Computer hardware opinions please? Thanks

[imtim83]

Athlon XP 1800+ (I already own this and bought it about 6 to 9 months ago but not sure if i should upgrade the processor any)

Here is the list of the other parts.

http://members.cox.net/imtim2/newegg.co ... 0parts.htm

Should i get better ram to beable to overclock my athlon xp 1800+ if i wanted to ? Should i go instead the intel p4 route ? If i keep my Athlon XP 1800+ processor will it limit my video card performence a lot if i game at 1024x768,1280x1024, or even 1600x1200 with FSAA and AF on ? Like at 4x FSAA and 8x AF at least.

*Also will my Antec 330 watt true power series power supply be enough?*

Any other suggestions are appreicated.

Thanks.

[BuddhaTB]

All I have to say is WOW

I think the hard drive and speakers you can find cheaper online or in retail stores. As for the hard drive, I would stay away from IBM as they had some quality problems last time around. I'm not sure if they're any better now, but I would recommend Maxtor and Western Digital over them. The other stuff looks nice. I would keep your XP 1800+, unless you got extra money to burn on a faster CPU. The micron ram should be good. If you wanr DDR that's good for overclocking, then get some Samsung RAM. I think you'll be better off with a 400 watt power supply too.

[imtim83]

BuddhaTB i was thinking about getting a Seagate 15.3K SCSI HD too but i really can't get both all of that and this. To bad. Then again i guess i could save for a longer time then beable to do all of that at once! Hmmm. We will see.

Thanks for the suggestions! Very well appriecated. If you think of any others you can post if you want.

Anybody else who has suggestions please post them thanks!

[Derek]

It sounds like a pretty sweet machine. However, right now, I'd pickup a XP 2500+. They are going for like $180 on newegg and they have the new Barton core w/ 512k L2 cache. They are o/cing like a mofo too. Ditch the IBM hard drive and get a Western Digital SE. Aside from that, nice system man . Get a Samsung LCD too, you won't be dissappointed.

Derek

[imtim83]

Derek well if i want to add those two things i am going to have to save up more but i just may do that. Not sure yet.

If i was going to buy a LCD i would have to test it out for at least many hours to days before i buy it so i know it does not have ghosting on face paced games.

[TheWizard]

Get an 18" Ultra ATA 100 cable. 18" is the official maximum length for ATA/100, anything longer is not assured.

[Derek]

The 1800+ would make a great processor, no doubt. But I would almost say if you're getting the Nforce2 and a 9700 that you should get a fast ass CPU to back it up. You can always get the 2500 or maybe a different athlon xp later on...

The current gen Samsung LCDs are great. 25ms.

Derek

[imtim83]

TheWizard thanks

Derek hehe i may wait when a ATI video card or Nvidia video card can play the map Inferno in unreal 2003 at a minimum fps of 60 to 80 fps. With 1600x1200 resolution. Plus maximum FSAA (6x) and maximum AF (16x)! I know i am crazy. I can't help it that i expect so much from computer hardware. I guess i always want the future to be now!

[oxymoron]

if i were u, i would get the 1800+ and wait for prices to fall...
thats what i am doing. i have a 1800+ oc'ed @ 1844. fsb=160. heatsink+fan=stock. voltage wasnt changed, and comp is stable. i looking for a hsf upgrade during spring break (yes) and videio card upgrade. i will oc the proc. 2 1900 via 166 fsb.

[imtim83]

oxymoron what are your temps for idle and load?

[oxymoron]

b4 oc'ed: idle was 51. load was 55~56
oc'ed idle 53, load 57~58
i know it sounds like i making it up, but if u were to come to my house 2day, and look 4 ur self, u will see i telling the truth.

[imtim83]

oxymoron ok.

[BoGMan1a]

AMD ATHLON XP 2500 "Barton" 333 FSB PROCESSOR CPU- OEM - $180
Specifications:
CPU: 1.83 GHz
Type: XP 2500 Barton Core
Cache: 512K L2, 128K L1, Total 640KB
BUS: 333MHz
Socket A
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduct.asp?description=19-103-378
This is going in mine. I couldn't see paying all that extra for the 2600 or 2800, but I still wanted the 333 FSB so this is the best compromise IMHO.