Opinion

[mebeksis]

Hi guys. I'm looking to do some more upgrading on my system and at this point, only upgrade I can do that will make any signifigant difference is mobo/cpu...I'm currently running with a FIC stealth mobo (not sure which one exactly, but is non issue) with AMD XP 1700+ (runs at 1.47ghz if I remember right) have a gig of ram, PC2100, BFG nvidia 5200 w/256mb of ram, integrated sound, and only 1 pci card, a Linksys NIC card. I am really wanting to get a mobo that will support 64bit chips and then just get a cheap chip now to put in but since $$ is kinda a factor, will prolly settle for one of the AMD barton chips...any suggestions as to a combo that will get me a bit more up to date without breaking the bank? (am lookin to spend no more than $250 US)

 

[fishmahn]

Can't get a Barton if you want 64-bit support. Since you need to keep your existing video card, you'll need to get an AGP board, the best is one using the nForce3 Ultra chipset, with an A64 3000+ CPU. Might be a couple bucks over your $250. Your existing memory will work with it, but will really hurt system performance (A64's prefer PC3200 RAM).

Another option may be to see what the best cpu you can put on your FIC mobo, buy that (probably under $100), save up for a few months and get a whole new system based on PCI-Express. Or just hold off until you can afford more. I'd find out what the best CPU you can get for your FIC board is. You may be able to get a CPU running about 2ghz to give you the boost you need to tide you over.

Mike.

<font color=blue>Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend. Inside the dog its too dark to read.
-- Groucho Marx</font color=blue>

 

[mebeksis]

err...the reference to barton chips, i meant i would settle for a mobo that would support bartons since they are, to my knowledge, the best of the athlons without hitting the 64 bit archetypes...and apparently my edit on OP didn't go thru so will redo it here hehe:

Upon doing a little research, have come across the Gigabyte GA-K8NS which will fit my needs for a mobo comfortably as long as I can still use current memory (which as I understand, it should) and the AMD Athlon 64 3000+ which comes with heatsink and fan...together they come in at just under $250 US...sound good?

 

[fishmahn]

Ahh, I see now. I misread that.

That idea should work. Gigabyte is a good company, and its got the nForce 3 chipset, which is the better one. My understanding is its not the greatest overclocker, but if you don't oc that's a non-issue. What socket (and exactly which board - there's a few different boards with the GA-K8NS model - Pro, XP, etc.)?

Mike.

<font color=blue>Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend. Inside the dog its too dark to read.
-- Groucho Marx</font color=blue>

 

[mebeksis]

oops sorry....the ultra 939 socket version

 

[fishmahn]

Sounds good then.

Mike.

<font color=blue>Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend. Inside the dog its too dark to read.
-- Groucho Marx</font color=blue>