Upgrade CPU or ADD RAM?

[mjolnir2k]

Hi All,
Just picked up a 256MB FX5950 Ultra (mostly to play D3) to replace my 128MB Ti4400 and am thinking I might want to upgrade either the CPU or add another 256MB of RAM as those points look to be the next real bottleneck.

I am currently running my T-Bred XP1700 CPU (the BEST cpu I have ever owned) at XP 2400 speeds completely stable and currently have 512 MB of PC3500 ram running at 2-2-2.

sooooo, what to do? Bump up to a Barton core or add more RAM?

EDIT* Scratch the Barton core idea, the fastest CPU my MoBo will support is a T-Bred xp2700, so that settles that.

Thoughts?

Thanks in advance.

 

[RussianSensation]

I hope you didn't pay more than $150 for the 5950 card because the 6600Gt for $200 gives it a beating....and it should be available very shortly.

Anyways, getting 1gig in games is somewhat beneficial, but nowhere near the increase in speed you'll get from a faster cpu. There is a huge jump in performance between 256 and 512mb of RAM in XP but not from 512 to 1gig. In fact Doom 3 (arguably) the most demanding game runs it just as fast with both configurations.

If I was you, i'd probably try to overclock that 1700+ to higher speeds (1700+ D3TLC (?) or some thoroughbred B core overclocked very well back in the days). Otherwise just pick up Barton 2800+. For most flexibility and overclocking room, Barton 2500+ or 2600+ mobile would be my #1 choice if your motherboard supports them.

 

[mjolnir2k]

Originally posted by: RussianSensation
I hope you didn't pay more than $150 for the 5950 card because the 6600Gt for $200 gives it a beating....and it should be available very shortly.

Actually I paid $175 for the card, but I will be selling my GF4 Ti4400 to offset that somewhat. I know, I know...I should have waited for the 6600, but oh well...live and learn. The 5950U should last me a while anyways. (and don't even talk to me about the 9800 pro...sigh!)

If I was you, i'd probably try to overclock that 1700+ to higher speeds (1700+ D3TLC (?) or some thoroughbred B core overclocked very well back in the days). Otherwise just pick up Barton 2800+. For most flexibility and overclocking room, Barton 2500+ or 2600+ mobile would be my #1 choice if your motherboard supports them.

Yeah, my little XP1700 is clocking in at 2.1 ghz on air 24/7/365 (I have had it as high as 2.25, but backed off to not push it to the edge).

 

[WobbleWobble]

The AGP version of the 6600 may be months before it actually comes out.

I'd bump the RAM up. CPU speeds don't make a huge difference in FPS games like Doom 3.

 

[Kaspian]

Originally posted by: WobbleWobble
The AGP version of the 6600 may be months before it actually comes out.

I'd bump the RAM up. CPU speeds don't make a huge difference in FPS games like Doom 3.

i was always under the impresion that u neeed to find a happy medium..... having a top of teh line vc wont do u any good if ur cpu is 3 years old.....and the other way around........ one pice of hware will b idleling waiting for teh otherone........jmo

 

[WobbleWobble]

Originally posted by: Kaspian

Originally posted by: WobbleWobble
The AGP version of the 6600 may be months before it actually comes out.

I'd bump the RAM up. CPU speeds don't make a huge difference in FPS games like Doom 3.

i was always under the impresion that u neeed to find a happy medium..... having a top of teh line vc wont do u any good if ur cpu is 3 years old.....and the other way around........ one pice of hware will b idleling waiting for teh otherone........jmo

A 1700+ at 2400+ speeds should be good enough to handle any modern video card without choking it at all or too much.

I guess you want proof, here's an article from Dan's Data

 

[NesuD]

Personally I wouldn't upgrade the cpu or the Ram. Instead I would upgrade the motherboard to for example an Epox EP-8RDA3+. That is an Nforce2 board and by all accounts very capable of 220mhz bus speeds. I think you will see a significant difference in performance running that cpu with that pc3500(ddr433 216mhz) Ram. Run that cpu at 10x220mhz(440ddr)=2200mhz. The FSB boost will yield a considerable performance increase for about $75. Sounds Like you got one of those cherry 1700+ chips. Probably does 2200 at stock voltage to doesn't it. Running that chip at those settings should yield performance exceeding 3000+ performance.

 

[Kaspian]

he, he, dude relax i wasnt asking u for proof of anything, that was just my opinion and its based on personal experience....... r we still friends? jk :thumbsup:

 

[mjolnir2k]

Originally posted by: NesuD
Personally I wouldn't upgrade the cpu or the Ram. Instead I would upgrade the motherboard to for example an Epox EP-8RDA3+. That is an Nforce2 board and by all accounts very capable of 220mhz bus speeds. I think you will see a significant difference in performance running that cpu with that pc3500(ddr433 216mhz) Ram. Run that cpu at 10x220mhz(440ddr)=2200mhz. The FSB boost will yield a considerable performance increase for about $75. Sounds Like you got one of those cherry 1700+ chips. Probably does 2200 at stock voltage to doesn't it. Running that chip at those settings should yield performance exceeding 3000+ performance.

 

[mjolnir2k]

Originally posted by: NesuD
Personally I wouldn't upgrade the cpu or the Ram. Instead I would upgrade the motherboard to for example an Epox EP-8RDA3+. That is an Nforce2 board and by all accounts very capable of 220mhz bus speeds. I think you will see a significant difference in performance running that cpu with that pc3500(ddr433 216mhz) Ram. Run that cpu at 10x220mhz(440ddr)=2200mhz. The FSB boost will yield a considerable performance increase for about $75. Sounds Like you got one of those cherry 1700+ chips. Probably does 2200 at stock voltage to doesn't it. Running that chip at those settings should yield performance exceeding 3000+ performance.

Excellent suggestion. Yeah, my XP1700 will do 2200 on stock voltage, air cooled. It's a beast! Your idea makes perfect sense, as my MoBo will be the limiting factor soon enough (not being able to accept anything higher than a T-Bred 2700+ anyway)

Thanks for the replies everyone.