• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

Help me spend $600 to upgrade my current pc

P

Pelochas

Member
I been saving for a little time and got $600 to spend on upgrading my current pc. Here is what my current pc components i have. I need some help on what parts to upgrade and what to keep.

Motherboard: Soyo Dragon Plus SY-K7V KT266A
Processor: AMD XP 1900
RAM: 1 Gig DDR PC2100 (512 MB Crucial, 512 MB Mushkin)
Video Card: ATI Radeon 9600 128 MB(Just bought this card on Black Friday 03 sales, not XT,SE, or Pro)
Hard Drive: IBM Deskstar 60GXP 7200 RPM 60 Gigs
Sound Card: None (Motherboard)


Everything else is not up is not being upgraded including Antec Case, 450 Watt Power Supply Enermax, DVD burner, CD Burner, LCD Dell FP1800 monitor, keyboard, mouse, Z560s 5.1 Speaker system, etc..

I just need some help on what is best for the money and for gaming. I interested on the AMD 64.

Thanks
 
I'd look at getting an AMD64 3000+. You'd need to get new RAM and a motherboard, but that would most likely be your best route to go.
 
i'd second the A64 vote... i know it's a lot more than you'd rather spend, but it will last you longer and is the new generation

i probably shouldn't be talking considering i'm running a 1.3 🙂
 
Here is what I would suggest from the Egg:


Qty Product Item # Unit Price Qty x Price

ABIT K8T800 Chipset Motherboard for AMD Socket 754 CPU, Model "KV8-MAX3" -RETAIL
Specifications:
Supported CPU: Socket 754 AMD Athlon64 Processors
Chipset: VIA K8T800 + VT8237
FSB: 800MHz
RAM: 3x DIMM for DDR333/266, 2x DIMM for DDR400 Max 2GB
IDE: 2x UltraDMA 133 up to 4 Devices
Slots: 1x AGP 8X/4X, 5x PCI Slots
Ports: 2xPS2,SPDIF In/Out,1xLAN,8xUSB2.0(Rear 4),3xIEEE1394a(Rear 1),Audio Ports
Onboard Audio: 6-Channel AC97 CODEC
Onboard LAN: 10/100/1000Mbps Gigabit Ethernet
Onboard SATA/RAID: 6x Serial ATA, 4 SATA RAID 0/1/0+1
Form Factor: ATX more info-> N82E16813127165 $144.99 $144.99


AMD Athlon 64 3000+, 512KB L2 Cache 64-bit Processor - Retail
Specification
Model: AMD Athlon 64 3000+
Operating Frequency: 2GHz
FSB: Integrated into Chip
Cache: L1/64K+64K; L2/512KB
Voltage: 1.5V
Process: 0.13Micron
Socket: Socket 754
Multimedia Instruction: MMX, SSE, SSE2, 3DNOW!, 3DNOW!+
Packaging: Retail Box (Heatsink and Fan included) more info-> N82E16819103424 $224.00 $224.00


Corsair Value Select Dual Channel Kit 184 Pin 1G(512MBx2) DDR PC-3200 - OEM
Specification
Manufacturer: Corsair
Speed: DDR400(PC3200)
Type: 184 Pin DDR SDRAM
Error Checking: Non-ECC
Registered/Unbuffered: Unbuffered
Cas Latency: 3
Support Voltage: 2.5V
Bandwidth: 3.2GB/s
Organization: two 64M x 64 -Bit
Warranty: Lifetime more info-> N82E16820145480 $164.00 $164.00




Subtotal » $ 532.99



Leave the Video and save the rest of the money until video cards drop alot more, then pick up a 9800pro or xt if they drop alot after the next gen cards come out. The 9600 should be good enough for now, and you will have a pretty nice setup.
 
looking at the replys i see the amd 64 3000 512kb L2 cache is a popular choice, i would of thought the amd 64 3200 with 1 gig of L2 cache would of been the choice. thanks for all the replys.

also, is the gig of pc2100 not worth saving for a while on the new mobo till some hot deal comes up.

just dont let the suggestions and opinions stop. i would like a little more. thanks
 
PC2100 would be a serious bottleneck, that should definately be changed. The 3200 is $60 more, so you could also do that, but the performance of the 2 is not that much difference.
 
HYPERTHREADING and INTEL Stability cant beat that. Ive built a system based on this MB and Processor and it kicks ass. Wait another month and intel processors get a price cut. I have to agree with the last guy, dont upgrade your graphics card its just not worth it yet. Upgrading into the same generation is never a good idea. Hyperthreading is awesome.




Corsair Value Select Dual Channel Kit 184 Pin 1G(512MBx2) DDR PC-3200 - OEM
Specification
Manufacturer: Corsair
Speed: DDR400(PC3200)
Type: 184 Pin DDR SDRAM
Error Checking: Non-ECC
Registered/Unbuffered: Unbuffered
Cas Latency: 3
Support Voltage: 2.5V
Bandwidth: 3.2GB/s
Organization: two 64M x 64 -Bit
Warranty: Lifetime more info>
N82E16820145480 $164.00
$164.00

Motherboards - Intel
ASUS 865PE Chipset Motherboard for Intel Socket 478 CPU, Model "P4P800 Deluxe" -RETAIL
Specifications:
Supported CPU: Socket 478 Pentium 4/Celeron Processors
Chipset: Intel 865PE + ICH5R
FSB: 800/533/400MHz
RAM: 4x DIMM support Dual Channel DDR400/333/266 Max 4GB
IDE: 2x UltraDMA 100 up to 4 Devices; 2x UltraDMA 133 by VIA 6410 up to 4 Devices, RAID 0/1/0+1/JBOD
Slots: 1x AGP 8X/4X, 5x PCI
Ports: 2xPS2,1xCOM,1xLPT,1xLAN,1xSPDIF Out,2xIEEE1394(Rear 1),8xUSB2.0(Rear 4),Audio Ports
Onboard Audio: AD1985 6-Channel CODEC
Onboard LAN: 3COM GbE
Onboard SATA/RAID: ICH5R 2x Serial ATA 150, RAID 0/1
Form Factor: ATX more info>
N82E16813131450 $125.99
$125.99

Processors
Intel Pentium 4/ 3.0C GHz 800MHz FSB, 512KB L2 Cache, Hyper Threading Technology - Retail
Specification
Model: Intel Pentium 4 3.0C w/ Hyper Threading
Core: Northwood
Operating Frequency: 3.0GHz
FSB: 800MHz
Cache: L1/12K+8K; L2/512K
Voltage: 1.525V
Process: 0.13Micron
Socket: Socket 478
Multimedia Instruction: MMX, SSE, SSE2
Warranty: 3-year MFG
Packaging: Retail box (with Heatsink and Fan) more info>
N82E16819116156 $227.00
$227.00


Subtotal » $ 516.99



Newegg
 
I just recently bought:

Case and Power Supply C442BKT - Foltron 350W P350XF $119.35
CPU Athlon 64 $223.42
Heat Sink/Fan Thermaltake Silent Boost K8 $53.73
Memory GeIL 512Mb PC3200 400MHz - 400V DDR SDRam $87.00
Motherboard MSI K8T Neo-FSR Via KT800 $95.00
Total $578.50
All prices above are including shipping and handling.

I got it together, running win2k using the LAN and Sound built into the motherboard - works great
 
just finished reading on amds 3200 vs 3000. they are nearly identical. im moving forward with amd 64 3000 (or maybe a 3200 if a hot deals shows up). now for a good mobo and the ram. it looks like i over budgeted. i may come out with a few bucks to do some mods on the case. im not a intel person though they do have good scores, still i been with amd forever.
 
One note of caution about the MB I bought, MSI K8T Neo-FSR Via KT800 for $95 bucks:
It was version one

You have to be careful about the 'optional' stuff like IEEE 1394, On board support for RAID and SATA.
A motherboard that supports the options is going to cost more than the $95 bucks I paid.
But I didn't need the extras for now, so...

 
about the SATA, how is the performance of SATA hard drive compare to IDE ATA 133. i have my hard drive on the list but no one has reply on upgrading that, maybe the extra cash (if any) should be for a new hard drive? im not a RAID guy either so one drive is enough for the OS and maybe use the one i have now for all the other stuff (games, pics, movies, programs, etc).
 
Current drive technology does not even take up the ata100, let alone 133 or sata. You could upgrade, but I would suggest just maybe 1 with an 8mb cache buffer.
 
i think the ibm has a 8mb buffer but if not will any maxtor, WD, IBM with 8mb buffer be a simple choice?

how about the sound card, no comments or upgrades on that either?
 
Maxtor, Seagate are pretty good, but if your old drive is not 8mb, then just go with what you can find a deal on. You will find people that like/hate just about every brand. I personally like seagate, but atm, I have a 160gb maxtor and an 80gb wd cause they were good deals. As far as sound card, the Audigy 2 is the best all around right now, however, that will definately put you over your limit with the other components. You could go for that, or just drop down to like an audigy1, or SB Live 5.1 for around $25.
 
Originally posted by: Rukkian
PC2100 would be a serious bottleneck, that should definately be changed. The 3200 is $60 more, so you could also do that, but the performance of the 2 is not that much difference.
Click to expand...

Athlon 64 FX benches

By looking at the benches you can see how FX performs having PC1600 = 2x100mhz (200mhz effective RAM), PC2100 = 2x133mhz (266mhz effective), PC2700 = 2x166, and PC3200 (stock) = 2x200 RAM and you can tell the drop in performance.

Since A64 and FX is basically the same processor and platform you can expect a similar drop in performance. Yes there is a drop but replacing your 1gb of ram for newer faster PC3200 ram will cost you $200 or the cost of a brand new Radeon 9800Pro. Even if you lose 10% performance the cost does not justify the RAM upgrade especially when you can replace your slow Radeon 9600 (if you play games that is).

Personally in your case it might actually be a good idea to simply get a p4 system and use ratios then you will suffer 0-2% performance drop at most by keeping PC2100 ram. For instance if you buy the 3.0ghz you can simply run 3:2 ratio and your ram will be fully utilized.

Besides you have crucial and mushkin ram which are both overclockers ram so i would be suprised if you wouldn't be able to get them to at least 166mhz (333 effective) or PC2700. In that case the performance drop on A64 platform will be minimal and you would save $200.

My other suggestion is to keep the IBM hard drive as backup for music video/movies, school work etc. For games and so on just get the new Raptor 36gb drive. 8mb cache is hardly noticable in the real world, but a 10000 rpm is a nice boost.

If you are burning for an upgrade right now get:

All prices on Newegg (you can find cheaper prices if you search on pricewatch)

1) A64 3000+ 512kb cache with stock heatsink (there is no need for aftermarket unless you plan on overclocking) $224
Keep the RAM and overclock it - $0
Asus K8V non-Deluxe motherboard - $129
Sapphire ATI Radeon 9800Pro - $212 OEM
Audigy 2 - $74 oem - comes with the firewire port missing on the motherboard

Total: $639 - since this exceeds 600 you have you can scrape the soundcard or i'd suggest Audigy 1 for $55 (it still has the firewire port) so now you are down to $620 but this rig will score 20,000 on 3dmark 01 and your ears will love you.
I'd never have onboard sound with a nice set of speakers that you have 😉

OR
2) P4 3.0
Keep the ram and simply use ratios
Abit IS7 v1.2 or Asus P4P800 motherboard
Radeon 9800Pro
Audigy 2

you'll have a way faster rig then by changing cpu, mobo, ram and keeping the old videocard and you are around $600.
 
its makes good sense to keep the 1 gig of ram for a while till a hot deal comes up, on the video card i dont see why go for the 9800 pro when the 9600 is not that far behind and since the 9800xt 256mb will come down in price is when i should go for it. by that time i should be able to save a few dollars to buy it including the ram. thanks for the help, it makes a very good setup and decisions far easy.

so far so good, the amd 64 3200 (even though its $60 more) on my list, and the Abit mobo or Asus. Thanks for all the help.

BTW, i have a Swiftech MCX462 heatsink fan on my amd xp 1900. its big and noisy but it keeps the processor cool when i oc it up to 2200. im wondering if it will fit the new A64 and A64 mobo?? cost me about 75 bucks and im think of oc'd the A64 3200 to 3400 if possible,
 
As for the heatsink I am not sure if it is compatible with Socket 754 motherboard, you might want to check on that.

If it is compatible you will have no problem fitting it on the motherboard. If you want to overclock, even stock heatsink would allow you to reach 3400+ speeds. Otherwise I would recommend just getting Zalman CNPS7000A-ALCu for $30. It is quiet and performs just as good as your swiftech cooler while being much quieter.

Now, in terms of videocard I simply suggested it based on the fact of what I thought would be the best way to spend $600 in your case for a full system upgrade (all around best possible upgrade). In terms of speed 9800Pro is about 1.5-2 times as fast as a Radeon 9600 non-pro. In higher resolutions, especially with 4x Antialiasing and 8x Anisotropic filtering your card will be simply unplayable. Even if you had Radeon 9500 Pro, Radeon 9600 Pro or Radeon 9600 XT, Radeon 9800Pro would be at least 25%-75%+ faster in the latest games at 1600x1200 with highest detail even without AA/AF turned on. You have radeon 9600 non-pro which is about as fast as Radeon 9500 non-pro or along the lines of Radeon 8500 so it is about 2x slower than Radeon 9800Pro.

It all depends how important playing games is for you with the highest quality settings enabled. It doesn't seem you have encountered it as lacking either because you dont' play at highest detail settings or the games you play are not demanding.

But make no mistake about it, Radeon 9600 non-pro is a dog:

Call of Duty 1600x1200 noAA/noAF- 87% slower (approaching 2x slower speed I mentioned)
Splinter Cell 1600x1200 noAA/noAF - 136% slower (more than 2x slower!!!)
Aquamark 1600x1200 - 110% slower (again more than 2x)
Unreal 2: Awakening 1600x1200 = 169% slower (thats more than 2.5 times slower)
Tomb Raider: Angel of Darkness 1024x768 - 129% slower (> 2 times)
Half-Life 2 1280x1024 - 109% slower (>2 times)

This doesnt even include settings having antialiasing and anisotropic filtering where the difference would grow to 200-300%!!!!

Remember, not only is Radeon 9800 Pro significantly faster, none of the games above are even playable at smooth rates at these resolutions for your card. The question is that worth $200 for you? I personally think so....

Edit: if $$$ is an issue for you i'd buy the Radeon 9800Pro/XT in 2-3 months when the new cards come out it dips to $120-150.
 
If Half Life 2 hasnt come out yet, im gonna wait the 2 tp 3 month and hope the radeon 9800 drops in price. Looking at Best Buy estimate arrival time of the game release, it think the radeon will drop in price before its sale. but as it does, im going to get a newer video card.

im searching and asking aroung to see if the swiftech cooler is compatible but havent found a definite answer. if not the zalman cooler will be the choice.

all my pc upgrades are only, and i mean only, done for the anticipation of half life 2. i want a good pc to enjoy the new game and dont want to break the budget. i was already in the process of buying upgrade components but after the release date was being pushed and pushed further back, i got time to save more and buy better components. lucky for me because now i will have a great pc that would last me for at least 2 years (or less) unlike if i would have bought the components back on september 2003.
 
Originally posted by: ViciouS
HYPERTHREADING and INTEL Stability cant beat that. Ive built a system based on this MB and Processor and it kicks ass. Wait another month and intel processors get a price cut. I have to agree with the last guy, dont upgrade your graphics card its just not worth it yet. Upgrading into the same generation is never a good idea. Hyperthreading is awesome.



yes you can. A64. i think you just have a serious case of "i have it, it must be the best"
Click to expand...
 
There was a good video card deal today so i went ahead and purchased it. A visiontek 9800 pro 256 mb for only $218. I would of thought a amd 64 3000 and (abit or asus) mobo combo would of come by but this deal is too good to pass. That leaves me with $372 from $600 for a cpu, mobo, sound card, and even a hard drive. Waiting for some hot deals without the rebates.
 
Originally posted by: nick1985



yes you can. A64. i think you just have a serious case of "i have it, it must be the best"
Click to expand...


I've had amd's and they crash in the middle of the game. My roommate had the same problem. He had the money to switch to Intel and did so, never crashed on that game again. Look in the forums and how many people have crash problems with AMD they are NOT as stable as Intel.
 
Originally posted by: Pelochas
If Half Life 2 hasnt come out yet, im gonna wait the 2 tp 3 month and hope the radeon 9800 drops in price. Looking at Best Buy estimate arrival time of the game release, it think the radeon will drop in price before its sale. but as it does, im going to get a newer video card.

im searching and asking aroung to see if the swiftech cooler is compatible but havent found a definite answer. if not the zalman cooler will be the choice.

all my pc upgrades are only, and i mean only, done for the anticipation of half life 2. i want a good pc to enjoy the new game and dont want to break the budget. i was already in the process of buying upgrade components but after the release date was being pushed and pushed further back, i got time to save more and buy better components. lucky for me because now i will have a great pc that would last me for at least 2 years (or less) unlike if i would have bought the components back on september 2003.
Click to expand...


you can get a 256m 9800 for 218 check the hot deals forum
here
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Back
Top