Which mobo/vid card to go with...

Right now I'm playing on a P4 2.8GHZ with 1 GB PC2700 RAM (4x256 MB DIMMS). I have an ATI Radeon 9800 Pro 128 MB AGP card. I play at 1024x768 and have my settings all on normal.

I guess my concern is that I know if I get a P4 3.x GHz w/the Sapphire video card I've had you look at and the mobo, too, plus 1 GB RAM dual channel (2x512 MB DDR2 667MHz) that AA will run well, better than it runs now on my current system. If I go with an AMD dual core setup like the combo (not necessarily that combo) would it run even better than the MSI mobo/P4 3.x GHz single core processor setup?

I'd say go with the AM2 setup, 1gb stick of DDR2 800 (6400) and the graphics card will increase performance all round, not just in AA, but multi-tasking is where dual-core CPU's really shine, so for whatever else you use the system for the performance will improve, using 1 single stick of RAM will mean you won't have dual channel, but you will mean you can upgrade easily, as the board has 4 slots, and supports 4gb.


Liam

Thanks liam. I've noticed from newegg's site that I can get dual core Intel CPU's at faster speeds than AMD dual core for less money.

Intel dual core processors

AMD dual core processors

The AMD's have lower clock speeds than the Intels and cost more, but I know that a lot of people prefer AMD processors. I'm not sure which way to go. I hope you'll all continue being patient with me as I figure this out...

The difference there is that the AMD X2 is a real dual core, the Pentium D's are awful, and the clock speed isn't a great measurement of performance, if you want a good Intel Dual-Core chip the Core 2 Duo shines, but the base chip is $185.


Liam

How the inside of the cpu is put together now counts more than the clock speed.

Ah, I see. Now you're not just saying that because you don't like Intel, are you? =)

Anyway, that makes sense. I told you I didn't know anything about the dual core chips. So your recommendation, based on my budget, would be to go with an AMD dual core chip. And the Brisbane or Windsor versions of the AMD dual core processors are good?

Train, I see your point. It definitely seems like I need to rethink this whole upgrade and go dual core.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by liam858

I doubt it will make much difference, not a lot of games are optomised for dual-core processors, nor multi-threaded, AM2 will bring DDR2 support, along with that X1600 it should improve gameplay in AA, framerate will rise, and you'll probably be able to higher some settings, what resolution do you play at?

Liam

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So you don't think there will be much of a difference between the P4 3.x GHz single core versus the AMD dual core in America's Army gameplay? I just want to make sure that's what you're saying, because that's what I'm reading and that is my main concern with this upgrade. I know that's probably bizarre since I said I play it only about once a week for a few hours straight, but that is the most computer intensive thing I do so I want to make sure it won't play worse than the single core option I have.

The brisbane is the newest revision, and is 65nm.

I said above the C2D shines, and OC's like there's no tomorrow, i'd recommend the E6300 if budget allowed.:)


Liam

On the cpu. A cpu with a L2 of 1MB will walk circles around on with 512KB L2.

And what Liam flat told the truth about the Intels.

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So you don't think there will be much of a difference between the P4 3.x GHz single core versus the AMD dual core in America's Army gameplay? I just want to make sure that's what you're saying, because that's what I'm reading and that is my main concern with this upgrade. I know that's probably bizarre since I said I play it only about once a week for a few hours straight, but that is the most computer intensive thing I do so I want to make sure it won't play worse than the single core option I have.

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I think the AMD will be a better choice, for game performance, RAM compatibility, more future-proofing than the P4. (The P4 is due to be kill in about 6 weeks)


Liam

Quote:

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Originally Posted by liam858

The brisbane is the newest revision, and is 65nm.

I said above the C2D shines, and OC's like there's no tomorrow, i'd recommend the E6300 if budget allowed.:)

Liam

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Yikes!!! The E6300 is a bit too steep for my price range right now. Something closer to $100 is much more feasible.

Ouch, about 6 weeks! Okay, I'm definitely going dual core than. And from what I understand in my price range I'd be better off going with AMD than Pentium D. Sound right?

Yep, the Pentium D is a faker.:p


Liam

So now the question would be whether or not to go with the AMD dual core combo from earlier, which has to be purchased as a combo to get that OEM processor, or get the processor and mobo separate. From what you said I should get an AMD dual core that has 2x512KB L2 cache as it will be much better than a 2x256KB L2 cache. That 1 MB L2 cache processor runs for $135. Hmmm, a bit too steep considering I need a mobo, too. It looks like the combo is the way to go for the price/performance. Agreed?