Upgrade suggestions... CPU/ Mobo combo

[masterc]

I currently have a K7 1Ghz T-bird with an A7V mobo. This has served me well, for more than 3 years now, and still runs respectably. But when my work comp. is faster, I have gotten used to that speed (P4 2.8 with HT).
I have been out of the cpu loop for a while and have just started to ask others for their opinion...
I was thinking of a AMD XP CPU, similar to AT Midrange suggestions...
What do AT'ers think..., what MOBO/ chipset should I look for?

(I have been scrolling through the threads...)

 

[o1die]

The abit nf7-s version 2.0 is highly recommended. For the cpu, either the barton 2500 or mobile barton 2400 would be good values, and offer some overclocking potential, if you'd like to try. The mobile barton might come up as "unknown cpu" since it's designed for notebooks. But it works fine and overclocks well on regular motherboards. Don't forget to check your power supply. You'll need 350 watts, or a 300 watt name brand, such as enermax, antec, or sparkle (fortron). You may also need a new video card, if your old one is 3.3 volts. Newer boards won't work with them. They require agp 4x or 8x cards with 1.5 volts. For memory, go with crucial pc3200; 1 or 2 sticks of 256 meg. You may have trouble finding a mobile barton, but newegg.com usually has them in stock.

 

[Bonesdad]

What is your budget? What do you use your computer for? Gaming or just surfing? Oldies recommendations are good, but if you just cruise the internet, it's overkill.

 

[masterc]

I use my computer for internet and some Cad work ( also some light gaming)...

 

[Bonesdad]

Originally posted by: masterc
I use my computer for internet and some Cad work ( also some light gaming)...

Then Oldies advice is OK...except I would get 1 stick of 512 MB PC3200 DDR. That way you can upgrade to 1GB when its needed.