Need Upgrade Suggestions...

[Playmaker]

My current specs are...

Epox 8K7A Mobo
512MB Crucial PC2100 DDR
AMD T-Bird 1.2gig
40gig IBM Deskstar
MSI GeForce2 Pro

I use my computer to play one game called EverQuest, MP3s, and general school work. I am looking for some cheapish upgrades I can make to boost the speed. What would your suggestions be?

 

[rb56]

I don't know your budget but a XP in the 1600 ($60) to 2000 $(105) range would be a good start.

 

[Insidious]

I don't know what kind of school work you are talking about, but that hardware is going to run most office-ish applications as well as anything right now.

The only part that looks significantly less than "real good" might be the video card, but that really isn't going to speed up many applications (other than games or video editing) with an upgrade.

If the hardware you list is running "school work" slowly, I suggest taking a look at your OS installation. You might see your biggest gains from cleaning up the install.

 

[Playmaker]

Would an AMD XP 2000+ run in my motherboard? Also, is the retail HSF adequate cooling? I have a GlobalWin WBK38 on my currect CPU and it's hella loud, would be nice to quiet it down a bit. Also, If I had more to spend what would be the next best upgrade? Another 512MB Crucial PC2100 DDR? or a new video card?'

Also, in my position would it be smarter to just build a completely new comp? or will these upgrade provide a noticeable boost in performance?

 

[Playmaker]

I guess I should have phrased that better hehe. I run that computer game EverQuest in windowed mode (which it's really not meant to be run in) and then also use my e-mail and browse the web at the same time. It can get VERY laggy at some points and my FPS in the game drop REALLY low. That's what I basically meant...

 

[microAmp]

I would look into a video card, Ti4200 that would be under $200. Maybe even the Radeon 8500 for $100.

 

[rb56]

Originally posted by: motoamd
I would look into a video card, Ti4200 that would be under $200. Maybe even the Radeon 8500 for $100.

Agreed, If it's FPS your looking for the video card is the place to start. You've got plenty of ram for what you are doing.
From what I see you can take your pick of the XP's if you have bios ver 1.1

rb56

 

[Playmaker]

So how about an AMD XP 1800+ retail with the retail HSF and a GeForce4 Ti4200 128MB? Would that be the best upgrade I could make for that price range? Also, is the retail HSF both adequate and moderately quiet? Finally, no overclocking, so the 128MB is worth it over the 64MB? And are there any specific brands I should go for? Or just the cheapest? Thanks...

 

[Tarmax]

Well first off, with everything that you're doing (evercrack, web and email all at the same time)... are you using the EQ expansion Shadows of Luclin (and it's added high detail graphics)?? If you are, then I would suggest getting another stick of RAM as well, considering Shadows of Luclin requires 512MB of RAM alone... that could be one reason why you're getting the slow-down. Your system's trying to juggle the RAM. But that's only if you're running SoL.

haha.. lol. SoL (sh!t outta luck)

As far as the TI4200, it's really up to you. the 64MB version has faster RAM, but it's only 64MB. On the other hand, the 128MB card has significantly slower RAM. Check out one of Anands round ups. I think the difference between the two were ~10fps (give or take) in the UT2k3 demo. It's all mostly personal preference.. aside from the cost; but if you plan on running EQ at high resolutions (~1280x1024.. hey, you might have your desktop set to 1600x1200 for all I know ) then go for the 128MB version.

-Tarmax