Upgrade suggestions

[Mattlock]

I am helping my bro. upgrade his computer from a PIII 550.

He uses it mainly for business applications, some autocad, and maybe an occassional game.

Our budget is around $400.

This is what he needs in terms of hardware:

CPU and motherboard
RAM
(already has 80gig HD)
Video Card
CDRW (maybe a DVD burner if I can find a deal)


1) If he gets a CPU in the 2100 range..what motherboard gives him the best upgrade path? (thinking of going Athlon XP2100-2400 range)

2) Are there any good CPU/Mobo combo deals out?

3) Good ram...maybe a little overclocking...

Any thoughts?

Mattlock

 

[buckmasterson]

1. Asus A7N8X-E Deluxe 112.00$ at newegg. You can buy cheaper, but if you want to feel good about your board a year from now, by the Asus.

2. Try Pricewatch, but be careful. I trust very few suppliers other than newegg.

3. Kingmax 184 Pin 512MB DDR PC-3200 73.00$ at newegg

CPU = AMD Athlon XP 2500+ "Barton", 333 FSB, 512K Cache Processor - Retail 90.00$ at newegg.

Video Card = Asus RADEON 9200SE Video Card, 64MB DDR, 64-bit, TV-Out, 8X AGP, Model "9200SE/T" -RETAIL 48.00$ at newegg. I bought the 128 version, and found out the 64 was just as good.

Newegg also has a Sony DVD+RW/-RW Drive, Model DWU14A, OEM Bulk Pack for 128.00$

 

[AnarchyInTheUS]

That sounds pretty good to me for an entry level system.

 

[dnuggett]

Video Card = Asus RADEON 9200SE Video Card, 64MB DDR, 64-bit, TV-Out, 8X AGP, Model "9200SE/T" -RETAIL 48.00$ at newegg. I bought the 128 version, and found out the 64 was just as good.

If he does even occasional gaming (and they are newer titles) I'd forget about the 9200SE. You'll pay lamost double to get a semi decent card to game with but I'd go with at least a 5600XT.

 

[Zinn2b]

ASUS has just released there ATI 9100 cheapset MB a great buy Around $100 dollars 800FSB great unboard video+AGP slot and if you install video card it works with onboard video a great guy and a great MB and frees up a little money for intel 2.4 GHz 800FBS Hyperthreading CPU $160 that leaves u with $140 to guy your RAM NOT BAB FRIEND

 

[Zinn2b]

THE ONBOARD MEMORY OUT PERFORMS MANY OF THE MIDDLE LINE GPU'S out on the market today

 

[redass1876]

LOOK AT TIGER DIRECT, IT IS CHEAP AND HAS A WIDE VARIETY AND IS TRUSTWORTHY