upgrade path to save a little $ - advice?

cern

Junior Member
Dec 6, 2003
4
0
0
Well, things have changed in my life - I used to keep my computer on the 90% edge of tech but once I got a mortage and a baby I've not upgraded as often as I should have. Now I feel I really need to but from what I'm finding I need to replace just too many darn componants at the same time to make it affordable 'right now'.

I built this system almost 3-4 years ago I guess and it was pretty top of the line then

Abit kt7 raid mb
1.4 athlon
512k pc 133 ram
gforce 2 ultra video card

I really need to crank this system up again. Mostly I play a few games and encode avi's.

I can spend about 300.00 right now. However, from what I understand my video card will not work in the newer motherboards due to voltage requirements??? Does anyone know of a solution that will work?
 

xSauronx

Lifer
Jul 14, 2000
19,582
4
81
the gf2 will still work

you can get (newegg rules, btw) a shuttle an35 ultra (nf2) mobo - 65
xp 1800+ (that should oc a bit easily) - 52
512 pc3200 corsair or some such - ~85 or 90

theres about 210, get a gc68 from svc.com for a couple bucks to cool (and allow for some ocing) and maybe a gf4 4200 64mb from newegg for around 90

not much more than 300 when youre done, and its not a bad system, should be a heck of an upgrade :)
 

cern

Junior Member
Dec 6, 2003
4
0
0
the gf2 will still work? Hmm, thats good news. Almost makes everything sound possible - If it will work I'll hold off on video card for a few moths and get a 9600 series radeon since it's dx9 ready. I think I'm through with nvidia for a while. Is an 1800 really much imporvement over a 1.4 athlon? I was planning on buying somewhere more in the 2500-2600 line

 

charlie21

Senior member
Oct 10, 1999
491
0
76
I would go with at least a Barton 2500+, any slower than that and you wouldn't notice a big speed difference. Unfortunately you're going to need to upgrade your memory to DDR. Get PC2700 if you don't plan on overclocking, at least PC3200 if you are. The Barton 2500+ is a great overclocker. Grab an nForce2 mobo of your liking and you're ready to rock.
 

Ionizer86

Diamond Member
Jun 20, 2001
5,292
0
76
1800+'s advantage is that some can overclock past 2.3 (2800+). But yes, I'd say spend the ~$50 or so and get the 2500+ then run it at 3200+.

If you need to get updated on features as well (better sound, firewire, Serial ATA etc), then I'd spend extra and get the Abit NF7-S motherboard. That way, you'll have all the new interfaces on your new PC :)
 

cern

Junior Member
Dec 6, 2003
4
0
0
I've got a firewire card, usb2.0 card, SBLIVE card with Klipsch pro media 4.1 :) - and I dont see myself buying a serial ata HD anytime soon and when I do I can always get a controller card for it. I think I'll stick with the cheaper MB (something I've never done before - I've always owned ABIT - but maybe not this time :(

As far as memory goes - are amd's still sure picky on the memory that they need as far as quality or can I go with generic memory?
 

ScrapSilicon

Lifer
Apr 14, 2001
13,625
0
0
Originally posted by: cern
Well, things have changed in my life - I used to keep my computer on the 90% edge of tech but once I got a mortage and a baby I've not upgraded as often as I should have. Now I feel I really need to but from what I'm finding I need to replace just too many darn componants at the same time to make it affordable 'right now'.

I built this system almost 3-4 years ago I guess and it was pretty top of the line then

Abit kt7 raid mb
1.4 athlon
512k pc 133 ram
gforce 2 ultra video card

I really need to crank this system up again. Mostly I play a few games and encode avi's.

I can spend about 300.00 right now. However, from what I understand my video card will not work in the newer motherboards due to voltage requirements??? Does anyone know of a solution that will work?
I like xSauronx' suggestion..I was going to buy an Abit but $$ said grab the an35n ultra(had got it for $63 with a $15 MIR to submit). Dropped my $89 2500+ Barton on it ..runs fine and very cool with stock retail HSF @ 3000+(currently 30c @ 3184rpm) ..you can defray your costs by selling your current parts upon setting up your new comp..;)

oopz.. Welcome to AnandTech forums !
 

ScrapSilicon

Lifer
Apr 14, 2001
13,625
0
0
Originally posted by: cern
I've got a firewire card, usb2.0 card, SBLIVE card with Klipsch pro media 4.1 :) - and I dont see myself buying a serial ata HD anytime soon and when I do I can always get a controller card for it. I think I'll stick with the cheaper MB (something I've never done before - I've always owned ABIT - but maybe not this time :(

As far as memory goes - are amd's still sure picky on the memory that they need as far as quality or can I go with generic memory?

also could sell the usb 2.0 card..even the SBLive ..upon a listening test of the onboard sound ..;) ..on my setup ..tested a stick of Spectek-6(labeled pc2100 ran as DDR333 tho) for a friend..no troubles from it on my setup..currently running 3 512MB Kingston pc2700 sticks..
 

charlie21

Senior member
Oct 10, 1999
491
0
76
Originally posted by: Ionizer86
1800+'s advantage is that some can overclock past 2.3 (2800+). But yes, I'd say spend the ~$50 or so and get the 2500+ then run it at 3200+.

Wow, I didn't know those OC'ed so well. My 1700+ didn't quite make it to 2 GHz. :( That's why I voted for a little more of a sure thing.
 

ScrapSilicon

Lifer
Apr 14, 2001
13,625
0
0
Originally posted by: charlie21
Originally posted by: Ionizer86
1800+'s advantage is that some can overclock past 2.3 (2800+). But yes, I'd say spend the ~$50 or so and get the 2500+ then run it at 3200+.

Wow, I didn't know those OC'ed so well. My 1700+ didn't quite make it to 2 GHz. :( That's why I voted for a little more of a sure thing.

depends on the proc(believe he is referring to a TBred B)..what you get is ..a ymmv but getting the best cores/steppings help :)
 

cern

Junior Member
Dec 6, 2003
4
0
0
ok thats what I'm gonna do - shuttle board in the ultra flavor and the 2500 processor. Any recommendations on memory? I'm gonna try to tweak it up to a 3200 speed if she will take it. Probably go with 256 of ram this month then add another 512k next month. And I gotta add my 2 cents - NEWEGG certainly LOOKS impressive - I've been a pricewatch kinda guy for a long time but newegg could just be a one stop shop from now on. Prices are close enough that buying everything from one place will save on shipping!

Another great forum FOUND! You guys and afterdawn.com well help keep my sanity