time for a new system?

[bandXtrb]

I have a:

AMD K6-3 450
160MB PC100
Viper v770
18GB WD expert
sb live
etc...

How much of a boost will I notice with a new processor/ram that is considered 'good' -- sorry, I've been away from computer hardware for a while, so I don't know whats good. What do you suggest?

 

[Sugadaddy]

yes

 

[Atlantean]

Yeah it is time for an upgrade.

 

[bandXtrb]

Will it feel much faster? I do must things, but don't play computer games.

 

[MichaelD]

Hello and welcome to the AT Forums. I must warn you; most (not all) folks on this particular forum are Hardware Nuts. Certifiable Nuts. Um, I'm about 50% Hardware Nut...but I have a small part of my brain that keeps my cash in my bank...small part, but still there. To a lot of folks here, an 800MHz CPU is "slow". Not to me, just kinda giving you some advance warning.

Oh yeah! Your question. Heck yes.

You already have a monitor, keyboard, mouse, modem (or NIC) and soundcard! That's about $300-$500 in your pocket already. Here are some approximate prices (I do check them a few times a week, so I'm in the ballpark). These are just examples. Others will point out countless more.


Abit KT7 Mobo $100
1 GHz (1,000 MHz!) TBird $117
Decent HSF (Heatsink/Fan) $20
Decent case w/AMD approved powersupply $80
128Mb PC133 memory (from Crucial of course)$50
GeForce MX vidcard $100

GRAND TOTAL: $467 + shipping

If your HD is more than a few years old, get a 40 gig Maxtor for about $140 or so...a worthwhile investment. So, for a really nice system that will game pretty good and surf/spreadsheet like nobody's business, you're looking at $400-$600 + about 5 hours of your time (If you've never put a system together before...if you have put one together before, you already know what's involved)

ps
You'd need an Operating System (OS aka Windows 98/ Windows Millenium etc)...if you don't have a Full Install disk already...well, add at least $100 to the total.

What I've listed will build you a pretty fast system at a reasonable price. If you shop carefully, you could get every cheaper. Good luck and welcome back!

 

[Dark4ng3l]

Well heum most people think my system is way too slow, that I have about 1/3 the necessary ram and that my 100MHz overclock is rediculous. I think these thigs too but have no $$$$ to change any of em. Your system is so slow that it hurts when i think about it. A low end buget system would be ALOT faster. will you see a difference? HELL YES

 

[Atlantean]

get a 256 meg stick for 20 more or whatever the sdram costs now, or you could go with a ddr mobo and system, you oculd go with the asus a7a266 if you are not big on overclocking, and then there is more room to upgrade the amount of memory

 

[mithrandir2001]

If you don't play games, you may be able to stick with your system. The K6-3 is not a bad CPU at all, unlike the weak K6-2. You've got enough memory and a decent video card.

I think you could handle getting a new ATA100 7200rpm hard drive and a ATA100 controller board. When I upgraded from a 3600rpm ATA drive to a 7200rpm ATA66 drive in my Pentium-200MMX, it felt like a new system. Nothing incredible, of course, but you definitely knew you threw something new under the hood.

The question is - where do you want to see a performance boost in your system? In what ways does it seem slow? Often, a new, fast hard drive does wonders.

 

[birddog]

for starters, you can keep your sound card, video card, HD & RAM. Is your case ATX? If it is and has 250 watt Power Supply, you can keep that also (if you go with an intel solution --does not need a heavy duty power supply like Athlon systems).

You can pick up a Abit VH6-II motherboard for under $100 shipped. PIII 700-750 (both are good overclockers -- should hit 933mhz+) are selling for @$100 also. Add $15 for a golden orb cooler & you are all set.

Look at pricewatch.com for where to get different things. If you are into gaming, I'd get a GeForce II GTS or Pro 64MB card (can find some for $150 on pricewatch).

All these prices are for new stuff, you can find them used for less $$$ in the FS/FT Forum. Also, you should be able to sell some of your current stuff to help pay for the new stuff.

 

[dcpsoguy]

After the recent announcement of the NFORCE, I would wait for it. Your system is good enough to run a web-browser, and if you can wait to buy a new computer, wait. Prices are bound to drop even more, being even more cheap than they already are

 

[Sugadaddy]

If you don't play games and your case is ATX, just get a KT133A mobo with a Duron, and a 128MB stick of ram. If you can, also get a new hard drive...

 

[weovpac]

I would wait a little longer before building a new machine.

 

[bjc112]

yea, i would wait until you can't wait anymore.. and then just get a awesome system!! .. save your money for another month or so.. and spend a good 1000$$ and get a sweeeeeeeet system!

 

[misterfantastic]

i would say wait. good things come to those who wait. i mean if you're just doing basic things already and are not sick of waiting for things to load and stuff i would just sit tight. if it makes you feel any better, i used to have a k6-2 300 w/128 mb ram, voodoo3 3000, sb live gamer, and 6 gig 5400 drive until i got a laptop for school.

 

[MangoDude]

If you are going to buy a new HD go with an IBM Deskstar 30-40GB. (whatever you prefer) and make sure it's a 75GXP. They are really nice. i have had one for a few months and I LOVE it

 

[mithrandir2001]

No, make sure it's a 60GXP, not a 75GXP. The 75GXP's have a history of RMA problems and the 60GXP's use less platters for potentially better reliability. They also perform a wee bit better.