• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

Upgrade which: CPU/memory or Videocard

J

JBChance

Member
Quick upgrade question.......


I'm working on upgrading my sys (1800+ on NF7-S, 256 pc2700 generic ram, 60 GB Hdrive, PNY GF4ti4400128MB, Antec 1080 PPlus) and have a dilema:

After upgrading to a 2500+Barton and 512 pc2700(Kingston Value Ram), I'm left with about $200.00 in my budget for additional goodies.

Should I....

A. Upgrade the Vid card to maybe a GForce FX5900/ ATi 9800PRO

B. Forget the vidcard and upgrade the CPU higher and use better/more RAM (maybe HyperX?)

C. Save my money because neither of these additional upgrades will show any real-world difference

I've seen some remarks by some that, after upgrading from a GF4 to an ATI 9800pro, they were dissappointed in how much (or lack there of) improvement there was in overall gaming speed. If that's the case, would I be better off waiting for the nextgen of cards to show?

I thought of not upgrading at all, but I decided to build another system for work and I need the proc and mem for that one (I already have a mobo for it - a Gigabyte KT400 based board). So, I'm making two computers out of one.

So, CPU/memory (better than 2500+/512 valueram) or Videocard?

Thank in advance for any help
 
Maybe get a mobile XP 2400+-2600+, good RAM PC3200 or higher and run the FSB at 200Mhz and pick any multiplier you can get away with. Save the rest on a video card for when the games you like require it. If you get a 9800 pro now, you will have to play at 1600x1200 with AA/AF cranked up to notice. Otherwise your Ti4400 can play anything out at 1280x1024 or 1024x768 with AA/AF off. When say HL2 or Doom 3 is released, you will have a better handle on what card you want and they will have dropped in price.
 
I'd get more RAM and hold off on the video card unless you like to play DirectX 9 games and want you video card now.

You could also buy a Raptor 🙂
 
If you really have to get a video card, get the 9800 Pro on NewEgg for $210.50 (on sale right now for $209.99😉), but otherwise just wait for the new video cards, they are right around the corner.
 
Another vote for waiting. Your 4400 is actually a very good card and should be more than adequate for most games.

I'm waiting for the new cards as well. The way I see it...even if the new cards are way out of my price range atleast it should drive down prices of the 9800 Pros and 5950u's.
 
OK, so the tilt is towards the ram/processor.

I was kind of leaning that direction, but still unsure. At first, I thought it a no - brainer; upgrade the card w/ the rest, but, after seeing comparison benchmarks in the reviews on this site, I was surprised to see how the GF4 fared - at least in framerates.

Isn't it true, however, that the picture quality is not as good? I am interested in visual quality via AA/AF. I guess I'm not so sure how much better the games actually look.

So, if CPU/ram it is, wht should I get?

Proc-wise, the chip of choice seems to be 2500+, but if I'm going more $$, maybe something that'll do 200 FSB and use PC3200ram.

Any suggestions on that front?

Thanks again for any help.
 
Get a mobile barton 2400+~2600+ and don't worry about anything else. They are multiplier unlocked, so you should be able to run them very fast on your board. Don't worry about your memory for now; PC3200 would be nice, but you would have to sell your old stuff to see any benefit. If I were you I would buy the CPU, then hold off and buy a videocard once the R420/NV40 are released.
 
Thanks for the suggestions, I decided to go with the concensus........

But, I still screwed it up :l

Here's how:


After choosing the CPU/Memory upgrade, I decided to go with the best stuff I could afford. That IMHO was the 3000+XP, 400FSB and OCZ performance 512mb. I know that alot of guys suggested the Mobile 2400 - 2600+, but I'm not really into overclocking - prob get flamed for that😉 and I wanted the 400FSB. The only CPU I've ever overclocked and left that way is my good ol' K6 266 to 300MHz ( in '98 - its still at work chugging away at the receptionist desk!) and that was just to try it. I know some might say that I should wait for the Athlon64 to come down in $$, but I only upgrade every 1 - 1.5 yrs, so Ill do something then with that.

So, I ordered it last night for my NF7-S (ver 1.1). I was happy.

Until, preparing for the switchout with a new BIOS flash, I noticed a small problem....

On the site, I noticed, Ver 1.1 doesn't support 400FSB🙁

I know I should have checked the specs before, but I was too stupid to. Now I'm stuck. I went within $1.00 of my budget. I was so pissed at myself that I started yelling at my box (not it's fault). My better half walked in and asked what I was upset about. I told her the predicament and she said "What's the big deal? Just buy another one".

After I got up off the carpet (you have to know my wife - THE Coupon Queen), I sat down to figure out my new problem (Why do I always have problems?)

Should I:

A. Spend the extra cash and buy a new NF7-S.

I know this board - I've built two and had NO problems. I like the sound too. In this case, I'd probably sell the Gigabyte 7VAXP and put the ver 1.1 in the work sys I'm creating.

B. Put my ver 1.1 in my work computer and use the Gigabyte (Via KT400) in my new home sys.

I don't know much about this board. A friend was throwing it out ( with the rest of his sys) because it was "Broken".
Turns out, The memory wasn't seated well - its OK. I tried to give it back, but he already has a new one. I'm not sure on Via, though. I was burned before (on a gigabyte too - 686B, anyone?)

What should I do?





 
Well... the kt400 chipset didn't actually RUN 400 mhz fsb procs, only RAM at 400 mhz... in fact, the updated kt400A can only run 400 mhz fsb procs with the DDR at 266, so either way you look at it, you got the short end of the stick.

However, email me @ icywindow@juno.com and I might be able to do something for you.

 
Ah, I see.

That's what I get for not staying current with the new stuff. It get harder every year to stay on top of it.

I was planning on researching that board tomorrow, but now I won't bother.

That's why I love this forum. Good brains in here that are willing to help out. 😀
 
The earlier revisions of NF7-S didn't "officially" support 200MHz, but nothing's stopping you from trying the 200MHz FSB option in the BIOS 🙂 Most of the A2 stepping northbridges needed 1.7v of juice to go around that level, but your board likely has the A3 stepping which just might make it there without too much trouble. If it passes Memtest and a hearty round of Prime95 it should be golden.

Personally I would've gone with the video card though because I just love turning on FSAA/AF in just about every game I throw at my 9700p as opposed to my heavily overclocked/vmodded 8500 that I'd usually have to run at 1024x768 with maybe some AF. Hope it works out :beer:🙂
 
OK this is what I would do:

Buy the following:
-Barton Mobile 2500+/2600+
-2x512MB PC3200

Sell the following:
-XP1800+
-512MB PC2700

It really shouldn't cost you too much. You'll lose maybe $60 on the CPU, and another $70 or so on the RAM. So for $130 you'll have a computer that's twice as fast. That's a steal in my books.

(I based that on an overclock to 2500mhz=3700+>2x1800+)
 
serves u right for buying AMD :evil:

-Barton Mobile 2500+/2600+
-2x512MB PC3200
Click to expand...
Sound s good

Hold off on the video card for a while, once the new cards are released - prices gonna drop crazy. Go to the FS/T and pick up a 9700Pro for $100-120 or so mebe
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Back
Top