Support NeoGAF

[SlickWilly223]

Alright, fuck Intel. They've screwed me for the last time. Even though my Pentium 4 2.8ghzHT runs Windows XP and every other program just fine, it basically sucks with gaming. On top of that, it's only 2.8ghz, so I obviously need to upgrade for Battlefield 2.

I already have a:

Radeon x800 PRO
Gig of dual channel ram
Internal DVD-R/CD writer.

Now, I want to add another gig of dual channel RAM into my new computer so that I have 2 gigs of RAM goodness, only problem is, Dual Channel RAM only supports Dual Channel mode when you have all of the same sticks of RAM, correct? Well, I don't know exactly what kind of RAM I currently have. How do I go about finding that out? I need the specific name and all, obviously. If you know how to do that through Windows or BIOS, please tell me here.

Anyway, I was looking for an Athlon processor this time around. It doesn't have to be TOP of the line, but I'd like it to be damn good. I've never worked with Athlon in my life though, so Iyou'll also have to suggest a good motherboard to handle both my Athlon and x800. Obviously, the Powersupply can't be a cheap one because my last PSU fucked up once or twice.I don't need a sexy computer case, it just has to be dependable.

ANOTHER question I have to ask is this: Do you think I should buy another CD-R drive? You see, I already have a DVD/CD Writer that I'm going to install into my PC. The only thing is, it burns CDs at 32x. Now I'm used to 52x... but I honestly don't think it's worth spending the money to get another extra CD drive, so I'll probably just use my DVD/CD Writer as my master drive and not even use any slaves. Is that ok? Has anyone ever had trouble using a Pioneer DVD/CD Writer as a master drive? My friend did, anyway, but I think he installed his wrong in the first place.

So please, suggest me a gaming rig with those settings in mind.

 

[SlickWilly223]

When I went to Pricewatch.com I noticed they had this page that gives you an option of buying a motherboard and acompatible processor (including a fan) in a bundled price. Has anyone here done that? And does it save you money? If so, I'll probably use try that out this time around.

 

[CabbageRed]

Are you sure that this is the right time to upgrade? Your system should still be good for sometime.

A quick warning about DDR and whatever motherboard you choose next: Some motherboards are very picky about how much RAM you have in certain configurations so read up on your motherboard with that in mind. For instance, my Nforce 3 Ultra would allow me to hit 2 gigs if all 512 sticks were single sided (too pricey for the payoff so I haven't tried). However, if I use double sided RAM and try to hit 2 gigs using 512 sticks, the motherboard clicks the command rate down to 2t.

Personally, I prefer 1 gig of tightly timed RAM over 2 gigs running at 2T.

As for everything else? I'd aim for A64's in the 3X00 range (socket 939 is a good choice and a 3200 overclocks very well), grab a small raptor drive for your Windows installation, and stick with your current DVD drive.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811156164 <-- I use the previous model and love. The airflow is excellent.

If you are looking at nForce-based motherboards, check out this site as their forums are perfect for learning about any quirks you may run into ahead of time: http://www.nforcershq.com/

 

[SlickWilly223]

You make some good points so I'll have to do some investigation on my mobo + ram configuration.

And yes, I'm aiming for an Athlon 3800 939. I'd go for that Athlon 4000 but the performance difference between the 4000 and the 3800 is not worth the price difference, IMO.

And thanks for the case suggestion, I'll probably order that one. It comes with two fans and a good power supply. On top of that, all the User Reviews on New Egg are positive.

Thanks again.

 

[CabbageRed]

Sorry, forgot your RAM question.
http://www.lavalys.com/products/download.php?pid=1&lang=en
It is a great program for watching various system settings. Once you have it up and running, go to "Computer"/"Overclock" and it should give you and the information you need.

 

[SlickWilly223]

Thanks. Also, the case that you suggested, would the stock PSU that it comes with be good enough to run my system without ruining anything? I wouldn't want it failing on me.