Recommendations for processor if gaming isn't an issue?

[nirvanayoda2]

I do emulation, etc, but no heavy computer based games. Recently, my computer has hiccuped a few times at starting after lightning knocked our power out. It didn't want to start, and froze before i could even get to the bios settings.

So since it's been about a year and a half since i built a system, i figured why not. My question is, since i don't do gaming, should i go for the Ath 64 2800+ or the Intel 2.8C ? Everyone here seems obsessed with gaming and the like...and actually, in all honesty, my current processor is fast enough for me.

Right now i have an Athalon XP 2100+ thoroughbred not overclocked at all. It does overclock awesome (i don't recall how far up i got it as i did it the week i bought it and never again, but it impressed me), but i have no need to do so, and i'm afraid to make it's life shorter. So overclocking really isn't something i'm concerned with either.

Should i bother upgrading, and if so, would the chips above even provide a noticeable difference for what i use my computer for (mainly internet surfing, some audio recording software, etc)?

[jonspd]

If your not shooting for overclocks, gaming performance, 3dmark score's, etc I dont see any need in upgrading your current system unless you wanta have something the sound better or runs app's faster.


I wouldn't go as high as a 64 or 2.8 if you where to upgrade maybe just a nforce and barton or something unless money isnt a issue.

[nirvanayoda2]

You're probably right...i should probably wait to see if it refuses to start again, THEN do the upgrading if necessary. I just get paranoid because i hate going without a PC. And you're right...i can afford it, but i'd rather spend the money on other things.

I might upgrade my ATI All in Wonder RADEON to the ATI AIW RADEON 9000 PRO though, that way i can have a remote.

Does everyone else agree with this line of thought, or does anyone think i should upgrade?

[OC Detective]

Welcome to the forums! - well you kind of answered your own question - if you dont need the extra speed then no point upgrading and even if you were I would only suggest getting a low end Barton or a new cheap compatible mobo (depending on which is found to be faulty from the lightning strike).

[Sjaak]

skip the celerons when looking for a cheap CPU...they suck very badly. Get a cheap athlon XP if you really feel the need to upgrade.

[shortyes]

AMD XP is the way to go if youw ant cheap but decent computing

[Steven4563]

what do u use the computer for if its nothing apart from searching the net and office work id keep the 2100+ and spending the money on something else :)

[bradleyland]

I just recently went from an Athlon 1900+ to a 2800+, and let me tell you, the change in FSB speed makes a very big difference. It's like my computer just got a new lease on life. My applications start faster and everything seems smoother. I only spent $120 on the 2800+ with the AMD OEM cooler (which I should have skipped because now I plan on overclocking). It was a worth while investment.

My usage is primarily application based as well. I'm a web developer, so I run Dreamweaver, Fireworks, and Photoshop a lot. The 2800 improved almost every aspect of my system.

When I play games, they're usually older or lower level titles (Tribes 2, Live for Speed, etc). Now that I've upgraded to the 2800, I've given some newer titles a try and have been very happy with the result, even though this is not the primary purpose of my computer.

[Busty St. Clair]

bradleyland i think it might not be the fsb that made the difference it may be the doubled cache.

[alothekiller]

Just get an Athlon Xp the 2500+ is $96 or something at new egg ;)

[donedeal123]

upgrade the graphic card to 9600xt aiw. so that you computer is up to date and instead of a new chip oc that puppy. maybe add a raid setup as these things will bring out that beast you have lockup in virgin mode. what type of board you have and heatsink as it is not noted. for about 220 for these upgrades if you search and get it while on sale.

[CPL.Luke]

if you end up desiding to build a new computer but want something similar to what you had before the barton 2500+ is the best way to go I looked into grabbing a 2000+ but found the 2500+ is similar in price

[nirvanayoda2]

donedeal123:

I just tried overclocking it. I'm up to 1.88 ghz with 150 FSB and a 12.5 multiplier. Seems quite stable here...but if i up the FSB, it gets unstable. Is this a pretty decent overclock or should i attempt more?

Heatsink fan: Thermaltake Volcano 7+
Arctic Silver Heatsink
Mobo: Epox 8rda
Crucial 512 MB stick of DDR 2700 ram
Processor: AMD XP2100 revision B

I think that's all the necessary info, but feel free to ask for more if it helps, as i appreciate your help.

[Private Joker]

You may want to check your stability with Prime 95 (http://www.hardware-city.com/index.php?templateid=download&file=81), if you want to keep it overclocked. Just run the torture test for about 24hours. If it doesnt fail, your system is stable. Check your Temps, too. I dont know what the temp limit for AMD is...maybe one of the AMD-guys out here can tell!?

[Steven4563]

dont go above 55C full load

if your temps are ok up the voltage alittle bit and the FSB :D

[PCGUY112887]

Maybe you should get into games... to ya know release the stress.... It feels good to run around like a madman shooting anything you see move :)

[Docta_Z]

Athlon XP!

Mobile even!