Upgrading my computer...

[-=REMO=-]

OK, so basically, I'm about to come into a bit of cash and I think my computer could do with an upgrade.

Current Specs:

Processor: Athlon 64 3200
RAM: 2 x Corsair 512MB @ 400MHZ, CAS 2.5
Graphics: Radeon 9600XT 256MB (AGP)
HDD: Western Digital 7,200RPM SATA 200GB, 8MB Cache


I don't particularly want to touch the motherboard and, because I was stupid enough to go with socket 754 when I built it, processor. Basically, what I want, are opinions on what parts I should upgrade, where I've got bottlenecks that sort of thing. Or should I just wait until I can do a complete overhaul?

[Santo]

Uhhmmm RAM see if you can get faster one, and maybe a sli video card? not sure your MB would support it tho.

[Dymond]

Santo nailed it! faster RAM and maybe a faster spec video card

[-=REMO=-]

Motherboard is only AGP (another stupid mistake I made), so no SLI :cry:

[Jacx]

what do u do with ur pc...gaming..CAD...watch tv...download stuff...what?

[Pot4life]

buy a new PC :) alienwere FTW (good gaming, sleek, stylish)

[Jacx]

ur really becoming unhelpfull pot lol

[-=REMO=-]

OK, just had an awful flashback (which was confirmed when I checked it), my motherboard doesn't support higher frequency ram, so only speed gains I'll be getting there are through lower latencies.


what do u do with ur pc

I can't believe I forgot to cover that at the start, I use my PC for gaming, downloading, video editing, graphics manipulation, audio recording/editing, and just about anything else you can think of.

[Jacx]

OK, just had an awful flashback (which was confirmed when I checked it), my motherboard doesn't support higher frequency ram, so only speed gains I'll be getting there are through lower latencies.




I can't believe I forgot to cover that at the start, I use my PC for gaming, downloading, video editing, graphics manipulation, audio recording/editing, and just about anything else you can think of.


So basically high intensity GFX/RAM/Proccessing...... well especially with the video editing and gfx stuff.

Being honist..if the motherboard wont allow much else...leave it be, depending on the spare cash it might be worth saving it for a future pc becuase u sound like ur limited...but it would be nice to see what motherboard you got...got that info?

[Santo]

So basically high intensity GFX/RAM/Proccessing...... well especially with the video editing and gfx stuff.

Being honist..if the motherboard wont allow much else...leave it be, depending on the spare cash it might be worth saving it for a future pc becuase u sound like ur limited...but it would be nice to see what motherboard you got...got that info?

Yes that info might help give you a more accurate answer to what you can and can't do with your MB

[-=REMO=-]

Motherboard is an Abit KV8 Pro.

My thoughts were probably whack in a new video card (Radeon X800/X850), and replace my RAM with a couple of 1GB sticks (not sure whether it'd be worth it as I would have to sacrifice latency).

[Jacx]

Current Specs:

Processor: Athlon 64 3200
RAM: 2 x Corsair 512MB @ 400MHZ, CAS 2.5
Graphics: Radeon 9600XT 256MB (AGP)
HDD: Western Digital 7,200RPM SATA 200GB, 8MB Cache




Processor
- Supports AMD socket 754 Athlon 64 CPU
- Supports AMD Sempron CPUs (Please update the latest BIOS version)

CPU Integrated Memory Controller
- 72-bit memory controller supports DDR at 266, 333 and 400MHz
- Support 2 DIMM DDR 400
- Support 2 DIMM up to 2GB Max.


Chipset
- VIA K8T800 Pro/VT8237 chipset
- The Gigasystem
- Supports a 1GHz FSB and 2GHz HT
- Supports Advanced Configuration and Power Management Interface (ACPI)
- Accelerated Graphics Port connector supports AGP 8X/4X (0.8V/1.5V)


SATA RAID
- Supports SATA data transfer rates at 150 MB/s (1.5G bps)
- Supports SATA RAID 0/1 JBOD


Gigabit LAN
- On board VT6122 10/100/1000 Mb PCI Ethernet Controller


Audio
- 6-Channel AC 97 CODEC on board
- Professional digital audio interface supports optical S/P DIF In/Out

Internal I/O Connectors
- 1 AGP 8X/4X slot, 5 PCI slots
- Floppy Port supports up to 2.88 MB
- 2 x Ultra DMA 33/66/100/133 Connectors
- 2 x Serial ATA 150 Connectors
- 2 x USB headers, 2 x CD-IN

Back Panel I/O
- 1 x PS/2 Keyboard, 1 x PS/2 mouse
- 1 x Serial Port, 1 x Parallel Port
- 1 x S/P DIF Output, 1 x S/P DIF Input
- 5 holes Audio connector (Front Speaker, Line-in, Mic-in, Center/Sub, Surround Speaker)
- 4 x USB, 1 x RJ-45 LAN Connector

[-=REMO=-]

Yeah, that's the one.

[Jacx]

So seeing as u like GFX and do video processing its always worth gunning for higher spec ram and a gfx card...nothing more...ur processor is more than to scratch and there is not a lot more to play with.

The Radeon 9600XT 256MB is probably low spec for stuff you play with, so go that route...and maybe treat yourself to some nice software.

[Dymond]

Hell the 9600 is a nice card though! If you get another one hit me up and I'll buy the old one off ya! I'm updating the family PC.

[-=REMO=-]

Hell the 9600 is a nice card though! If you get another one hit me up and I'll buy the old one off ya! I'm updating the family PC.

Yeah, it's served me pretty well, we'll see what happens, may end up in my sister's PC if I do upgrade though.

[kurtis469]

buy a new PC :) alienwere FTW (good gaming, sleek, stylish)



yea and dont for get$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

money up the ass

[Bellows]

personally, i wouldnt add any more or faster RAM, as an AMD64 will not see very much benefit from RAM running faster than 400Mhz, as its in no way bandwidth limited with that RAM, you'll definetely be getting bottlenecked at your graphics card with that processor. If this was me personally, id look at getting a decent AGP graphics card, either an X800 or a 6800GT perhaps and maybe go for a slight overclock on your processor, the 3200 will overclock to 2.2-2.4 ghz quite easily from experience, but thats only if your prepared to go down that road. You'll see quite the benefit from moving to a better graphics card though imo