Is this CPU & Memory upgrade worth it?

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fubak

Supreme [H]ardness
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I currently have an MSI motherboard (can't remember the model, and it's at home) It's max CPU is XP3000+ Barton and the max memory is PC2700.

Would this upgrade be worth it for gaming? If so, how much of an increase could I expect?

Currently running:
CPU: XP2000
Memory: 512MB PC2100


Upgrade in question:
CPU: XP3000 OEM - $100
Memory: 512MB PC2700 - $40 (link ) Is this good memory?

I may be able to get 2 sticks of 512MB memory, but it just depends on my $$ situation at the time.

What do you think of this upgrade?
 
Does your motherboard support the Barton core, that would be the first thing I would check.

Besides that it depends on where you want to be in terms of performance, in most cases it will be a pretty good jump in performance thanks to the newer processor with the faster bus speed, but if you are looking to play the top of the line FPS. Your money might be better saved towards a rehaul.
 
Yeah, it supports the Barton core thanks to a BIOS flash that MSI released last year.

Ok, here's my gaming situation...

I play CS:S and Doom3 on this rig. Not a lot, but that's mainly from performance frustrations. In CS the FPS ranges from <30-54~ (54 is when nothing is going on). But even CS is too choppy at times.

My max FPS in Doom3 is 32, but that is rare. I'm usually around 15-20. Way too choppy for that sort of game.

I don't plan on doing my major overhaul for another year or more. I'm expecting that to cost me around $1,000 or so. Would I see a big performance jump with this CPU/Memory upgrade?
 
I think you will expect a pretty good increase in performance by doubling your ram. Also, a processor upgrade to a 3000+ would probably increase your overall system performance. Probably increase the FPS in your games a fair bit. It would be good to upgrade the processor for games that will be coming out in the near future. It's also a small price to pay for the increase in performance you will get. If i had that amount of money around and had your computer, I would definately go for it.

I've never used OCZ before for memory, but from what I've heard in the forums they're a pretty reliable company...but I would check around in the memory forums about OCZ...just in case.

Good luck on your upgrade,
...Dan
 
have you thought about OCing your current cpu and getting another 512 stick of ram?

clark
 
I'm not too keen on OCing. I don't have the $$ to replace burnt out parts or whatever, so I normally steer clear of it.

I would need to get a better CPU Fan and stuff too b/c my current system runs around 70 celcius at times.
 
fubak said:
Have you tried Doom3 to see how well it does there?

Thanks for the link!
Click to expand...

Sorry, no I haven't bought Doom3, but I did just install SW Republic Commandos and Chronicles of Riddick, both are smooth as butter at highest settings and some AA/AF.
 
Jeriko_Cherry said:
Sorry, no I haven't bought Doom3, but I did just install SW Republic Commandos and Chronicles of Riddick, both are smooth as butter at highest settings and some AA/AF.
Click to expand...

I think you answered my question. I'm seriously considering doing it now and also formatting the machine and keeping it as a dedicated gaming rig. Thanks for the input.
 
Did you just say that a barton 2000+ was running at 70C??????? Christ, my Prescott 3.0 runs at that heat! Is it possible that your heat problem is causing the chip to throttle down? Do older xp's have a throttle down function? I know the prescotts do, but not sure about older amd hardware. Might even want to consider getting a better hsf anyway, especially if you are going to pick up a new proc.
 
Athlon XPs never throttle. The "Thermal throttling" option in some BIOS types is just a shutoff temperature with a lousy name. The upgrade is probably not worth it, save a bit more and do a system overhaul with a Socket 939 board and Athlon 64. If you must just upgrade the CPU and RAM, don't get PC2700, get PC3200. It will run fine at 166/333 speeds and will still be usable after your next upgrade. PC2700 won't.
 
Epicenter said:
Athlon XPs never throttle. The "Thermal throttling" option in some BIOS types is just a shutoff temperature with a lousy name. The upgrade is probably not worth it, save a bit more and do a system overhaul with a Socket 939 board and Athlon 64. If you must just upgrade the CPU and RAM, don't get PC2700, get PC3200. It will run fine at 166/333 speeds and will still be usable after your next upgrade. PC2700 won't.
Click to expand...

Is PC3200 the highest I can go?

Is this RAM good? What's a good timing? (2.5-3-3-7)

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820146917
 
Timings do fuck all for performance-- don't make a buying decision based on them. Get your regular Corsair Value Select DDR400/PC3200, buy 2 identical sticks (like 2 x 512 MB ones) for dual channel. I wouldn't go with OCZ myself, it's a mere $4 more for Corsair or Kingston, and their compatibility track record is superior.
 
That upgrade is good if you are very unsatisfied with current performance and you realize that it is a stopgap sort of upgrade. I would get some good PC3200 RAM from Crucial or Corsair to go with it, as you might be able to use it again when you upgrade more fully. I ignore most timings, but the lower the CAS rating the better.

I like the corsair value select...
 
Does the Barton have the integrated memory bus like the A64?
 
How much difference does the ECC and Registered features make?

If I remember correctly, ECC has something to do with Error Correcting and is mainly for servers? No idea what the Registered/Unbuffered is for though. :(
 
You don't want registered or ECC. Your motherboard probably won't work with them either because they are both server-type technologies. The first Athlon FX's required registered DIMMs as I recall.

I know that ECC is for error-checking and it slows it down. I'm not familiar with registered functionality.
 
I just ordered two of the Corsair ValueSelect 512MB PC3200 sticks and a XP3000+ Barton CPU with fan.

Two more questions:
1. Is the retail fan good enough for non-OCing?

2. I am going to wipe this computer and put XP Pro on it. It will be dedicated to gaming and nothing else. Is there a guide or some recommendations on what to do when formatting and installing XP Pro for this setup?
 
Sunborder said:
Did you just say that a barton 2000+ was running at 70C??????? Christ, my Prescott 3.0 runs at that heat! Is it possible that your heat problem is causing the chip to throttle down? Do older xp's have a throttle down function? I know the prescotts do, but not sure about older amd hardware. Might even want to consider getting a better hsf anyway, especially if you are going to pick up a new proc.
Click to expand...
Actually, there has never been a Barton 2000+ (though there were Thorton 2000+ CPUs late in the XP 2000+ product cycle). And if that 2000+ CPU runs at 70°C, it's most likely a Palomino core (of which AGOIA and AROIA were the only known steppings in the 2000+ speed). And in between, there were many Thoroughbred-B core XP 2000+ CPUs manufactured.
 
fubak said:
Is the retail fan good enough for non-OCing?
Click to expand...
If you're talking about the XP 3000+'s retail fan, then yes. It's adequate, as long as you don't overclock your CPU by more than a few dozen MHz.
 
yes, the retail fan is capable of handling the 3000+ not overclocked because that is what it is designed for. It will be adequate for what you are using your computer for.

...Dan
 
ECC prevents errors but is considerably slower. Few nonserver boards can use it, and you don't want to buy it if you can avoid it. It's expensive.
 
fubak said:
How much difference does the ECC and Registered features make?

If I remember correctly, ECC has something to do with Error Correcting and is mainly for servers? No idea what the Registered/Unbuffered is for though. :(
Click to expand...

Your board won't support those features. You don't need them anyway. Memory that supports that technology is generally slower and designed for server/commercial units.

The Barton 3000 is a good choice if you want to hold out for a year. Adding more memory is a damn good use of your cash too. I would avoid the value select ram, and be carefull if your going to keep the ram you've got now. The two rams will only work as fast as the slowest chips. Plus that can lead to compatibility problems.
 
Sir-Fragalot said:
Your board won't support those features. You don't need them anyway. Memory that supports that technology is generally slower and designed for server/commercial units.

The Barton 3000 is a good choice if you want to hold out for a year. Adding more memory is a damn good use of your cash too. I would avoid the value select ram, and be carefull if your going to keep the ram you've got now. The two rams will only work as fast as the slowest chips. Plus that can lead to compatibility problems.
Click to expand...

The ValueSelect RAM is on it's way, but you're the first I've seen that says anything bad about it. You just had some bad experiences with it?

I'm replacing my current RAM with the new RAM.
 
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