Processor question
I apologize in advance if this has already been discussed somewhere, but I was wondering what the main difference between the 2500+ "Barton" and 2800+ XP Athlons are, since apparently they're both the same speed. I'm looking into upgrading my computer, and I was thinking that I might as well save the $50 and go with the 2800+ since its cheaper. I will be using the computer as a gaming rig if that makes any difference. So far I'm thinking of getting an NF7, but I'm not really sure what kind of memory or videocard to get. I'd like to spend $50-$70 on memory and around $150 for the videocard, so which ATi and Geforce would I be looking at? Thanks for your time, great forums, always enjoy visiting and seeing what you all have to say, even though I only understand about half of it sometimes :bigggrin:
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How much memory do you wish to have? 256? or 512?
If you would be willing to spend around 30 dollars more, if thats possible depending on your budget, you could get two sticks of this and run it in dual channel
http://www.excaliberpc.com/product_info.php?cPath=163_520_164&products_id=2673
And this vid card (9600xt) seems to be right within your price range
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=14-125-124&catalog=48&depa=1
And if you dont plan on overclocking id go with the cheaper 2800+
edit//: actually incase you didnt notice, the 2500+'s are 90 dollars retail, while the 2800+'s are around 140, unless u just made a typo
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=19-103-379&catalog=343&depa=1
The NF7-S is a great choice for a mobo for your rig. Stable and highly overclockable. If you are planning to run dual channel memory on your system, better plan at least $110-125 for quality ddr. For a video card, the 9600 XT should fit the bill.
OH btw its only 3 months old with a slk-900a with a sunon 90mm fan!
Hey didnt want him to not see a great deal! all of that brand new is 340 + shipping! and it runs great since i am using it right now till tom when my atlon 64 and mobo comes
Is till say you should buy my combo!
Rule 1: Significant technology changes reflect approximately 10-15% more performance. Significant would be dual channel versus single channel. 333 FSB vs 266. This is a loose rule of thumb.
Rule 2: Memory works better in pairs. 2 x 256 would be better than 1 x 512. Think of it loosely similar to the analogy of two smaller guys doing grunt work versus one big hulking body builder doing it by himself.
Rule 3: Small jumps in processor speeds may not add as much in comparison to other considerations. 2400+ to a 2600+ isn't going to be "whiz bang faster".
Rule 4: If at only 256 MB of system memory...more memory is better. 512 is the current preference with 1024 being pretty darn good.
Rule 5: Newer technolgy video cards may not provide huge FPS jumps (depends on the comparison...see rule 3) but they will allow for higher resolution and detail in games without loosing FPS.
Rule 6: It's best to match memory speed to processor FSB. The overclockers always want more so they often say to get a higher memory speed to push the system. If you are not bent on OC'ing then this is where you can save money by not buying, for example, DDR400 with a 333 FSB processor.
Rule 7: Technology changes in a heartbeat. There will always be something around the corner that's newer. If you keep waiting for next best thing in technology then you'll be waiting a long time.
Rule 8: Buy the best combination. It can often produce better results than the best single component with lesser supporting components.
Rule 9: Determine what it is that you want/expect from your PC then refer to rule 8.
Rule 10: Don't be afraid to ask questions.
That being said: my advice is to go with a 2600+ 333 FSB processor and get two by 256 or even 2 x 512 DDR333 memory. Go with name brand opposed to generic and unless you are OCing...then the you may not get the value out of the premium ram. Crucial, Samsung are good mid target memory. There are others. Corsair and Kingston are higher end and cost.
Use the money you save from not jumping way up in processor and memory costs to put it into the video card.
That's my 2 c and there are loads of talented people here to give you advice or impressions of ideas you may have. Hope this helps a bit.
So then which would be the better card to get, 9600___ or the 9500, if I were to play, say KOTOR and Call of Duty now, as well as looking at games for the future HL2, D3, etc. Thanks again for your time.
Again...if it fits into your price budget it's a pretty good choice. (9600XT)
Latest version is always better.
Power supplies: The shocking truth.
Go forth and read young grasshopper. Then come back with what you've learned.
Now you are thinking correctly...but probably didn't realize you were. You are looking to the future. 1) you can always run PC3200 (DDR400) at DDR333 speeds to match the processor FSB. You can't run DDR 333 at DDR 400 speeds. Get what I mean?
Crucial? Kingston? Corsair? Again...using that noggin of yours...good. If you are an overclocking fool wanting to push the system right to the extreme you would be considering Kingston or Corsair. And you probably would be reading a few reviews on which overclocks the best. But this overclocking game doesn't seem to concern you. You brought in Crucial which is a VERY good stable memory and comes with that fancy lifetime warranty. If the memory ever dies...it is replaced by Crucial. I've done it and the warranty does work. You've also hit the nail on the head by thinking..hmmmm....2 x 256 or 2x512 for just a touch more. You don't OC...so it seems pretty apparent that 2 x 512 is the more attractive deal. Plus Photoshop and other graphic programs will love that extra memory.