I finally convinced my dad to upgrade the computer. Current specs are as follows:
900Mhz T-Bird
256 PC 133 Ram
80 gig HDD
30gig HDD (slave)
some video card (its an SiS64bit..came out around the time of geforce2mx..

The only thing we were gonna upgrade was the cpu,ram, and mobo everything else is fine.. I was thinking sempron because its cheap..but its just a desktop and is mostly used for internet. But it is used for gaming too. So what should i suggest for him? I think hes looking from low to midprice range, atleast 512MB of ram..

we just have to wait for our FX5200 to be sent out for RMA...

http://shop3.outpost.com/product/429...H:MAIN_RSLT_PG
That is a decent cpu mobo combo, if your looking for cheap thats it.
Then with ram. Look around at they local computer shops places and they should have some ddr on for cheap. just get 1x512 of pc2700 or 3200. 2700 is getting cheaper. So just look around

OK, if you want something decent to work with, and a bit of Overclocking and Gaming in mind..take a look at this hardware, I have had some of it myself over the years and would get it again. This has been selected with a low end budget in mind, but all are good quality parts.

This system should last you prolly as long as your old 900 has, if you like to hang on to things for a while.

Hows that power supply? if it is at least 300-350 watt and a decent brand, you should be fine.

Otherwise I would recomend Antec, it cost a bit more money, but I have never had one fail...it was one of the first things I bought, and never regretted it.
I watched a few buddies with cheap power supplies loose hardware over the years..not a good thing to save money on!.

I have had 2 of them so far and love em (300 watt smart power and 550 watt true control)

300 watt ATX 36$ (Value)

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduc...103-917&depa=0

350 watt ATX W/ P-4 connector 46$ (Performance)

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduc...103-913&depa=0

Some of the newer motherboards (I know all the NForce2 based ones do) require the P-4 connector, but might not be on a "Value" motherboard.

You can go with another top rated brand power supply and save a few bucks, Fortran is one I have heard realy good things about, but never tried.

350Watt ATX W/P-4 connector 28$ (Value)

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduc...104-986&depa=1

For a Motherboard, I would grab one of these:

Gigabyte N-Force 2 400 48$ (Value)

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduc...128-257&depa=1

Shuttle AN-35N ultra 400 57$ (Performance, mine went to 450+FSB!)
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduc...150-045&depa=1

CPU

Mobile XP2400+ 75$ (Performance)

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduc...103-400&depa=1

Mobile versions of the Athlon XP are completely unlocked, allowing you to change the multipliers. They are the best choice for people who want to get the best bang for the buck when Overclocking is the main goal.
When overclocked, it should run 2.2-2.4 GHZ or more (3200+ or higher speeds)

You will also need a good HSF to get the most out of this CPU, I had a Zallman CPNS 7000 that allowed cool and quiet operation at over 2.4GHZ with good temps.

My Mobile 2500+ runs at 2.6GHZ (3800+ speeds if they made one for Athlon XP, but they don't!)


Sempron 2400+ 64$ (Value)
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduc...104-210&depa=1

You can take this one up to around 2GHZ with the included stock HSF and has a 3 year warranty, but the multipliers are locked...not a good thing. But if plug and play for low$$ is your goal..this is a great value.

Memory

512Mb PC3200 Kingmax (CAS 2.5) 65$ (Value)
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduc...156-006&depa=1

2x256 Patroit Dual Channel performance kit low latency (CAS 2 ) 88$ (Performance)

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduc...220-002&depa=1

For under 300$ you can build one nice rig these days, might want to update that 5200 to at least 9600 ATI or 5700 Nvida when you can afford it..this system would rock then!

Yeap the PSU is a antec 400 w..or so.. I had to cut a hole in the top of the case for it to fit.. lmao

edit: thnx for the advice...

Quote: Originally Posted by Nerdz Yeap the PSU is a antec 400 w..or so.. I had to cut a hole in the top of the case for it to fit.. lmao edit: thnx for the advice...

So what are you thinking? like anything above? do you know your total budget yet?
We can fine tune it a bit depending on what you are planning (Overclock or leave it stock)

Man you are always on the ball with this.. shop from newegg there the best an cheapest.. and if you earley order it is usually at your door step in about 2 to 3 days.. go with a Mobile chip you wont be sorry.. i run the 2600Mobile an im at 2.66Ghz.. there great..

matt

Quote: Originally Posted by $SOLID$ Necro So what are you thinking? like anything above? do you know your total budget yet? We can fine tune it a bit depending on what you are planning (Overclock or leave it stock)

stock...we have no fans in the case now..and i was..thinking sempron..and iif he does get that..I will OC it. and i was thinking the FX5700..i found my list of what i wanted and found the price to be nice and low..

he hasnt really told me how much he wants to spend..but from what hes bought in the past i would say low to mid range..

and i still cant beleave my mom wants a DELL!!!!