Need recommendations

[mpbond]

I want to upgrade my computer. I only use it for games and internet. I would like it to be fairly quick so that it will run most new games. I just got a video card that is PCI-E 16x, which turns out, my current motherboard doesn't have. Right now I need a motherboard and CPU. I already have 1GB of DDR2 RAM that I would like to reuse.

Please keep in mind that my wife will be having a baby within a week or two, so I would like to try to keep this somewhat affordable.

All advice is much appreciated.

 

[holdenssx]

How much is somewhat affordable, do you have a price range?

 

[mpbond]

Let's say $150 for starters. If that isn't possible, let me know. I have no idea what I need.

Possibly something like this?
http://www.pricewatch.com/motherboard_combos/athlon_64_x2_3800_cpu_fan.htm

 

[Schonza]

$150 is probably a little short, here's a good mobo and cpu for about $200 if you're willing to go that far.


http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103778 - AMD 64 X2 4800+ Brisbane 2.5 ghz for $130

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131042 -ASUS M2N Socket AM2 NVIDIA nForce 430 MCP ATX AMD Motherboard for $77

 

[mpbond]

I like the motherboard. I was thinking about a 3.0 or faster processor though. I don't want to have to do this again in a year. I have a 2.4 celeron right now. How much faster is the one that you suggested?

 

[Schonza]

http://www23.tomshardware.com/cpu.html?modelx=33&model1=457&model2=466&chart=181

Ok, here's a comparison, the intel model I chose for the comparison, is faster than your current machine by a decent amount, and look at how much the +4800 kills it. (also take into account this processor I"ve suggested for you is clocked a little higher, and uses less power) Remember this as well, clock speeds are becoming somewhat irrelevant, because a lot of the more recent processors have a better archeitecture, with short pipelines allowing it to do more per clock cycle, therefore they do not have to be clocked as high.

 

[oscaryu1]

search motherboard combo on ebay or something... ya'll get good results

 

[xxxalpinexxx80]

Amd Atlons Are Faster Then Pentiums Even At Lower Clock Speeds Like A 2.2 Amd Can Prob Kill My 2.8 P4

 

[mpbond]

Schoning, I think I am going to go with the processor and motherboard that you recommended. I think they will last me for a long time.

 

[xxxalpinexxx80]

ya it will and by the way what video card do u have and case

 

[mpbond]

The card is a ATI X1650 PCI-E 512MB RAM. I don't know what the case is. My brother built this computer for me about 4 years ago and I will be reusing it.

 

[computerhakk]

It's nice to know your putting your computer before your own child. -joke

Just got it? Return it; or keep it until you know you can afford a decent combo.

Depending on your description that it didn't have pci-e, you may even need a new PSU; and... depending on the video card you bought, you might need a GOOD psu, just not a psu.

The idea that you are trying to keep it affordable enough because you are going to have a child should've been enough to put your child first.

 

[Schonza]

good to hear, they should last you long enough, and perform very well for the price paid. Good luck with the baby as well.