Best upgrade path?

[bobdobolina]

Hi there,

I've been thinking of doing a bit of an upgrade to my system and was hoping for some advice as to which compontent(s) would make the largest improvement to my performance. I will state now that I am using the maching primarily for music production, but also game on it relatively regularly.

My main system specs are:

Abit AN7 board
Athlon XP 2500+
2x512 MB pc3200 Ram
Geforece 4 4200ti @300core and 535 ram
1x 60GB Maxtor IDE (primary/system)
2x 80 Seagate SATA (storage)
Soundblaster AudigyEx

I am leaning toward a video card, since i know that it is several generations old, but was also considering 512 more ram as another performace enhancer. I've read varying pov's about whether my 3rd (and only remaining) ram slot will throw my NForce2 400 board out of DC mode if filled. Ideas?

Also, should I consider moving the OS etc. to one of my SATA drives for increased performance? If so, whats the most fool-proof way of making a complete move from one HD to another without wrecking my system?

Thanks so much for your time,
Bob

 

[Bona Fide]

Your video card is the stuff of legend. Overclock it a bit. I would look at a new processor before anything else.

 

[PSUstoekl]

A new, 64-bit capable processor would be nice, and pair that witha a 939-pin mobo with pci-e capabilities. then, some variation on an X800 card will suit you just fine. for music production, you'll want processing and RAM specifically (especially with a lot of tracks).

 

[sniperruff]

leave it and build a new one from grounds up when you have the money.

 

[bobdobolina]

Bona Fide, my card is OC'd as far as I can get it to go. Wouldn't I be looking at a new MB and ram too if I got a new processor or would it be worth it to get an older but faster version of the Athlon XP?

PSUstoekl, in your opinion are the X800 series a better choice than the GeForce's available?

Sniperruff, I'd love to leave it behind, but unfortunately I can't afford a new system right now. Are you saying that it's a waste to bother upgrading anything in my current rig because of the gap between current tech and mine?

Also, any thoughts on the SATA vs. PATA drive thing?

Thanks for your quick replies!

Bob

 

[SGtheArtist]

If your current system is performing all the tasks you require of it then the only thing I'd recommend would be a RAM upgrade to 512MB.

I would not invest in a new CPU or Video card since the performance difference would not justify their cost for your current system.

If you decide to go with the RAM upgrade the PC would make for a good server when you can buy or build a new PC.

 

[Gamer X]

I don't recommend upgrading your current system.You should wait till socket m2 comes and then get a whole new rig.

 

[GamerExpress]

Originally posted by: sniperruff
leave it and build a new one from grounds up when you have the money.

Yppers, it wouldn't be worth it to upgrade things one at a time with that system you have. Save your money and do it all at once.

 

[yourdeardaniel]

DFI nF4 SLI-DR
AMD X2 4400
get 2 x 512 more of your current ram or 1gb x 2 cas 2 OCZ
Geforce 7800 GT
250GB Hitachi SATA 3.0gb/s T7K250 (or Maxtor DiamondMax 10 SATA 3.0gb/s 16mb cache) x 2 RAID
SB Audigy 2 ZS Platinum (125 - 75 rebate newegg)