Cheapest upgrade of MB, CPU, and (if I have to only - RAM)

[Farley2k]

I want a faster CPU! It it driving me nuts to be on the "minimum" of the specs scale. However I am more cheap than I am lustful of the fastest computer. So here is what I am hoping for advice on.

Right now I have a

K7T Turbo MB
Athlon 950 CPU
512 Megs 133 SDRAM


What I want is the cheapest - fastest replacement for the CPU I can get. I want to spend under $100.

Now I like my MB and RAM so if I don't have to change those I would be happy. The MSI sitte lists a AthlonXP 1800+ as the fastest CPU the board can handle. Is that "Zippy" enough? That chip costs $52 shipped. Can I get a significantly faster CPU and MB for under $100?

Also if I am going to get a new CPU/MB can I keep my current RAM? I am happy with my current RAM - and I have no desire to pay for new unless I absolutely have to.



Thanks for your expert advice.

Faley

 

[bgeh]

i think getting a 1700+ will considerably speed up your computer
or maybe you can get the ECS K75A mobo and the 1700+ combo
should be good enough

 

[Farley2k]

On a side note how can I tell if it is a Palomino or a Thoroughbred core? There is a XP 1800 for both but the MSI site says my MB will not work with the Thoroughbred core so I have to watch closely. However most places on Pricewatch don't mention which core the processor is!

 

[bgeh]

look for the chip code which is imprinted on the die itself(only for palominos)
it should read something like this
AX1700DMT3C
another way to find it is to ensure the die is square and not rectangular

 

[RedWolf]

1700 Tbred B. Under $50 at newegg. Should also be unlocked for some settings so you could set the fsb to a low number and it would automatically double that. On my 266a, I set the multiplier to 8 for my 2100. The 2100 interpreted that as 16. Simple, easy overclock. That worked for me on a 266a board so it will probably work on your KT133A. I would avoid getting a new board right now if you can. AMD's latest chip runs only at 200 mhz fsb and you would have to upgrade your board again shortly. I think you'd be better off sticking with your 133a and then buying a more capable board later. If you find you can't run the 1700 (which I'm sure you can as a friend of mine has the same board with an 1800 Palomino) you can always upgrade to the K7S5A (from the sale forums here, of course).

 

[Farley2k]

RedWolf - the one listed at newegg, in the description says "Type: 1700 XP Thoroughbred" However the MSI site says a big bold NO to all the Thoroughbred cores so doesn't that mean it won't run on that board?

 

[amcdonald]

My advice is to save up $200, get a cheaper nforce2 board, a 1700+ tbred B, and cheap pc2700 ram.
Upgrading just your cpu will give a performance increase, but in another year (or less) you are gonna be back at the same situation of being really outdated.

 

[Farley2k]

amcdonald - couldn't I buy the 1700+ tbred B now use it and then buy a nforce2 and RAM later?

Man, this stuff is just so confusing as to be gibberish to be anymore. I used to have a handle on CPUs but anymore there are just so many, with so many differences that it is tough to keep up unless you are paying constant attention.

 

[RedWolf]

I'll try my 2100 in my friends board. amcdonald has a valid point. You can get one of the cheaper nforce 2's for about $80.

 

[amcdonald]

Originally posted by: Farley2k
amcdonald - couldn't I buy the 1700+ tbred B now use it and then buy a nforce2 and RAM later?

Man, this stuff is just so confusing as to be gibberish to be anymore. I used to have a handle on CPUs but anymore there are just so many, with so many differences that it is tough to keep up unless you are paying constant attention.

The reason I suggest the 1700+ tbred B is that is a good overclocker. If you don't plan on OC'ing ever, then I suggest that you buy an 1800+ palamino right now. But if OC'ing interests you, I'd hold off until you've got more money. I'll assume from your earlier post that your KT7 Turbo is a Limited Edition revision. The 1800+ pallamino will max out your board's potential and should improve your system performance greatly... Just so you know, whenever you change motherboards you'll have to get new ram (if you go nforce2).

 

[Farley2k]

" Just so you know, whenever you change motherboards you'll have to get new ram (if you go nforce2)." Yeah but I will be dragged into it one step at a time!!!

Really I prefer to do it slowly so if I can buy a new CPU now (like the 1700+) and next year buy a new MB and RAM that will still work with it I would be happier.

I am just the type of person who likes to pull the band-aid off slowly...

 

[pspada]

For reference, the ECS K7S5A Pro m/b supports both PC-133 as well as PC2100 - so you could get just this board and a chip for it, and use your current memory until you can afford to buy the new stuff. Of course, your performance will suffer until you get the new RAM, but it will get you by until you can buy newer stuff.