Currently running Athlon XP1600+, 1GB RAM, same machine since around 2001 other than some RAM upgrade.
I'm thinking about getting a new motherboard, CPU, and RAM. I'm usually going for lower cost stuff that can have sufficient upgrade path that I can replace some parts with, like a more recent motherboard with low end CPU and smaller RAM, so I can buy used parts for cheap and upgrade.
I'm an AMD fan and would like to stay with them because of the more consistent upgrade path rather than the variety of sockets that Intel has. I know Intel is currently faster but I'm not going to pay a premium for it.
I'm looking at a socket AM3 board that can support 140W CPU, and buy a Tri core CPU or a single core Sempron that are likely to be able to unlock. Not a gamer so either a low end PCIe card around $25 or integrated graphics if it still comes with a 16x PCIe slot.
Target life of this machine: probably another 6-8 years, so good quality components (power supply, motherboard, etc) rather than fast and unreliable parts. Budget: haven't though about it yet, but prefer to get a motherboard + CPU to be under $200 shipped and taxed. RAM can be added later as needed and I already have enough hard drive capacity / performance.
Or should I wait for AM3+ socket and BullDozer this summer?
I'm thinking about getting a new motherboard, CPU, and RAM. I'm usually going for lower cost stuff that can have sufficient upgrade path that I can replace some parts with, like a more recent motherboard with low end CPU and smaller RAM, so I can buy used parts for cheap and upgrade.
I'm an AMD fan and would like to stay with them because of the more consistent upgrade path rather than the variety of sockets that Intel has. I know Intel is currently faster but I'm not going to pay a premium for it.
I'm looking at a socket AM3 board that can support 140W CPU, and buy a Tri core CPU or a single core Sempron that are likely to be able to unlock. Not a gamer so either a low end PCIe card around $25 or integrated graphics if it still comes with a 16x PCIe slot.
Target life of this machine: probably another 6-8 years, so good quality components (power supply, motherboard, etc) rather than fast and unreliable parts. Budget: haven't though about it yet, but prefer to get a motherboard + CPU to be under $200 shipped and taxed. RAM can be added later as needed and I already have enough hard drive capacity / performance.
Or should I wait for AM3+ socket and BullDozer this summer?