I think it?s about time I upgrade my system.

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Old Man River

Member
Dec 23, 2004
92
0
0
I think it?s about time I upgrade my system.

Don?t you think I should?

I built it a year, or more ago, just to see if I could.
I did, and it fired up real nicely with some minor little problems recognizing my processor speed that was solved quickly with the help I received on this forum.

It consists of:

ANTEC Life Style Series Black Case with True 380W PS, ?SONATA?
AMD Athlon XP 2700+ ?Thoroughbred? 2.17GHz 333MHz FSB Processor
ASUS "A7N8X-X" nForce2 400 Chipset Motherboard Socket A
Corsair Value Select 184 Pin 512MB DDR 400 PC-3200
Corsair Value Select 184 Pin 512MB DDR 400 PC-3200
Corsair Value Select 184 Pin 1 GB DDR 400 PC-3200
ASUS nVIDIA GeForce FX5200 Video Card, 128MB DDR, 64-bit
Seagate 80GB 7200RPM IDE Ultra ATA100 Hard Drive
Zonet V.92 56K PCI Data/Fax Modem
Samsung 1.44MB 3.5inch Floppy Disk Drive,
Lite-On 52X32X52X16 Combo Drive
Logitech S-100 BLK 5 Watts RMS 2.0 Speaker
Kaspersky Personal Security Suite

It?s been plugging along quite nicely until recently when it complained using the blue screen messages of a driver, or drive problem and to perhaps fix it in the SAFE mode, and then it would promptly reboot in the regular mode, informing me of a recovery from a failure of sorts...that if it persists, I should notify the vendor and report it to Microsoft.

While planning on what to buy next, I?ve stumbled on ?New Technology Terms? ?SATA 3? and ?SLI? and taxing my old, wee brain, I?ve purchased some ?New? stuff:

AMD Athlon 64 3700+ San Diego 2000MHz 939 single core Processor
ASUS A8N-SLI Premium Socket 939 NVIDIA nForce4 SLI ATX
ASUS EN7600GS Geforce 7600GS 512MB PCI Express Video Card
Western Digital Caviar SE16 250GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive
Antec TruePower 2.0 TP2-550 EPS12V ATX12V 550W Power Supply
Corsair Value Select 1GB 184 Pin DDR SDRAM DDR 400 PC 3200
Corsair Value Select 184 Pin 512MB DDR 400 PC-3200
Corsair Value Select 184 Pin 512MB DDR 400 PC-3200
SAMSUNG Black 1.44MB 3.5" Internal Floppy Drive

I think I will install this in the old ?SONATA? case, just to have the last and best of the single core processors.

I?ve also purchased:

Antec TruePower 2.0 TP2-550W Power Supply
AMD Athlon 64 4800+ Toledo 2000MHz 939 Dual Core Processor
ASUS A8N-SLI Deluxe 939 NVIDIA nForce4 AMD Motherboard
ASUS EN7600GS Geforce 7600GS 512MB PCI Express Video Card
CORSAIR ValueSelect 1GB 184-Pin DDR SDRAM DDR 400 (PC 3200)
CORSAIR ValueSelect 1GB 184-Pin DDR SDRAM DDR 400 (PC 3200)
Zonet ZFM5620-CF 56Kbps Conexant/Rockwell Modem
Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 ST3320620AS (Perpendicular Recording Technology) 320GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive
SAMSUNG Black 1.44MB 3.5" Internal Floppy Drive
LITE-ON Combo Drive Black IDE Model SOHC-5236V BK
NEC 16X DVD±RW Drive
SAMSUNG 730B Black 17" 8ms LCD Monitor 300 cd/m2 600:1 0.264mm Pixel Pitch

I?m stumbling over which case to get. It will be a choice of a
Thermaltake Tsunami Black Aluminum ATX Mid Tower Case, an Antec ?SONATA? Mid Tower Case, or the Antec Performance One P150 Silver Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case with a 430-Watt ATX12V v2.2 Power Supply. I realize there?s not a one of them that hasn?t had some problems someone has complained about, but I will see.

I?ve done quite a lot of research on choices in the Anandtech general guides until my eyes are watering. Most of my poking around has rewarded me with whatever I can stuff into my wee old brain, but I have a long way to go to reach what most of you have obtained.

I think either one of these two computers will play games, if I choose too, what do you think?
 
bamacre

bamacre

Lifer
Jul 1, 2004
21,029
2
61
When/why did you buy an X2 4800+?

As a system builder, I've had my hands on a few cases, and IMO, the best case for your buck is the Cooler Master Cavalier 3, here, or in silver, here.

I would take it even over the Tsunami. It's better built, IMO. The door is very sturdy, it's attractive. The only thing I would recommend is replacing the air duct on the side with an 80mm fan, which is very easy to do with just a screwdriver.
 
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Old Man River

Member
Dec 23, 2004
92
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0
Bamacre;

I haven?t bought the X2 4800+ yet, but I plan to within the month and I?ll put it in another case with a duplication of the motherboard, video card, and a Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive.

I just want it because it is the top of the line, duel processor.

Cooler Master are nice cases and they are much cheaper at NewEgg; $59.99

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811119074

Thank you for the replies.
 
bamacre

bamacre

Lifer
Jul 1, 2004
21,029
2
61
X2 4800 is NOT a good idea. You should be buying an Intel C2D. Faster, more efficient, and a better value as well. I would look at the E6400 if you are buying soon, and even the E6600 will be down to ~$315 within a month or two.

The E6400 is about $50 cheaper than the X2 4800+ and about even, or a little better, in performance at stock speeds. If OC'd, it would murder the X2 4800+.

The E6600 will be extremely close in price compared to the X2 4800+ but is much faster, again at stock speeds. It'll OC much better too.

And the Cooler Master Cav3 is cheaper at ZZF, look at shipping.
 
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Pabster

Lifer
Apr 15, 2001
16,986
1
0
Originally posted by: Old Man River
I just want it because it is the top of the line, duel processor.
Click to expand...

Er, no.

AMD's "top of the line" dual core is an FX-62. It runs about $850. If you were to spend that much on a CPU, you might consider the Conroe X6800 which can be had for $1000ish and will absolutely destroy the FX-62, even at stock speed.

You'd be far better off with a Conroe. E6400, or E6600 if you can spare an extra $100.

The 6400 will run with and beyond an FX-62 at stock; The E6600 is faster (at stock) than the FX-62. Both are considerably cheaper, as well.

 
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Old Man River

Member
Dec 23, 2004
92
0
0
Bamacre;

Hah! I forgot about the shipping cost.

I?m sorry; I?m not a big fan of Intel, especially their newer processors.

The X2 4800 + is a highly respected ? well-developed AMD processor that?s been around for a long time. Therefore, it has probably gone through fixes of most problems in early development.

I?ve heard rumors AMD is developing a much more sophisticated line of possessors, therefore the reason their processors are dropping in price like crazy as they have usually done in the past. This is the reason I?ve decided on going the X2 4800 + path. It is different with the 64 3700 + San Diego 939 Single Core Processor, being a single core it most likely will be a nice backup and will do games as well as the duel cores will do and it?s almost as fast. I?m saving a lot of money doing this every time they develop new lines.

I hope I?m doing right.

I hope these boards are compatible as I think.

----------------------------------------------

Thanks dBTelos, I?ve considered that, but I?d feel safer with a newer, higher wattage PSU.

----------------------------------------------

Thanks Pabster, I?m reaching my budget?s limits now. I?ve considered those, perhaps at another time.

 
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dBTelos

Golden Member
Apr 17, 2006
1,858
0
0
"Thanks dBTelos, I?ve considered that, but I?d feel safer with a newer, higher wattage PSU."

I wouldn't waste my money. 380W is more then enough for any single GPU setup (assuming your not running anything else extravagant like RAID or watercooling).
 
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fire400

Diamond Member
Nov 21, 2005
5,204
21
81
the Athlon X2 3800 is probably the best you're going to get for the price. Otherwise you should just go with conroe. I mean, it's fast enough as it is unless you really need specifics to power certain things you know the X2 3800 isn't going to be good enough for. you can always upgrade to a better X2, but that would be a waste, personally. after Intel release the core duo 2, the X2 line even with the price cuts are still not as attractive for the gamer. the x2 3800 is hard to pass up though for a hundred 50 bucks, the prescott 3.4 GHz costs more than that!

yeah you should upgrade if that's what you want to hear. only if you have the money, otherwise that computer looks like it can sport enough to run a lot of the basics and a few more games.
 
bamacre

bamacre

Lifer
Jul 1, 2004
21,029
2
61
I love when fanboys ask for advice, then compain when you recommend the best product in their price range.
 
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Old Man River

Member
Dec 23, 2004
92
0
0
dBTelos;

Your information is valuable as to the PSU, however I?m not sure what I will be running in the future. Right now, I have a USB 2.0 Maxtor one touch III backup drive and I may have other USB 2.0 toys to hook up later. I may just put my old PSU away with my old hard drive, Motherboard and XP 2700+ ?Thoroughbred? 2.17GHz Processor for later.

----------------------------------------------

fire400

Your information is valuable too. I agree, I just wanted to make sure and get a little advice. I have enough money for the only thing I lack, the X2 4800 + and a few more things I may want.

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bamacre;

I don?t even know what a fanboy is. At 71 years of age, should I?

And, I didn?t realize I was complaining. I think it?s called a discussion. That?s where one offers an opinion ? different than yours and an exchange of ideas and opinions are presented. It shouldn?t be that difficult to manage.

 
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OvErHeAtInG

Senior member
Jun 25, 2002
770
0
0
Originally posted by: Old Man River
bamacre;

I don?t even know what a fanboy is. At 71 years of age, should I?

And, I didn?t realize I was complaining. I think it?s called a discussion. That?s where one offers an opinion ? different than yours and an exchange of ideas and opinions are presented. It shouldn?t be that difficult to manage.
Click to expand...
So true!! I mean, I agree with the content of bamacre's opinion, but at under $310, the 4800+ is not that bad of a deal. The man wants a 4800, let him get a 4800!! Having said that, have you considered Socket-AM2 instead of 939 for the dual-core machine? :p

Nothing wrong with the Antec TP, IMO. remember, for PSU's, quality is more important than amount of wattage. I got a Seasonic S12 and love it, so I always recommend them :p
 
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Philippine Mango

Diamond Member
Oct 29, 2004
5,594
0
0
Originally posted by: Old Man River
dBTelos;

Your information is valuable as to the PSU, however I?m not sure what I will be running in the future. Right now, I have a USB 2.0 Maxtor one touch III backup drive and I may have other USB 2.0 toys to hook up later. I may just put my old PSU away with my old hard drive, Motherboard and XP 2700+ ?Thoroughbred? 2.17GHz Processor for later.

----------------------------------------------

fire400

Your information is valuable too. I agree, I just wanted to make sure and get a little advice. I have enough money for the only thing I lack, the X2 4800 + and a few more things I may want.

----------------------------------------------

bamacre;

I don?t even know what a fanboy is. At 71 years of age, should I?

And, I didn?t realize I was complaining. I think it?s called a discussion. That?s where one offers an opinion ? different than yours and an exchange of ideas and opinions are presented. It shouldn?t be that difficult to manage.
Click to expand...

Holy crap, are you really 71 years old? I can't believe there is a 71 year old on the forums, unpossible! Lol.
 
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akshayt

Banned
Feb 13, 2004
2,227
0
0
I suggest get:

E6300/6400/6600
Asus PW5 or whatever that mobo is named or the cheaper DFI counterpart
4 X 1GB DDR2 800
1950XTX
 
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1N0V471V

Senior member
Mar 13, 2006
410
0
0
Originally posted by: akshayt
I suggest get:

E6300/6400/6600
Asus PW5 or whatever that mobo is named or the cheaper DFI counterpart
4 X 1GB DDR2 800
1950XTX
Click to expand...
Do you honestly think he needs 4GB of RAM and an X1950XTX? (which isn't even out yet!)
 
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Yanagi

Golden Member
Jun 8, 2004
1,678
0
0
Originally posted by: akshayt
I suggest get:

E6300/6400/6600
Asus PW5 or whatever that mobo is named or the cheaper DFI counterpart
4 X 1GB DDR2 800
1950XTX
Click to expand...

Reading..the..whole..thread..will.make..you..win
 
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Old Man River

Member
Dec 23, 2004
92
0
0
fire400
I don't see anything wrong with the truepower 2.0 either, but I?ll be keeping my fingers crossed.

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OvErHeAtInG

As to duel core, or single core processors, I?m a little stuck right now with the 3700+ San Diego 2000MHz 939 Single-Core Processor...price wise. As soon as that 4400+ dual core drops in price, I?m going to grab that one too.

I think the single core will play games almost as well as the dual core will.

Antec and some of the other companies producing power supplies have taken a beating over the Asian markets producing cheap electronic components. Lets face it, power supplies small enough to fit into a computer case are hard to design and build. Though I?ve been retired for some years, I should know, I?ve supported Launch Operations at the JFK Space Center for almost 45 years and the power supplies used on systems there cost as much as a car and takes two men to lift; they fail too, but not as often as a cheap one would. Anything less than $100 used in a personal computer with parts whose cost tally up as much as a few thousand dollars give me the shivers, but we?re somewhat stuck with them.

I?m a little queasy on Mother Boards too, though I?ve had excellent luck with my ASUS "A7N8X-X" nForce2 400 Chipset Motherboard Socket A. It?s speaking to me saying, ?You don?t need to replace me and abandon my XP 2700+ ?Thoroughbred? socket A.? It?s telling me, right now; ?That horse still jumps and it loves yah.?

----------------------------------------------

Philippine Mango

Ah huh, I sure am 71 years old, and before Christmas, I?ll be 72. I was born November 12, 1934.


 
M

magomago

Lifer
Sep 28, 2002
10,973
14
76
may i suggest a 7600GT instead of a 7600GS? Yeah it costs more...but it will give you substancially improved preformance at not that great of a cost of about 50-60 dollars more. I see 512 megs on that card as a waste, do you know why? Because the 7600GS simply can't use it all.
While I don't remember where I heard the analogy (on a notebook forum IIRC), and it is a crude analogy but it works well for this purpose...if a secretary can only use 2 pcs at a given time, adding 5 more pcs to her collection of 2 won't increase productivity at all because you are still stuck at a limit of 2 PCs. In that same instance, having 512 megabyte of ram on that videocard is a waste ;)

edit:

http://www.ixbt.com/video2/g73-1-d.shtml#p16

here are some benchies...notice how the7600Gt in many instances has nearly a 40% lead.
on a game that is also taxing, it provides that 35fps vs 23fps which makes the difference insofar as playable vs jerky is concerned
 
ItsAlive

ItsAlive

Golden Member
Oct 7, 2005
1,147
9
81
What kind of budget are you working with? Are you in the position where you need the absolute fastest product on the market or just something that can handle your everyday needs? Is upgradeability something that is important to you?

For upgradeability and budget I'd say go with AM2......and I would definately suggest AM2 over 939 especially if you plan on buying new ram anyways. Good DDR2 ram is not much more expensive than regular DDR and in some cases its cheaper. The motherboards run about the same cost and so do the CPU's. Socket AM3 is comming out sometime next year and the CPU's are compatible with AM2 so if you plan to upgrade later I think AM2 is the right choice. Not to mention K8L should be compatible with AM2 motherboards but that has yet to be determined.

If you need something simply for pure power I would suggest Conroe, but honestly I think AM2 has a better upgrade path and with the deep price cuts you can get a nice setup cheap. Also, with the money you'd save over conroe you could put towards a better video card.
 
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imported_OrSin

Senior member
Jul 15, 2004
533
0
0
If you have not already bought the RAM, go for AM2 and DDR2.
Thier is not reason any more to 939. If you really want 939 I will sell you my setup so I can go out and get AM2. 939 is deadend and AMD is already phrasing out thsoe CPUs.
AM2 motherboard will let you upgrade the CPU for the next 2 years.

 
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