Bang for the Buck

[Sniper]

I want to upgrade my processor and mobo.
$200USD budget.

I want to try to get a 64bit processor, and a supporting mobo. I wish the mobo to also have a PCI-E slot. PCI slots do not matter, seeing as how I dont really use many PCI slots anyways. I have everything else I need but these. What are some of the things I could consider that will run all the modern games real smoothly?

I am NOT in need of a PCI-E card. I have that covered.

[Iamthefallen]

What type of RAM do you currently have?

[Sniper]

I have NO idea, but i wrote them down not too long ago. Maybe you can make something of it
Samsung PC2100u-25331-z DDR - 512k
2x Kingston KvR 266x64 C25/256 -256k

All ran on an Asus A7n8x-e Deluxe

I can buy the memory too if needed. I am just having to run everything at 133mhz FSB, and it sucks.

[Sniper]

Oh yeah: Current Specs

Asus A7N8X-E Deluxe Mobo
memory stated above
Radeon 9800 Pro (will upgrade with a PCI-E when i get mobo)
AMD XP 2600+ 2.13ghz
1gig ram
Creative Sound Blaster Live! 5.1

[=Sarc=]

If you move to a 939 mobo and an X2 processor, you'll get your 64-bit CPU plus dual core. Although, you might have to skip the dual core since $200 isn't much. I think once you get into the XP 3xxx+ series, they'll be 64-bit.

[Acreo Aeneas]

You could get a Athlon 64 3400+, a new ASUS Socket 939 board, 1 gig of Kingston RAM (2 x 512) and dual channel them.

Mobo: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131569 - $72.99
CPU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819103535 - $59.00
RAM: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820141423 - $99.99

The RAM is compatible with your mobo, and so is the CPU.

Of course, it's over $200. Total is: $231.98 before shipping.

[Zoopy]

I also suggest new RAM, you should usually stay away from mix and matching diffent speeds of RAM. The above suggestion seems like a good bet for around $200.

[Acreo Aeneas]

And if you will be dual channeling the RAM, you should not mix and match. The ram should be all identical (same model, same brand, identical physically - single sided or double sided, same voltage, same speed, same arrangement). Because if you do, you can easily end up frying your entire system.

[=Sarc=]

I don't think you can fry your system by mixing RAM. I mixed RAM while using dual channel and it was fine. The reasons for getting matched RAM is for compatibility and performance. I think it's like mixing harddrives when using RAID.

[Shiner]

Mixing RAM shouldn't be a problem, but it might impact performance.

[NCman]

Mixing RAM shouldn't be a BIG deal, but it won't be optimal.

If you're buying all new RAM, you might want to look at getting Socket AM2 instead of 939. The DDR2 RAM will be a bit more expensive, but there's a bit more selection in processors in AM2 since 939 is being phased out. The processors seem to run roughly the same price for either socket.

Also, going AM2 will give you an upgrade path for the next 12-18 months, where 939 is going to be more difficult to find CPU's for and they'll probably be expensive.

I run an A64 3200+ 939 system now that's an upgrade from my XP 2600+, and have an Opteron 170 (2ghz dual-core that should OC to 2.6 at least) on the way, so I certainly think it's a good platform. However, if I were getting a new mobo and RAM now, I'd go AM2 for a budget setup, or try to swing the $$ for a Core 2 Duo rig to have an upgrade path. It's not always cost-effective to upgrade just the CPU down the road, but often times it is.

[jaymind]

Or maybe something like this.

AMD 3800 X2 AM2 (65w) - $135

ASrock AM2 motherboard (ATI Chipset - Lots of features) - $72.99

[Acreo Aeneas]

Well, all I can say is from experience, I've fried 2 pairs of RAM mixing and matching in dual channel. Luckily my mobo didn't burn out as well.

So Sniper what do you think of our suggestions?

[Sniper]

I love them. I'm going by you guys, cause you all know you stuff

Thanks!

[Zid]

you should honostly wait and expand your budget by another 200 dollars. because what your buying now is already out-dated technology and in a year your going to want something better and if you only save another 200 you'll be oh so much happier =)