Upgrade Time!

[blaholdings]

Do you forum vets ever get tired of these messages?

Budget: under $1,000

Need:
- Motherboard
- CPU
- Memory
- Case
- PSU

I have an ATI X800 256MB Pro AGP card. It was previously running on a P4 (first generation) 2.26 ghz processor and I was originally told the CPU was a bottleneck on the performance of the X800. Should I upgrade this card or not?

NOTE: This system will be used for RPG gaming (MMORPG / Elder Scrolls).

 

[LiquidImpulse]

search FTW!

 

[eyestorage]

Ditch the card and get a PCI-E card for this setup:

Mobo: Epox EP-9NPA+Ultra -- $100

CPU: Opteron 146 -- $220

Mem: OCZ Value Ram
1gb (2x512) -- $80

Case: Anything will work as long as it's not a total crapfest
NZXT Nemesis -- $85 ($15 MIR at m*n*rch)

PSU: Antec TruePower 2 -- $95
550watt

GPU: eVGA 7900 GT CO
Superclock -- $380

Fan: M1a Panaflo
120mmx38mm
for case -- $15

Total of: $975

 

[LiquidImpulse]

Originally posted by: eyestorage
Ditch the card and get a PCI-E card for this setup:

Mobo: Epox EP-9NPA+Ultra -- $100

CPU: Opteron 146 -- $220

Mem: OCZ Value Ram
1gb (2x512) -- $80

Case: Anything will work as long as it's not a total crapfest
NZXT Nemesis -- $85 ($15 MIR at m*n*rch)

PSU: Antec TruePower 2 -- $95
550watt

GPU: eVGA 7900 GT CO
Superclock -- $380

Fan: M1a Panaflo
120mmx38mm
for case -- $15

Total of: $975

why the opty 146? also, the nemesis was my original case of choice but then the p180 rolled into my life...

 

[pkrush]

I think you should go with the Opteron 165 or the X2 3800+ for the processor and get a Fortron 450 watt power supply instead of the Antec eyestorage picked (Antec's quality has definitely been slipping lately). Also, since that should still leave you a little budget headroom, you should be able to afford 2 gigs of value RAM instead of 1 gig.

 

[eyestorage]

I just threw-out some quick *low-priced* parts for a quick setup. All the options that were listed are good...depends on your style.

Only reason I chose an Opty 146 is because of it's OC'ing abilities...and it's cheap as dirt

The Antec TP 2 I choice has some mixed reviews, I know, but still is a good PSU for the price. It's efficiency might range from each one, but it's still a 550 watt...with that setup you won't need all of that much power (unless you are running a crapload of HD's or something). However the Fortron is a rock solid PSU...the choice is yours

I, myself, am thinking of getting a 2gb RAM setup...figure-out what you want and select. Try not to let your brain explode

 

[RussianSensation]

Opteron 165 - $328 - monarchcomputer or single A64 3500+ or Opteron 144 if into overclocking and want to save some $$$
Sapphire X1800XT 256mb - $299 - newegg
DFI Lanparty Ultra-D - $123 - newegg or something along these lines
Patriot 1gb x 2 2-3-2-5 = $150 (after $50 MIR) - Newegg
Enermax 651 550 watt 12V@36A - $110 - newegg, OCZ powerstream 520 SLI
Any Case - $40
Sub-total: $1050

Sell X800Pro 256mb - $100

Total: $950