System Upgrade Guidance - HELP

[Carl]

Hi,

I'm sure you folks read this 10 times a day, but this 61 year old guy needs
some suggestions to upgrade my system. I haven't kept up to date on all
this new stuff since I built my current system 2 years ago. Thanks in
advance for your guidance.

I currently use Win 98SE that has slowed down a lot. Much of it probably
has to do with a lot of junk programs I don't use anymore. Plus massive
registry entries that are bogus.

I would like to move to XP and speed up my computer with a hot new mb and
cpu, plus switch out any other components that aren't compatible. I use my
computer for substantial graphic image work from my digital camera and run
GemCad for the design of facets used in cutting precious gems. A couple of
hobbies. My gaming days are about over, with slowed reflexes.

My current system is:

* MB Epox 8K7A+
* AMD 1.4g/266 cpu
* Thermaltake Volcano 7 Cooling
* 512mb Crutial RAM (2x256) DDR PC2100 CL=2.5 Unbuttered, non-parity, 2.5V
* Gainward GF3 64mb
* Enermax 350W Power Supply w/dual fans
* 80G Maxtor HD
* Plextor CD-RW 24/10/40A
* Pioneer DVD Player 16X
* Hercules/Fortissimo Sound Card
* Teac Floppy
* Logitech Optical Mouse
* Cooler Master ATX/Med ATC-201 SX w/personal killer casemod including:
window, lights, Dungeons and Dragons Figurines, etc. Very proud of my case.
* Sony 19" GMD-400PS

Any guidance would be greatly appreciated. I also realize that some of the
drivers will need to be upgraded to XP. Most of my software is old and not
used. Although I do use Office 97 Pro and need the Access db program.
Thanks again. Just have a need for speed.

Carl
O'Fallon, MO

 

[Timothy Daniels]

I currently use Win 98SE that has slowed down a lot....


I would like to move to XP and speed up my computer
with a hot new mb and cpu, plus switch out any other
components that aren't compatible. I use my computer
for substantial graphic image work...

Make a BIG jump since XP will cause a slow-down
from 98SE that could be annoying to you. Since you do
a lot of graphics, go for a gig of memory, too.

*TimDaniels*

 

[~misfit~]

Hi,

I'm sure you folks read this 10 times a day, but this 61 year old guy
needs some suggestions to upgrade my system. I haven't kept up to
date on all this new stuff since I built my current system 2 years
ago. Thanks in advance for your guidance.

I currently use Win 98SE that has slowed down a lot. Much of it
probably has to do with a lot of junk programs I don't use anymore.
Plus massive registry entries that are bogus.

I would like to move to XP and speed up my computer with a hot new mb
and cpu, plus switch out any other components that aren't compatible.
I use my computer for substantial graphic image work from my digital
camera and run GemCad for the design of facets used in cutting
precious gems. A couple of hobbies. My gaming days are about over,
with slowed reflexes.

My current system is:

* MB Epox 8K7A+
* AMD 1.4g/266 cpu
* Thermaltake Volcano 7 Cooling
* 512mb Crutial RAM (2x256) DDR PC2100 CL=2.5 Unbuttered,
non-parity, 2.5V
* Gainward GF3 64mb
* Enermax 350W Power Supply w/dual fans
* 80G Maxtor HD
* Plextor CD-RW 24/10/40A
* Pioneer DVD Player 16X
* Hercules/Fortissimo Sound Card
* Teac Floppy
* Logitech Optical Mouse
* Cooler Master ATX/Med ATC-201 SX w/personal killer casemod
including: window, lights, Dungeons and Dragons Figurines, etc. Very
proud of my case. * Sony 19" GMD-400PS

Any guidance would be greatly appreciated. I also realize that some
of the drivers will need to be upgraded to XP. Most of my software
is old and not used. Although I do use Office 97 Pro and need the
Access db program. Thanks again. Just have a need for speed.

Carl
O'Fallon, MO

Hi Carl,

Since I'm reading this in an overclocking NG I'd say you're not adverse to
the idea of overclocking.

My suggestion would be to get an AMD XP2500+, however much (at least PC3200)
RAM you need and an nForce 2 Ultra 400 chipset motherboard. I'm afraid your
PC2100 RAM just ain't gonna cut it in a reasonably fast system. (LOL, I
could use it in my file server though).

The XP2500+ runs an 11x multiplier (locked now unfortunately) and, with a
little vcore increase, will run at XP3200+ speed (200MHz FSB) without the
need for radical cooling. In fact the standard AMD HSF should work fine if
your killer case has good airflow. Of course, if you've got plenty moola you
can get a genuine XP3200+ but I wouldn't even if I had money flowing from my
backside. The 2500+ does the job nicely.

I personally use Soltek SL-75FRN2-L motherboards and love 'em. Haven't had a
problem with one yet.

The rest of your peripherals should be fine for now, including the PSU (if
it has the little square four-pin 12v motherboard plug). You can further
upgrade as the need arises.

Good luck. Not that you'll need it, from the sounds of that case you have
the skills needed to put it together.

 

[Gary Tait]

Hi,

I'm sure you folks read this 10 times a day, but this 61 year old guy needs
some suggestions to upgrade my system. I haven't kept up to date on all
this new stuff since I built my current system 2 years ago. Thanks in
advance for your guidance.

I currently use Win 98SE that has slowed down a lot. Much of it probably
has to do with a lot of junk programs I don't use anymore. Plus massive
registry entries that are bogus.

I would like to move to XP and speed up my computer with a hot new mb and
cpu, plus switch out any other components that aren't compatible. I use my
computer for substantial graphic image work from my digital camera and run
GemCad for the design of facets used in cutting precious gems. A couple of
hobbies. My gaming days are about over, with slowed reflexes.

My current system is:

* MB Epox 8K7A+
* AMD 1.4g/266 cpu
* Thermaltake Volcano 7 Cooling
* 512mb Crutial RAM (2x256) DDR PC2100 CL=2.5 Unbuttered, non-parity, 2.5V
* Gainward GF3 64mb
* Enermax 350W Power Supply w/dual fans
* 80G Maxtor HD
* Plextor CD-RW 24/10/40A
* Pioneer DVD Player 16X
* Hercules/Fortissimo Sound Card
* Teac Floppy
* Logitech Optical Mouse
* Cooler Master ATX/Med ATC-201 SX w/personal killer casemod including:
window, lights, Dungeons and Dragons Figurines, etc. Very proud of my case.
* Sony 19" GMD-400PS

Any guidance would be greatly appreciated. I also realize that some of the
drivers will need to be upgraded to XP. Most of my software is old and not
used. Although I do use Office 97 Pro and need the Access db program.
Thanks again. Just have a need for speed.

That system will run XP smootly. I run XP somewhat fine on an Athlon
XP1600+ with 128 Meg ram. The only real upgrade would be to upgrade
the CPU, if you think you need it.