Your advice on a new system, given that I can move some things...

[Diabolus]

Hi guys... looking to put together an Athlon or Athlon64 system that runs pretty well.

My current setup (might be able to use for next system, maybe not):
2x512MB PC3200 DDR SDRAM
Geforce4 Ti4200
Sound Blaster Audigy Xgamer

Now I'm looking for a decent gaming system. I'm not the type of person that needs the BEST and frankly, I've been plenty happy with my graphics card though I admit it gets choppy at times. I want processing power for fast load times, and I know I've got enough ram that I could transplant to the new PC.

I do keep up with my software though, and I would get the Windows XP 64 Bit edition when I can if I go with the Athlon64.

Price wise though, what does a reasonable Athlon64 setup go for? I am talking about STABLE (I never overclock, don't shoot me hehe) and quick. I know the nForce boards are good but I am trying to get the most bang for my buck. I would likely use the onboard sound (if it's better than my Audigy which I am now hearing), and I'd like to move to an ATI Video card that has an 'All in Wonder' TV tuner on it. Again, not the best, just something good enough to play HL2 when it comes out at say, 1024 resolution without getting owned online I have a feeling my current card will do just that.

Anyhoo... I appreciate some insight into this, and whether you think the Athlon64 is worth it. Don't mention Intel, I know they make good stuff but I won't buy it -- personal distaste

Thanks all!

 

[ScrapSilicon]

My current setup (might be able to use for next system, maybe not):
2x512MB PC3200 DDR SDRAM
Geforce4 Ti4200
Sound Blaster Audigy Xgamer

mobo,cpu,..?

 

[Duvie]

Anyhoo... I appreciate some insight into this, and whether you think the Athlon64 is worth it. Don't mention Intel, I know they make good stuff but I won't buy it -- personal distaste

That is common here in these forums!!!


That aside I think this is a good move bu I wonder if moving up to an athlon64 system will not garner the results you would like as the id card is going to strat being the limiter in the system....I would look at a 3000+ and invest some money in a true DX9 card lie the 9800pro...I would say nvidia but I have a personal distaste for a company too stupid to follow the agreed upon DX9 standards!!!

 

[Diabolus]

Hrm... I don't want to spend money on the BEST graphics card because it seems not worth it for me. I was thinking of going with a ATI 9600 AIW card, with a 3000+ processor, keeping my 1GB ram, and upgrading to a big SATA drive.

Good idea?

 

[nitromullet]

Originally posted by: Diabolus
Hrm... I don't want to spend money on the BEST graphics card because it seems not worth it for me. I was thinking of going with a ATI 9600 AIW card, with a 3000+ processor, keeping my 1GB ram, and upgrading to a big SATA drive.

Good idea?

The RADEON 9800 Pro 128MB is not the BEST graphics card, but at around $200 it is the best value. If you prefer nVIDIA, the FX 5900 is the way to go for most bang for the buck - stay away from the SE and XT models though as they are lesser cards than the straight-up FX 5900.

Edit: I forgot about you wanting an AIW card... The 9800 Pro AIW isn't cheap though.

 

[Diabolus]

Well, I can go either way... the AIW is a nice feature to have but not entirely necessary.

We'll see I suppose

 

[Diabolus]

How about onboard audio...? Better than my Audigy or no? I can donate the Audigy to my brother if that is the case.

Thanks again!

 

[Diabolus]

Also, just a cursory glance at Newegg.. I noticed the AMD Opteron 142 is priced less than the Athlon 2800+ MP... can anybody explain this? I thought the Opteron was a better processor. I want to spend <$200 on processor if possible, ~$200 on graphics, ~$150 for case and power supply.

Let me know...

Thanks!

 

[Markfw]

First, the Opteron requires a more exspensive motherboard AND registered memory ($$$). Go with the 3000+($211), the 9800pro($210), keep the audigy, and get a motherboard for $90 (approx, Albatron or gigabyte), and whatever case you like. I like the Antec 1080 AWG with the Antec 430 true power PSU. Thats about $120-150.

 

[justly]

Originally posted by: Diabolus
Also, just a cursory glance at Newegg.. I noticed the AMD Opteron 142 is priced less than the Athlon 2800+ MP... can anybody explain this? I thought the Opteron was a better processor. I want to spend <$200 on processor if possible, ~$200 on graphics, ~$150 for case and power supply.

Let me know...

Thanks!

You need to understand the differences before comparing prices. The Opteron has 3 different classifications, 1XX for single processor applications, 2XX for duel processor applications, and 8XX for up to 8 way processor applications. The 142 Opteron you mention is for single processor applications only and runs at 1.6 GHz.

The Athlon also has different classifications, XP for single processor applications, and MP for duel processor applications. The Athlon 2800+ MP is certified for duel processor applications and runs at 2.13 GHz.

Due to the certification process the Athlon MP will have a higher cost than its XP (single processor) counterpart. To do a direct price comparison the XP would have to be compared to the 1XX Opteron, and the MP would have to be compared to the 2XX Opteron.

Something else to consider is the actual GHz and processor/platform differences. The Athlon XP/MP have some major handicaps when compared to the Athlon 64/Opteron.

The true GHz will help the Athlon XP/MP in some situations, but in these situations a higher clocked P4 would (probably) be a better choice anyway. One way to look at it is that the Athlon 64/Opteron is a Athlon XP with none of the handicaps and some enhancements for future performance.

All things considered (and I'm sure I left quite a bit out) the Athlon 64/opteron is a better design than the Athlon XP/MP.

 

[Diabolus]

Hrm... so I should go with a 3000XP processor? Mind you, I do play a fair share of games, though I think I'd be fine either way.

Pricewise with the Opteron vs the XP... what's the difference? I have PC3200 DDR RAM, will that not work on an Opteron board? I don't require a dual CPU setup, so that's fine with the 1xx series. What are price differences on the motherboards? If the XP is $90 (or thereabouts), what would an Opteron mobo run, with similar features? I just need onboard LAN and rock solid stability.

 

[justly]

Considering that I am not much of a gamer, I usually try to avoid giving specific advice to people that play a lot of games. I would suggest you look at some reviews to determine what is best in your case.

I will try to clarify a few things for you to save you some time.

First off the socket 940 (Opteron and Athlon FX) require ECC memory so if you get either one of those you will need to replace your memory.

Socket A (Athlon XP/MP) and socket 754 (Athlon 64) should be able to use your existing memory.

Because the Athlon 64 is a new design (relatively speaking) it can be somewhat temperamental, requiring higher quality parts to be trouble free, if your current memory isn?t up to the task this will be a problem.

I know I said above that I try to avoid specific advice, but the only reason I see to go with the Athlon XP over the Athlon 64 is price, either the price of the processor itself or trying to skimp by using lower quality components (memory, power supply ect.) that effect stability.

Motherboards can be had at similar prices but the Athlon XP is older so you will find some that are quite inexpensive but they are often low end or outdated.

 

[nitromullet]

Originally posted by: Markfw900
First, the Opteron requires a more exspensive motherboard AND registered memory ($$$). Go with the 3000+($211), the 9800pro($210), keep the audigy, and get a motherboard for $90 (approx, Albatron or gigabyte), and whatever case you like. I like the Antec 1080 AWG with the Antec 430 true power PSU. Thats about $120-150.

That's a good recommendation. Personally, I would spend a bit more on the motherboard and get an Asus K8V SE Deluxe ($140 instead of $90).

 

[Diabolus]

Okay thanks, I think the Athlon 64 is the right choice for me... question is now... should I donate my audio card to my brother, or should I keep it? I don't know how good the onboard audio is for these boards though I know it keeps getting better.

Thanks!