Need to upgrade rig

[NM130]

Hi, first of all, here's my current rig:

Intel P4 2.66 gHz, 533 mHz FSB, 512KB L2 Cache (Northwood core, running at 133X20)
MS-6701 motherboard (SiS 648 chipset)
2X256 MB PC2100 memory (2.5-3-3-6 timings)
120 GB 7200 RPM ATA-100 Hard Drive
6600 GT 128MB AGPX8
1 DVD Reader
1 CD Writer
FSP 250W PSU
Logitech X-230 2.1 Speakers

Now, I would like to upgrade at the least cost possible, my first step would be to get a good PSU, since the PSU is clearly not enough, as my system lags, and many games crash. I think this would be enough?

THERMALTAKE Silent PurePower TT-420AD

I then have 2 choices: either upgrade the motherboard (the one I have now is useless, no OC'ing features, max memory speed I can get in the BIOS is PC2700) and the memory (1 GB), and overclock (adding a soundcard along the way), if you think my CPU could OC to a few more mHz,

OR

upgrade the motherboard, get an A64 (3000+), and get better memory and a sound card.

Which way do you think I should go? Are Northwoods generally good OC'ers? Should I keep the PC2700 RAM and buy 512 MB more, or should I get a new 1GB PC3200 kit and ditch the old memory? How much would low timings help if I planned to OC?

I am looking to spend as least money as possible ($300 max, under $250 if possible), since it is really my dad who is going to pay, and I have recently asked a lot of stuff from him , so a lower price tag would help me convice him.

Thanks is advance.

 

[NM130]

Anybody? Please?

 

[d2arcturus]

Motherboard
Venice
Memory

Cheapest NF3 250 with AGP... there you go: $300, if you want to go that route.

For a cheaper yet reliable power supply you may want to go with something like this.

 

[Silversierra]

I'm getting that same psu in a few days(just ordered), so maybe I can let you know if I like it.
I have my 1.8ghz northwood at 2.5ghz, but the lower cpus get better oc's afaik.
Low timings don't make that much difference(I didn't say no difference, it is faster), but getting oc'ing ram would be better, like ddr500-550, if you get a a64.

 

[Hacp]

I think northwoods started at 2.0 GHZ...... Also, I would suggest that you get a new PSU, overclock your Northwood, and be happy.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813131462
And a ramdom 1g stick of PC3200.
http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Kingston...m/oid/108887/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do

By the way, northwoods are good ocers, and you should probably be able to oc your northwood to around 3.2 Ghz even with stock.

By the way, I 2nd d2arcturus's power supply. Way more reliable than thermaltake.

 

[NM130]

Thanks all, I think I'll OC, is the 648FX chipset good? Most people were reccomending Intel chipsets.

Would this be a good choice for my speakers (X-230)?

CHAINTECH AV-710

Anybody have it? Or would on-board sound be better (based on the board Hacp reccomended)?

Also, will an ATA-100 HD work with a ATA-133 connector?

 

[d2arcturus]

Originally posted by: NM130
Would this be a good choice for my speakers (X-230)?

CHAINTECH AV-710

Also, will an ATA-100 HD work with a ATA-133 connector?

Consider a Sound Blaster Audigy Value for $50, and ATA133 doesn't really exist, Maxtor is just trying to fool everyone. Any ATA cable will works as long as it has all the pins.

 

[theMan]

overclock, and get more ram.

 

[BOLt]

Originally posted by: theman
overclock, and get more ram.

I second adding RAM.

OC might not be feasible since Intel CPUs run so hot even on stock speeds, but it's always an option... just make sure you have a hardware monitor (and check it often, of course).

A new PSU is mandatory whether or not you upgrade/OC.

I'm surprised that PC can exist on 250W.

 

[NM130]

I'm surprised as well, but it is a Fortron

Should I just add some more RAM, or should I replace the whole thing? (This thing is running at PC2100 speeds at CAS3).

 

[Hacp]

The intel CPUS that run hot are prescotts. He clearly states that his is a northwood. They overclock pretty well, even with stock fans. Replace the mobo and get 1gb of the ram i reccomended(dirt cheap). After replacing mobo/ram/psu, you will spend around 160 dollars.

Don't replace the mobo if you can overclock with it, but you said that you couldn't so Replace it.