processor dead, help!

[jkresh]

I am currently running an i845board and my proc is gone (writing from notebook), so its time to upgrade. Currently thinking of 3 possibilities. 1, 3.06 p4 (only chip with hyperthreading that will work in my mobo) 2. 2.8c and an i865 board (6 case fans, good airflow will overclock), 3. Possibly an a64 (2.8 or 3.0 on an nforce 3 250). Also will be adding another 512ram. Want to limit the total to as little as possible (chip/mobo/memory) as this system will be completely replaced within a year with most likely an a64 on socket 939. Probably will become a pvr/media center for my home theatre at that point. So I am looking for an upgrade that will give me enough of a speed difference to justify spending money (rather spend 350 for mobo and proc and get a nice speed boost then spend 160 and get the same as I had before the proc died), without spending so much that I have to postpone my complete overhaul. Any suggestions would be appreciated.


current specs
p4 2.26 (was running at 2.6 for 18months (at 38 load) before jumping 14c in a week, then even clocking down and dropping voltage couldnt get temps back, nor did removing what little dust was in the case or reseating the heatsink)
asusp4b533-e
512 corsair ddr3200
120wdjb
200wdjd
radeon9800aiw
...

 

[o1die]

If your cpu is under warranty, try getting a new one from Intel. I just rma'd my old 2.4b and threw the heatsink in the box for good measure (it has a broken frame). Don't know what they'll send me yet, could be a prescott 2.4a, which will require a new board. If you're in the market for a new cpu anyway, checkout the 2800 mobile athlon 64 for $187 at newegg. It only runs at 1600, but with an unlocked multiplier, it might go higher. I don't know if any socket 754 boards come with a multiplier adjustment. That's a good topic for the forum.

 

[jkresh]

At this point I think going with the 2.8c and trying for a 3.4-3.5 overclock makes the most sense, just now I have to decide between the ic7 and the p4p800. As assuming I get a reasonable oc it will be best bang for buck and since I am only planning on using it for 14 months max (then complete upgrade time) it should work. As to warranty I was running it at about 1.65-1.7v and overclocking so not sure they would honor it and I cant really afford the downtime of waiting for a replacement from intel.