upgrade my video card later if I need to. Right now all my games run fine.

I am leaning towards a refurb simply because the price/performance would be so much better and it leaves me the option of upgrading to a quality video card later with the money I save.

Any opinions and what do you recommend for a KT333 board? I was looking at a Giga-byte board. BTW I prefer to avoid Abit.

 

[techfuzz]

Originally posted by: CodewizAny opinions and what do you recommend for a KT333 board? I was looking at a Giga-byte board. BTW I prefer to avoid Abit.

I recommend the Epox 8K5A2+. It's very solid, overclocks well, has on board sound and lan. And it costs right around $100 right now. Pick up a XP 1600+ up to 2000+ and you're still saving a lot of money. Stick on it a GF4 Ti4200 of some kind and 512MB PC2700 and you've got yourself a rockin' nice system for about $350-$400 assuming you use some other your other existing hardware.

techfuzz

 

[neoro]

Wait a little........
From what I heard Intel will reduce its prices at November 10.....
AMD should follow up with it.....
By then you might as well get something new.......

Your GeForce2 Ultra.......
How is it holding up to games such as Unreal 2003??

 

[Codewiz]

Originally posted by: neoro
Wait a little........
From what I heard Intel will reduce its prices at November 10.....
AMD should follow up with it.....
By then you might as well get something new.......

Your GeForce2 Ultra.......
How is it holding up to games such as Unreal 2003??

I don't need the highest resolution or the fastest FPS. I play for fun not competitively so it isn't a big deal.

As for CPU I won an AMD 2400+ at the AMD event last night so that is why I am upgrading.

 

[Insane3D]

I second the 8K5A2+ option. I just threw a 2400+ in one of my 8K5A2+ and it's running beautifully @ 175mhz FSB, 2Ghz, and 1.65v. You also might want to take a look at the newer KT400 based 8K9A2+ as it will be able to change the multiplier on your 2400+ with no unlocking or modification..