NF7-S upgrade path

[RedPutty]

I have a NF7-S (I think version 2) running a 2500+ barton overclocked to about 3000+, what is the fastest CPU I can get for it?

I also have a 9800 pro and wonder if I were to upgrade that to a 6800gt would my cpu still be a bottleneck?

I have a vx912 the resolution is 1280x1024 and it pains me to run games in lower than native resolution but at full res they kinda chug with the specs I have now.

cheers

[BUFF]

best thing to get would be a Mobile, say an XP-M 2400+ or XP-M2500+.
That should readily get you to 2.4GHz & quite possibly a fair bit more.

Having said that you can probably get more out of your existing CPU than you have stated.

[Hottentot]

At 1280x1024 even with a faster CPU your 9800 pro will struggle. Sounds like you should consider buying a new mobo, processor and Graphics card to be able to play at 1280x1024.

[ed^chigliak]

A faster graphics card will give you access to higher resolutions but don't expect higher frame rates since you will probably be CPU limited. You could get the x800xl or 6800gt card and you should be sorted but if you can afford to make the change to PCIe and upgrade the whole job lot that's would be best in the long term. The prices of the 6800GT seem to be dropping and the x800xl has been <£200 for a while. If your next major upgrade is more than 12 months away then you'll get a fair bit of use out of the AGP card but you won't be taking it with you when you change to PCIe.

[SilentDeath]

I have a NF7-S (I think version 2) running a 2500+ barton overclocked to about 3000+, what is the fastest CPU I can get for it?

I also have a 9800 pro and wonder if I were to upgrade that to a 6800gt would my cpu still be a bottleneck?

I have a vx912 the resolution is 1280x1024 and it pains me to run games in lower than native resolution but at full res they kinda chug with the specs I have now.

cheers

Then turn the gfx down and put the res up!!!
I have no problem playing all the latest games on my 9500NP at 1280*1024. You just have to get the right balance in graphics, but never change the res!
Res makes little impact compared to other settings. Even at 1600*1200 (21" p1500) with my 9500np.

The only worth while upgrade path would be a new gfx card. Your cpu is good for a while longer. You really wont notice any difference between your o/c cpu and any other AXP. Wait untill you upgrade to AMD64.

[blockers]

How much RAM have you got?

[RedPutty]

Having said that you can probably get more out of your existing CPU than you have stated.

True, something is wrong with my HSF seating as its a volcano 11 xaser but my temps are high so i havent overclocked to its true potential. I struggled to fit it and so was reluctant (chicken!) to reseat it.

I should get my arse into gear and do it. If i break the mobo or something reseating it i'll have a good excuse for a new one.

If I can get 3200+ speeds from it then I can wait till dual cores are even cheaper before buying in. (drools... i want that smp goodness again).

Then turn the gfx down and put the res up!!!

I like pretty graphics. I dont like jaggies either.