Motherboard selection?

[CFster]

I currently have a XP2500+ in a NF7-S with 1GB PC2700 memory and an 6600GT AGP card.

I'm looking for some more performance - I looked at "The Ultimate Motherboard Selection Guide For New Users" and came away more confused than I was before heh heh. Plus it seems that most of the boards mentioned there don't have AGP slots.

I used to know all this stuff, but haven't been paying attention for the past couple years. Now it seems there are a ton of different cores, sockets etc..

What could anybody suggest for under $400 for a motherboard, CPU upgrade that still has an AGP slot?

OR, what is the fastest processor I can put in my existing board? I think a faster chip, and faster RAM would relieve the bottleneck for my graphics card, no?

 

[imported_Kensai]

MSI K8N Neo2-F = <130$
AMD 64 3000+ = <170$

 

[tw33ter]

if you get a new motherboard and cpu, you'll need new ram also, that 2700 you have now wont be compatible.

 

[justly]

Originally posted by: tw33ter
if you get a new motherboard and cpu, you'll need new ram also, that 2700 you have now wont be compatible.

:roll: and why not?

 

[o1die]

Pc2700 works fine with my socket 754, but I can't vouch for socket 939.

 

[CFster]

Originally posted by: Kensai
MSI K8N Neo2-F = <130$
AMD 64 3000+ = <170$

Is that 64 significantly faster than my 2500+?

It's rated at 1.8ghz

 

[CFster]

Any other suggestions?

 

[11427]

MSI K8N Neo2 Platinum $120, AMD 3000+ $138, Mushkin Blue PC3200 (2x512mb) $123 = $381 more or less.

 

[11427]

Originally posted by: CFster

Originally posted by: Kensai
MSI K8N Neo2-F = <130$
AMD 64 3000+ = <170$

Is that 64 significantly faster than my 2500+?
It's rated at 1.8ghz

Not really,...in most common tasks (surf internet, word perfect, excell, etc. etc.) you really won't see a differnece. Once it's overclocked to 2.4 - 2.7 then you'll notice. If you're into video encoding, ripping tons of cd's, major gaming, then you'll see some speed increase.

 

[CFster]

Ok then, what's the fastest processor and memory a NF7-S will support?

 

[11427]

At this point I would not recommend buying a new processor for your NF-7. I guess we should ask "What does your system NOT do fast enough?" You may get by for a while with some good PC3200 mem and overclocking your 2500+, most will do at least 2.2

 

[CFster]

I'm trying to get more FPS while gaming.

Hey, I'm up for overclocking if I can make it stable.

 

[JEDIYoda]

actually correct me if I am wrong....
Actaully in games fps are not based on the CPU or the Mobo....
Its based on the Video card!!!

Im not sure you will see that many more if any FPS if you upgrade your CPU or even your mobo!!

In most reviews of Mobo`s that I have seen they are are generally in the same ballpark when it comes to FPS....by in the ball park lets say mobo A tests 100fps in quake 3....and Mobo B tested 102 fps in quake3 and Mobo C tested at 106 fps in quake3.....

What I am trying to say that little gain in FPS is`nt exactly going give you any advantage over somebody whoise pulling 99 fps in the same game etc.

I think you would be better of spending your money on memory or even a newer video card,

Just my opinion.

Have a nice day!

 

[CFster]

Thanks for the info.

I was under the impression that a slower CPU created a bottleneck for the graphics card.

 

[11427]

Well,... if you are not ready to upgrade to PCIe and a 939 mobo I'd say spend $120 - $150 for some good PC3200 memory (can also be used on 939 upgrade at a later date) overclock that 2500+ to at least 400fsb and 2.2ghz, then overclock that 6600gt a bit from what I've seen most 6600gt's will do a 10% - 15% OC without much problem.

 

[OptyMyStix]

I built my computer by using this information on motherboard selecting tips . I found it very useful.

OptyMyStix

 

[CFster]

So I'm going to get (2) Corsair PC3200 ValueSelect 2x512MB DDR400 sticks to try and improve performance a bit.

1. Any recommendations on memory timings for my NF7-S board?

2. I understand that the proper way to do it is in pairs. As the MB has three slots, is there any performance hit by getting a third 512MB stick?

3. Can anybody point me to some guides for overclocking my processor (XP 2500+ Barton), and memory?

Thanks