Getting a new CPU/Motherboard

Exonerate · Post by **Exonerate** » 2004-11-26 08:27pm

Half-Life 2 is out... and I need to upgrade my computer before I can actuallly run it above 3 fps. I went out and got a new graphics card, which should really help significantly, except my mobo is so old it doesn't have an AGP slot (Yes, it's that old).

Are there any recommendations on a good CPU/Mobo combination? Something that's decent, doesn't have to be bleeding edge. I'd prefer something under $100, although I guess a little over the limit wouldn't be unacceptable.

Praxis · Post by **Praxis** » 2004-11-26 08:39pm

I recommend compgeeks.com for mobos and CPU's. I built a PC after buying parts there.

phongn · Post by **phongn** » 2004-11-26 08:47pm

One issue is that when you upgrade your motherboard you often need new RAM as well. Try saving up for some more money first, $100 doesn't get you too much.

Ace Pace · Post by **Ace Pace** » 2004-11-27 04:42am

The main problem I see your going to have, if your PC is that old, it probebly needs also a new graphics card and RAM.

If you want something really budgety, try finding a Socket A motherboard with a Athlon XP 2000+, and a GF4 Ti.

SPOOFE · Post by **SPOOFE** » 2004-11-27 07:33am

Yes Socket A, no Athlon XP... pick up a Sempron. It's essentially an Athlon64 with 64-bit extensions turned off, and half the cache. Still got the memory controller chip, which gives it pretty bitchin' performance for games (well, for the price).

Check out this motherboard & CPU bundle... a Sempron 2800 and an Abit AN7, $105.

BabelHuber · Post by **BabelHuber** » 2004-11-27 08:42am

es Socket A, no Athlon XP... pick up a Sempron. It's essentially an Athlon64 with 64-bit extensions turned off, and half the cache.

Wrong. The Socket A Semprons are just renamed Athlon XPs. Up to now, the only Sempron which is a castrated AThlon64 is the Sempron 3100+, which is socket 754.

No Socket A CPU can be Athlon64-based, because the Athlon64 has its memory controller on-die, while Socket A has its memory controller on the mainboard nortbridge.

my mobo is so old it doesn't have an AGP slot... Are there any recommendations on a good CPU/Mobo combination? Something that's decent, doesn't have to be bleeding edge.

You don't just need a mobo and a CPU, but also a new power supply and new RAM at least, if your system is so old. This cannot be bought for $100 (perhaps if you buy used parts, but not new ones).

Besides, a new system doesn't feel fast if you reuse a very old hard drive.

I'd rather recommend to buy a whole new system.

Exonerate · Post by **Exonerate** » 2004-11-27 12:23pm

I've already picked up a new graphics card, and my RAM should be sufficient - if not, I can cannibalize it from other computers in my house.

I actually saw an ad on the newspaper for a 2800 Sempron and mobo today, for around $100... I'll get a power supply if I need it, and I've been thinking about formatting my HD anyways.

BabelHuber · Post by **BabelHuber** » 2004-11-27 06:01pm

my RAM should be sufficient

I don't know which CPU you currently have, but you need DDR RAM for the Sempron.

I also don't know if the mobo you want to buy demands an ATX 2.03 complient power supply, and if you have one.

darthdavid · Post by **darthdavid** » 2004-11-27 07:50pm

Whatever you get, avoid Tiger Direct like the plague. Use NewEgg if you're buying online. Best Store Ever.