I use it as a desktop PC, not as a server. The most demanding tasks
that I perform on it are capturing video from a camcorder to the
hard-disk, searching for files on the hard-disks without using indexing
service, and running many programs and opening numerous folder and
explorer windows simultaneously.
It sounds like you mostly need a new hard drive, not the
CPU. Capturing vide, searching, running the programs does
not in itself tax cpu much except particular programs. You
make no mention of any that are the particular problem so it
would see HDD is primary need and perhaps memory secondary.
Even so, in those uses a single CPU is usually faster when a
higher speed as the 1GHz is. If you had programs running in
the background at high priority it would help more to have 2
CPU.
Would you explain why the 1000 MHz P3 w/133FSB will be better than the
pair of 800 MHz P3 w/100FSB for typical desktop use?
Your described uses aren't so CPU intensive *as mentioned*,
and most apps are optimized for dual CPU, do not have
multilple threads at high CPU utilization particularly with
software someone finds manageable on a 400MHz system (or at
least DID find manageable up until now).
In a typical
desktop use, when performing a task that requires intensive processor
activity such as capturing real time video from a camcorder, will the
PC not distribute the processing load on both the CPU's while the pair
of 800-MHz processors is used, making it faster than while a single
1000 MHz processor is used in the same condition?
The board is built for that, so I am 90% sure.
Built for using a slocket in that config? Not necessarily.
It may work but I'd wonder about it more unless you have
specific evidence that it will in that exact configuration.
I am thinking of upgrading because it will cost 1/3rd of changing the
current cabinet,
Cabinet change isn't always necessary.
However, if your power supply isn't sufficient that may need
changed, but it might regardless as either described upgrade
would require more power from a now-aged power supply.
motherboard, RAM and processor combination;
Yes of course you will need to replace the parts that are
SLOW. It is a necessary thing to get signifiacant benefit.
Don't get me wrong, a 1GHz CPU will be sufficient for what
you've described as use of the system, but then you'll be
looking at replacing it all again eventually and could've
been running a faster system in the interim, delaying that
later upgrade more. Newer systems aren't just about
performance but there's the reliability factor, the newer
features such as USB2, firewire, SATA, AGP8X or PCI Express,
Gigabit Ethernet, ATA133?, etc.
and it is
better to keep a running system
How long will it run?
It's expected lifespan is about up. It could keep running
for a few more years, but may not. Azza is not a
particularly quality board either, though I admit I've never
seen their dual CPU boards.
than to sell it at 20% of its original
cost, even if we have decided to buy a new one.
Depreciation is irrelevant. Of course it's near worthless
for exactly the reason you and I mentioned- that it's slow
and it's lifespan is about up, in addition to it being
"used" in general which is certainly depreciation. That
it's resale value is so low is in itself another reason not
to upgrade it.
Regardless, I'd get the 1GHz CPU if it can be done cheaply.
If the hard drive is more than 3-4 years old I'd replace
that too.
