Processor/MB recommendation for upgrade

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ocelot4ark

Member
Aug 14, 2005
139
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Hey guys,
I'm sure you guys get a lot of posts like this...so I apologize for the redundancy. Here's the deal. Right now I'm running an AMD XP 2100. The system runs just fine, but like everyone, I'm starting to get the itch for something MORE.

I mainly use my system for general office/homework use. I use Excel, PP, Firefox...the usual. There are a couple of things I do that are fairly intensive. I rip/encode lots of DVD's. I also take THOUSANDS upon THOUSANDS of screen caps. We're talking, wake up the next morning and have gigs of new jpgs to sort through. This is my main reason for wanting to upgrade, aside from obvious issues of wanting to avoid obsolescence. When I view these jpgs in thumbnail format, I want to be able to see those images instantaneously. I think I need to upgrade for that...

So, what would be a good CPU/MB combination for that purpose. I definitely wouldn't mind having to OC if that meant equivalent performance for comparable prices.

I currently have these components. Feel free to give recommendations for OTHER things I should think about upgrading.
512 MB Crucial 2100
512 MB Kingston 3200
NEC 3500A
Lite-On SOHW-832S
GeForce4 MX440 (Old, i know - but I don't do any gaming anymore...only on XBOX)
I've also got a 480W Power Supply that I just purchased...can't remember the brand, however.

So...what do the experts have to say? I really appreciate any and all help!
Cheers, guys.
 
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o1die

Diamond Member
Jul 8, 2001
4,785
0
71
I'd go for a 3500 venice core socket 939. Ocz makes pretty good pc3200. Also, save more for your video card. You'll need about $175 for the 6600. For the board, go with an nforce4 chipset non sli. I like abit or msi boards, but Dfi is recommended for experienced users who like to tweak for overclocking.
 
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Bona Fide

Banned
Jun 21, 2005
1,901
0
0
EPoX 9NPA+ Ultra - Motherboard
Hands down the best NF4 motherboard around, other than the DFI series. But that's for enthusiasts and crazy people :)

Now as for processors, you have two choices:

$$$$$$ = Athlon 64 X2 dual-core. I would recommend the 4200+ or 4400+ depending on your budget.
$$$ = Athlon 64 3500+ Venice or 3700+ San Diego, depending on your budget.

Also, get a 1gig stick of RAM if you can. It'll do wonders for media encoding.
The rest of your components look good...maybe a new PSU if that one's too old. Don't wanna risk a burnout :)
 
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ocelot4ark

Member
Aug 14, 2005
139
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Awesome guys, thanks for the quick responses. I think an X2 is out of my price range, unfortunately.
Quick question, which of these would be the Venice core?
Athlon 64 3500 939pin
Athlon 64 3500 90nm 939pin
Athlon 64 3500 512K 90nm Rev E
 
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KoolDrew

Lifer
Jun 30, 2004
10,226
7
81
You coluld get a 3000+ and save money. It will easily reach past 3500+ speeds. Also you don't need SLI.
 
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ocelot4ark

Member
Aug 14, 2005
139
0
0
Originally posted by: ocelot4ark
Also...as for the MB, is this what you had in mind?
http://www.epox.com.tw/eng/products_content.php?ps=371
Click to expand...

I found a good deal on this MB for $90 shipped. That's pretty reasonable, IMO. Anything you guys can think of that should keep me from buying this?

Also...as someone already mentioned. Graphics aren't a big concern for me. At the moment this will be used strictly as an office PC. I have no need or use for games or intentions of a HTPC.
 
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ocelot4ark

Member
Aug 14, 2005
139
0
0
LOL - I couldn't help myself. I went ahead and purchased the EP-9NPAJ SLi. The reviews were excellent and the price was right, so I went ahead and jumped on it.

Now I'm a little confused as to which CPU I should go for. I'm getting recommendations of anything from a 3000 to a 3700. So far I'm $90 invested into this upgrade. I'd like to keep the remaining cash spend on the processor at around $210 or less. I'm not afraid of ebay ;-) Given that constraint...best bang for my buck?
 
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theMan

Diamond Member
Mar 17, 2005
4,386
0
0
with that money you should get the 3200+ venice. that would be anything that says Revision E. if you want to jump into overclocking, this one overclocks great, and its very easy to do. overclocking saves you tons of money. many people get this chip up to 2700mhz.
 
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ocelot4ark

Member
Aug 14, 2005
139
0
0
The 3200 Venice it is...found a nice price. So far I'm about $276 into my system. One of the concessions I have to make, however, is a video card...PCI-E. I guess budget PCI-E cards don't exist.

Sooo...anyone have any recommendations for a (hopefully) cheap, yet low-heat card?
 
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ocelot4ark

Member
Aug 14, 2005
139
0
0
Man, this is quickly turning into a decent rig. I went ahead and shelled out $160 (minus $30 rebate) from monarch. So...all the sudden I've got:

3200+ Venice
EPoX 9NPAJ
eVGA GeForce 6600 GT 128MB
 
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