Upgrading Computer: Suggestions?

C

chaosRL

New Member
Hi everybody, I just signed up here because the other forum I go to isn't really helping much. Anyways, I'm planning on upgrading my computer, and I need some second opinions on stuff, as this is my first time doing it.

Here's my current setup:
2000 Gateway Computer
1 Ghz Pentium III
Unknown Motherboard
Soundcard came with system
ATi Radeon 9600 Pro (not upgrading this)
80 Gb Western Digital HD
20 Gb Seagate(?) HD (this came with my system)
256 Mb RAM

I'm looking to upgrade my CPU, motherboard, RAM, and PSU. Hopefully, the costs will be no more than $500 MAX, preferably between $300-400, although I know that will be hard. I'm just looking for a faster computer that may be able to run HL2 without lag. Right now, I have this CPU in mind:

AMD Athlon 64 3200+, 512k L2 Cache, The Only 64-bit Windows Compatible Processor - Retail

Model# ADA3200AXBOX
Item # N82E16819103483

Specification
Model: AMD Athlon 64 3200+
Core: Newcastle
Operating Frequency: 2.2GHz
FSB: Integrated int chip
Cache: L1/64K+64K; L2/512K
Voltage: 1.5V
Process: 0.13Micron
Socket: Socket 754
Multimedia Instruction: MMX, SSE, SSE2, 3DNOW!, 3DNOW!+
Warranty: 3-year MFG
Packaging: Retail Box (Heatsink and Fan included)
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=19-103-483&depa=1

My question is whether or not this is a good chip, other options that are better than this, what I will need to do in terms of cooling, motherboards that are good with this chip or any suggested chips, and types of RAM (512 is enough for now, to keep the costs down). Thanks!!!
 
arkiebrian

arkiebrian

New Member
Where are you shopping? I'd like to suggest that you look at mwave.com. I always use them. They have the best prices for individual buyers.

Your specs sound good to me if that will keep you under $500. I didn't see you name a motherboard specifically. You can save money on the motherboard by buying one that doesn't have integreted video or sound (it's crap anyway).
 
kof2000

kof2000

New Member
u can't upgrade ur pentium chip with a amd chip. oh eyeah if you are going to upgrade you SHOULD find out what your MOTHERBOARD is. you should upgrade ur memory first, whats HL2's requirements? who knows maybe you only need to upgrade ur memory then you dont have to spend 3-400 or even 200 bucks.
 
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C

chaosRL

New Member
so even if i upgrade the motherboard, i still can't go to a amd chip?

sorry i missed the post above, i'm shopping at newegg.com, i will check out your site though. the motherboard i was looking for suggestions, as i haven't really looked at motherboards for this particular chip. i have shopped for socket A motherboards earlier this year when i decided to postpone upgrading until fall.

EDIT: I'm looking into three different motherboards now:

ASUS K8N-E Deluxe ~$138
ASUS K8V SE Deluxe ~$114
ASUS K8V ~$100

The K8N-E Dlx is a nVidia nForce3 chip, while the other two are VIA K8T800 + VT8237. Also it K8N-E has a FSB of 800 mhz while the other two are Scalable Hyper Transport. Can anyone tell me the differences and which one's better?
 
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C

chaosRL

New Member
Here's two setups I'm considering. If you could tell me which one you would pick and why, I'd appreciate it!

#1
RAM:
http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProductDesc.asp?description=20-141-413&depa=0&manufactory=BROWSE

CPU:
http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProductDesc.asp?description=19-103-483&depa=0&manufactory=BROWSE

MOBO:
http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProductDesc.asp?description=13-131-498&depa=0&manufactory=BROWSE

PSU:
http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProductDesc.asp?description=17-103-449&depa=0&manufactory=BROWSE

#2
PSU:
http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProductDesc.asp?description=17-103-449&depa=0&manufactory=BROWSE

CPU:
http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProductDesc.asp?description=19-116-161&depa=0&manufactory=BROWSE

MOBO:
http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProductDesc.asp?description=13-131-492&depa=0&manufactory=BROWSE

RAM:
http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProductDesc.asp?description=20-145-477&depa=0&manufactory=BROWSE
 
tristan

tristan

New Member
I would get the first rig, and might as well bump the psu to 400 so you dont have to look to upgrade it in the near future. See if you can find a sale on a Antec Enermax or Fortron.

Also, only get 1 stick of 512mb ram. That way you can upgrade to 1 gig later and run dual channel with it.

Other than that, great setup.
 
G

Grimulus

New Member
chaosRL said:
Hi everybody, I just signed up here because the other forum I go to isn't really helping much. Anyways, I'm planning on upgrading my computer, and I need some second opinions on stuff, as this is my first time doing it.

Here's my current setup:
2000 Gateway Computer
1 Ghz Pentium III
Unknown Motherboard
Soundcard came with system
ATi Radeon 9600 Pro (not upgrading this)
80 Gb Western Digital HD
20 Gb Seagate(?) HD (this came with my system)
256 Mb RAM

I'm looking to upgrade my CPU, motherboard, RAM, and PSU. Hopefully, the costs will be no more than $500 MAX, preferably between $300-400, although I know that will be hard. I'm just looking for a faster computer that may be able to run HL2 without lag. Right now, I have this CPU in mind:

AMD Athlon 64 3200+, 512k L2 Cache, The Only 64-bit Windows Compatible Processor - Retail

Model# ADA3200AXBOX
Item # N82E16819103483

Specification
Model: AMD Athlon 64 3200+
Core: Newcastle
Operating Frequency: 2.2GHz
FSB: Integrated int chip
Cache: L1/64K+64K; L2/512K
Voltage: 1.5V
Process: 0.13Micron
Socket: Socket 754
Multimedia Instruction: MMX, SSE, SSE2, 3DNOW!, 3DNOW!+
Warranty: 3-year MFG
Packaging: Retail Box (Heatsink and Fan included)
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=19-103-483&depa=1

My question is whether or not this is a good chip, other options that are better than this, what I will need to do in terms of cooling, motherboards that are good with this chip or any suggested chips, and types of RAM (512 is enough for now, to keep the costs down). Thanks!!!
Click to expand...

Yeah..um...you would have to get a new motherboard and ram to upgrade to the 64 bit chip. and plus a 64 almost goes over your budget anyway. I would suggest that if you aren't wanted to upgrade the whole thing, get some more ram. you are running low IMO. i would probably get a new processor, ram and motherboard to being with. go from there because gateway stuff well...just buy the parts. :p
 
C

chaosRL

New Member
I've decided to go with the P4 system with a Fortron 350W power supply, ASUS Mobo, and 1 stick of 512 Corsair RAM. Thanks for your input!
 
Praetor

Praetor

Administrator
Staff member
The K8N-E Dlx is a nVidia nForce3 chip, while the other two are VIA K8T800 + VT8237. Also it K8N-E has a FSB of 800 mhz while the other two are Scalable Hyper Transport. Can anyone tell me the differences and which one's better?
Click to expand...
The nForce3Pro chipset should be avoided if possible as it runs a crippled 600Mhz HT (as opposed to the initial spec of 800MHz and later 1Ghz). The best board you've looked at is probably the ASUS A8V (running the KT800)

Hopefully, the costs will be no more than $500 MAX
Click to expand...
Its very ambitious to try to get an A64 system in less than $500, I'd prolly go P4C as it's a much more likely route.

<fastforwards to end>

I've decided to go with the P4 system with a Fortron 350W power supply, ASUS Mobo, and 1 stick of 512 Corsair RAM
Click to expand...
Good call! Just dont get the i875 chipset board -- it's a stellar chipset/board but since you're operating on a $500 ceiling you'll probably want to get a i865PE board (i.e., ASUS P4P800 series). Also something you might want to consider is a nice CPU cooler (like the Thermaltake Polo735, $30USD)
 
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