Which platform?

[sodcha0s]

I want to upgrade my CPU-MB-Mem and want the best performance I can afford. (obviously) I am currently running an Asus a7v with a 1.4 T-Bird. I have been happy with AMD, but am not opposed to going back to Intel if it's the best option. I play some games, but am not a hardcore gamer. Mostly Q3 and such, but am ready for some of the new titles comming out.

I don't want onboard video or sound. O/B RAID would be nice, but not neccessary. Integrated net card would be a plus. Must have 512M ram.

I'm not interested in having the absolute fastest CPU, to me it's not worth the money. I'd rather have the best bang for the buck. I will spend extra for a top of the line motherboard and ram however, those are things I have learned not to skimp on...

I will be re-using everything else. Not interested in O/Cing, so that is not a factor. My current system specs are as follows:

Asus A7V
AMD Athlon 1.4Ghz
512M Crucial 133 Mhz SDRAM
FIC 9500Pro AGP
Creative Soundblaster Live!
80GB Maxtor 7200rpm HDD
Acer 52x CDROM
TDK veloCD 8/4/32 ReWriter
Kingston Fast Ethernet Adapter

I'm willing to spend ~$500 at the most. So I'm asking all of you knowledgeable people out there, what's the best option for me?

 

[squidman]

A7N8X DELUXE mobo (has integrated net, + audio)
Barton 2500+ (its less than a 100 bux on newegg)
Crucial 1x512 CL2.5 Ram or Corsair 1x512 CL2 XMS - depends on yo budget, but are really fast (u dont need double channel if u're using AGP card)
Thats it.

 

[sodcha0s]

Thanx, squid. Anyone else have an opinion?

 

[AnonymouseUser]

Originally posted by: squidman
A7N8X DELUXE mobo (has integrated net, + audio)
Barton 2500+ (its less than a 100 bux on newegg)
Crucial 1x512 CL2.5 Ram or Corsair 1x512 CL2 XMS - depends on yo budget, but are really fast (u dont need double channel if u're using AGP card)
Thats it.

Good recommendations.

The only thing I would do different is the processor. I would get the 1700+ ( $42 @ Newegg) and run it @ 400 fsb. This should get you 2.2Ghz, which is plenty fast for now, is faster than the 2500+ Barton, and gives you some extra money for other high quality components (such as an Antec True 430 PSU). Max the board out once the 3200+ dips below $100.

< EDIT > Also, get a HSF rated for a 3200+ so you won't need to buy another one.

Antec True 430 review @ Anandtech Check out the sound levels.

 

[Whitedog]

I will be re-using everything else. Not interested in O/Cing, so that is not a factor. My current system specs are as follows:

I used to say that too... but with the nForce2 mobo's and the t-bred "B" CPU's.... It's IMPOSSIBLE to Not go into the bios and CRANK THAT BAD BOY UP!

Impossible I tell you.

(Running my 2100+ ($75 at newegg) @ 227x10). My scores beat out an XP3000+ in benchies.

Just do yourself a favor and overclock "a little". These CPU's were made for it.

 

[sodcha0s]

and gives you some extra money for other high quality components (such as an Antec True 430 PSU).

I just built a home entertainment system and bought the 400 watt version.... very impressive. (used the +1700 from newegg for that BTW)

I was wondering about the quality of the nForce2 mobo's, I suppose my question has been answered... Since you suggested I go with a +1700 for now and I already have one, maybe I'll just put this 1.4G in my HES, should be enough to encode my DVD's...

I would get the 1700+ ( $42 @ Newegg) and run it @ 400 fsb.

Sorry for my ignorance, but I havent been keeping up with all the new technology lately. What I get out of that statement is set the fsb to 200Mhz, and get 400 actual? 200 seems a lot for a cpu designed for 133, but in Anands review they got 185 using the AMD stock cooler and only bumbing up to 1.65v, so I guess it's within reason. Hell even if it doesn't go quite that high, it will tide me over until the higher end cpu's come down in price a little like you said. Thanks for the help guys, this looks like a great and inexpensive option.

 

[AnonymouseUser]

Originally posted by: sodcha0s

and gives you some extra money for other high quality components (such as an Antec True 430 PSU).

I just built a home entertainment system and bought the 400 watt version.... very impressive. (used the +1700 from newegg for that BTW)

I was wondering about the quality of the nForce2 mobo's, I suppose my question has been answered... Since you suggested I go with a +1700 for now and I already have one, maybe I'll just put this 1.4G in my HES, should be enough to encode my DVD's...

I would get the 1700+ ( $42 @ Newegg) and run it @ 400 fsb.

Sorry for my ignorance, but I havent been keeping up with all the new technology lately. What I get out of that statement is set the fsb to 200Mhz, and get 400 actual? 200 seems a lot for a cpu designed for 133, but in Anands review they got 185 using the AMD stock cooler and only bumbing up to 1.65v, so I guess it's within reason. Hell even if it doesn't go quite that high, it will tide me over until the higher end cpu's come down in price a little like you said. Thanks for the help guys, this looks like a great and inexpensive option.

Sorry, I meant 200fsb (400 effective). The latest 1700 XP's (.13 micron Thoroughbred B core) can hit 200fsb without any problems, and with only a minor bump up in voltage, though you may have problems hitting that high an fsb on any older core.

I do believe the 1700+ is plenty for your HES.

 

[bgeh]

Originally posted by: AnonymouseUser

Originally posted by: sodcha0s

and gives you some extra money for other high quality components (such as an Antec True 430 PSU).

I just built a home entertainment system and bought the 400 watt version.... very impressive. (used the +1700 from newegg for that BTW)

I was wondering about the quality of the nForce2 mobo's, I suppose my question has been answered... Since you suggested I go with a +1700 for now and I already have one, maybe I'll just put this 1.4G in my HES, should be enough to encode my DVD's...

I would get the 1700+ ( $42 @ Newegg) and run it @ 400 fsb.

Sorry for my ignorance, but I havent been keeping up with all the new technology lately. What I get out of that statement is set the fsb to 200Mhz, and get 400 actual? 200 seems a lot for a cpu designed for 133, but in Anands review they got 185 using the AMD stock cooler and only bumbing up to 1.65v, so I guess it's within reason. Hell even if it doesn't go quite that high, it will tide me over until the higher end cpu's come down in price a little like you said. Thanks for the help guys, this looks like a great and inexpensive option.

Sorry, I meant 200fsb (400 effective). The latest 1700 XP's (.13 micron Thoroughbred B core) can hit 200fsb without any problems, and with only a minor bump up in voltage, though you may have problems hitting that high an fsb on any older core.

I do believe the 1700+ is plenty for your HES.

i agree

 

[Doh!]

I agree, too. If you want to save a few more bucks, you can opt for an Abit NF7-S, Epox 8RDA+ or Soltek FRN2-something (I can't keep track of all these model names).