Opinions do matter... I need yours.

[cadlewv]

I'm upgrading my pc. I've built several, but none within the last year. I have about $150 to spend, no more. I've always used AMD cpus and compatible motherboards. I wouldn't care switching if needed, but I want the most bang for my buck (don't we all?). The only thing I am upgrading is the mobo and cpu. I intend to use the rest of the parts that I already have, which include those found in my signature.

I will be reusing my:
-ATI Radeon AGP 4x card.
-FSP 350W PSU (20-pin).

I would like to have a PCI-Express slot, if possible (but NOT required).
I definitely want SATA ports for future hard drive purchases.
And again, of course, I want all the speed I can get for the money ($150 for both mobo and cpu).

Also, one last question: I did see an Intel based mobo/Celeron cpu combo. The celeron was 2.8GHz. Would this be better/faster in practice than let's say, a Sempron 3300+ (around 2.0GHz I think)?

Thanks ahead.

[glc]

I'd save some more money - a $150 CPU and motherboard combo that will be compatible with the rest of your stuff is hardly an upgrade and you will be at another dead end soon.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131512
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819104241

Your PC2700 ram may hold this back a bit.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813123266
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819112199

I'd actually go that way if you must - PC2700 is the right ram for that processor.

[cadlewv]

Is there a big issue with the 12KB/16KB L1 cache on the celeron?

Also, which setup would you prefer?

[glc]

I don't think there will be a noticeable difference in performance between the 2 setups. I prefer the Intel because I prefer Intel processors on Intel chipsets for stability and reliability reasons, not performance reasons.

Either way is a dead end and I wouldn't waste the $150.

[cadlewv]

So, how about this mobo and cpu:

mobo:
http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16813127228

cpu:
http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16819104237

And thanks for replying with your suggestions.

[glc]

That's very similar to the AMD combo I recommended - I happen to prefer Asus to Abit. The Abit only has 2 ram slots, the Asus has 3.

[cadlewv]

Let me ask this: Once I buy a new mobo, cpu and another 512MB of ram, is it possible to not have to reformat and reload Windows? Could I use the image I have to load Windows using the new mobo and cpu? The image was created just after loading Windows, SP2 and all of the updated drivers. I think I even have an image just after Windows was loaded (without SP2 or the updated drivers).

GLC, I appreciate your particular attention to this thread. You've been a big help.

[Panama Red]

This guide may work but only if you remove the drivers before you remove the hdd from the old pc.

http://forum.pcmech.com/showthread.php?t=43654

Otherwise, follow this guide and do a repair install of XP followed by installing all the mobo drivers and SP2 after that.

http://forum.pcmech.com/showthread.php?t=151522

[cadlewv]

Thanks Panama. Could you (or someone) also tell me which of these processors should be faster?

AMD: http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16819104237
1.8GHz w/1600MHz HT

Intel: http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16819112199
3.06GHz w/out Hyper-threading (if this matters)

I know this should seem easy... the 3.06 GHz should be faster. But I've heard that some AMDs, even though they are clocked lower, still run faster than comparable Intels.

Also, is DDR 3200 'much' faster than DDR 2700?

I'm about to make my purchase and want the fastest machine.

Thanks.

[Panama Red]

Speed of the cpu is a relative term when comparing AMD cpu's with Intel. Differing architecture, HyperThreading vs HyperTransport, differing memory controllers, fsb architecture and memory requirements make them too diverse to make a straight comparison any more. Of the two you've linked, both are general purpose, non-gaming type processors and are about equal in performance. I've built systems with both. Both are constructed for sockets that are slated for discontinuance. I'd choose a 775 socket Celeron D rather than the 478. The 775 runs cooler.

The 754 socket is also on the way out but the Sempron makes a rock solid system in that configuration. You may be limited for future upgrades tho.

PC2700 is all you need for the Celeron but PC3200 will run at the PC2700 speed also. Buy whichever is cheaper. You'll want PC3200 with the AMD.

[cadlewv]

So, for best performance, plus the ability to upgrade in the future, even if only a little, which setup would you choose? Or do you have a favorite mobo/cpu combo in the same price range? Also, if you choose the AMD, I'll need to buy an adapter for my 20-pin PSU to plug into the 24-pin connector on the mobo. Could you send me a NewEgg link to a suitable one?

[Panama Red]

I just reread your original post and spending $150 isn't really gonna do much for a performance increase. The new cpu technology along with the move to DDR2, SATA hard drives and newer sockets is gonna leave you short any way you look at it. I really think you should bank the money for now and save to build a complete system with the latest stuff. You're not going to realize enuf of a performance increase to justify the expense, imo.

[cadlewv]

Actually, I'm not too unhappy with the system I have now, it's that I've run into a problem that no one seems to be able to diagnose. Please see this thread: http://forum.pcmech.com/showthread.php?t=155628

So, I've run out of patience and have narrowed my problem down to my mobo or processor. That's why I'm getting new stuff in the first place.

[Panama Red]

Ok, so you're not upgrading necessarily. You're replacing suspected bad components with something a little better. Now I see.

[cadlewv]

So, back to my previous post... which setup would you choose for performance and the 'even slight' ability to upgrade?

[Panama Red]

I'd go with the Sempron over the 478 socket Cely.

[endfoulks]

If you want to keep your old AGP card and mem. Id go with the ABIT NF7-S v2.0 this board has a FSB of 133/166/200 SATA connectors and much more features and can be found on ebay at a reasonable price. If you want to go to a 939 pin (AMD 64/ 64X2 / FX) I bought a ASUS A8V Deluxe with a AMD Athlon 64 3500+ for I think 175.00. I bought this when I upgraded from a AMD Athlon XP 2400+ and it allows me to us my AGP VC. with plenty of SATA connectors and alot of options. I know it went over your budget but 25.00 aint that bad. Hope this helps you with your upgrade.