I know upgrades have been discussed quite a bit generally, but I am considering specific upgrades and would like to hear your opinions.
I do mostly office-type applications, web design, and some multimedia stuff, but no heavy gaming. I triple-boot between Windows 2000, Windows XP Pro, and Linux.
Option 1:
Upgrade the CPU in my current system to an Athlon XP 2600+ 266FSB (fastest processor the motherboard supports). The motherboard is an ECS K7VZA, with an Athlon T-bred 1.0GHZ cpu. Current memory is 640MB of PC133 SDRAM (2x256, 1x128). I've battled stability issues (in Windows XP only), though all seems to be good right now.
Cost=less than $85
Would I even notice a difference with this option?
Option 2:
Upgrade to a 939 motherboard, such as the Epox 9NDA3+, with an Athlon 64 3200+ CPU and 1GB (2x512) of PC3200 DDR SDRAM.
Cost=$450 to $500
I do like building computers and have done some overclocking. I'm willing to spend some $$ just for the fun of tinkering with a new system, but do you think option 2 will blow my socks off?
Thanks for your opinions,
bigdogdon
(long-time lurker)
I do mostly office-type applications, web design, and some multimedia stuff, but no heavy gaming. I triple-boot between Windows 2000, Windows XP Pro, and Linux.
Option 1:
Upgrade the CPU in my current system to an Athlon XP 2600+ 266FSB (fastest processor the motherboard supports). The motherboard is an ECS K7VZA, with an Athlon T-bred 1.0GHZ cpu. Current memory is 640MB of PC133 SDRAM (2x256, 1x128). I've battled stability issues (in Windows XP only), though all seems to be good right now.
Cost=less than $85
Would I even notice a difference with this option?
Option 2:
Upgrade to a 939 motherboard, such as the Epox 9NDA3+, with an Athlon 64 3200+ CPU and 1GB (2x512) of PC3200 DDR SDRAM.
Cost=$450 to $500
I do like building computers and have done some overclocking. I'm willing to spend some $$ just for the fun of tinkering with a new system, but do you think option 2 will blow my socks off?
Thanks for your opinions,
bigdogdon
(long-time lurker)