Need some advice, upgrading my new system

[coder1]

Hi everyone. I need some you expets to explain a couple of things. About 6+ months ago I bought a ASUS A7V133 MB and then got a socket A 1 Gig CPU. Of course Im also running PC 133 SDRAM. Now comes the time to upgrade again. I have not been keeping up with all the new chipsets and MB that are out. As I was looking to upgrade the system I see so many new chipsets (From INTEL and AMD). Now I am not bias to Intel or AMD, I usually go for best bang of the buck. When I looked at the Intel system I saw these new 423/478 pind CPUs. I have no idea what the differences. Also the bus speed is running at 400. Whats the big ram architecture these days? Rambus or DDR. I remember back in the day no one would touch Rambus, Is Intel still using them? Also what is the best MB for an intel system. Now looking at AMD I see these new XP systems, and aslo some MP systems. I notice lots of these are running at 266 Bus speed. Does that mean all the new systesm run of of DDR. So if I were to buy some new components this week what should I look for? I have all the other stuff covered. Video/Hardrive/printers. Im just upgrading RAM, MB, CPU. If anyone could shed some light on all these new chipsets/CPUS and ram I would be much appreciative. Thanks again everyone and I hope your having a terrific Holiday.

 

[AkumaBao]

Well, the best way to get performance out of an Athlon is to get DDR. You could get a P4, but I think you would regret it. That's a lot of money to spend. The Socket 423 P4 is the obsolete CPU. The 478 is Intel's new design that is what they make to 2.0GHz chip with. You will have better luck going with a Socket A mobo w/ DDR. As for the RDRAM, it getting obsolete already. A lot of P4 mobo companies are going to DDR, plus with RDRAM you HAVE to have all your DIMM slots full. It will not work with just one stick of memory. 🙁 Even though the RDRAM performs well, it still doesn't help a P4 against a Athlon C or XP. Hopes that helps. 😛

 

[Athlon4all]

<< When I looked at the Intel system I saw these new 423/478 pind CPUs. I have no idea what the differences. >>

Socket 423 was only used for Williamette P4's, the S478 CPU's out there right now are also Williamette core, but S478 provides the future upgrade option to Northwood, which will also use S478.

<< Whats the big ram architecture these days? >>

Definatley DDR. DDR platforms for the P4 provide as close as >3% sometimes, outperforming 850+RDRAM. On the Athlon, all that's used any more is DDR. Modern DDR chipset do improve performance by as much as 15-20% over KT133A+PC133, so DDR is the popular memory type. Do not discount Rambus for the P4. It still provides great performance, and it is my personal opinion that
1. Price difference isn't as big as people think between RDRAM and DDR
2. When 533 fsb Northwood's come out, I feel that DDR will not be able to keep up with the 533fsb+PC1066 RDRAM combo.

So in the P4 arena, just buy what ever's fastest, which right now is SiS 645+DDR333.

<< Also what is the best MB for an intel system? >>

IMHO, Asus P4S333 using SiS 645. Beats 850 in many benchmarks, and comes within 3% on everything else.

<< Does that mean all the new systesm run of of DDR? >>

They don't have to but you'll never get the maximum performance out of your CPU without DDR.

Now to my opinion. I would personally wait until Friday next week, when AMD is supposed to be releasing a new XP 2000+ clocked at 1.67GHz, and then at the same time, Intel will be launching the Northwood's mentioned above at 2.0 and 2.2GHz. Northwood should provide about 10% better performance at the same clock speed, but it should have wonderful overclocking potential because it is manufactured on the most advanced Manufacturing process to date, 0.13 micron. It seems in early benchmark by nobodies sites, that Northwood 2.2GHz still can't keep up with the Athlon XP 1900+ and really, the XP 2000+ should destroy it, I'd just wait for sites like Anandtech or Tom's Hardware to review these 2 new CPU's before making a final decision. Both CPU's will be deputing at high prices (as high as $425 for the 2000+ and as high as $600 for the Northwood 2.2GHz) though, but I'd wait before making a final decision. It is my personal opinion that in any case, while the P4 has become much more attractive then it was a year ago, your best bet will probably in terms of price/performance, be an Athlon XP. Now, how much money are u looking to spend? I take it u do have a budget because you talk about Price/Performance. Here's my recs for the best value platform/CPU/RAM for the XP. I really cannot justify getting a P4 unless you must have the so called "Intel Stability". A 1600+ without being overclocked can beat the $400 priced P4 Williamette 2.0GHz.

Athlon XP Recs:

OEM Athlon XP 1600 $117+A Thermalright SK-6 HSF $33
EPoX 8KHA+ This board is a plain board, but can it ever overclock and performs great. If u want more features like on-board sound, RAID, USB 2.0, then ask and I'll recommend something else. $105
512MB of PC2100 DDR, get 2 sticks of 256MB for $138
Total (from Newegg.com, including shipping to East Coast (set it to that for the absolute maximum shipping prices): $415.57

If that's too expensive, the only thing u could do is back off the RAM to 256MB or wait for prices to come down (if they ever do). The best thing about going the XP 1600+ is that it should with that HSF at least hit 1800+ speeds (1.53GHz), or even higher, maybe 1.6GHz and up! So that's my recommendation, But just wait for the new CPU's to come out because they should drive prices down and if possible, wait this RAM thing out and see if they come down.

 

[coder1]

Thankyou so much for the info, you have been very helpful