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I've updated all of my computer except my Athlon XP 1700+. With the release of Half Life2 and Doom3 coming up, I'd like to be sure that they run smoothly. How much difference would a new Athlon chip do me, and which would be the best dollar for dollar? Do I need a new one at all for gaming?

Currently running:

Radeon 9500 Pro overclocked at factory
512 of 3200 DDR Corsair memory
Santa Cruz - Turtle Beach audio
Asus A7n8x deluxe mobo
400w power supply w/ multiple fans

If I was you Id get another 512 stick of ram, at 1.4ghz you shouldnt have much problem with those games in the least bit. (1700+ is 1.4ghz if my memory serves me right)

BUT if you do plan on buying a processor, Id go with a 2500+ Barton, it's the most bang for the buck at the moment. (amd's sweetspot) And overclocking this one is nice (I have it)

I'm operating under the assumption that another 512 of memory is going to reach a point of diminishing returns. I mean, I've never had any trouble with this, and is another 512 going to make my computer twice as fast? Not likely, it'll probably make my computer 1/80th faster. But it's an issue I would like to fix nonetheless, it's just that I'm broke as fuck and a $150-200 Athlon chip would probably do more good than $200 of RAM.

But if y'all think that more memory>Athlon update, then I'll do that instead.

I personally think another 512 of 3200 ram would improve your performance MUCH more than another processor. But you can ask around first of course.

hay if you end up getting a new chip i might be interested in your old one, i'm running a duron 1k right now hehe

Ouch, durons are the celerons of AMD...how can you live with that?

it's faster than the athlon 700 that i was using

I would have sold you my 1700+ but Im giving it to adivina, who is on a 533 ><

Whoa.. *digs out the old 2000+*

yup, got a functional one, want it?

maybe

trade you an FBSS for it ^^

Haha, I use a FFBSS, thanks.. mainly for resists and for whuppin' on Arch Mage in Fire (go go melee chanter)

PM me details and pay shipping np

512MB of ram is plenty. A faster processer would be a bigger benefit at this point. If your board will take it, put a Barton in it.

With this mobo
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDe ... 55R&depa=0

Would I be better off spending my money on this
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDe ... 379&depa=0

or this
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDe ... 394&depa=0



I should add that I don't have the first idea how to overclock and don't really want to fool with it.

If youre willing to spend the 140$ for the processor, go for the 3000+ 400fsb.

That's a kickass chip.

Make sure you get the retail box with fan and heatsink, and dont install it yourself if youre uncomfortable doing so. Believe me it's not difficult, but if youre "Scared" you might fuck up in fear.

Oh thanks, I feel much more comfortable now. I've just decided on a career move for you, bomb squad. You can be the chatty partner like Jeff Daniels in Speed.

labbats wrote:I've updated all of my computer except my Athlon XP 1700+. With the release of Half Life2 and Doom3 coming up, I'd like to be sure that they run smoothly. How much difference would a new Athlon chip do me, and which would be the best dollar for dollar? Do I need a new one at all for gaming?

Currently running:

Radeon 9500 Pro overclocked at factory
512 of 3200 DDR Corsair memory
Santa Cruz - Turtle Beach audio
Asus A7n8x deluxe mobo
400w power supply w/ multiple fans

I would upgrade your video before upgrading the processor. A 1700 is going to run them okay.

Really? With the factory overclock, the 9500pro is equivalent to the 9700pro in every way.