Asus A7N8X

[CindySue22]

I've been to Asus's website, but just became more confused. I have about the oldest Rev. board there is, and the bios is the one that came with the board.

Right now I am running an XP2600+ (Tbird) w/333FSB.

Trying to upgrade this machine a bit without having to replace everything. My plans are to upgrade the CPU, go from 512 RAM (presently running PC3200-don't know if that's overkill or not?) to 1 Gig, and get an Nvidia 6800 to replace my present 9700Pro.

As near as I can figure out the Asus site, it seems like I can only go to an XP2800+, and that hardly seems worth it. I want to run a 6800 'cause it is Shader3.0 compliant, and Pacific Fighters by Oleg Maddox has some awesome water effects (for a flightsim) that need Shader3.0. BUT, I am afraid my old 2600 will not be able to keep up with a 6800.

Need some help here, and advice, of course.

 

[LordPhoenix]

XP3200?

 

[CindySue22]

answers a ? with a ?

 

[ChineseDemocracyGNR]

If you have the latest revision it supports up to an Athlon XP 3200+. However, I would recommend against buying the XP3200+; either get a XP-Mobile and overclock it to 3200+ or start thinking about the A64 2800+. The Athlon XP is hardly worth what you would pay for a 3200+.

You could get a combo with the A64 for under $200.

 

[jjzelinski]

The best option you can get a for an A7N8X is a Mobile Ahtlon XP. I bought a 2500 and I've easily overclocked it to 2.5Ghz, that's way above 3200XP speeds. Thing is, and this is already common knowledge for 90% of AT'ers so pardon my redunancy, the multipliers are totally unlocked in with this combination. RIght now I'm running at simple PC3200 speeds with a 1:1 memory divider at a 12.5 multiplier. This is very easily done in your BIOS. The only thing I'd recommend with this setup is a good cooler, which will run you an additional ~$30.

Mobile XP 2500 is $88.

Zalman 7000a Al-Cu heatsink is $36.00.

I don't think I'll get much flak for saying this is an exfellent upgrade route for your current setup, I'm very happy with mine desipte the fact that I'm going A64 here in a week or two.

Hope this was helpful.

 

[CindySue22]

Originally posted by: jjzelinski
The best option you can get a for an A7N8X is a Mobile Ahtlon XP. I bought a 2500 and I've easily overclocked it to 2.5Ghz, that's way above 3200XP speeds. Thing is, and this is already common knowledge for 90% of AT'ers so pardon my redunancy, the multipliers are totally unlocked in with this combination. RIght now I'm running at simple PC3200 speeds with a 1:1 memory divider at a 12.5 multiplier. This is very easily done in your BIOS. The only thing I'd recommend with this setup is a good cooler, which will run you an additional ~$30.

Mobile XP 2500 is $88.

Zalman 7000a Al-Cu heatsink is $36.00.

I don't think I'll get much flak for saying this is an exfellent upgrade route for your current setup, I'm very happy with mine desipte the fact that I'm going A64 here in a week or two.

Hope this was helpful.

Well, this sounds good. So I've just ordered the above, plus a small tube of AS5, from newegg. I may be back in a week or so with some pleas for help, as this will be only my 2nd major (to me) upgrade.

First was putting in this board, taking out an old Slot A asus board.

 

[jjzelinski]

Hey glad I could help! Hope you enjoy it!