XP or A64?

[Archer36]

Well guys im stuck, my old computer is a 1800+, 512mb Kingston PC3200, ATi 9000 Pro. I really want to upgrade this computer to match my main system a P4 2.8E @ 3.08, Ati 9500 Pro, 1 gig of Patriot PC3200.

Now I could buy just a new a new Athlon XP processor for my current motherboard, but I worry if its going to hurt me in the long run as Athlon XP's seem to be getting older, and If i shove down 80-100 on a new 3000+. So I was planning on getting a new motherboard and possibly a 3000+ 400fsb or 3200+ to try to match the speed of my P4 system. But I was looking things over and im wondering if I should save up for a little while and go with a new A64 system.


------Important part---------
Now keep in mind I have almost no money. So If i was going to go the A64 route what would you guys suggest for CPU/Mobo/Vid card? I am into heavy gaming and want it to run BF2 smoothly and I want it to match the preformance in gaming as my P4 system.T

If you wondering why don't I use the P4 system, the problem with the P4 system is it weighs 38 lbs and is a pain to move with all the Water cooling and stuff.

Thanks

[don256us]

I had the same dilemma. I decided to go with an XP-M. I figure that this upgrade will keep me going for another year maybe two before I have to shell out big $$$ again. I spent $80 and have a machine that runs faster than I've ever had.

[ajrettke]

Well, for advice on what your asking, I agree with don256 on the XP-M idea.

Now for other advice...why do you have 2 computers? is one for your someone else to use while your on yours? Because if you don't need it I'd sell it...and folding is a good cause, but I think the money spent in electricity/hardware would be better left donated to cancer research.

[Archer36]

In the real world, how much faster is a A64 3200 compaired to a Athlon XP 3200? Is PCI-E worth it, It seems there are no good midline PCI-E cards, but then again i have not reserched them much at all.

ajrettke you posted almost at the same time as me, so in reply I have two computers because one is for my friends if they want to come over and do some gaming. Also it used to act as my "traveling" computer, because my main one is so heavy and tips over.

Now with the XP-M I have a crappy motherboard, a ECS L7S7A2 and it will not support a 400 mhz fsb, and the 333fsb is listed as "Overclocking".

[ajrettke]

it's faster, but not worth the added cost of the CPU and a new motherboard that's for sure. PCI-E....I want to say your right about the mid line cards. The only card I can think of which performs decent is the 6600GT, I've heard you can find them for under 150 bucks, which would be fair

[Archer36]

Well I was searching around here and it looks like the ABIT NF7-S V2.0 was the favorite, does that support a XP-M? I probably won't be OC'ing to much so if there are other mobo out there cheaper and are stable im open to suggestions.

[CobraXP]

well if it makes any difference i just want from a XP-m 2500+ (1.8ghz) to a x64 3200+ (2.0Ghz) and i am SO glad i made the change, its a world of difference.

[aeiou]

Why are you considering an xp-m if you aren't overclocking?

[Archer36]

Why are you considering an xp-m if you aren't overclocking?If I got a XP-M I would be OC'ing it. Now If I went the A64 path, 939 or 754? The 754 procs seem cheaper according to pricewatch.

[Blueacid]

They are phasing out socket 754, as a result, the motherboards and processors are cheaper. Socket 939 is what AMD is moving to, i'm afraid.

Think of socket 423 for the first P4's :)