(newbie) Recommendations CPU, GPU, etc

colossus

Hey guys im a real newbie when it comes to this stuff!

Right now I have,

Process 1.0 ghz, thunderbird.

MOBO GA-7VAXP, gigabyte.

RAM 256DDR 2100 512DDR 2700

Temp is 47 - 55, generic case fan.

GPU 9700 Pro, Radeon ATI.

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I'd like to know for upgrading purposes, do I need all new stuff some new stuff?

If my mobo is still good how fast of a CPU can I get and what kind?

should I scrap the RAM I have or and switch to something fast or stick with 2700 and just get another 512?

Is my box to hot? should I get another fan? if so whats a quiet one?

Will the 9700 Pro push it for me? I score 4100 on 3dMark 03 as it is now (the CPU test just kills me) if that counts for anything.

Or should I just wait and see what comes out?

What about hyper threading?

and UPS's?

craig588

whats your price range? I recomend you get a whole new mobo/CPU/ram set. You'll probably have to get a new, better, cooler too.

I can think of a few setups depending on how much you want to spend and if you want to overclock.



Hyperthreading makes one CPU act like 2, its good for running multiple apps, but bad for games.

I never use a UPS, just a few serge protectors and a line condioner. (and I only use the line conditioner because I got it for free)

IronChisel

I agree with Craig588, I think a CPU/Mobo/RAM combo is the way to go.

colossus

Thanks for the fast replies guys.

So you think new everything but you didnt drop me any help on what to get!

and lets say my price range is say 2000 give or take a few hundred.

Second thing. With the release of HL2 and Doom coming up what would it take to get my rig up to speed as it is now to play those games (and enjoy) them. Im looking for the least money since this would just be a tempoary solution.

craig588

whoa, 2k is alot. thats not a problem.

I recomend:
2500+ barton 85$
thermalright slk-900U 45$
92MM vantec tornado 20$
NF7-S rev2 120$
512M of mushkin ram 200$ (The ram is debateable, different people like different brands)

I'll find newegg links for all of them if you want me to. This system will last upto and past doom2 and half life 2. It will probably play the gernaration of games after them with no problem either.

colossus

Wow 500 bucks?

Is that american? and only 512?

any linked sites?

craig588

Ram: http://www.newegg.com/app/viewproduc...82E16820146296

CPU: http://www.newegg.com/app/viewproduc...82E16819103378

Mobo: http://www.newegg.com/app/viewproduc...82E16813127143

Heatsink: http://www.newegg.com/app/viewproduc...82E16835109011

Fan: http://www.newegg.com/app/viewproduc...82E16811999613


You might be able to combo some of these items, or get a free t-shirt too.

EDIT: I just checked, no combos, but you can get a shirt.

PoopyTheJ

I agree with Craig but grab a Gig of Ram. You'll be glad you did!

Bane the ECF

Instead of the super-pricey Mushkin Level 2, you'd probably be okay getting Corsair XMS LLPT-series RAM instead. You could get 1GB of PC-3200 RAM for $300. It'll save you some money, and it'll be worth your while.

Of course, if you seriously want to spend $2000 on a new system this is how *I* would set it up, case and everything (all priced at www.newegg.com):

Thermaltake Xaser III V2000A All-Aluminum SuperATX Case w/ *7* case fans incl. ($160)
Antec TRUE480 Power Supply ($85)
ABIT IS7, Intel 865PE Motherboard ($110)
Intel Pentium 4 3.0GHz 800MHz FSB HyperThreading ($392)
Thermalright SLK-900U CPU Heatsink ($55)
Vantec Tornado 92MM CPU Fan ($20)
Corsair 1GB (2x512MB modules) TwinXMS PC-3200LLPT DualDDR-ready ($300)

Total Price: $1122 and a wet dream!


Bane

colossus

$2000 was $2000 CAN, equals $1300 US

Ive got a VAV 465w power supply. Is this any good?

and a friend of mine said AMD is bring out its 64mb chips in april any truth to this?

Bane the ECF

The first AMD64 "HammerClaw" chips should be out this month....supposedly.