I want to first thank everyone for posting such thoughtful and informative messages! I've been reading the forums for a few days now while researching what I want to buy. I think I have it figured out, and thought I'd post it here for feedback.
New purchases (from newegg):
CPU: P2.4C ($173)
MB: Abit IS7 ($108)
MEM: Corsair XMS 256MB PC3200C2 [two] ($128 total)
PSU: Fortron FSP350-60BN 350W ($37 with s/h) (this should be sufficient from what I've read, anyone disagree?)
Total: $446 Shipped
I'll be adding a Radeon 9600 Pro 128MB as well.
This is about the most that I'd want to spend on a system. I'd prefer to spend less, but I don't mind the extra few bucks if I'm getting good value. I don't want to spend extra money for barely noticable performance gains though. This system will be mostly used for gaming, other applications will be minor (like web publishing).
Carried over from my old setup:
HD1: Western Digital 60GB 7200RPM
HD2: Western Digital 25GB 7200RPM
CD: TDK VeloCD CDRW
Modem: Diamond(?) 56k
Misc: Generic ATX Case (I don't need to upgrade this, right?), USB Mouse, PS2 Keyboard, Altec Speakers, Sony Trinitron 17", External Cable Modem
Being scrapped/sold/melted down:
P3-550 and motherboard, 392MB PC100(?) SDRAM, ATI 3100(?) Gfx, Generic 10/100 LAN Adapter (New IS7 MB has 10/100 onboard), Generic 250W PSU
I am currently running Win2k Pro. I will do a fresh O/S install of either XP or Win2k Pro (leaning towards Win2k again). I'm not sure if one or the other would be better for gaming with the new hardware, I intend to investigate that next (though feel free to let me know what you think now
.
I believe that covers everything. Please let me know if you have any recommendations or tips before I order everything and begin the big upgrade! Thanks in advance!
Ben
New purchases (from newegg):
CPU: P2.4C ($173)
MB: Abit IS7 ($108)
MEM: Corsair XMS 256MB PC3200C2 [two] ($128 total)
PSU: Fortron FSP350-60BN 350W ($37 with s/h) (this should be sufficient from what I've read, anyone disagree?)
Total: $446 Shipped
I'll be adding a Radeon 9600 Pro 128MB as well.
This is about the most that I'd want to spend on a system. I'd prefer to spend less, but I don't mind the extra few bucks if I'm getting good value. I don't want to spend extra money for barely noticable performance gains though. This system will be mostly used for gaming, other applications will be minor (like web publishing).
Carried over from my old setup:
HD1: Western Digital 60GB 7200RPM
HD2: Western Digital 25GB 7200RPM
CD: TDK VeloCD CDRW
Modem: Diamond(?) 56k
Misc: Generic ATX Case (I don't need to upgrade this, right?), USB Mouse, PS2 Keyboard, Altec Speakers, Sony Trinitron 17", External Cable Modem
Being scrapped/sold/melted down:
P3-550 and motherboard, 392MB PC100(?) SDRAM, ATI 3100(?) Gfx, Generic 10/100 LAN Adapter (New IS7 MB has 10/100 onboard), Generic 250W PSU
I am currently running Win2k Pro. I will do a fresh O/S install of either XP or Win2k Pro (leaning towards Win2k again). I'm not sure if one or the other would be better for gaming with the new hardware, I intend to investigate that next (though feel free to let me know what you think now
.I believe that covers everything. Please let me know if you have any recommendations or tips before I order everything and begin the big upgrade! Thanks in advance!
Ben
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