OT: Bang for the Buck - Sim Upgrade?

Hey all.. If I have a few hundred dollars to burn, what would be a good upgrade do you think? Sort of offtopic, but I'm sure some others would be interested in the answers. Especially since it would sort of show what is the most important thing to spend money on. My current setup is: Athlon 1700+ XP Radeon 7500 64MB DDR. 17" Monitor 256MB PC133 RAM. Thrustmaster/Guillemot Ferrari FF Wheel. I don't have any problems with my wheel, but I would really like a new set of pedals maybe even with a clutch. A new shifter isn't really important to me since I play mainly rally games, so the sequential shifter or the paddles is fine enough. Some new DDR RAM (which I can also fit on my mobo) would be a nice upgrade too, and would probably benefit in performance over the current PC133 ram. A new video card maybe? Although I'm still happy with my current one.. A bigger monitor? Does a 21" monitor really help? I'd assume it would with sense of speed, and you could probably run wider FOV in GPL maybe? A new processor? So basically, if I could swap out any part of my system for a newer one (as a treat to myself) which should it be (in terms of bang for the buck)? Also, I only have a 20GIG hard drive.. maybe a new harddrive would be a priority? Mike http://mikebeauchamp.com

I'd go for a new video card, either the 8500LE or a 9700 if you have the money and maybe a new monitor. Processor looks pretty good and I'd doubt you would see a noticeable difference with DDR ram over PC133. Maybe add another 256. "Mike Beauchamp" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:GC7i9.42877$[email hidden]... > Hey all.. > If I have a few hundred dollars to burn, what would be a good upgrade doyou > think? Sort of offtopic, but I'm sure some others would be interested inthe

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> answers. Especially since it would sort of show what is the most important > thing to spend money on. > > My current setup is: > Athlon 1700+ XP > Radeon 7500 64MB DDR. > 17" Monitor > 256MB PC133 RAM. > Thrustmaster/Guillemot Ferrari FF Wheel. > > I don't have any problems with my wheel, but I would really like a new set > of pedals maybe even with a clutch. A new shifter isn't really important

to > me since I play mainly rally games, so the sequential shifter or thepaddles

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> is fine enough. > > Some new DDR RAM (which I can also fit on my mobo) would be a nice upgrade > too, and would probably benefit in performance over the current PC133 ram. > > A new video card maybe? Although I'm still happy with my current one.. > > A bigger monitor? Does a 21" monitor really help? I'd assume it would with > sense of speed, and you could probably run wider FOV in GPL maybe? > > A new processor? > > So basically, if I could swap out any part of my system for a newer one

(as > a treat to myself) which should it be (in terms of bang for the buck)?Also, > I only have a 20GIG hard drive.. maybe a new harddrive would be apriority? > > Mike > http://mikebeauchamp.com > >

"Mike Beauchamp" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:GC7i9.42877$[email hidden]... > Hey all.. > If I have a few hundred dollars to burn, what would be a good upgrade doyou > think? Sort of offtopic, but I'm sure some others would be interested inthe

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> answers. Especially since it would sort of show what is the most important > thing to spend money on. > > My current setup is: > Athlon 1700+ XP > Radeon 7500 64MB DDR. > 17" Monitor > 256MB PC133 RAM. > Thrustmaster/Guillemot Ferrari FF Wheel. > > I don't have any problems with my wheel, but I would really like a new set > of pedals maybe even with a clutch. A new shifter isn't really important

to > me since I play mainly rally games, so the sequential shifter or thepaddles > is fine enough. > > Some new DDR RAM (which I can also fit on my mobo) would be a nice upgrade > too, and would probably benefit in performance over the current PC133 ram. You would definatly see a fps increase going to DDR, with your prosseser SDR will be a bit of a bottleneck. > > A new video card maybe? Although I'm still happy with my current one.. You'd see a large performance increase with a move up to an 8500 or a Geforce 4. The 4200 offers very good bang for buck and if you're just looking for one upgrade I'd go for that. > > A bigger monitor? Does a 21" monitor really help? I'd assume it would with > sense of speed, and you could probably run wider FOV in GPL maybe? I doubt it'd make you go faster, but bigger is always better. > > A new processor? At the moment I wouldn't bother, wait until the Thoroughbred 2400+ and 2600+ are out or a bit longer for a Hammer. > > So basically, if I could swap out any part of my system for a newer one(as > a treat to myself) which should it be (in terms of bang for the buck)?Also, > I only have a 20GIG hard drive.. maybe a new harddrive would be apriority? As long as you're not struggling for space don't bother with a new harddrive, Serial ATA is on the way, IDE is on the way out, it's not the best time to invest in a new HD. I'd say get 256-512mb of cas2 PC2100 DDR and a 128mb Geforce 4200. > > Mike > http://mikebeauchamp.com > >

Awesome.. thanks for the advice. It also helps me to figure out what I should concentrate on spending the most money on when I build a new system, or systems for other people. Mike http://mikebeauchamp.com "Schooner" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:KJ7i9.87305$[email hidden]...

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> I'd go for a new video card, either the 8500LE or a 9700 if you have the > money and maybe a new monitor. > Processor looks pretty good and I'd doubt you would see a noticeable > difference with DDR ram over PC133. Maybe add another 256. > > "Mike Beauchamp" <[email hidden]> wrote in message > news:GC7i9.42877$[email hidden]... > > Hey all.. > > If I have a few hundred dollars to burn, what would be a good upgrade do > you > > think? Sort of offtopic, but I'm sure some others would be interested in > the > > answers. Especially since it would sort of show what is the most

important

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> > thing to spend money on. > > > > My current setup is: > > Athlon 1700+ XP > > Radeon 7500 64MB DDR. > > 17" Monitor > > 256MB PC133 RAM. > > Thrustmaster/Guillemot Ferrari FF Wheel. > > > > I don't have any problems with my wheel, but I would really like a new

set

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> > of pedals maybe even with a clutch. A new shifter isn't really important > to > > me since I play mainly rally games, so the sequential shifter or the > paddles > > is fine enough. > > > > Some new DDR RAM (which I can also fit on my mobo) would be a nice

upgrade > > too, and would probably benefit in performance over the current PC133ram. > > > > A new video card maybe? Although I'm still happy with my current one.. > > > > A bigger monitor? Does a 21" monitor really help? I'd assume it wouldwith

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> > sense of speed, and you could probably run wider FOV in GPL maybe? > > > > A new processor? > > > > So basically, if I could swap out any part of my system for a newer one > (as > > a treat to myself) which should it be (in terms of bang for the buck)? > Also, > > I only have a 20GIG hard drive.. maybe a new harddrive would be a > priority? > > > > Mike > > http://mikebeauchamp.com > > > > > >

Makes sense to me.. good call on the processor. Although, It might be good to wait until the new generation of chips come out, so I can score a 2200+XP for cheap. Mike http://mikebeauchamp.com "GBB" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:amb3ln$16d$[email hidden]...

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> > "Mike Beauchamp" <[email hidden]> wrote in message > news:GC7i9.42877$[email hidden]... > > Hey all.. > > If I have a few hundred dollars to burn, what would be a good upgrade do > you > > think? Sort of offtopic, but I'm sure some others would be interested in > the > > answers. Especially since it would sort of show what is the most

important

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> > thing to spend money on. > > > > My current setup is: > > Athlon 1700+ XP > > Radeon 7500 64MB DDR. > > 17" Monitor > > 256MB PC133 RAM. > > Thrustmaster/Guillemot Ferrari FF Wheel. > > > > I don't have any problems with my wheel, but I would really like a new

set

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> > of pedals maybe even with a clutch. A new shifter isn't really important > to > > me since I play mainly rally games, so the sequential shifter or the > paddles > > is fine enough. > > > > Some new DDR RAM (which I can also fit on my mobo) would be a nice

upgrade > > too, and would probably benefit in performance over the current PC133ram. > > You would definatly see a fps increase going to DDR, with your prosseserSDR

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> will be a bit of a bottleneck. > > > > > A new video card maybe? Although I'm still happy with my current one.. > > You'd see a large performance increase with a move up to an 8500 or a > Geforce 4. The 4200 offers very good bang for buck and if you're just > looking for one upgrade I'd go for that. > > > > > A bigger monitor? Does a 21" monitor really help? I'd assume it would

with

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> > sense of speed, and you could probably run wider FOV in GPL maybe? > > I doubt it'd make you go faster, but bigger is always better. > > > > > A new processor? > > At the moment I wouldn't bother, wait until the Thoroughbred 2400+ and

2600+

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> are out or a bit longer for a Hammer. > > > > > So basically, if I could swap out any part of my system for a newer one > (as > > a treat to myself) which should it be (in terms of bang for the buck)? > Also, > > I only have a 20GIG hard drive.. maybe a new harddrive would be a > priority? > > As long as you're not struggling for space don't bother with a new > harddrive, Serial ATA is on the way, IDE is on the way out, it's not the > best time to invest in a new HD. > > I'd say get 256-512mb of cas2 PC2100 DDR and a 128mb Geforce 4200. > > > > > Mike > > http://mikebeauchamp.com > > > > > >

"Mike Beauchamp" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:iXai9.44000$[email hidden]... > Makes sense to me.. good call on the processor. Although, It might be good > to wait until the new generation of chips come out, so I can score a2200+XP > for cheap. > > Mike Newegg has a retail boxed xp2100 for $138 with free shipping. :) MadDAWG

You can now, I've got a XP1600 running at 2200+ speed, 1836Mhz Prime95 stable and that's at default voltage :-) "Mike Beauchamp" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:iXai9.44000$[email hidden]... > Makes sense to me.. good call on the processor. Although, It might be good > to wait until the new generation of chips come out, so I can score a2200+XP > for cheap. > > Mike > http://mikebeauchamp.com >

What are you using for cooling at what settings are you using? What temps do you run under idle/load? "GBB" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:amcjje$m5i$[email hidden]...

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> You can now, I've got a XP1600 running at 2200+ speed, 1836Mhz Prime95 > stable and that's at default voltage :-) > > > "Mike Beauchamp" <[email hidden]> wrote in message > news:iXai9.44000$[email hidden]... > > Makes sense to me.. good call on the processor. Although, It might be

good

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> > to wait until the new generation of chips come out, so I can score a > 2200+XP > > for cheap. > > > > Mike > > http://mikebeauchamp.com > > > > >

The XP 2600's will be out around the first week of October. Prices will start about $300 but should go down quick. It is significant because depending on your MB, it may be the last processor only upgrade you could go without changing motherboards since the XP 2700's will require a 333 MHz FSB. -Tim "Mike Beauchamp" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:GC7i9.42877$[email hidden]... > Hey all.. > If I have a few hundred dollars to burn, what would be a good upgrade doyou > think? Sort of offtopic, but I'm sure some others would be interested inthe

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> answers. Especially since it would sort of show what is the most important > thing to spend money on. > > My current setup is: > Athlon 1700+ XP > Radeon 7500 64MB DDR. > 17" Monitor > 256MB PC133 RAM. > Thrustmaster/Guillemot Ferrari FF Wheel. > > I don't have any problems with my wheel, but I would really like a new set > of pedals maybe even with a clutch. A new shifter isn't really important

to > me since I play mainly rally games, so the sequential shifter or thepaddles

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> is fine enough. > > Some new DDR RAM (which I can also fit on my mobo) would be a nice upgrade > too, and would probably benefit in performance over the current PC133 ram. > > A new video card maybe? Although I'm still happy with my current one.. > > A bigger monitor? Does a 21" monitor really help? I'd assume it would with > sense of speed, and you could probably run wider FOV in GPL maybe? > > A new processor? > > So basically, if I could swap out any part of my system for a newer one

(as > a treat to myself) which should it be (in terms of bang for the buck)?Also, > I only have a 20GIG hard drive.. maybe a new harddrive would be apriority? > > Mike > http://mikebeauchamp.com > >

First - Newer, faster hard drive. 20GB drives are slow compared to today's 7200 RPM drives with the data densities they are running... The Maxtor Diamondmax Plus 7200 RPM 80GB D740 drives are around $100 these days. If you buy a drive, make sure you do it before October 1st. Most major manufacturers are dropping their multi-year warranties and going to consumer-screwing 1 year warranties starting October 1st... Check the box! I find it fishy that they all did it at exactly the same time. Second - DDR Memory. Last - Video Card. However, your processor can't feed today's top-of-the-line cards sufficiently so you won't see all the benifit available. My Athlon XP 1800+ can't feed my GeForce 4 Ti4400 fully, and the processor is my current hold-back. -Larry "Mike Beauchamp" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:GC7i9.42877$[email hidden]... > Hey all.. > If I have a few hundred dollars to burn, what would be a good upgrade doyou > think? Sort of offtopic, but I'm sure some others would be interested inthe

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> answers. Especially since it would sort of show what is the most important > thing to spend money on. > > My current setup is: > Athlon 1700+ XP > Radeon 7500 64MB DDR. > 17" Monitor > 256MB PC133 RAM. > Thrustmaster/Guillemot Ferrari FF Wheel. > > I don't have any problems with my wheel, but I would really like a new set > of pedals maybe even with a clutch. A new shifter isn't really important

to > me since I play mainly rally games, so the sequential shifter or thepaddles

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> is fine enough. > > Some new DDR RAM (which I can also fit on my mobo) would be a nice upgrade > too, and would probably benefit in performance over the current PC133 ram. > > A new video card maybe? Although I'm still happy with my current one.. > > A bigger monitor? Does a 21" monitor really help? I'd assume it would with > sense of speed, and you could probably run wider FOV in GPL maybe? > > A new processor? > > So basically, if I could swap out any part of my system for a newer one

(as > a treat to myself) which should it be (in terms of bang for the buck)?Also, > I only have a 20GIG hard drive.. maybe a new harddrive would be apriority? > > Mike > http://mikebeauchamp.com > >

Curious -- On a given system, how can you tell what the bottleneck is between videocard and CPU? (I have an Athlon XP1700 and radeon 8500LE.) Thanks, Bert Larry wrote:

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> First - Newer, faster hard drive. 20GB drives are slow compared to today's > 7200 RPM drives with the data densities they are running... The Maxtor > Diamondmax Plus 7200 RPM 80GB D740 drives are around $100 these days. > > If you buy a drive, make sure you do it before October 1st. Most major > manufacturers are dropping their multi-year warranties and going to > consumer-screwing 1 year warranties starting October 1st... Check the box! > > I find it fishy that they all did it at exactly the same time. > > Second - DDR Memory. > > Last - Video Card. However, your processor can't feed today's > top-of-the-line cards sufficiently so you won't see all the benifit > available. My Athlon XP 1800+ can't feed my GeForce 4 Ti4400 fully, and the > processor is my current hold-back. > > -Larry > > "Mike Beauchamp" <[email hidden]> wrote in message > news:GC7i9.42877$[email hidden]... > > Hey all.. > > If I have a few hundred dollars to burn, what would be a good upgrade do > you > > think? Sort of offtopic, but I'm sure some others would be interested in > the > > answers. Especially since it would sort of show what is the most important > > thing to spend money on. > > > > My current setup is: > > Athlon 1700+ XP > > Radeon 7500 64MB DDR. > > 17" Monitor > > 256MB PC133 RAM. > > Thrustmaster/Guillemot Ferrari FF Wheel. > > > > I don't have any problems with my wheel, but I would really like a new set > > of pedals maybe even with a clutch. A new shifter isn't really important > to > > me since I play mainly rally games, so the sequential shifter or the > paddles > > is fine enough. > > > > Some new DDR RAM (which I can also fit on my mobo) would be a nice upgrade > > too, and would probably benefit in performance over the current PC133 ram. > > > > A new video card maybe? Although I'm still happy with my current one.. > > > > A bigger monitor? Does a 21" monitor really help? I'd assume it would with > > sense of speed, and you could probably run wider FOV in GPL maybe? > > > > A new processor? > > > > So basically, if I could swap out any part of my system for a newer one > (as > > a treat to myself) which should it be (in terms of bang for the buck)? > Also, > > I only have a 20GIG hard drive.. maybe a new harddrive would be a > priority? > > > > Mike > > http://mikebeauchamp.com > > > >

Curious -- On a given system, how can you tell what the bottleneck is between videocard and CPU? (I have an Athlon XP1700 and radeon 8500LE.) Thanks, Bert

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> First - Newer, faster hard drive. 20GB drives are slow compared to today's > 7200 RPM drives with the data densities they are running... The Maxtor > Diamondmax Plus 7200 RPM 80GB D740 drives are around $100 these days. > If you buy a drive, make sure you do it before October 1st. Most major > manufacturers are dropping their multi-year warranties and going to > consumer-screwing 1 year warranties starting October 1st... Check the box! > I find it fishy that they all did it at exactly the same time. > Second - DDR Memory. > Last - Video Card. However, your processor can't feed today's > top-of-the-line cards sufficiently so you won't see all the benifit > available. My Athlon XP 1800+ can't feed my GeForce 4 Ti4400 fully, and the > processor is my current hold-back. > -Larry > > Hey all.. > > If I have a few hundred dollars to burn, what would be a good upgrade do > you > > think? Sort of offtopic, but I'm sure some others would be interested in > the > > answers. Especially since it would sort of show what is the most important > > thing to spend money on. > > My current setup is: > > Athlon 1700+ XP > > Radeon 7500 64MB DDR. > > 17" Monitor > > 256MB PC133 RAM. > > Thrustmaster/Guillemot Ferrari FF Wheel. > > I don't have any problems with my wheel, but I would really like a new set > > of pedals maybe even with a clutch. A new shifter isn't really important > to > > me since I play mainly rally games, so the sequential shifter or the > paddles > > is fine enough. > > Some new DDR RAM (which I can also fit on my mobo) would be a nice upgrade > > too, and would probably benefit in performance over the current PC133 ram. > > A new video card maybe? Although I'm still happy with my current one.. > > A bigger monitor? Does a 21" monitor really help? I'd assume it would with > > sense of speed, and you could probably run wider FOV in GPL maybe? > > A new processor? > > So basically, if I could swap out any part of my system for a newer one > (as > > a treat to myself) which should it be (in terms of bang for the buck)? > Also, > > I only have a 20GIG hard drive.. maybe a new harddrive would be a > priority? > > Mike > > http://mikebeauchamp.com

This can vary depending on the game but here is an example of benchmark of the same game & settings but only changing the resolution & the video card: XP 1900+ with Original Radeon 640x480 75 fps <-- Video card bottleneck 800x600 54 fps <-- Video card bottleneck 1024x768 35 fps <-- Video card bottleneck 1600x1200 24 fps <-- Video card bottleneck XP 1900+ with Radeon 9700Pro 640x480 130 fps <-- CPU bottleneck 800x600 128 fps <-- CPU bottleneck 1024x768 125 fps <-- CPU bottleneck 1600x1200 108 fps <-- CPU bottleneck -Tim "BRH @attbi.com>" <"bertrh<no-spam> wrote in message news:[email hidden]... > Curious -- On a given system, how can you tell what the bottleneck isbetween

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> videocard and CPU? (I have an Athlon XP1700 and radeon 8500LE.) > > Thanks, > Bert > > > > Larry wrote: > > > First - Newer, faster hard drive. 20GB drives are slow compared to

today's > > 7200 RPM drives with the data densities they are running... The Maxtor > > Diamondmax Plus 7200 RPM 80GB D740 drives are around $100 these days. > > > > If you buy a drive, make sure you do it before October 1st. Most major > > manufacturers are dropping their multi-year warranties and going to > > consumer-screwing 1 year warranties starting October 1st... Check thebox!

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> > > > I find it fishy that they all did it at exactly the same time. > > > > Second - DDR Memory. > > > > Last - Video Card. However, your processor can't feed today's > > top-of-the-line cards sufficiently so you won't see all the benifit > > available. My Athlon XP 1800+ can't feed my GeForce 4 Ti4400 fully, and

the

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> > processor is my current hold-back. > > > > -Larry > > > > "Mike Beauchamp" <[email hidden]> wrote in message > > news:GC7i9.42877$[email hidden]... > > > Hey all.. > > > If I have a few hundred dollars to burn, what would be a good upgrade

do > > you > > > think? Sort of offtopic, but I'm sure some others would be interestedin > > the > > > answers. Especially since it would sort of show what is the mostimportant

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> > > thing to spend money on. > > > > > > My current setup is: > > > Athlon 1700+ XP > > > Radeon 7500 64MB DDR. > > > 17" Monitor > > > 256MB PC133 RAM. > > > Thrustmaster/Guillemot Ferrari FF Wheel. > > > > > > I don't have any problems with my wheel, but I would really like a new

set > > > of pedals maybe even with a clutch. A new shifter isn't reallyimportant > > to > > > me since I play mainly rally games, so the sequential shifter or the > > paddles > > > is fine enough. > > > > > > Some new DDR RAM (which I can also fit on my mobo) would be a niceupgrade > > > too, and would probably benefit in performance over the current PC133ram. > > > > > > A new video card maybe? Although I'm still happy with my current one.. > > > > > > A bigger monitor? Does a 21" monitor really help? I'd assume it wouldwith > > > sense of speed, and you could probably run wider FOV in GPL maybe? > > > > > > A new processor? > > > > > > So basically, if I could swap out any part of my system for a newerone

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> > (as > > > a treat to myself) which should it be (in terms of bang for the buck)? > > Also, > > > I only have a 20GIG hard drive.. maybe a new harddrive would be a > > priority? > > > > > > Mike > > > http://mikebeauchamp.com > > > > > > >

Just experience with all the hardware over many years :) It's not an exact science. -Larry "BRH @attbi.com>" <"bertrh<no-spam> wrote in message news:[email hidden]... > Curious -- On a given system, how can you tell what the bottleneck isbetween

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> videocard and CPU? (I have an Athlon XP1700 and radeon 8500LE.) > > Thanks, > Bert > > > > Larry wrote: > > > First - Newer, faster hard drive. 20GB drives are slow compared to

today's > > 7200 RPM drives with the data densities they are running... The Maxtor > > Diamondmax Plus 7200 RPM 80GB D740 drives are around $100 these days. > > > > If you buy a drive, make sure you do it before October 1st. Most major > > manufacturers are dropping their multi-year warranties and going to > > consumer-screwing 1 year warranties starting October 1st... Check thebox!

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> > > > I find it fishy that they all did it at exactly the same time. > > > > Second - DDR Memory. > > > > Last - Video Card. However, your processor can't feed today's > > top-of-the-line cards sufficiently so you won't see all the benifit > > available. My Athlon XP 1800+ can't feed my GeForce 4 Ti4400 fully, and

the

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> > processor is my current hold-back. > > > > -Larry > > > > "Mike Beauchamp" <[email hidden]> wrote in message > > news:GC7i9.42877$[email hidden]... > > > Hey all.. > > > If I have a few hundred dollars to burn, what would be a good upgrade

do > > you > > > think? Sort of offtopic, but I'm sure some others would be interestedin > > the > > > answers. Especially since it would sort of show what is the mostimportant

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> > > thing to spend money on. > > > > > > My current setup is: > > > Athlon 1700+ XP > > > Radeon 7500 64MB DDR. > > > 17" Monitor > > > 256MB PC133 RAM. > > > Thrustmaster/Guillemot Ferrari FF Wheel. > > > > > > I don't have any problems with my wheel, but I would really like a new

set > > > of pedals maybe even with a clutch. A new shifter isn't reallyimportant > > to > > > me since I play mainly rally games, so the sequential shifter or the > > paddles > > > is fine enough. > > > > > > Some new DDR RAM (which I can also fit on my mobo) would be a niceupgrade > > > too, and would probably benefit in performance over the current PC133ram. > > > > > > A new video card maybe? Although I'm still happy with my current one.. > > > > > > A bigger monitor? Does a 21" monitor really help? I'd assume it wouldwith > > > sense of speed, and you could probably run wider FOV in GPL maybe? > > > > > > A new processor? > > > > > > So basically, if I could swap out any part of my system for a newerone

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> > (as > > > a treat to myself) which should it be (in terms of bang for the buck)? > > Also, > > > I only have a 20GIG hard drive.. maybe a new harddrive would be a > > priority? > > > > > > Mike > > > http://mikebeauchamp.com > > > > > > >

Works for me! -Larry "Tim Miser" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:[email hidden]... > This can vary depending on the game but here is an example of benchmark of > the same game & settings but only changing the resolution & the videocard:

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> > XP 1900+ with Original Radeon > 640x480 75 fps <-- Video card bottleneck > 800x600 54 fps <-- Video card bottleneck > 1024x768 35 fps <-- Video card bottleneck > 1600x1200 24 fps <-- Video card bottleneck > > XP 1900+ with Radeon 9700Pro > 640x480 130 fps <-- CPU bottleneck > 800x600 128 fps <-- CPU bottleneck > 1024x768 125 fps <-- CPU bottleneck > 1600x1200 108 fps <-- CPU bottleneck > > -Tim > > "BRH @attbi.com>" <"bertrh<no-spam> wrote in message > news:[email hidden]... > > Curious -- On a given system, how can you tell what the bottleneck is > between > > videocard and CPU? (I have an Athlon XP1700 and radeon 8500LE.) > > > > Thanks, > > Bert > > > > > > > > Larry wrote: > > > > > First - Newer, faster hard drive. 20GB drives are slow compared to > today's > > > 7200 RPM drives with the data densities they are running... The

Maxtor > > > Diamondmax Plus 7200 RPM 80GB D740 drives are around $100 these days. > > > > > > If you buy a drive, make sure you do it before October 1st. Mostmajor

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> > > manufacturers are dropping their multi-year warranties and going to > > > consumer-screwing 1 year warranties starting October 1st... Check the > box! > > > > > > I find it fishy that they all did it at exactly the same time. > > > > > > Second - DDR Memory. > > > > > > Last - Video Card. However, your processor can't feed today's > > > top-of-the-line cards sufficiently so you won't see all the benifit > > > available. My Athlon XP 1800+ can't feed my GeForce 4 Ti4400 fully,

and

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> the > > > processor is my current hold-back. > > > > > > -Larry > > > > > > "Mike Beauchamp" <[email hidden]> wrote in message > > > news:GC7i9.42877$[email hidden]... > > > > Hey all.. > > > > If I have a few hundred dollars to burn, what would be a good

upgrade > do > > > you > > > > think? Sort of offtopic, but I'm sure some others would beinterested

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> in > > > the > > > > answers. Especially since it would sort of show what is the most > important > > > > thing to spend money on. > > > > > > > > My current setup is: > > > > Athlon 1700+ XP > > > > Radeon 7500 64MB DDR. > > > > 17" Monitor > > > > 256MB PC133 RAM. > > > > Thrustmaster/Guillemot Ferrari FF Wheel. > > > > > > > > I don't have any problems with my wheel, but I would really like a

new

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> set > > > > of pedals maybe even with a clutch. A new shifter isn't really > important > > > to > > > > me since I play mainly rally games, so the sequential shifter or the > > > paddles > > > > is fine enough. > > > > > > > > Some new DDR RAM (which I can also fit on my mobo) would be a nice > upgrade > > > > too, and would probably benefit in performance over the current

PC133 > ram. > > > > > > > > A new video card maybe? Although I'm still happy with my currentone.. > > > > > > > > A bigger monitor? Does a 21" monitor really help? I'd assume itwould

Quoted text (9 lines)

> with > > > > sense of speed, and you could probably run wider FOV in GPL maybe? > > > > > > > > A new processor? > > > > > > > > So basically, if I could swap out any part of my system for a newer > one > > > (as > > > > a treat to myself) which should it be (in terms of bang for the

buck)?

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> > > Also, > > > > I only have a 20GIG hard drive.. maybe a new harddrive would be a > > > priority? > > > > > > > > Mike > > > > http://mikebeauchamp.com > > > > > > > > > > > >

So, I guess what you're saying is that the only way to see what the bottleneck is, is to try a faster videocard and note the difference in framerate. Then go back to the original videocard and upgrade the processor and again note the difference in framerate. Then pick the one that gives you the biggest jump. That seems like an expensive proposition to me, since you need both a new videocard and a new processor to conduct that experiment. I guess then that there's no simple way of deciding _before_ investing in either a new CPU or a new videocard? (Not trying to be difficult, but I was hoping to find a more direct way to determine which one to upgrade). In a related matter -- I have an Epox 8Kha+ Mobo. Does anyone know where I can find out the fastest processor it presently supports (or will support in the future? A url or newsgroup, perhaps? Thanks! Bert Tim Miser wrote:

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> This can vary depending on the game but here is an example of benchmark of > the same game & settings but only changing the resolution & the video card: > > XP 1900+ with Original Radeon > 640x480 75 fps <-- Video card bottleneck > 800x600 54 fps <-- Video card bottleneck > 1024x768 35 fps <-- Video card bottleneck > 1600x1200 24 fps <-- Video card bottleneck > > XP 1900+ with Radeon 9700Pro > 640x480 130 fps <-- CPU bottleneck > 800x600 128 fps <-- CPU bottleneck > 1024x768 125 fps <-- CPU bottleneck > 1600x1200 108 fps <-- CPU bottleneck > > -Tim > > "BRH @attbi.com>" <"bertrh<no-spam> wrote in message > news:[email hidden]... > > Curious -- On a given system, how can you tell what the bottleneck is > between > > videocard and CPU? (I have an Athlon XP1700 and radeon 8500LE.) > > > > Thanks, > > Bert > > > > > > > > Larry wrote: > > > > > First - Newer, faster hard drive. 20GB drives are slow compared to > today's > > > 7200 RPM drives with the data densities they are running... The Maxtor > > > Diamondmax Plus 7200 RPM 80GB D740 drives are around $100 these days. > > > > > > If you buy a drive, make sure you do it before October 1st. Most major > > > manufacturers are dropping their multi-year warranties and going to > > > consumer-screwing 1 year warranties starting October 1st... Check the > box! > > > > > > I find it fishy that they all did it at exactly the same time. > > > > > > Second - DDR Memory. > > > > > > Last - Video Card. However, your processor can't feed today's > > > top-of-the-line cards sufficiently so you won't see all the benifit > > > available. My Athlon XP 1800+ can't feed my GeForce 4 Ti4400 fully, and > the > > > processor is my current hold-back. > > > > > > -Larry > > > > > > "Mike Beauchamp" <[email hidden]> wrote in message > > > news:GC7i9.42877$[email hidden]... > > > > Hey all.. > > > > If I have a few hundred dollars to burn, what would be a good upgrade > do > > > you > > > > think? Sort of offtopic, but I'm sure some others would be interested > in > > > the > > > > answers. Especially since it would sort of show what is the most > important > > > > thing to spend money on. > > > > > > > > My current setup is: > > > > Athlon 1700+ XP > > > > Radeon 7500 64MB DDR. > > > > 17" Monitor > > > > 256MB PC133 RAM. > > > > Thrustmaster/Guillemot Ferrari FF Wheel. > > > > > > > > I don't have any problems with my wheel, but I would really like a new > set > > > > of pedals maybe even with a clutch. A new shifter isn't really > important > > > to > > > > me since I play mainly rally games, so the sequential shifter or the > > > paddles > > > > is fine enough. > > > > > > > > Some new DDR RAM (which I can also fit on my mobo) would be a nice > upgrade > > > > too, and would probably benefit in performance over the current PC133 > ram. > > > > > > > > A new video card maybe? Although I'm still happy with my current one.. > > > > > > > > A bigger monitor? Does a 21" monitor really help? I'd assume it would > with > > > > sense of speed, and you could probably run wider FOV in GPL maybe? > > > > > > > > A new processor? > > > > > > > > So basically, if I could swap out any part of my system for a newer > one > > > (as > > > > a treat to myself) which should it be (in terms of bang for the buck)? > > > Also, > > > > I only have a 20GIG hard drive.. maybe a new harddrive would be a > > > priority? > > > > > > > > Mike > > > > http://mikebeauchamp.com > > > > > > > > > >

So, I guess what you're saying is that the only way to see what the bottleneck is, is to try a faster videocard and note the difference in framerate. Then go back to the original videocard and upgrade the processor and again note the difference in framerate. Then pick the one that gives you the biggest jump. That seems like an expensive proposition to me, since you need both a new videocard and a new processor to conduct that experiment. I guess then that there's no simple way of deciding _before_ investing in either a new CPU or a new videocard? (Not trying to be difficult, but I was hoping to find a more direct way to determine which one to upgrade). In a related matter -- I have an Epox 8Kha+ Mobo. Does anyone know where I can find out the fastest processor it presently supports (or will support in the future? A url or newsgroup, perhaps? Thanks! Bert

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> This can vary depending on the game but here is an example of benchmark of > the same game & settings but only changing the resolution & the video card: > XP 1900+ with Original Radeon > 640x480 75 fps <-- Video card bottleneck > 800x600 54 fps <-- Video card bottleneck > 1024x768 35 fps <-- Video card bottleneck > 1600x1200 24 fps <-- Video card bottleneck > XP 1900+ with Radeon 9700Pro > 640x480 130 fps <-- CPU bottleneck > 800x600 128 fps <-- CPU bottleneck > 1024x768 125 fps <-- CPU bottleneck > 1600x1200 108 fps <-- CPU bottleneck > -Tim > > Curious -- On a given system, how can you tell what the bottleneck is > between > > videocard and CPU? (I have an Athlon XP1700 and radeon 8500LE.) > > Thanks, > > Bert > > > First - Newer, faster hard drive. 20GB drives are slow compared to > today's > > > 7200 RPM drives with the data densities they are running... The Maxtor > > > Diamondmax Plus 7200 RPM 80GB D740 drives are around $100 these days. > > > If you buy a drive, make sure you do it before October 1st. Most major > > > manufacturers are dropping their multi-year warranties and going to > > > consumer-screwing 1 year warranties starting October 1st... Check the > box! > > > I find it fishy that they all did it at exactly the same time. > > > Second - DDR Memory. > > > Last - Video Card. However, your processor can't feed today's > > > top-of-the-line cards sufficiently so you won't see all the benifit > > > available. My Athlon XP 1800+ can't feed my GeForce 4 Ti4400 fully, and > the > > > processor is my current hold-back. > > > -Larry > > > > Hey all.. > > > > If I have a few hundred dollars to burn, what would be a good upgrade > do > > > you > > > > think? Sort of offtopic, but I'm sure some others would be interested > in > > > the > > > > answers. Especially since it would sort of show what is the most > important > > > > thing to spend money on. > > > > My current setup is: > > > > Athlon 1700+ XP > > > > Radeon 7500 64MB DDR. > > > > 17" Monitor > > > > 256MB PC133 RAM. > > > > Thrustmaster/Guillemot Ferrari FF Wheel. > > > > I don't have any problems with my wheel, but I would really like a new > set > > > > of pedals maybe even with a clutch. A new shifter isn't really > important > > > to > > > > me since I play mainly rally games, so the sequential shifter or the > > > paddles > > > > is fine enough. > > > > Some new DDR RAM (which I can also fit on my mobo) would be a nice > upgrade > > > > too, and would probably benefit in performance over the current PC133 > ram. > > > > A new video card maybe? Although I'm still happy with my current one.. > > > > A bigger monitor? Does a 21" monitor really help? I'd assume it would > with > > > > sense of speed, and you could probably run wider FOV in GPL maybe? > > > > A new processor? > > > > So basically, if I could swap out any part of my system for a newer > one > > > (as > > > > a treat to myself) which should it be (in terms of bang for the buck)? > > > Also, > > > > I only have a 20GIG hard drive.. maybe a new harddrive would be a > > > priority? > > > > Mike > > > > http://mikebeauchamp.com

No no no, the intent of the example is to give you an idea in what the results of the effects of CPU vs. Video Card benchmarks. The key of any system is to have a "well balanced system" and yours is well balanced with your XP 1700 and Radeon 8500LE. If you had a 1.2 Ghz processor with a Radeon 9700Pro then you'd see a CPU bottleneck on most games or vice versa. The way to see where your bottleneck is is to pick a game and benchmark it at all resolutions. You will see at the lower resolutions it will bench relatively high and as the resolution increases, it will start to slow down. Now if you play at a high resolution and your benchmark slows down considerably at higher resolution, then you have a video card bottleneck. If it doesn't slow down considerably, then you have a cpu bottleneck. -Tim "BRH @attbi.com>" <"bertrh<no-spam> wrote in message news:[email hidden]... > So, I guess what you're saying is that the only way to see what thebottleneck > is, is to try a faster videocard and note the difference in framerate.Then go > back to the original videocard and upgrade the processor and again notethe > difference in framerate. Then pick the one that gives you the biggestjump.

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> That seems like an expensive proposition to me, since you need both a new > videocard and a new processor to conduct that experiment. > > I guess then that there's no simple way of deciding _before_ investing in > either a new CPU or a new videocard? > > (Not trying to be difficult, but I was hoping to find a more direct way to > determine which one to upgrade). > > In a related matter -- I have an Epox 8Kha+ Mobo. Does anyone know where

I can > find out the fastest processor it presently supports (or will support inthe

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> future? A url or newsgroup, perhaps? > > Thanks! > > Bert > > > > Tim Miser wrote: > > > This can vary depending on the game but here is an example of benchmark

of > > the same game & settings but only changing the resolution & the videocard:

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> > > > XP 1900+ with Original Radeon > > 640x480 75 fps <-- Video card bottleneck > > 800x600 54 fps <-- Video card bottleneck > > 1024x768 35 fps <-- Video card bottleneck > > 1600x1200 24 fps <-- Video card bottleneck > > > > XP 1900+ with Radeon 9700Pro > > 640x480 130 fps <-- CPU bottleneck > > 800x600 128 fps <-- CPU bottleneck > > 1024x768 125 fps <-- CPU bottleneck > > 1600x1200 108 fps <-- CPU bottleneck > > > > -Tim > > > > "BRH @attbi.com>" <"bertrh<no-spam> wrote in message > > news:[email hidden]... > > > Curious -- On a given system, how can you tell what the bottleneck is > > between > > > videocard and CPU? (I have an Athlon XP1700 and radeon 8500LE.) > > > > > > Thanks, > > > Bert > > > > > > > > > > > > Larry wrote: > > > > > > > First - Newer, faster hard drive. 20GB drives are slow compared to > > today's > > > > 7200 RPM drives with the data densities they are running... The

Maxtor > > > > Diamondmax Plus 7200 RPM 80GB D740 drives are around $100 thesedays. > > > > > > > > If you buy a drive, make sure you do it before October 1st. Mostmajor > > > > manufacturers are dropping their multi-year warranties and going to > > > > consumer-screwing 1 year warranties starting October 1st... Checkthe

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> > box! > > > > > > > > I find it fishy that they all did it at exactly the same time. > > > > > > > > Second - DDR Memory. > > > > > > > > Last - Video Card. However, your processor can't feed today's > > > > top-of-the-line cards sufficiently so you won't see all the benifit > > > > available. My Athlon XP 1800+ can't feed my GeForce 4 Ti4400 fully,

and

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> > the > > > > processor is my current hold-back. > > > > > > > > -Larry > > > > > > > > "Mike Beauchamp" <[email hidden]> wrote in message > > > > news:GC7i9.42877$[email hidden]... > > > > > Hey all.. > > > > > If I have a few hundred dollars to burn, what would be a good

upgrade > > do > > > > you > > > > > think? Sort of offtopic, but I'm sure some others would beinterested

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> > in > > > > the > > > > > answers. Especially since it would sort of show what is the most > > important > > > > > thing to spend money on. > > > > > > > > > > My current setup is: > > > > > Athlon 1700+ XP > > > > > Radeon 7500 64MB DDR. > > > > > 17" Monitor > > > > > 256MB PC133 RAM. > > > > > Thrustmaster/Guillemot Ferrari FF Wheel. > > > > > > > > > > I don't have any problems with my wheel, but I would really like a

new > > set > > > > > of pedals maybe even with a clutch. A new shifter isn't really > > important > > > > to > > > > > me since I play mainly rally games, so the sequential shifter orthe > > > > paddles > > > > > is fine enough. > > > > > > > > > > Some new DDR RAM (which I can also fit on my mobo) would be a nice > > upgrade > > > > > too, and would probably benefit in performance over the currentPC133 > > ram. > > > > > > > > > > A new video card maybe? Although I'm still happy with my currentone.. > > > > > > > > > > A bigger monitor? Does a 21" monitor really help? I'd assume itwould > > with > > > > > sense of speed, and you could probably run wider FOV in GPL maybe? > > > > > > > > > > A new processor? > > > > > > > > > > So basically, if I could swap out any part of my system for anewer > > one > > > > (as > > > > > a treat to myself) which should it be (in terms of bang for thebuck)?

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> > > > Also, > > > > > I only have a 20GIG hard drive.. maybe a new harddrive would be a > > > > priority? > > > > > > > > > > Mike > > > > > http://mikebeauchamp.com > > > > > > > > > > > > > >

It'll support every current Athlon XP processor and every future one until the XP2700+ which will be 166Mhz fsb. "BRH @attbi.com>" <"bertrh<no-spam> wrote in message news:[email hidden]... > > In a related matter -- I have an Epox 8Kha+ Mobo. Does anyone know whereI can > find out the fastest processor it presently supports (or will support inthe > future? A url or newsgroup, perhaps? > > Thanks! > > Bert

It's water-cooled, 174*10.5 on an EPoX 8K3A, temps are about 40 idle 48 load from the XP's internal diode. "Schooner" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:zMki9.89673$[email hidden]...

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> What are you using for cooling at what settings are you using? > What temps do you run under idle/load? > > "GBB" <[email hidden]> wrote in message > news:amcjje$m5i$[email hidden]... > > You can now, I've got a XP1600 running at 2200+ speed, 1836Mhz Prime95 > > stable and that's at default voltage :-) > > > > > > "Mike Beauchamp" <[email hidden]> wrote in message > > news:iXai9.44000$[email hidden]... > > > Makes sense to me.. good call on the processor. Although, It might be > good > > > to wait until the new generation of chips come out, so I can score a > > 2200+XP > > > for cheap. > > > > > > Mike > > > http://mikebeauchamp.com > > > > > > > > > > >

OK. Thanks for that clarification, Tim! Tim Miser wrote:

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> No no no, the intent of the example is to give you an idea in what the > results of the effects of CPU vs. Video Card benchmarks. > > The key of any system is to have a "well balanced system" and yours is well > balanced with your XP 1700 and Radeon 8500LE. If you had a 1.2 Ghz > processor with a Radeon 9700Pro then you'd see a CPU bottleneck on most > games or vice versa. The way to see where your bottleneck is is to pick a > game and benchmark it at all resolutions. You will see at the lower > resolutions it will bench relatively high and as the resolution increases, > it will start to slow down. Now if you play at a high resolution and your > benchmark slows down considerably at higher resolution, then you have a > video card bottleneck. If it doesn't slow down considerably, then you have > a cpu bottleneck. > > -Tim > > "BRH @attbi.com>" <"bertrh<no-spam> wrote in message > news:[email hidden]... > > So, I guess what you're saying is that the only way to see what the > bottleneck > > is, is to try a faster videocard and note the difference in framerate. > Then go > > back to the original videocard and upgrade the processor and again note > the > > difference in framerate. Then pick the one that gives you the biggest > jump. > > That seems like an expensive proposition to me, since you need both a new > > videocard and a new processor to conduct that experiment. > > > > I guess then that there's no simple way of deciding _before_ investing in > > either a new CPU or a new videocard? > > > > (Not trying to be difficult, but I was hoping to find a more direct way to > > determine which one to upgrade). > > > > In a related matter -- I have an Epox 8Kha+ Mobo. Does anyone know where > I can > > find out the fastest processor it presently supports (or will support in > the > > future? A url or newsgroup, perhaps? > > > > Thanks! > > > > Bert > > > > > > > > Tim Miser wrote: > > > > > This can vary depending on the game but here is an example of benchmark > of > > > the same game & settings but only changing the resolution & the video > card: > > > > > > XP 1900+ with Original Radeon > > > 640x480 75 fps <-- Video card bottleneck > > > 800x600 54 fps <-- Video card bottleneck > > > 1024x768 35 fps <-- Video card bottleneck > > > 1600x1200 24 fps <-- Video card bottleneck > > > > > > XP 1900+ with Radeon 9700Pro > > > 640x480 130 fps <-- CPU bottleneck > > > 800x600 128 fps <-- CPU bottleneck > > > 1024x768 125 fps <-- CPU bottleneck > > > 1600x1200 108 fps <-- CPU bottleneck > > > > > > -Tim > > > > > > "BRH @attbi.com>" <"bertrh<no-spam> wrote in message > > > news:[email hidden]... > > > > Curious -- On a given system, how can you tell what the bottleneck is > > > between > > > > videocard and CPU? (I have an Athlon XP1700 and radeon 8500LE.) > > > > > > > > Thanks, > > > > Bert > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Larry wrote: > > > > > > > > > First - Newer, faster hard drive. 20GB drives are slow compared to > > > today's > > > > > 7200 RPM drives with the data densities they are running... The > Maxtor > > > > > Diamondmax Plus 7200 RPM 80GB D740 drives are around $100 these > days. > > > > > > > > > > If you buy a drive, make sure you do it before October 1st. Most > major > > > > > manufacturers are dropping their multi-year warranties and going to > > > > > consumer-screwing 1 year warranties starting October 1st... Check > the > > > box! > > > > > > > > > > I find it fishy that they all did it at exactly the same time. > > > > > > > > > > Second - DDR Memory. > > > > > > > > > > Last - Video Card. However, your processor can't feed today's > > > > > top-of-the-line cards sufficiently so you won't see all the benifit > > > > > available. My Athlon XP 1800+ can't feed my GeForce 4 Ti4400 fully, > and > > > the > > > > > processor is my current hold-back. > > > > > > > > > > -Larry > > > > > > > > > > "Mike Beauchamp" <[email hidden]> wrote in message > > > > > news:GC7i9.42877$[email hidden]... > > > > > > Hey all.. > > > > > > If I have a few hundred dollars to burn, what would be a good > upgrade > > > do > > > > > you > > > > > > think? Sort of offtopic, but I'm sure some others would be > interested > > > in > > > > > the > > > > > > answers. Especially since it would sort of show what is the most > > > important > > > > > > thing to spend money on. > > > > > > > > > > > > My current setup is: > > > > > > Athlon 1700+ XP > > > > > > Radeon 7500 64MB DDR. > > > > > > 17" Monitor > > > > > > 256MB PC133 RAM. > > > > > > Thrustmaster/Guillemot Ferrari FF Wheel. > > > > > > > > > > > > I don't have any problems with my wheel, but I would really like a > new > > > set > > > > > > of pedals maybe even with a clutch. A new shifter isn't really > > > important > > > > > to > > > > > > me since I play mainly rally games, so the sequential shifter or > the > > > > > paddles > > > > > > is fine enough. > > > > > > > > > > > > Some new DDR RAM (which I can also fit on my mobo) would be a nice > > > upgrade > > > > > > too, and would probably benefit in performance over the current > PC133 > > > ram. > > > > > > > > > > > > A new video card maybe? Although I'm still happy with my current > one.. > > > > > > > > > > > > A bigger monitor? Does a 21" monitor really help? I'd assume it > would > > > with > > > > > > sense of speed, and you could probably run wider FOV in GPL maybe? > > > > > > > > > > > > A new processor? > > > > > > > > > > > > So basically, if I could swap out any part of my system for a > newer > > > one > > > > > (as > > > > > > a treat to myself) which should it be (in terms of bang for the > buck)? > > > > > Also, > > > > > > I only have a 20GIG hard drive.. maybe a new harddrive would be a > > > > > priority? > > > > > > > > > > > > Mike > > > > > > http://mikebeauchamp.com > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > >

OK. Thanks for that clarification, Tim!

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> No no no, the intent of the example is to give you an idea in what the > results of the effects of CPU vs. Video Card benchmarks. > The key of any system is to have a "well balanced system" and yours is well > balanced with your XP 1700 and Radeon 8500LE. If you had a 1.2 Ghz > processor with a Radeon 9700Pro then you'd see a CPU bottleneck on most > games or vice versa. The way to see where your bottleneck is is to pick a > game and benchmark it at all resolutions. You will see at the lower > resolutions it will bench relatively high and as the resolution increases, > it will start to slow down. Now if you play at a high resolution and your > benchmark slows down considerably at higher resolution, then you have a > video card bottleneck. If it doesn't slow down considerably, then you have > a cpu bottleneck. > -Tim > > So, I guess what you're saying is that the only way to see what the > bottleneck > > is, is to try a faster videocard and note the difference in framerate. > Then go > > back to the original videocard and upgrade the processor and again note > the > > difference in framerate. Then pick the one that gives you the biggest > jump. > > That seems like an expensive proposition to me, since you need both a new > > videocard and a new processor to conduct that experiment. > > I guess then that there's no simple way of deciding _before_ investing in > > either a new CPU or a new videocard? > > (Not trying to be difficult, but I was hoping to find a more direct way to > > determine which one to upgrade). > > In a related matter -- I have an Epox 8Kha+ Mobo. Does anyone know where > I can > > find out the fastest processor it presently supports (or will support in > the > > future? A url or newsgroup, perhaps? > > Thanks! > > Bert > > > This can vary depending on the game but here is an example of benchmark > of > > > the same game & settings but only changing the resolution & the video > card: > > > XP 1900+ with Original Radeon > > > 640x480 75 fps <-- Video card bottleneck > > > 800x600 54 fps <-- Video card bottleneck > > > 1024x768 35 fps <-- Video card bottleneck > > > 1600x1200 24 fps <-- Video card bottleneck > > > XP 1900+ with Radeon 9700Pro > > > 640x480 130 fps <-- CPU bottleneck > > > 800x600 128 fps <-- CPU bottleneck > > > 1024x768 125 fps <-- CPU bottleneck > > > 1600x1200 108 fps <-- CPU bottleneck > > > -Tim > > > > Curious -- On a given system, how can you tell what the bottleneck is > > > between > > > > videocard and CPU? (I have an Athlon XP1700 and radeon 8500LE.) > > > > Thanks, > > > > Bert > > > > > First - Newer, faster hard drive. 20GB drives are slow compared to > > > today's > > > > > 7200 RPM drives with the data densities they are running... The > Maxtor > > > > > Diamondmax Plus 7200 RPM 80GB D740 drives are around $100 these > days. > > > > > If you buy a drive, make sure you do it before October 1st. Most > major > > > > > manufacturers are dropping their multi-year warranties and going to > > > > > consumer-screwing 1 year warranties starting October 1st... Check > the > > > box! > > > > > I find it fishy that they all did it at exactly the same time. > > > > > Second - DDR Memory. > > > > > Last - Video Card. However, your processor can't feed today's > > > > > top-of-the-line cards sufficiently so you won't see all the benifit > > > > > available. My Athlon XP 1800+ can't feed my GeForce 4 Ti4400 fully, > and > > > the > > > > > processor is my current hold-back. > > > > > -Larry > > > > > > Hey all.. > > > > > > If I have a few hundred dollars to burn, what would be a good > upgrade > > > do > > > > > you > > > > > > think? Sort of offtopic, but I'm sure some others would be > interested > > > in > > > > > the > > > > > > answers. Especially since it would sort of show what is the most > > > important > > > > > > thing to spend money on. > > > > > > My current setup is: > > > > > > Athlon 1700+ XP > > > > > > Radeon 7500 64MB DDR. > > > > > > 17" Monitor > > > > > > 256MB PC133 RAM. > > > > > > Thrustmaster/Guillemot Ferrari FF Wheel. > > > > > > I don't have any problems with my wheel, but I would really like a > new > > > set > > > > > > of pedals maybe even with a clutch. A new shifter isn't really > > > important > > > > > to > > > > > > me since I play mainly rally games, so the sequential shifter or > the > > > > > paddles > > > > > > is fine enough. > > > > > > Some new DDR RAM (which I can also fit on my mobo) would be a nice > > > upgrade > > > > > > too, and would probably benefit in performance over the current > PC133 > > > ram. > > > > > > A new video card maybe? Although I'm still happy with my current > one.. > > > > > > A bigger monitor? Does a 21" monitor really help? I'd assume it > would > > > with > > > > > > sense of speed, and you could probably run wider FOV in GPL maybe? > > > > > > A new processor? > > > > > > So basically, if I could swap out any part of my system for a > newer > > > one > > > > > (as > > > > > > a treat to myself) which should it be (in terms of bang for the > buck)? > > > > > Also, > > > > > > I only have a 20GIG hard drive.. maybe a new harddrive would be a > > > > > priority? > > > > > > Mike > > > > > > http://mikebeauchamp.com

OK. Thanks for that info! GBB wrote:

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> It'll support every current Athlon XP processor and every future one until > the XP2700+ which will be 166Mhz fsb. > > "BRH @attbi.com>" <"bertrh<no-spam> wrote in message > news:[email hidden]... > > > > In a related matter -- I have an Epox 8Kha+ Mobo. Does anyone know where > I can > > find out the fastest processor it presently supports (or will support in > the > > future? A url or newsgroup, perhaps? > > > > Thanks! > > > > Bert

OK. Thanks for that info!

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> It'll support every current Athlon XP processor and every future one until > the XP2700+ which will be 166Mhz fsb. > > In a related matter -- I have an Epox 8Kha+ Mobo. Does anyone know where > I can > > find out the fastest processor it presently supports (or will support in > the > > future? A url or newsgroup, perhaps? > > Thanks! > > Bert

I hope you're right but according to an Epox tech guy in the UK, the 2200 will be the last for the 8KHA+. See this link: http://www.aoaforums.com/forum/showthread.php?s=d68abaab167489b7a7176de6dde9 00d6&threadid=8856 -Tim "GBB" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:amgelk$t0j$[email hidden]...

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> It'll support every current Athlon XP processor and every future one until > the XP2700+ which will be 166Mhz fsb. > > > "BRH @attbi.com>" <"bertrh<no-spam> wrote in message > news:[email hidden]... > > > > In a related matter -- I have an Epox 8Kha+ Mobo. Does anyone know

where

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> I can > > find out the fastest processor it presently supports (or will support in > the > > future? A url or newsgroup, perhaps? > > > > Thanks! > > > > Bert > > >

On Fri, 20 Sep 2002 21:05:34 GMT, BRH <"bertrh<no-spam>"@attbi.com> wrote somtehing like this: >I guess then that there's no simple way of deciding _before_ investing in >either a new CPU or a new videocard? There is a relatively simple way; the 3DMark result database at www.madonion.com ... I think you'll need to run the test (2000 or 2001 version) and submit your results before you can do searches there. It won't give you the definitive answer on how to upgrade you machine, as most of the highest points have been achieved with tweaks that probably make actual games unplayable and/or unstable, but it'll give you some idea. -- - Igor -