Upgrading question - New motherboard and Video card

[VolTAge]

Hey, I think I need to do something with my machine ( UT2K3, lowest settings, 640x480 = 20 fps ) so since I don't have enough money to buy a new one, I think I'll just upgrade my current PC.
I've got this rig :

PIII 1000
Lucky Star 6VA693A ( worst mobo ever, I've been tricked ) there's a socket 370, not slot1 as said in the info
256 MB Sdram 133mhz
G-force 2 mx 200 ( unknown company, don't ask )
Nikimi 27GB 5400rpm
Creative Sound Blaster 128PCI
Generic case
Generic 230V power supply

So this is it. I've thought about getting an ASUS TUSL2-C ( 815EP ) and a LeadTek WinFast A250LE TD MyVIVO Geforce 4 Ti 4200 128Mb.

This whole deal should cost about 300-400$ whice I can spend.

So what do you guys say ? Got any better suggestions/corrections ?


Thanks in advance.

[Cricket]

Hi VolTAge,

Since you want to get another Socket 370 motherboard, don't limit yourself to just the ASUS TUSL2-C (which is getting really hard to find). Look for motherboards from ASUS, ABIT, EPoX, MSI, TYAN and SOYO just to give yourself some leeway.

For gaming, you want to get the best video card the motherboard supports and you can afford. I'm not a gamer so I can't comment on that particular GeForce 4 Ti, but it should be a big improvement over what you're using now.

Cricket

[mwb1jr]

I would change out the processor, mobo, v-card, ram and hard drive. Here are some possibilities from newegg.com

Western Digital 20gig 7200rpm $61
Geforce 4 4200ti $122
amd athlon 1600 $54
Asus A7N266-V $74
256 megs of ddr $60


$371 total

[Airmack]

I thought on the spec sheet for a GForce 4 card, you at least needed a 300w power supply. You might want to get a good name brand one too.

[Nuclear Krusader]

Hi there VolTAge and welcome to the PCM Forums!!

I'd change the mobo ASAP if I were you. Lucky Star is made by PC Sh*ts.

[VolTAge]

First, thanks for the replies guys.

Second thing, mwb1jr - If I could, believe me that I would buy a new PC, but the problem is I can't. I have a limited budget to spend here, add to all of the parts you mentioned a new case and power supply, whice can cost a lot. So I think I'll delay my new PC for next year, maybe in mid - end 2003. But thanks anyway.


About the mobo, whice one do you recommend ? How about these to mobos from EPoX

Epox EP-3PTA - Intel 815EP - B
Epox EP-3VSA - VIA694T

How are they compare to the ASUS mobo I wrote in my first message ?

[Ryan2318]

Originally posted by Airmack I thought on the spec sheet for a GForce 4 card, you at least needed a 300w power supply. You might want to get a good name brand one too.

nah... i got a ti 4200 on a 250 W supply...

[Airmack]

Well if he gets a p4 he will have to get a new psu for the p9 connecter.

[Nuclear Krusader]

Originally posted by VolTAge About the mobo, whice one do you recommend ? How about these to mobos from EPoX Epox EP-3PTA - Intel 815EP - B Epox EP-3VSA - VIA694T How are they compare to the ASUS mobo I wrote in my first message ?

Never buy a mobo with a VIA chipset if you are buying an Intel CPU. Stick with the mobo with an Intel chipset and you won't regret it.

[glc]

Go for the TUSL2-C and the Ti4200 that you mentioned - and if you have any problems upgrade your power supply. Replace the rest of the substandard stuff (like the hard drive) when it dies, a piece at a time. The P3-1000 has a lot of life left in it. If you can't find a TUSL2-C see if you can find an Intel D815EEA2U. You can save some cash with a 64 meg Ti4200 from Gainward - it has faster ram than the 128's.