CPU Advice

[Koolpc]

I have currently got an AMD Barton 3200 CPU running with 1g of DDR400 ram. (With an FX5200 128mb Graphics card. Don't laugh!).

I am not sure wether or not to upgrade to an A64 set up! If so, which 939 AMD CPU should i opt for? Should i try to get a Winchester 3500 or go for a newer type?

Money is an issue as i don't want to spend a lot! I know i may have to buy a new graphics card if i went PCi-Express.

I do play games but not a lot. Any help would be great. Ta

[herulach]

If youre not dead set on A64, then a new gpu would probably be a better option, you still have the option to go 64bit if you like (although youd probably have to dump the agp card to go X2, im not sure what they play like with nf3 boards). IMO if you want to go 6800GT kind of area, then get AGP, upgrade to 64 in about a years time, then well be well into the next gen of gpus and you can go pci-e then. (Remember you can keep the same proc)

If you do go A64 dont get a winchester, get a venice/san diego, much better overclockers and run cooler.

[Koolpc]

Thanks herulach.

So, my present CPU seems ok then? Maybe a new Graphics card instead?

[sawyen]

Not exactly,

Unless you're willing to stick with AGP for the next year or 2

Getting a fast graphics card now would mean you'll have to port it to your next system (if you're not the ultra rich type that's willing to dump a perfectly capable gfx card).

Getting a decent A64 isnt exactly a bad idea. You could spend £80 on a retail 3000+ venice if you shop around. A good PCI-E board that supports SLi for about another 80 quid. Then add in a decent card for the next 8 months, say a x800xl or x800gto.. that should keep your games running for at least 16 months if you're not picky on res and candy detail..

If you're going the AGP route.. you'll end up like me. AGP based mobo can only get this good... Unless you're willing to wait till someone else comes up with ULi's TGI mobo (other than Asrock)

[herulach]

My point being that if you go A64 with that gpu then theres no point whatsoever, it all depends on what your future upgrade plans are. and how much you have to spend this time round.

[Koolpc]

These SLI boards, do you have to have 2 Graphics cards running on them or can you use just one card?

[Jinx]

You can quite happily use one card, and then add another at a later date should finances allow.