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Thread ID: 78916 2007-05-02 08:31:00 Hardware ideas (for my own use) Myth (110) Press F1
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546302 2007-05-02 08:31:00 Well, the insurance has given me a price for the car (written off last week) and I have a car lined up that is less than insurance is paying out. Thinking I will upgrade my computer with some of the surplus.

This is current specs:
P4 2.66Ghz CPU
MSI mobo (P4MAM from memory)
Ti4200 AGP grafix
512MB RAM (DDR 400)
DVD writer (Liteon)
Enermax 425P PSU
2* 80GB drives (PATA)

Am thinking of getting something like this (just as upgrade, keeping case, PSU, DVD writer):
AMD 4400 x2
Mobo to suit (most likely Asus)
possibly grafix (nVidia maybe 6600 era)
Sata drive (Seagate)

Computer is NOT used for gaming, runs Linux only
Budget to be less than $1000

Ideas please

(Incidentally, having never used AMD or AMD x2 for that matter, anyone else using one? Do they run hot? Should I be looking at AMD?)
Myth (110)
546303 2007-05-02 09:06:00 If your not gaming and you run Linux only then what are you upgrading for?:) memphis (2869)
546304 2007-05-02 09:25:00 I have an AMD Athlon X2 4400 + and it is great!! Jack will say otherwise though :rolleyes: They do not run hot, mine is overclocked running at 2.7GHz at 1.55 core Voltage (stock 2.2, 1.35V) and I am still running the stock cooler, I am still yet to se it hit 55°C under these settings, for the average user stock spec is fine, so you will have no heat problems. The_End_Of_Reality (334)
546305 2007-05-02 09:35:00 I would keep the existing system and just increase the amount of RAM and upgrade the video card if you are only using it for Linux. :)

Keep the left over money and put it towards saving for a complete system upgrade in a year or two.
Jen (38)
546306 2007-05-02 19:44:00 If your not gaming and you run Linux only then what are you upgrading for?:)So because I don't game I can't upgrade?? Go to the back of the class dude ...

I have an AMD Athlon X2 4400 + and it is great!! Jack will say otherwise though :rolleyes: They do not run hot, mine is overclocked running at 2.7GHz at 1.55 core Voltage (stock 2.2, 1.35V) and I am still running the stock cooler, I am still yet to se it hit 55°C under these settings, for the average user stock spec is fine, so you will have no heat problems.Thank you, this is the kind of HELPFUL info Im after :)

I would keep the existing system and just increase the amount of RAM and upgrade the video card if you are only using it for Linux. :)

Keep the left over money and put it towards saving for a complete system upgrade in a year or two.Is not a new mobo, cpu, RAM, harddrive basically a complete upgrade? Im getting near the limits of upgrading on this computer (with its AGP slot) to the point where I am asking myself, is it worth it to throw more money at the old mobo, or build a new system based on a new mobo.
You can join memphis too btw :p

Im after more CPU power, to get that I need to change mobos, and so on. I use Gentoo, which requires a lot of code compiling (when I upgrade a package or whatever). Besides that, this current mobo/cpu package getting on 4 years old.. time to consider upgrade
Myth (110)
546307 2007-05-02 20:35:00 I have an AMD Athlon X2 4400 + and it is great!! Jack will say otherwise though :rolleyes: They do not run hot, mine is overclocked running at 2.7GHz at 1.55 core Voltage (stock 2.2, 1.35V) and I am still running the stock cooler, I am still yet to se it hit 55°C under these settings, for the average user stock spec is fine, so you will have no heat problems.

Please Note: I have never said an Athlon xxxx x 2 is no good. I have said, and still say, It lacks the resources to run one particular application.
I currently have a single 4000 cpu and it performs twice as good as a dual core 4200.

Multi core fans will be pleased to know I am about to order a quad core extreme.
I'm just balking at paying $2,000 for a cpu. M/B, cpu, ram, and vid cards and psu equals over $5000.
JJJJJ (528)
546308 2007-05-02 20:39:00 What in God's name are you going to do with a QUAD CORE CPU?

:eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:
chiefnz (545)
546309 2007-05-02 20:57:00 Thank you, this is the kind of HELPFUL info Im after :) No problem, happy I could help :thumbs:


Please Note: I have never said an Athlon xxxx x 2 is no good. I have said, and still say, It lacks the resources to run one particular application.
I currently have a single 4000 cpu and it performs twice as good as a dual core 4200.Well I will tell you something... I am currently playing FSX WITH_NO_ISSUES on my 4400 :2cents:
The_End_Of_Reality (334)
546310 2007-05-02 21:11:00 No problem, happy I could help :thumbs:

Well I will tell you something... I am currently playing FSX WITH_NO_ISSUES on my 4400 :2cents:

Well good on you. Bet your display settings are near minimum. And no addons.

Very few serious players use fsx.

fs9 with about 10 gigs of addons is the way to go.

My copy of fsx is sitting on the shelf gathering dust.

BTW. Have you had a look at Milford Sound in fsx?
JJJJJ (528)
546311 2007-05-02 21:24:00 I would keep the existing system and just increase the amount of RAM and upgrade the video card if you are only using it for Linux. :)

Keep the left over money and put it towards saving for a complete system upgrade in a year or two.

Myth, I would do as Jen says. With 1 Gb RAM your system would be plenty fast for your use. Also a 19in LCD monitor, plus a good set of speakers if you don't already have them. And what about a good desk and chair? I see many people spend heaps on hardware and software but ignore ergonomics.

There is also formatting and reinstalling the OS to get that 'new feel'.
See also my web page for tweaks to speed up your pc - all free.
Strommer (42)
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