Should I upgrade?

[frangotang]

Hi all,

Need some opinions. Currently running a Gigabyte KT133 (not the KT133A) mogo w/ 1Ghz T-Bird. of puter
512 MB Cas2 Micron
PNY Geforce # Ti 200 oc 225/510
Que 24x10x40
40 GB Western HD
SB Live Value
Windows XP Home

Here is the question. My current set up seem fast enough. I do alot of MS Office, Front Page 2000 web editing, and gaming. All games play great (Serious Sam:2nd, several flight sims). However, I want tog et ready for newer games coming that are truely DX 8.1 enabled. I want to upgrade processor to a 1.4Gz (my Mobo will only do FSB 200). But, I can pick up a new KT133A board between $65-$80 (abit, Shuttle, etc) These boards can accept the Athlon XP chips up to the current 2000XP. What do you guys think? Should, I get an Athlon fsb 200 1.4 Gz T-Bird or should I get a new KT133A board and and an Athlon XP 1800. I appreciate any opinions.

 

[o1die]

I wouldn't get either one. The 1.4 t-bird tends to run hotter than any other athlon, and the xp can be tricky to unlock. Some xp's overclock well and some don't. After using 2 durons, 4 athlons, and 1 xp cpu in the last 3 years, I switched to the P4 1.6a. It runs cooler, and is more stable when overclocking. Running a 1.6a at 2.2 (138 fsb), and the cpu temps average 40-42 celcius at 1.6 volts. I could run a little higher, but my modem disconnects. If you're sticking with the xp, wait for the .13 thoroughbred and see if it runs cooler, and switch to ddram.

 

[hoomza444]

yeah.....i'd say possibly switch to intel, especially with their decent prices these days. i am an AMD guy myself, and run an XP. but i'd really say just wait a while until the t-bred comes out and then go for an XP......since the pricewill drop. or shell out the extra for a t-bred. and yeah the xp is a bid harder to unlock than previous cpus but still not that hard.....if you even plan to unlock. and yeah, switch up to ddr ram. but for now, your system should be fine.......wait a couple months till prices drop some more. you said it yourself, your system runs current games okay. so when the newer games start rolling out and your system can't handle them? then you can think about an upgrade. this way atleast you got mroe out of your current system and will hopefully save some $$$ on your next one.

 

[frangotang]

Thanks for the replies. Sometimes these boards are good for a sanity check. I will keep current setup and wait until the new T-birds come out so the current ones will drop.

 

[Plester]

you can get a refurb Abit KT7A for $49, EPOX EP-8KTA3PRO for $65 or a new SOLTEK SL-75KAV for $65 at newegg. unlock your chip and run it at 133mhz fsb and you will have a VERY nice performance boost for a little $.

 

[Sniper82]

You should be able to hit 1.2 with np's with your current setup. I would cranks the MHz up and call it a day.

 

[serialb]

Like others said, first thing you need is to get rid of your KT133 board before you move to a faster processor. Abit KT7A or EPOX EP-8KTA3PRO sounds like a very good option at those prices.

 

[Shack70]

If you are gonna upgrade, then really do it! Get the newer KT266a Chipset and an XP processor. You will need DDR ram as well.

:b

 

[CraigRT]

if I was u and looking to upgrade, if you can swing a DDR setup that is the way to go.. buy a DDR mobo and some DDR memory, and hold off on the CPU until you can afford that.. the 1.0GHz is still pretty fast anyways.. when you get some more money, just plop an AXP into that DDR mobo of yours. that is what I have just upgraded to and it is worth it. no question.. got a Soltek SL75DRV4 and 512 of DDR, and it runs like a dream..

i strongly suggest you do that, at least I would... i have no doubt about that if i was in your place.

 

[dunkster]

I recently upgraded from Intel PIII 600@800MHz to amd XP1600@1558MHz - effectively doubling cpu speed. Increases in benchmark numbers are gratifying, but gameplay impact is insignificant.

I can't say that Serious Sam, Max Payne, Deus Ex or any other game I've played since the upgrade run noticeably faster, though playing at 1024X768@32-bit color is nice - I guess.

The only upgrades that have provided really dramatic impact for me are graphics card and monitor upgrades.

Just don't expect some really startling impact from your upgrade. You have a decent system for gaming right now.

Hope this helps!

 

[iahk]

I'm with dunkster. Not too much in gameplay. If you want to do that then get a nice video card.

I switch from a tbird 700 to P4 1.6a. Although I do love the nice quick lightning speed bootup times and switching user speed now.

You're probably fine until Unreal 2 comes out. But even then your cpu will still hold up a fight.