best upgrade for ~250

[spazo]

Hi, I recently just registered but I have been a lurker for quite a while. I've never built a computer before but I have most of my basics covered. I plan to sell off my Xbox with associated games for about 350 and spend 250 on upgrades. I know I can just by a cheaper system but I would like this upgrade to be a learning expierence. I've added a harddrive, ram, and dvd+r drive to my computer already so I'm pretty handy with parts.

So enough chit chat, I would like to know what would be the best perfroming system I can get for ~250. I currently have a Sony Viao equiped with a 1.7ghz 400FSB P4 and 512MB of Sdram. Basically the $250 will go towards a new processor, motherboard(must be MATX), and ram. So what are my options?

I also have tons of other questions but I've got things to do right now

 

[drifter106]

are somewhat limited in what yo can do put u can surely put something together with that $.

Say getting an amd barton 2500 (mobile would give you better performance but it would cost another 20$
anus motherboard: a7na8x delxb rev 20
memory: 512 crucial pc2100 dc

the board and chip will coast you near $150.
ram will go for $54 @256 mg at zip zoom fly or $92 @512 @ ABS

you can look at [newegg.com] for cases hard drives an such

hope this helps... good hunting

 

[AtTheGates]

2500+ is good for a $250 upgrade. The mobile barton suggested above is good if you will be overclocking this system. The normal 2500 is also an excellent overclocker so save the $20 and get it. Don't get pc2100 and get 3200. With 2100 you would have to underclock. pc3200 gives you a little head room so that you can try and get that thing up to 3200+ speed.

 

[spazo]

I've been thinking of Barton 2500's but it seems that there are no fans on/in my case except for the PSU and Hsf unit...So do think I may have some heat issues?

 

[myocardia]

Why wouldn't you just spend $50 or $60 on a nice case, that comes with a nice power supply? There are only 3 or 4 Athlon motherboards that are matx, and all of them suck.

 

[duragezic]

You could probably get by if with only the hsf on the cpu if it's a good one, but all you have to do is install one or two case fans in addition to the hsf, about $5 each, in your case and you shouldn't have any issues with overclocking. If your case doesnt have any room for such fans, then it sucks and you can get a case and PS for $30-$40 at Newegg. I would just squeeze in a new case and forget about mATX. But still I think you have a decent system as it is and the upgrade won't be a huge difference.

 

[Gusty987]

What video card do you have right now. This is all for nothing if you're running an old/crappy vid card...

 

[spazo]

Maybe I should just keep my pc right now. Right now I'm running a TNT32MB card. I plan to get a 9100 if I can get it for a good enough price(below $50). Do you think my psu can handle a 9100? It already has 2 harddrives, 1 dvd+r drive, and 1 dvd rom drive running on it....

And heres another questionI have, if I upgrade my pc(changing motherboard, ram, processoer, etc), what do I have to do without Windows screwing me over? I've never reformatted a pc before so thats why I'm worried.

 

[SLCentral]

I think you should save $250-$500 more and get a new system...but that's my thinking.

 

[Adul]

Originally posted by: SLCentral
I think you should save $250-$500 more and get a new system...but that's my thinking.

 

[Budmantom]

Your question is very generic, what kind of performance are you talking about? What is it that you want to do with your computer?

You also ask if your psu can handle a 9100, did you ever mention what psu you have?

I have a feeling you might have some proprietary parts on your hands..


Tom

 

[spazo]

What I originally planned to do was some light gaming and saving up for a watercooled pc later on. I wanted something to last me another year or so but it seems I really shouldn't bother.

As far as PSU goes, I don't know what its rated at. As far as I know, its whatever Sony used a couple years ago....

 

[OrangeJellyDisk]

If i were you i would deff get a new case even if you just buy a crappy cheap as dirt $15-20 case you can atleast then get a decent ATX motherboard and then upgrade the case later if you want to. imo you are going to have to ditch that case sooner or later why not now.