What should I do with my 2400+?

[fwtong]

The most CPU intensive task that I use my computer is game playing. I know that I don't need an AMD64 to run MS Word.

Rig:
AMD 2400+, unlocked
Shuttle AN35Ultra
512MB PC2700, Kingston ValueRam
9800Pro w/ Arctic Silencer
Retail HSF(I have a ALX-800 and a Panaflo 12H, but it's not installed yet)
Raidmax 420W PSU
17" monitor, so I'm never going to be running at 1600x1200 resolution!

Currently, my overclock is limited because I haven't but the ALX-800 on yet. I like to do all my upgrades at once, because my computer is in an awkward place and it's pain to drag it out all the time, so currently, I'm running the Retail HSF. I figure, if I'm going to have to drag the thing out to put in the ALX-800, I might as well drop in a new CPU if it's worth it. Another limiting factor to overclocking is the fact that my room is damn hot, I can easily get ambient temps of 80-90 degress F during the summer, so there's not a lot of cool air in my room for good air cooling.

I only will add the CPU if it's worth it. If my 2400+ can run future games decently for the next 1-2 years, then I'd rather save my money because I'm planning to do my next major upgrade in a year or 2, after all the new hardware tandards are in place.

 

[Corporate Thug]

try to OC it first before you make any decisions

 

[fwtong]

What kind of OC can I expect to get out of PC2700 ValueRam?

 

[jagec]

if it's unlocked it won't matter, since you can play with the multiplier...but i'd guess it will top out at 185-190FSB. Be sure you put that ALX-800 on there with a good fan. Mobiles are a bit more tolerant of temperatures (and voltages!), so don't worry too much about your hot room...don't try for the 3GHz barrier either though

 

[wolfx7777]

just to clarify the gaming indutry...

after doom3 and HL2 and maybe the liek sof Farcry and STALKER.. there nothing coming out or even planned, that would come close to or rival thoses games...

an OC'd 2400+ will definitly run them well, with a good video card.

so, if you can run thoses games well, you should be set for 1-3 more years(considering thats the average time it takes to make a game of great caliber as thoses mentiond.

 

[bootoo]

Is this a tbred b or a mobile? If it's a tbred b, a lot of them top out at 2.2-2.3, some do better, it's still a good overclock but 12-15% is what you're looking at.

I see these running used for the price of barton locked 2500's on the f/sale forums since a lot of boards top out at tbreds or can't get to the 166/333 of the bartons so they are valuable for that.

You could sell it, get a barton and the extra 512 L2cache, some folks say it doesn't matter but I have a tbred b and a barton o/clocked to the same place and the barton definitely outperforms the tbred b.

It's a cheap upgrade to get a barton specially used!

 

[bdjohnson]

The 2400+ is good enough. I would save my money and upgrade later when you get a new board.

 

[fwtong]

Since the Panaflo arrived, I decided to forgo dropping in a new CPU. With the exception of my upcoming project to add a fan in the front, I hope that I don't have to disassemble my computer anymore. I need to remember that if I ever get a new case, It has to be aluminum, bigger with a removeable motherboard tray.