Suggestions on new computer parts

[jbiss]

I would like suggestions on building a computer. I have some parts from my old computer that I will use. I have $375 to $400 to spend on a motherboard, 1 gb of ram, cpu, & case. I was looking at mobile chips. I have a sk7 heatsink which I can replace if needed. I am open to overclocking. I want to go as fast as I can and stay within my budget, or close to. Would an 754 pin Athlon 64 be faster than an overclocked xp mobile chip?

 

[Fern]

Hi jbiss and Welcome to the Forums!

I haven't seen any benchmarks done by sites that compare an OC'd XP-m to the AMD 64bit cpu's. From looking at benchies posted here, IIRC, the XP-m can get close, but does not beat the 64bit cpu's. Problem is, I can't recall WHICH 64bit chips peeps were using.

In general, I think you're better off buying a socket 754 cpu/mobo combo. Some here have posted good OC results with their skt 754. If you've got the time, do a search. It seems a member named Zebo has posted about this. I could be wrong about it being Zebo, though.


Fern

EDIT: Yeah, its Zebo

 

[DaveSimmons]

An A64 2800+ at stock speed is at least as fast as an XP "3400+" for games, and faster in some.

$200 at Newegg gets you an A64 2800+, chaintech nf3 motherboard. $130 for 1 GB, $100 for an Antec Sonata and you're done without needing to overclock or worry about stability.

 

[magratton]

Been a bit of a while for me as well:
Mobiles overclocked can come close to stock A64 chips (just under a A643200 IIRC). There was a site that did this comparison, but I do not recall what it was. That was about where things stood though.

A mobile 2200 and a decent motherboard should keep you under $140 (Shuttle AN35N-Ultra

If you want to go A64, then yes, 754 is the way to go. I believe many in the CPU/OC forum were recommending the Chaintech VNF3-250 motherboard.

The next question is which 754 processor... A lot of folks are commenting on the overclockability (including Anandtech reviews) of the Socket 754 Sempron processors. They are currently running about $10 below the main running A64 overclocker which is the A64 2800. IMHO, go for the A64 2800 over the Sempron at this time, the price diff is still just not justifiable at this time.

Memory, CAS latency on memory is not as big of a deal on the A64 as it is on the AXP. So you may be able to use your current RAM (with upgrade to get to 1GB if necessary), whereas you will definitely notice a big different with good ram on the AXP and may therefore have to ugprade all of your ram.

Lastly, if you are thinking of the overclock, then I cannot stress enough how important it is to buy a good PSU. E.g., Antec True 430

Good luck!

 

[magratton]

Originally posted by: DaveSimmons
An A64 2800+ at stock speed is at least as fast as an XP "3400+" for games, and faster in some.

$200 at Newegg gets you an A64 2800+, chaintech nf3 motherboard. $130 for 1 GB, $100 for an Antec Sonata and you're done without needing to overclock or worry about stability.

Sonata is a great rig, esp with the True380 in there. I have to agree, with this all in all, this would be the best money most well spent.

 

[MrCodeDude]

The Antec SLK2600AMB is a great case and is currently on sale for $25 after-rebate @ Microcenter. And don't worry, the 300W SmartPower PSU included is going to be fine for your rig. I have one running a 3000+ Winny, 9600XT, CDRW, DVDRW and 2 HDs.

So, $375 for the processor, motherboard and memory.

A64 3000+ 939 - $150
EPoX 9NDA3J nForce3 motherboard - $99

This leaves you with $126 to get a gig of PC3200. It'll have to be ValueRAM or you can just get 1 stick of quality PC3200.

I'd vote for the latter. I wouldn't really recommend going Socket 754 so late in the game because if you ever want to upgrade again, your options become very limited.

 

[cy7878]

The question is do you really want to built a system??

For your budget, you can get a Dell SC420 with P4 2.8, 256mb base RAM, 80G HD and a CD drive as well as KB and mouse for about $299-$350 (check with HOT DEALS Forum). To get more RAM costs about $100 and a DVD writer can be self installed for about $50. Just a thought.

 

[nick1985]

From Newegg...

PRICES INCLUDE SHIPPING

Case $70

RAM $141

Motherboard $72

CPU $117

Total (with shipping) = $400 even.

 

[DaveSimmons]

^ that's the OEM A64, add a few dollars for the retail version that comes with HSF

 

[nick1985]

Originally posted by: DaveSimmons
^ that's the OEM A64, add a few dollars for the retail version that comes with HSF

oops!

 

[MrCodeDude]

Originally posted by: cy7878
The question is do you really want to built a system??

For your budget, you can get a Dell SC420 with P4 2.8, 256mb base RAM, 80G HD and a CD drive as well as KB and mouse for about $299-$350 (check with HOT DEALS Forum). To get more RAM costs about $100 and a DVD writer can be self installed for about $50. Just a thought.

Yeah, but you're getting crappy DELL components. And any future upgrade-ability is non-existant.

 

[ComatoseDelirium]

if.. your choices are gonna be either.. old technology.. or older technology, I'd go with the best price to performance ratio, and upgrade to a 939 a year or 2 from now

 

[Zebo]

Originally posted by: nick1985
From Newegg...

PRICES INCLUDE SHIPPING

Case $70

RAM $141

Motherboard $72

CPU $117

Total (with shipping) = $400 even.

 

[cy7878]

Originally posted by: MrCodeDude

Originally posted by: cy7878
The question is do you really want to built a system??

For your budget, you can get a Dell SC420 with P4 2.8, 256mb base RAM, 80G HD and a CD drive as well as KB and mouse for about $299-$350 (check with HOT DEALS Forum). To get more RAM costs about $100 and a DVD writer can be self installed for about $50. Just a thought.

Yeah, but you're getting crappy DELL components. And any future upgrade-ability is non-existant.

for $400 bucks what is there to upgrade?? Just buy a whole new system when the time comes.