MSI 745 Ultra ----> nForce2 Worth It?

[tombance]

Hi, I currently have an MSI 745 Ultra mobo (SiS745 Chipset, ultimate reliability) which I feel that is perhaps not such a good platform for my overclocked Athlon XP. Im considering upgrading to a single channel nForce2 mobo, as this would only cost me £45 (UK Pounds). The question is, am I likely to get a big enough performance boost to justify the cost?

<A HREF="http://service.futuremark.com/compare?2k1=6752830" target="_new">Yay, I Finally broke the 12k barrier!!</A>

 

[Spitfire_x86]

If you have a highly overclockable CPU (like T-bred "B" 1700+), then it may worth the money. SiS 745 is not a good platform at all for overclocking.

I recommend ABIT NF7 v2.0. It's fast, very stable and very good overclocker

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[Nights_L]

Exactly, buy a new cpu instead

 

[Spitfire_x86]

IIRC, it's around 2000+

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[tombance]

Close, its a 1700+ Tbred B overclocked to 2000+ speeds with multiplier boost.

The main reason I wanted to upgrade was that I thought if I could buy a £45 motherboard (less than a new processor here) and overclock my chip to a higher level it would provide me with a good platform for a few more years. I would also have the side benefit of having the extra features, so that I could perhaps get an S-ATA drive later on.

Im really considering doing this now. Im due to do a 6 monthly Win 2000 reinstall soon, and this purchase would be a great christmas present to myself.

<A HREF="http://service.futuremark.com/compare?2k1=6752830" target="_new">Yay, I Finally broke the 12k barrier!!</A>

 

[ad_rach]

I don't know of any nforce 2 400 mobos that have SATA.I have only seen it on Ultra 400 ones.If you could stretch to £75,<A HREF="http://www.komplett.co.uk/k/kl.asp?AvdID=1&CatID=10&GrpID=5&t=845&l=2" target="_new">Komplett</A> are offering a great deal on the NF7-S v2.0.Then you can have Ultra 400 with all the trimmings.The NF7-S will also allow you to get the absolute maximum from your XP1700.Given that the NF7 is £60, i think you can get a LOT for that extra £15.I got my NF7-S from Komplett but that was in january for £100(what can you do?!).If you can't go that high on the budget, there are some great epox Ultra 400 offerings which start at about £55 without all the extras.Have a look at <A HREF="http://www.ebuyer.com" target="_new">Ebuyer</A> too.I have found these two retailers to be the best in the UK in my experience, having purchased from each many times.

no matter how hard you try, you can't polish a turd. :]