Considering this Upgrade..

[cascade]

Helo there!

Im considering an upgrade to my current system (see sig) which would be the following:

- Barton 2500+
- Geil 512MB 3200 Value
- Sapphire Radeon 9800 Pro 128MB
- Tagan 480W psu

Ive been reading the hexus boards for some time, and you all seem to know what ur on about So, was just wondering if all the above would definately be compatible etc.. and/or for your opinions before i part with the cash

Thanks in advance!

[mike_w]

I would change the Barton 2500+ to a Mobile Barton 2500+ since it should have oodles of overclocking ability (stock voltage of 1.45V). I would also try to wait for the next generation of graphics cards to come out before buying a new one, since you can either buy the new generation or buy the current generation for a power price.

Don't know anything about Geil RAM or the motherboard you have, so I can't comment on those.

[blockers]

That does look like it would be a good system. Depending on what you are doing? im guessing games, bit of overclocking, and some internet?

Also if you can give us the budget you are on we can give you a better idea of what would be more suitable.

Ideally i would go for:
Abit NF7-S (v2.0)
Xp2500-m (has lower voltage so is more overclockable)
2x256mb PC3200 Twinmoss (or OCZ/corsair and 2x512mb price depent)
9800 pro (they are cheap, and will overclock to XT)
CWT 430watt PSU from scan (absolute bargin!)

Hope this helps.

[mike_w]

That does look like it would be a good system. Depending on what you are doing? im guessing games, bit of overclocking, and some internet?

Also if you can give us the budget you are on we can give you a better idea of what would be more suitable.

Ideally i would go for:
Abit NF7-S (v2.0)
Xp2500-m (has lower voltage so is more overclockable)
2x256mb PC3200 Twinmoss (or OCZ/corsair and 2x512mb price depent)
9800 pro (they are cheap, and will overclock to XT)
CWT 430watt PSU from scan (absolute bargin!)

Hope this helps.

Apparently, TwinMOS RAM has compatibilty problems with nForce2 motherboards, and don't you mean 450W CWT? And how could I forget to recommend the NF7-S?!?!

[Korky]

I think twinMOS problems were old sticks with new boards and vise versa, but i dont see why u shouldnt pay £120 for the best card on the market! its not a massive spending so ull have plenty dosh for the next generation.

[Byatt]

I've used twinmos in three nf7-s systems and it's been absolutely fine.

If you want the tagan, buy it, it's a classy unit - I expect it's quieter than the CWT...the CWT is great value though - glad I don't have to make the choice. If you've got a noisy system get the CWT.

[blockers]

Apparently, TwinMOS RAM has compatibilty problems with nForce2 motherboards, and don't you mean 450W CWT? And how could I forget to recommend the NF7-S?!?!

I thought some was ok? but all the same there are loads of RAM manufactureres about..... pick one deffo compatible with nforce2 (check out the other RAM theard for a linky to nvidia site with compatibility.

I probably do mean 450watt hehe - btw that will be enough power for a nvidia 9800 Ultra (if thats why you are going for a 480watt PSU?) as it is a good brand (rebranded Antecs - which are the dogs danglies.)

And mike....../shakes head.....how could you have forgotten the Abit NF7-S....hehe

[mike_w]

I thought some was ok? but all the same there are loads of RAM manufactureres about..... pick one deffo compatible with nforce2 (check out the other RAM theard for a linky to nvidia site with compatibility.

http://www.nvidia.com/content/nForce...patibility.asp - there you go in case you can't find it

And mike....../shakes head.....how could you have forgotten the Abit NF7-S....hehe

I know, I know, I've let everybody down!

[cascade]

Thanks for the replies!

The most demanding use of the system would be games, but only other general usage.
Not really intending to overclock much, and ive a budget of about £350, and mainly looking for a new psu (hexus's forum's most hated Q-tec 550 currently resides and i want rid of it) and graphics.
Thot the quiet tagan seemed nice but shall look into CWT.
Not too bothered about new gen of cards, ti-4200 has done fine until now really, and im sure 9800 will do for another few years

As for ram / cpu fsb, would running 3200 with a 333 fsb be ok? I think motherboard auto adjusts for synchronous-ness

Thanks again for ur help!

[mike_w]

Running a 3200 with a 333FSB should be alright, although you'll obviously lose some of the speed. For £65, the NF7-S is a bargain, despite the fact I forgot about it in my first post!

[BUFF]

I changed from a CWT 450 to a Tagan 480.
The Tagan is definitely better - if you can afford the extra £15 or so (it come up regularly on Scan's specials) get it.

Oh & it is powering a 9800 Pro & an XP-M 2500+@2.7GHz

[LayZeh]

If the system is for gaming you shouldn't really be looking at anything less than 1GB of ram with the latest titles suggesting and soon to be released titles stating a minimum spec of 512MB.

twinMOS incompatibility is because of the chips they're using and the PCB for the latest revisions of the memory, older memory from twinMOS like the PCB that used BH5's is totally fine but rare these days and a bit of a golden oldie.