Okay, here is my current system. I'll list everything just for the sake of completeness.
Suntek translucent case + 230W PS
Abit BP6
2x Celeron 366 @ 470 or so, fluctuates
128MB PC 100 RAM (Generic, I guess)
Voodoo3 2000 AGP
Soundblaster Live! Value
IBM Deskstar ATA/66 7200 RPM (13 GB, can't remember exact name)
6x Toshiba DVD
Plextor 8/4/32 CD-RW
Sony Floppy (Whee)
Linksys 10/100 NIC
Okay, I guess that's it. So, my questions:
1) Is this going to be a painless upgrade? I take it I need new memory along with the motherboard and CPU. I can handle that, but I don't want to spend any more time than I have to troubleshooting funky driver issues or Windows problems.
2) Which board is better? The BP6 has worked well for me, so I'd lean toward KT7, except that the A7V seems to have a bigger following. They seem to have comparable specs, so I guess I just need testimonials here, unless there's some difference that escaped my notice.
3) Will both/either of these fit inside my Suntek case well? It's a standard ATX, but I've heard that it was not so "standard," and that people had problems fitting certain mobos in it.
4) Is Thunderbird 750 my best bet? It seems to have better performance and price than the P3s. I'm not really interested in Durons or Celerons, nor overclocking at this time. 750 just feels right to me, but would 800 MHz be a better value?
5) How long would I have to wait to get a substantial discount on these things? I know the general rule is to buy when you're ready and not wait, but I dunno what's happening with memory and motherboard prices right now.
6) Thanks for your opinions.
cpebbles
EDIT: Forgot to mention that I'm not really into PC games, so the current video card should be sufficient for me. Also, I'm not looking to go over $500 for mobo, processor, and RAM, unless I manage to get an awful lot for the money.
Suntek translucent case + 230W PS
Abit BP6
2x Celeron 366 @ 470 or so, fluctuates
128MB PC 100 RAM (Generic, I guess)
Voodoo3 2000 AGP
Soundblaster Live! Value
IBM Deskstar ATA/66 7200 RPM (13 GB, can't remember exact name)
6x Toshiba DVD
Plextor 8/4/32 CD-RW
Sony Floppy (Whee)
Linksys 10/100 NIC
Okay, I guess that's it. So, my questions:
1) Is this going to be a painless upgrade? I take it I need new memory along with the motherboard and CPU. I can handle that, but I don't want to spend any more time than I have to troubleshooting funky driver issues or Windows problems.
2) Which board is better? The BP6 has worked well for me, so I'd lean toward KT7, except that the A7V seems to have a bigger following. They seem to have comparable specs, so I guess I just need testimonials here, unless there's some difference that escaped my notice.
3) Will both/either of these fit inside my Suntek case well? It's a standard ATX, but I've heard that it was not so "standard," and that people had problems fitting certain mobos in it.
4) Is Thunderbird 750 my best bet? It seems to have better performance and price than the P3s. I'm not really interested in Durons or Celerons, nor overclocking at this time. 750 just feels right to me, but would 800 MHz be a better value?
5) How long would I have to wait to get a substantial discount on these things? I know the general rule is to buy when you're ready and not wait, but I dunno what's happening with memory and motherboard prices right now.
6) Thanks for your opinions.
cpebbles
EDIT: Forgot to mention that I'm not really into PC games, so the current video card should be sufficient for me. Also, I'm not looking to go over $500 for mobo, processor, and RAM, unless I manage to get an awful lot for the money.
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