Upgrade Path

[y0d4]

I have finally saved enough cash to upgrade my system (about 1000). I dont want to spend it all, id like to spend around 700. Right now, I have an AMD Sempron 3000+, 1GB corsair value ram (PC3200), and a 9800 pro. I also have an aging CRT monitor id like to replace. I was looking at getting a DFI socket 754 mobo for $75, and PCIE 7800GT for around 320, and then an acer 17 inch LCD for $230 or so. I am just concerend my 3000+ will bottleneck the 7800 a lot. My CRT i have now is pretty bad over 1024x768, so i want to get the new monitor to push the 7800.

Should i stick with the same processor, and get the 754 mobo and 7800 and monitor or upgrade the processor and mobo to a 939 based system, and video and forgo the monitor, and be forced to play at 1024?

Thanks

 

[wanderer27]

Good question.

I don't know how much life if left in the 754 Socket. The 939 might have a bit more life and upgradeability, but Socket M2 is supposed to be coming out next year. Of course with M2 you'll have to get different RAM as well (DDR2).

If you could get a few bucks out of your 3000 & MB, I'd sell that and get the 939 and a newer CPU.

The 7800 GT should be a decent card, but I'm not sure where the "sweet spot" is for that in regards to CPU's. For the 7800 GTX they say the "sweet spot" is an XP3500, so I'd assume it would be a bit lower for the GT.

I'm not sold on LCD's myself yet as I don't think they scale well. There will be hoards of others on here however that disagree with this . . .
Personally, I'm still using a 19" CRT and I love it - I can use multiple resolutions and refresh rates.
If you do decide to go with an LCD, do yourself a favor and REALLY research them thoroughly.

 

[imported_rod]

Since M2 is coming next year, what you suggested is probably your best option. No point going 939, and being outdated again in 6 months time.

Your CPU will be a bit of a bottleneck. But still, you should be able to get most of the power out of your VC, especially if you're playing at higher resolutions (these stress the VC more than CPU). Also, I dont know how well they overclock, but would you be will to try OCing your CPU to get a bit more life out of it, atleast until M2 comes along.

As long as your not doing digital photography/video (colour and viewing angle make LCD's unsuitable), an LCD is a nice choice. Just remember to research them thoroughly, and don't forget to check defective pixel policies.

RoD

 

[y0d4]

Thanks for the replies guys. I am thinking this LCD http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16824009055 anyone have any experience with acer? They seem to be pretty good from what ive heard. I am also going for a DFI s754 mobo here http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16813136162 so i can possible O/C my processor a little. And for video the eVGA 7800GT http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16814130247 . Then i can go m2 over the summer, and keep the 7800 and LCD and get a new mobo and processor and ram.

Any comments on these components? If you can find better deals let me know.

Thanks

 

[y0d4]

noone has any opinion of the parts?

 

[akugami]

With the relatively decent quality of your current computer, I'd recommend holding off for M2. Yes, there is always something better around the corner but I figure by the time Socket M2 is out, there should be dual core Athlon's in the roughly $200'ish range. Figure another $150-200'ish for the mobo. About $300'ish for the video card. $200'ish for a 2GB kit of RAM (budgeting $200 since RAM prices jump so much). $3-400'ish for a decent LCD (hopefully widescreen, maybe some of the folks in FS/T forum will be getting rid of their Dell 2001FPW's). Recycle your current HD and optical drives. I know it's more than the $1000 you have saved up, the extra money would come from reselling some of your older parts as you make get your new parts in and the fact that you can probably throw like $20-50 in the new computer fund each month until M2 comes out to go with the upgrade.

New games out now will still be new if you haven't played them yet. Do not ever feel compelled to upgrade your computer just to play that brand spanking new game that was just released. Do not ever be ashamed of playing a game at less than high quality. The important thing is that you enjoy the game, even at lower resolutions and quality settings.

 

[alimoalem]

i'd go on friday the 25th (Black Friday) in search of an LCD. buy a few (u can probably buy 4 with your $1000) and then check the reviews. DO NOT OPEN THE BOXES. just see which one is best and return the rest. buy ram on friday too. i'd get the 7800gt or gtx (probably gt for your budget) and save the rest. it'll cost ~$300 for the gt and ~$200 or maybe less for the lcd if you're planning on a 19" one. you still have $500 for a cpu/mobo later on