Opinions: Getting the upgrade bug...

[nealh]

It has been over 1.5 yrs since I upgraded mobo, cpu...

I have a P4 2.4B@2.9 160fsb at 1.625v(actual is 1.6v as Abit undervolts) Intel HSF/AS2
Abit IT7 max2 rev2..845PE mobo 4:5 divider
2x 512mg Kingston valuram PC2700...2.6v at cas 2.5/3/3/6 at 200mhz(seems to be real pc3200)
160cpu:200mhz ram
Radeon 9700pro 351/325...newer games were too taxing for 331 memory
2x 160gb Maxtor 133ata on HPT controller
LTD 163 dvdrom
Liteon 811s dvdrw
Liteon 52246S
Audigy 2
adaptec 2906 scsi card for my scanner
intake fan x 2 ..one is over my hdd
rear fan
480w Antec True Power

At one time about year ago I was able to run at 166 fsb (1.7v)1:1 divider with rare crash in 3d games but newer games seem to push the overclock
also seems newer games pushed my radeon 9700pro 351/331..so I dropped to 325 on the memory

I am very tempted to skip the cpu upgrade but go for a new videocard in 3mo or so if prices drop...but the thought of popping in a 200mz cpu with HT is interesting...as my mobo should be ok at 200mhz since the ram is there right??

or maybe a 3.06 HT and maybe get a 150+ fsb on 4:5 divider...

any opinions?

 

[JSSheridan]

I wouldn't recommend getting a 200MHz FSB CPU with that MB, since the chipset may not be (is not) able to run at 200MHz. You'll get a performance boost in gaming by going with one of the lastest video cards though, so that's probably the best way to spend your money right now. Peace.

 

[nealh]

thanks...

 

[Duvie]

I agree no p4c with that mobo.....YOu could definitely go the 3.06ghz and try to find a d1 stepping chip....

I question one thing though since I was familiar with i845pe chipsets and that is not all mobo have HT support....it could even depend on revision of said board....


I recommend getting a dual channel setup with a p4c....

Look at 2.8c and an abit IS7 or IC7....You could have a great chance of getting that 2.8c to 3.5ghz (250fsb is a gimme on either boards I listed)....

 

[nealh]

thanks guys...accoriding to Abit the IT-MAx2 rev2 supposedly will support HT but we know how that is....

maybe I will wait and spend $$ on better graphics card and wait and see if the A64-Fx or Prescott is a better way t ogo