Want some input on new CPU purchase

[skiboy]

Hey first post here.
Currently have a Palo XP1600+ on an ASUS A7N266-E with 2X Corsair 256MB PC2700 DDR.

Built it in 2001, now I'm married and don't spend as much on my "toys". Want a cheap and easy upgrade til prices on 939-64's and MB's come down. ASUS' site shows that I can go as high as a XP2600+(T-bred 266FSB) with the highest standard BIOS (my current) or can go as high as a XP2400+(Thorton 266FSB) with a beta BIOS. Newegg shows both T-bred and Thorton 2400+'s for $69. Board and chipset (first nForce) are made for 266FSB, but my memory should handle pushing it.

1.) Anyone know which may OC better?
2.) Should the fact that I would have to use a beta BIOS matter significantly?
3.) Are Mobiles interchangable? If yes, should I think about going M-XP?
4.) Any suggestions on a good price/performance air cooler for my new CPU (currently have a Volcano6 keeping my Palo at 40C)?

thanks for any input

 

[o1die]

I would try overclocking your current cpu first. You really won't notice much performance improvement going with an xp2400. Try running your current cpu at 150 fsb, and see how stable it is. Even without an agp/pci lock, 150 should be safe. You can take the $69 and apply it towards an athlon 64 system. Socket 754 cpus start at about $140, and the semprons are even cheaper. But I would skip sempron, and go for the xp 3000. This cpu with mobo and memory can be had for about $350-400.