New Computer part choice : Updated

[Treebeard]

okay existing machine is
athlon xp 1800
512mb pc2700

want to spend a little(60-90) dough. which would you get

new cpu = Athlon XP 2600
OR
more memory = 512mb pc2700 chip


just curious what others would choose.

[Dr. DOS]

512 is pretty good... for me a bump in processing power would be in order. (However will MB support it?)

[Treebeard]

my mobo can take up to a XP 3000 (333mhz)
and up to 3gb of mem.

[Dr. DOS]

What are you leaning towards?

[redwudz]

I'd go for a faster CPU. I have a XP1800 and my new system is a XP2500 Barton. It made a world of difference in encoding times. Of course I have DDR3200 memory, which helps.

On the other hand, when I increased the memory to 1G from 512M, I only noticed a fairly small increase. And not in encoding speed, but the ability to run more programs simultaneously.

The 2600 SEMPRON or XP would be right in your price catagory, and would be a big improvement using your present motherboard and memory.

Just a note: The AMD XP CPUs are being phased out and replaced by the SEMPRON CPUs. I liked the Barton because it has a 512 cache, but it appears to be on the way out too.

[Treebeard]

would like a new CPU, but memory is a little cheaper

[Treebeard]

the sempron has smaller cache size. 256 as opposed to 512 for the xp 2600.

i thought semprom was to XP what celeron is to pentium??

If I am right I dont want the sempron.

[redwudz]

Yes, the SEMPRON has a 256 cache. But you didn't say which version of the XP2600 you were contemplating. There are three. One has the Barton core. The other two have the 256 cache. Be careful to get the Barton version, if that's what you want. They are becoming rare. Also make sure your MB will accept the Barton version as not all do.

[Treebeard]

Okay, going w/ a new processor.

I bought a thermaltake volcano 10 cooler for my new cpu & some artic silver 5, also got 2 more case fans & 2 more round ide cables.

but now I have about 65 left for a processor.

looking for a good oem CPU in that pricerange.
XP 2500??
Mobile 2500??

suggestions??

[bazooka]

I would go for the XP 2500.

The athlon XP is now being phased out so you might be able to get a good deal.

[Treebeard]

Thats what I was thinking, 2500 or 2600 barton oem on ebay as long as there is a short warranty and return policy.

Cant wait to get my parts above, only spent 36 on all those listed above, really want to try out that cpu cooler.

[Treebeard]

Just got a Barton 2600+ on ebay for $54.
hmmmm.. maybe have enough to pick up a window kit for my case, only $10 more.

buying toys is addictive.

[Faustus]

Nice nice, I have 512mb with a 3000+ and it rules so your good to go.