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MemoryInAGarden
2[H]4U
- Joined
- Oct 26, 2003
- Messages
- 4,067
I'm looking to upgrade from the system in my sig. Generally, I'm satisfied with the single-thread performance. It games, encodes, and does everything I need to do just fine. The catch is that I can't even leave a web browser open while I'm gaming or the FPS just sinks to nothing. I'm looking for an expensive fix to this problem without pouring too much money into a dead platform. Apparently, I don't have too many economical options.
Here are some things I'd like in the upgrade, in order of priority
1) Multitasking performance. After all, this is why I want something different. A dual-core system would be nice. For AMD, I'd have to spend around $600 for an entry level dual-core. With Intel, I could get an 820, which would be a slug in single threaded performance compared to what I have now, but then I would have to get a new video card and memory. Both my video card and memory are perfectly fine for now and there is no reason to upgrade them. How much better performance in multitasking would an A64 have, if any? The dual-cores are already out of contention. One point for ALL P4s with HT
2) I want platform longevity. This means I'd like 64-bit capability. PCIe would be nice, but it just isn't viable since I already have a 6800GT. This means I'm left with A64s and 64-bit P4s (if they will run on the 865/875 hybrid boards). One point for A64, Two points for the 6x0 P4s.
3) Heat reduction. I don't want something as hot as a S478 Prescott. I heard the S775 Prescotts are better. It heats up my workspace. This is ridiculous and my Northwood didn't pull this room heating shit. My mother asked me if I had the heater on in this room last night. Two points for A64, Two for Northwoods, Two for the 5x0 P4, anf Three for the 6x0 line
My real options in upgrading:
1) Buy a socket 478 chip with HT. All I would gain would be HT. No additional capabilities than what I have right now. Not overlocked, I would probably see a reduction in single threaded performance. I'd be throwing money into a platform which is already dead. This may not be the most cost effective, but it is the cheapest and most convenient solution.
2) Buy an 865/875 socket T hybrid motherboard, like a P5P800, and get a 5x0 or 6x0 chip (if they are supported) I This isn't a bad choice. It would allow me to keep my current memory and video card until they no longer perform well. I'd also be on the current P4 socket and could probably get 64 bit support, even if it is with a 5x1 series chip (I've not seen these in retail yet, but they are supposedly on the way.)
3) Buy a cheap socket 754 solution. Single threaded performance would probably be equal to or better than what I have now, depending on the chip used. Multi-tasking would be about the same, maybe slightly. I would have 64-bit capability, but probably couldn't use all 4 of my memory modules. This would be a viable choice if I didn't have 4 memory sticks.
4) Buy a low-end Venice chip and NF3 939 board. This wouldn't be a lot of money. I could stick a dual core in it when prices come down for the best multitasking and single threaded performance possible. I wouldn't have PCIe support, but there will probably be a 7800/R520 AGP part sometime down the line if the demand is high enough. This is probably the best overall option.
5) Wait. Pressler will be coming out and hopefully Intel will have ironed out some of the heat issues with current dual cores. Maybe AMD will introduce a cheap dual core that I can afford without such a prohibitive entry fee. Also, the more time that passes, the more obsolete my current system will be and there will be more justification for getting PCIe, DDR2, or whatever is current at the time.
What should I do?
Here are some things I'd like in the upgrade, in order of priority
1) Multitasking performance. After all, this is why I want something different. A dual-core system would be nice. For AMD, I'd have to spend around $600 for an entry level dual-core. With Intel, I could get an 820, which would be a slug in single threaded performance compared to what I have now, but then I would have to get a new video card and memory. Both my video card and memory are perfectly fine for now and there is no reason to upgrade them. How much better performance in multitasking would an A64 have, if any? The dual-cores are already out of contention. One point for ALL P4s with HT
2) I want platform longevity. This means I'd like 64-bit capability. PCIe would be nice, but it just isn't viable since I already have a 6800GT. This means I'm left with A64s and 64-bit P4s (if they will run on the 865/875 hybrid boards). One point for A64, Two points for the 6x0 P4s.
3) Heat reduction. I don't want something as hot as a S478 Prescott. I heard the S775 Prescotts are better. It heats up my workspace. This is ridiculous and my Northwood didn't pull this room heating shit. My mother asked me if I had the heater on in this room last night. Two points for A64, Two for Northwoods, Two for the 5x0 P4, anf Three for the 6x0 line
My real options in upgrading:
1) Buy a socket 478 chip with HT. All I would gain would be HT. No additional capabilities than what I have right now. Not overlocked, I would probably see a reduction in single threaded performance. I'd be throwing money into a platform which is already dead. This may not be the most cost effective, but it is the cheapest and most convenient solution.
2) Buy an 865/875 socket T hybrid motherboard, like a P5P800, and get a 5x0 or 6x0 chip (if they are supported) I This isn't a bad choice. It would allow me to keep my current memory and video card until they no longer perform well. I'd also be on the current P4 socket and could probably get 64 bit support, even if it is with a 5x1 series chip (I've not seen these in retail yet, but they are supposedly on the way.)
3) Buy a cheap socket 754 solution. Single threaded performance would probably be equal to or better than what I have now, depending on the chip used. Multi-tasking would be about the same, maybe slightly. I would have 64-bit capability, but probably couldn't use all 4 of my memory modules. This would be a viable choice if I didn't have 4 memory sticks.
4) Buy a low-end Venice chip and NF3 939 board. This wouldn't be a lot of money. I could stick a dual core in it when prices come down for the best multitasking and single threaded performance possible. I wouldn't have PCIe support, but there will probably be a 7800/R520 AGP part sometime down the line if the demand is high enough. This is probably the best overall option.
5) Wait. Pressler will be coming out and hopefully Intel will have ironed out some of the heat issues with current dual cores. Maybe AMD will introduce a cheap dual core that I can afford without such a prohibitive entry fee. Also, the more time that passes, the more obsolete my current system will be and there will be more justification for getting PCIe, DDR2, or whatever is current at the time.
What should I do?
