I am Processor-clue-less.

[Lunitixx]

I am looking to build a new computer. I will get the appropriate MOBO to fit the processor and type of ram I want so I guess I need to pick a processor.

It looks like the processors that are around the 1gighrz Athalon Tbird 266 fsb are in my price range. Are there any that stand out?

Is there a big jump in performance from the 1 gig to the 1.2? Is there a point that when you get a certain chip you are in a whole new ball game?

I can't spend a ton but if it's a $10 difference to step up 5 steps in performance I want to know about it.

Thanks a ton!

 

[ddeder]

Spend the extra $25 and get a 1.33 GHz CPU. I would also get a DDR mobo and RAM.

You might get more replies by posting this in the CPU/Processor forum...

 

[sMashPiranha]

If you want to go DDR don't bother with a Thunderbird, go Palomino (Athlon XP). The Athlon XP can better utilise the extra memory bandwidth of DDR.

 

[Lunitixx]

I'm on a budget. The T-bird processors looked a lot more in my price range. The diff between a MOBO that supports DDR and the ram itself compared to the SDRAM setup is pretty small.

If I get the T-bird should I just go with SDRAM?

 

[ddeder]

As you said, the difference in price between a board that supports DDR and a board that supports SDRAM is pretty small. Go with the DDR.

If you are really on a budget, it is only about $100 cheaper to go with a 1 GHz Athlon and SDRAM as opposed to a 1.33 GHz Athlon with DDR.

 

[compudog]

Save all your pennies and go for the Palamino. The performance advantage is worth it. While the T-bird is an outstanding processor, the advantages to going to a DDR (upgrade, expandability, architectural enhancements etc) are worth the expense. I've been holding out myself to see what the nForce is going to do. Currently looking at the Epox 8KHA+ and the MSI K7T 266 Pro2.

 

[MustPost]

What? the XP doesn't utilize DDR better than the t-bird.
It preformes slightly better ~5% on average.
So I would say if you can afford it go XP, but if you can't, its not that big of a loss.

 

[tsnyder]

prices from www.newegg.com (free shipping):

Athlon 1.2Ghz 266FSB $88

Athlon 1.4Ghz 266FSB $113

AthlonXP 1600+ 1.4Ghz $126

I would go with the XP 1600+, it's the best performance for your money... but if that's too high than it's an obvious choice to go with the 1.2Ghz, I would if I didn't have the money. You're talking $38 difference, which is relatively small. What bothers me is watching how the price of DDR has gone through the roof in the past couple weeks. I think the graphics card is a bigger factor on performance. My friend was getting less than half my scores in 3dmark 2001 with an identical system except for a Geforce2 GTS 32mb... compared to my Geforce3 64mb. Don't skimp on your CPU fan either... the XP chip should run cooler.

 

[tsnyder]

.... And as far as motherboards go I'd say if you're on a budget the Shuttle AK31A KT266A board is a great board for the money. I haven't had any problems with it at all... very stable and well made. It has minimal features which is the only drawback... but if you're not going to use RAID, or onboard NIC, or quality onboard sound than it's irrelivant.

If you want the most features for you money though I would strongly suggest the Soyo Dragon+ which is loaded with great features, including a very good sound chip. I built my last system with the Shuttle board, and I'm happy with it... but I also just built someone a system with the Soyo board and I'm a little jealous.

Want to buy my shuttle mobo?