System getting out-of-date - help!

[Sniper]

I just picked up Operation Flashpoint and realized that the minimum requirements are not much below what's in my 2 year old system now. I was hoping this setup would last me another year, but I don't think that's likely. Here's what I'm running now:

Asus P2B-F
128 MB PC133
PIII 450 at 558 MHz
TNT2 Ultra
SB Live Value

The rest of my equipment is OK and I'll keep for now. What's the most cost-effective upgrades for me to make? I am guessing that it wouldn't make sense to keep the motherboard. What about the RAM? Also, I was figuring on waiting until after Christmas and picking up a GeForce3 when the price will probably come down a little more.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

[pay]

Well how much are you looking to spend?

 

[apoppin]

Since you are an overclocker a P3700@933 might be reasonable for an inexpensive interim upgrade. (The new PowerLeap adapter may allow a 1.2Ghz Celeron-II - I didn't check if it will work with your MB - but it has worked wonders for my old Abit BX-6(r.2)).

Definitely a new video card and more RAM.

If you want to go all the way, a new XP Athlon, MB and Power supply (dont forget the GeForce 3 and lots of RAM).

 

[Pederv]

I just did a quick look at newegg and crucial and you could get over 1GHz with 256MB DDR for less than $200. With a little more thorough search you could probably upgrade for less, or you can go for more power at the same price.

 

[Sniper]

Hey guys, thanks for the quick response!

How much I am willing to spend depends. Probably $500 or $600 unless there is some amazing new technology coming out in the next 6-9 months. Then I would just spend a few hundred now and make the big purchase then. My guess is the former.

Pederv - is that with my current motherboard?

 

[Pederv]

No. It's with the following:
Shuttle AK31A - $81
TBird 950MHz - $59 (easily reach 1GHz)
HSF - $20
Crucial 256MB PC2100 DDR - $35

Total - $195

 

[apoppin]

<< unless there is some amazing new technology coming out in the next 6-9 months. >>



Evidently (and unfortunately for out pocketbooks) there is. The new .13 micron Northwood P4s (clock speeds around 3Ghz) and Thoroughbred Athlons will be out in that timeframe (and all the guys getting XPs now will AGAIN be getting upgrades).

Just last week I became dissatisfied with my P3@800Mhz and opted - for only $169 - for a simple plug in type upgrade with the PowerLeap adapter - to 1.24Ghz with a Celeron-II (Tualatin). (That is not final; a NEWER adapter from PL will allow for o/c'ing.)

That will hold ME until then.

 

[Sniper]

apoppin - I hadn't heard of the PowerLeap upgrade before. Went to their website and it looks pretty cool. How do you like it so far? Big improvement over your 800? Looks like they are currently backordered and not shipping until 11/20/01.

And no problems with PC133 RAM with this?

Thanks

 

[apoppin]

I LOVE it. For a simple upgrade ($169) - removing my old adapter & plugging in the new combo - it is awesome. 1.24Ghz isn't chopped liver either (noticeable upgrade over 800Mhz).

However, it is not O/C'ing friendly. The good news is that Paul at PL emailed me some exciting news:


<< At 11/06/2001 03:24 PM we wrote - Hello,
I would recommend our brand new IP3-T. With our product you will be able to upgrade to a 1.4 GHz cpu, faster as new chips are released. There is one problem however, it will not be released for a couple weeks. Please check back frequently because our first batch will be small and the buzz is getting bigger everyday.

Paul >>



EDIT: Since Thursday (when I figured it out - the preliminary documentation/instructions were terrible) it has been rock solid stable, My PC-133 is overkill. PC-100 would be plenty for 1.24Ghz. The new Celeron is totally cool - it beats the 1.5Ghz P4 im most benchmarks except memory bandwith (and wold be close if it could get 133FSB like the new adapter promises).