Hey guys, its me... SKUZZY! lol anyway

I am getting ready to invest in some brand spanking new computer components and would like to see what you guys take on it is.

My current system is:
Duron 750
448 Ram(Something like that)
Tnt2 Model 68 32mb GFX

...And thats all about that matters

There are 2 gfx cards I am considering: $104 - GeForce3 TI 200 128MB, $90 - GeForce4 MX 460. Thats about my max limit on the cards, what others should I consider?

I am also debating either upping my Duron to a 1.3, which can be done with new parts for 70 bucks or so, OR going to a new motherboard with an Athlon XP 1700+(Whats the actual clockspeed on these things), which can be done for under 140(100+fan), or possibly even a 1800/1900. Also will my Pc133/100 still be useable?

I only have a 2gb hard drive, my old 20gb blew out so I am using this junk, but I think I am getting ready to rip a 8 gig off of. (I have another computer with an 80 gig for movies/multimedia task).

Thanks guys,
Jacob Jones

 

Maybe you might want to just save a little more money, go all out and buy a new computer. I don't think you should use your old cases because of the accumulation of the dust througout the years. You should buy an aluminum lightweight case because it keeps the system temperature down up to 10 degrees. The Athlon processors get pretty hot I believe. I have the XP1.4 that I purchased new a year and I half ago I think. The motherboards these days use ATA/100 so I think you should go with a newer harddrive also because the the ones you mention transfer at only ATA/66. I am not too up to date with the current technology. But I believe that the Athlon processors, depending on the motherboard that is, use DDR 400 memory now. Just dish out the extra $20-30 for the XP2.1 processor. The GeForce3 Ti200 you have listed with 128(DDR?) is a really good price if the memory is DDR. Basically, you get what you pay for. Good luck.

 

Alright thanks.

The system that I would buy if I were to get a new one is like 550 bucks. http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/Se...u=SYX-XP-035981

I didnt think my ram would be any good really, I might just buy a new gfx card to hold me over, and mabey the duron upgrade. I dont really know.

/sigh

 

I agree that the graphics card must be upgraded first and foremost. I would recommend, however, that you go for a Geforce 4 TI 4200 with 64 mb ram (and project dream, all geforce 3s and 4s have DDR I believe). According to pricewatch, it is only $109, and will be much better than both of the ones you listed. Also, 128mb video ram is not necessary. I believe UT2003 is the only game out right now that can even come close to using 128, so it's not worth the extra cost.

For the processor, I believe that they do make mobos that support SDRAM with Athlons, however I highly recommend upgrading to DDR ram, it's really nice and pretty cheap (pricewatch has a 256mb of 2100DDR for $51 and I know you can go even lower than that if you keep your eyes open).

The harddrive size is up to you, but I know I couldn't live with 8gb. Windows alone takes up more than 1 and with games these days being well over 1gb each, you might need more.

good luck with your new toys!

 

Thanks Liebernoodle, that card sounds nice.

I really only play one or 2 games at a time so 8gb is fine for me, my other computer preforms all my multimedia task.

I think I might let this computer disenegrate(sp?)/sell for pennies, then wait and save up for a comp.

 

If you wait a few months, the new geforce card will comeout and all other prices will drop dramatically, but i definitely don't recommend the MX line of cards, they are essentially the previous models (ex. GF3 MX = GF2) because you lose effects like anti-alias, and pixel shading or some stuff like that. read reviews from fresh gear and cnet, they point this out as well. I always try to buy a very good motherboard with the slowest processor it can handle, that way it is the cheapest good technology, then i can upgrade processors a year later for less than $100

 

Just keep in mind that I have a GeForce2 GTS Deluxe with 32MB DDR. Along with my Athlon 1.4, games run pretty much flawless, maybe except for super high resolution with so many things happening at once. So with a higher processor, and a nicer video card than mine, you won't have any problems whatsoever.

 

if I were you, i'd save your pennies and wait for the Geforce FXs to come out. They look incredible.

 

Eh, im going to buy a whole new system. I can get a Athlon 1800+, 256 DDR, 64mb non integrated gfx(pos), 20gig hd, basic stuff for about 305.

Sounds good to me

 

www.pricewatch.com good prices