Upgrading the PC.

[sturo]

Well heres my current setup:
AMD FX-53
1gb "Ultra" Ram (sucks)
MSI K8N Neo4/SLI
MSI 6600GT (used to have two running SLI but thats a long story)
55gb Samsung (really old, but didn't feel like reinstalling windows when I bought this pc)
80gb Seatgate SATA
Soundblaster Audigy 4 (just bought not too long ago)

Obviously my first choice is to upgrade my RAM to 2gb dual channel.
But my question is, would my old processor bottleneck the performance?
Should I save up for a new PC? I know a lot of my hardware is really outdated.

 

[Bobthelost]

I'd just grin and bear it as long as you can then do a full rebuild. Excluding the graphics card of course which you can upgrade to your heart's content and carry over to the new computer.

The FX 53 is still fast enough, it's a 2.4Ghz A64 after all, that'll handle oblivion without a bit of trouble (assuming you're not overclocking, in which case the future is even rosier).

1GB of RAM will be a bit of a pain in the arse, but it's useable and with the current pricing and the length of time you'll use it for makes it uneconomical to buy another gig new.

 

[ForumMaster]

do what bob said. don't upgrade yet. maybe the graphic card but that's just about it. memory prices has risen like crazy lately. maybe a new hdd but that's about it. if you really want to, you could upgrade the CPU to an x2 but i'd just save the money and do a rebuild later.

 

[pkme2]

My recommendation is to turn your machine into a Linux Ubuntu rig. You can get a super "hot" machine. All your needed software is free.
Total cost is nominal. You're getting a whole new system for pennies. You don't need to buy any new components. Linux doesn't need extras like Windows.

Then getting a new Conroe would be a great experience. This way would be exciting and a new way to go. Nothing piecemeal. You deserve this for yourself. Just do it.

 

[sturo]

I have always wanted to do Linux.

I consider myself above average in computer knowledge, but whenever I start to look up information about Linux, my head explodes.

But I do agree with you, Windows uses a lot of stupid extra stuff that hogs cycles and ram.

 

[ichy]

Ubuntu is really easy to install and run. All you need is a seperate FAT32 partition on one of your hard drives with around 10GB of free space. After that all you have to do is download the .iso file, burn that to a CD, boot up from that install CD.

 

[Bobthelost]

While linux is nice to play with it's not exactly going to revolutionise sturo's gaming experience...

 

[sturo]

Very true, I think my best bet is just to save up for a new build.

I'll probably hit up a new graphics card soon, thats interchangable.
Then some more RAM after the holiday season is over and the RAM manufacturers get their heads out of their greedy asses.

How long do you guys think the newish Socket AM2's will live? Becuase thats most likely where i'll end up.

 

[Bobthelost]

No one knows, there is speculation that there will be some decent CPUs for it (65nm based) but that quad core probably will not be compatible. (Nearly every offical reference states that quad core will be useable in the new 4x4 platform which uses a different socket).

Frankly right now the upgrade future is with Intel. AM2 offers some, but so does intel and right now they're the performance kings by a long shot.

 

[sturo]

I'd hate to sound like a fan boy, but i've always owned AMD's, and the new Intel's sound really nice, but that's just one bandwagon I dont want to jump on.

I no way am I saying one is better than another, its like car manufacturers for example, people tend to buy one certain brand due to their experience with them.

But hey, i'm easily bought and if Intel can provide power and stability, for a good price, then sign me up, I don't mind being a processor whore.

 

[Boyo]

If you are interested in staying with AMD, as I am too, there is going to be some new AM2's released soon. Here is a road map that charts the new AMD processors.

AMD Road Map