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Upgrading Suggestions

J

jlivest

Banned
My current computer:
- Asus A7V Rev 1.01
- Duron 650 @ 900
- Crucial 256 MB RAM PC133 CAS3 + 2 x Kingston ValueRAM 128MB PC133 CAS3

I want to move up to 266 MHz and need help deciding what to get. I think I would get an Abit, Asus, or Epox, though I am partial to Asus because the A7V has given me no problems. I also would have to upgrade the CPU - would XP be the obvious choice? I do want to be able to overclock, and am not sure how hard it is to unlock the new bridges (I read how to, but I just don't have personal experience with it). And I think I would get Crucial RAM - but how much and what speeds?

I think I would also pick up an Audigy just for kicks, but the rest of my components don't really need any upgrade.

Thanks for your help!
 
if you going for a complete upgrade ASUS's kt266a MB is top notch. Pop in a Athlon XP 1600+ and you are ready to rock.
 


<< My current computer:
- Asus A7V Rev 1.01
- Duron 650 @ 900
- Crucial 256 MB RAM PC133 CAS3 + 2 x Kingston ValueRAM 128MB PC133 CAS3

I want to move up to 266 MHz and need help deciding what to get. I think I would get an Abit, Asus, or Epox, though I am partial to Asus because the A7V has given me no problems. I also would have to upgrade the CPU - would XP be the obvious choice? I do want to be able to overclock, and am not sure how hard it is to unlock the new bridges (I read how to, but I just don't have personal experience with it). And I think I would get Crucial RAM - but how much and what speeds?

I think I would also pick up an Audigy just for kicks, but the rest of my components don't really need any upgrade.

Thanks for your help! >>

As for the mainboard, I would avoid an Asus unless you're truly prepared to spend around $200.
Mainboard recommendations
Abit KR7A (and KR7A RAID): Sports advanced overclocking features, stability, and good features.
Asus A7N266-E: Good overclocking features, fantastic nForce 420D chipset (get two DIMMs to take advantage of TwinBank)
Asus A7V266-E: Onboard RAID, great overclocker too.
Soyo Dragon+: Feature-packed, affordable, stable, and a great overclocker (though no options to reset memory voltage)
Soltek SL-75DRV 2: FANTASTIC overclocker, and stable (though no advanced memory settings).
MSI K7N420 PRO nForce: Basically a cheaper version of the Asus A7N266-E
I don't recommend Epox, because high overclocks have a few stability problems.
For CPU, the XP is a good choice, though it's a bit challenging to unlock. If you're willing to spend an extra $100, the MP is factory unlocked.

As for RAM, if you're getting Crucial, get at least 256mb of PC2100. It comes stock at CAS 2.5, though it can be easily set to CAS 2.
 
Sounds like a plan. What is the best bang for the buck XP right now? Where could I find this out if you don't know. Thanks!
 
Great summary Daovonnaex. nForce looks cool but I just don't need it as I already have a GeForce 3 and will be getting an Audigy most likely. I am willing to spend extra for an Asus if there is any extra quality to be had. I'm not sure about MP, that's a hefty difference.
 
Two questions:
1. What is the fastest RAM I could put in? 2100 was mentioned, but how high can I go?
2. Is the Antec PP303X (300W) suitable for this mobo?
 
(Sorry for the constant questions, but here's another...)

I just checked out Z-Buy.com and added the A7V266-E + RAID, XP1600+, and Audigy OEM and the final price is $331.00 + $18 for shipping = $349.00.

Is this a good price?
 
sounds like a good prive. Also check over at newegg.com and mwave.com for a price comparison. not sure how Zbuy rates. Might want to check resseller ratings.com
 
I also found out that my Alpha8045 might not be fully compatible with the mobo, does anyone have any experience? Thanks!
 


<< Great summary Daovonnaex. nForce looks cool but I just don't need it as I already have a GeForce 3 and will be getting an Audigy most likely. I am willing to spend extra for an Asus if there is any extra quality to be had. I'm not sure about MP, that's a hefty difference. >>

The nForce has highly desirable performance, and you can use your own graphics card or sound card instead of those integrated (also, the Asus A7N266 is the nForce without integrated sound). I would recommend onboard nForce sound, as it has outstanding quality and offloads very few calculations to the CPU.
 
True, the nforce does have some a good sound card that is comparable to the latest sound cards out now. Assuming you get the Asus version that uses that soundchip and not the C-media one.
 


<< Two questions:
1. What is the fastest RAM I could put in? 2100 was mentioned, but how high can I go?
2. Is the Antec PP303X (300W) suitable for this mobo? >>


1. If you want to pay for it, Corsair XMS2700 (you need to up the fsb to 166MHz (333MHz) to take advantage of this, though. XMS2400 Corsair is fast as well, and requires fsb upping to 150MHz.
2. No. I'd get a 350w from Sparkle or Antec.
 


<< (Sorry for the constant questions, but here's another...)

I just checked out Z-Buy.com and added the A7V266-E + RAID, XP1600+, and Audigy OEM and the final price is $331.00 + $18 for shipping = $349.00.

Is this a good price? >>

Pretty good, though instead of the Audigy, I recommend the Philips Acoustic Edge.
 
Don't see the need fora new power supply. I have a overclocked 1.4 ghz tbird on the same power supply and it handles it fine. The XP uses less poweer then My cpu so he should be ok. Though it doesn't hurt to have a bigger power supply.
 


<< I also found out that my Alpha8045 might not be fully compatible with the mobo, does anyone have any experience? Thanks! >>

The PAL8045 needs some space around the socket, I'm not really sure if it works. If it doesn't, check out the Abit KR7A RAID. It's an outstanding board, and has room for the PAL8045.
 
Daovonnaex, it is nice to see a P4 owner help out on a athlon system. 🙂 we need more members like you.
 
For the nforce MB yes. For anything else, a new sound card wouldn't hurt. Turtle beach santa cruz, philips AE, hercules game theatre XP are all very good cards.
 


<< Daovonnaex, it is nice to see a P4 owner help out on a athlon system. 🙂 we need more members like you. >>

I buy and upgrade objectively. Holding bias against one manufacturer or another only hurts yourself in the end.
 


<<

<< Daovonnaex, it is nice to see a P4 owner help out on a athlon system. 🙂 we need more members like you. >>

I buy and upgrade objectively. Holding bias against one manufacturer or another only hurts yourself in the end. >>


wise words 🙂
 
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