Dilemma: CPU or RAM?

[culex]

It's been a while since I kept up with anything so help me out please.

My current specs:

Athlon XP Tbred-B 2100+ @ (140fsb x 15) 2100 Mhz
Abit NF7-S version 2
512MB Crucial PC2100 DDR RAM (first generation)
ATi Radeon 9800 Pro

This question is related strictly to gaming.

I'm looking for a decent upgrade until I move on to AMD64s much later on but I'm stuck between upgrading RAM or CPU. The set of RAM I already have, I've had for years... ever since DDR first came out. RAM prices seem pretty darn steep these days for a decent 1GB setup. The RAM is also bottlenecking my overclocking as max I can do is around 150 FSB with 13 multiplier. If I were to upgrade on RAM, I'd go with a 1GB PC3200 setup.

If I'm looking to upgrade a CPU, I'm thinking a Barton setup (please advise which one I should get), or maybe a XP-Mobile setup (please advise that as well).

I've been out of this hardware game for a long time (you can tell by my system specs), I need to upgrade... so please help me

 

[thorin]

RAM

 

[Gothgar]

I'd say RAM...

depends on how much you an spend though...

 

[Fern]

If you've got 2 x 256 in there now, you could pick up a slab of Crucial or Corsair ValueSelect (512MB) PC 3200 (@ $80) and run it DC with other two. Put the 512MB in slot 3 and other two in 1 & 2. I'd try that first, and if couldn't get 'em to play nice in DC then ditch the 256MB sticks and order another slab of 512MB to go with the first.

Don't know the timings of the 256, but if they're Cas 2, the VS (at Corsair) will prolly Cas 2 at FSB 140.

I don't see much point in just upgrading the CPU. Even if you got a good mobile (like a 2600+ steppings IQYHA), yeah you can OC the pooh out of it, but the ram will hold you back. Anyway, at best you would only pick up 300-400mhz. And it c/b less than that cuz I can't remember high the multi goes on the NF7-S v2.

What you really need is both and good cooling to OC the cr@p outta it.

Fern

 

[cheesehead]

Get a stick (or two) of PC3200, and a Mobile Barton 2400+ (for overclocking). The RAM on that thing is pretty poky by today's standards, and the Mobile Barton's are very happy at a 200mhz FSB.

 

[Monkey muppet]

hmmm difficult to answer

I would want to change that RAM ASAP to 3200 so it's ready for your A64

or

I would go for a mobile 2500 ish and OC to poo out of it as mentioned by Fern

 

[DanDrop]

The big question is... How much are willing to spend? Hard to suggest when we don't have a price point.

 

[Zinn2b]

If you are looking for good DDR ram for your next upgrade than I would recommend Crucial ballistic great ram well priced!

 

[Hajime]

Another recommend for Ballistix.

Or just plain Crucial. Great overclockers at good timings.

512mb of ram will do you wonders, and combine that with Ballistix, you are set for an A64 and overclocking.