pc upgrade

[keito]

could someone give me his advice about wich of these components is not performant?
I need to upgrade my pc
MB: asus a7n8x-x
Scheda video: Asus Nvidia Gforce 4 Ti 4400
Scheda audio: Creative Audigy 5.1
Processore AMD 1800+
Satmodem pci
Pinnacle PcTv rave
Masterizz.: Plextor 24-10-32
Masterizz.: dvd Panasoniclf-d310 (velocità 1x)
768mb Ram (pc 2100)

PS: consider that I use it for video editing and playing.

Thanks. :)

[Bill Clo]

From looking at the ASUS website, your motherboard can accept up to an 3000+ processor. Either Barton or XP Tbred-B...that XP 1800 you have is a bit old and slow.

I have no idea what processors cost in Italy, but you'd best be served with an processor upgrade. Ram doesn't look bad - I do encodes with 512MB, but some folk want 1GB. What kind of budget do you have to work with, and what are local stores/or mail order places selling processors for?

I'd say that at the least, go for an XP 2700/333 or higher.

[keito]

Hi,
money's not a big problem hopefully, Normally I use my pc for Encoding, ripping, playing divx and games, all these things at the same time:D
Si Iwas wondering if it'd be better to change my cpu or my Ram. Consider that my mb supports up to 400mhz ram.
In your opinion what shoul'd I change first?

Thanks for your reply. :)

[Bill Clo]

I am under the impression that large amounts of RAM don't help all that much with encoding, but processor speed certainly does. I'd suggest splurging and getting the fastest processor you can affort.

It looks like you're using DDR2100 memory (266mhz). If you go to a faster FSB processor, you'll want fast memory to go with it. Are you planning to overclock? If not, you can get 1GB of decent PC 27000 memory (Crucial) 2x256MB modules @ $77 USD each). If you go with the PC3200 (400 mhz bus), it's about $93 for a 512MB module.

XP 2700/333 processors can be had for around $110-115 USD, or an Barton 3000 processor for $198 USD...

[keito]

yes, I'm planning to do such a thing :)

[Solo]

Looks like a very nice system. The memory should be DDR400 though and a faster CPU will be better for encoding ... enjoy.

[keito]

I've bought an Athlon barton 2500+ and I'd like to verclock it at 3200 but it seems impossible. I've had to reset the cmos several times without reaching the good combination. I'd thought overclocking to be so difficult (maybe 'cause I'm a newbe). :)

[Bill Clo]

Was it a recent production Barton? Reason I ask is that the newer production 2500s are multiplier locked, though it appears that you can still raise the FSB up.

Most overclocks of Barton 2500s seem to be around 2.1 - 2.2 ghz. Try 10x200 setting or thereabouts. Make sure your BIOS is the most recent, and that it supports the multiplier setting you want.

What cooling are you using, and what kind of temperatures are you getting? Power supply wattage and what brand?

You might check these forumns out and see if they can help you:

http://forums.amdmb.com/forumdisplay.php?forumid=4

http://forums.anandtech.com/index.cfm?NoCookies=Yes

[spolja]

I suggest faster HDD('s) (WD Raptor or RAID 0).

[Solo]

All Bartons 2500+'s post week 39 of this year are locked and now way around yet.

[keito]

Originally posted by Solo
All Bartons 2500+'s post week 39 of this year are locked and now way around yet.

so should I only increase the FSB?

[Solo]

Originally posted by keito
so should I only increase the FSB?

Yes - it is all you can do to overclock it now. Just like Intel overclocking now. But it's not that serious as the average FSB you'll get stable without serious cooling is 220 anyway which is about the average 2500+ Barton overclock.