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Recommend me an upgrade path?

A

adamfelker

Gawd
Joined
Feb 19, 2002
Messages
686
Well it's been a few years since I last upgraded my system, and it's getting to be necessary. Unfortunately I've been out of the hardware loop for awhile, so I'm pretty much in the dark now. So what I'd like is a recommendation on the cheapest upgrade path that would still give me respectable/good performance in new/upcoming games (D3, HL:2, etc). For now, I think I'd like to stick to an AMD-based system (but am not averse to a P4-system). Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated!

For reference, my current system is based on the following vital components:
MSI KT3 Ultra
Athlon XP 1800
768MB PC2700
Gainward GF4 ti4400
 
The nforce2 boards have come way down and there are some good values from members here that are changing hardware for whatever reason. Personally I'm a fan of the abit NF7 boards as they offer a lot of headroom for mild-to-wild modification, and are great boards stock. Those can be found new retail for less than $100, and can probably be gotten near-new here for 75 bux or less if you watch. The DFI Infinty's are good as well and have similar pricepoints. An xp2500+ is still a great value for the buck, again around $75. Make that a 25-2600 Mobile for slightly more (because of overclockability) and that pair right there is gonna give you xp3200+ speeds right off the bat. A locked 2500 Barton will do that with abit stock bios settings. You could see how those like your ram since on a budget, but it will be a bottleneck for high performance eventually. You can get a good nVidia 5900 card for less than $200, and with a little easy soft-modding you can geat a great card that will run current and upcoming games very well. Setting $350 as a ceiling will get you greatly upgraded performance and working within that budget and looking for deals you can find them for less. That 'less' that you save should go towards an upgraded HS/F(important!), power supply and better ram. Then you have a faster more effient hdd, aluminum case for better heat transfer, etc, etc, and oh.....etc...:)
 
I'm wondering if it would be possible to hang onto the Geforce4 for the meantime? My card will reach 4600 speeds quite easily so if I could keep that card it would really cut down on the cost of an upgrade. Is this a realistic plan, or would a 4400 be too much of a bottleneck in a new system?

EDIT: Also, what about Newegg's refurbed parts? Anyone have experience with them (not newegg, just the refurb parts specifically)?
 
The ti's are good cards but fast aging technology. The one you have won't be a 'bottleneck' per se as its still very useable for lots of things. It'll play UT 2k4 ok, but probably won't run Doom3 worth a damn. Upgrade as your budget allows and read a lot..there is a ton of really good info from members here. Refurbs are like OEM....you takes yer chances and sees whatcha get. Check what warranties apply, etc, *caveat emptor *
 
Get the Nvidia 6600GT that's coming out, they are FAR better than the current 200 dollar cards.
 
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