Help Me upgrade!

[Homerboy]

Ok Im lookign to upgrade a bit, and figured Id go to the source that knows it all... the trhobbing brain of anandtech.
I currently have a AMD 1600+ running in MSI K7N2-L with 2x256PC 2100 RAM

Im really interested in getting one of these new fangeled Barton 2500+ and getting back into OCing... I assume I would need new RAM for that too hey? can I get 1 stick of 512MB PC2700? Or should I go better?

What do you guys suggest all around? Whats my best performce for $ upgrade here? Recommend any combos you want!... but try t keep it cheap!

 

[pspada]

PC2700 = Big Mistake. Go for PC3200, it will be useful longer, and make you happier in the meantime.

Oh, yea, Epox 8RDA+ m/b. Some swear by the Asus or Abit boards, but this is siginificantly cheaper.

 

[Homerboy]

but can I live with my MSI board? Id really like to jsut upgrade RAM and CPU if possible.
I've done some digging, and the MSI looks "ok" for OCing.

 

[rogue1979]

Just go for the 1700+ "B" DLT3C. You should be able to get 2200-2300MHz out of it. Your MSI board will be just fine, but I would get a couple of 256MB sticks of PC3200 or perhaps try generic 3500. That way two sticks will let you use the small performance gain of dual channel DDR. I have some generic PC3500 coming today, $33 shipped for a 256MB stick, I bought four and if it runs 200MHz at cas2.5 medium timings that's good enough.

 

[Homerboy]

Anyplace I can be "sure" Im getting the 1700+ "B" DLT3C specifically?
Doesnt the Barton offer more cache and still OC up to 3200+ speeds?

 

[Shimmishim]

Originally posted by: Homerboy
Anyplace I can be "sure" Im getting the 1700+ "B" DLT3C specifically?
Doesnt the Barton offer more cache and still OC up to 3200+ speeds?

there are a few vendors that sell guaranteed dlt3c's like gameve, excaliberpc, and svc.com

anyway..

you are correct when you say that the barton offers more cache and can still OC up to 3200+ speeds...


i currently have a 2.5 ghz 1700+ and i'm going to do some comparisons between my 1700+ @ 2.5 ghz and my new barton @ 2.3 to 2.4 ghz and see if the extra cache is enough to overcome the clockspeed difference... it'll be interesting

 

[Homerboy]

So the 1700+ can pull the same Mhz as thee 2500+ then? both comin in around 2.3-2.5Ghz?
I assume the 1700+ would require some after market cooling, whereas what Im reading on the 2500+ it can pull it off with stock HS/Fan.

Only other dif being the cache differences.

 

[Shimmishim]

Originally posted by: Homerboy
So the 1700+ can pull the same Mhz as thee 2500+ then? both comin in around 2.3-2.5Ghz?
I assume the 1700+ would require some after market cooling, whereas what Im reading on the 2500+ it can pull it off with stock HS/Fan.

Only other dif being the cache differences.

i see what you mean...

the thing is... there's no guarantee when overclocking...

it's wishful thinking for me to say that i'm going to get 2.3 to 2.4 ghz with my barton... it's what i would like to get...

the PR rating according to sandra my 1700+ at 2.5 ghz is almost 3200+

so that should mean that if i can even run my 2500+ @ 2.3 ghz (which is still faster than a 3200+) then it should be faster due to the cache...

and what you say about cooling.... i don't think that's a bad assumption to make... i'm getting 2.5 ghz with water cooling so.... (can get 2.4 on air)

so yeah.... i can't wait