Athlon 1.0 GHZ Upgrade

256 full speed is MUCH better. The only reason the 512MB Cache (Assuming your talking about Socket A vs. Slot A) is because Slot processors cost more to make.

The t-bird w/256kb cache is better because the cache is running at the same frequency as the processor. So a 1000 mhz t-bird will have cache that is running @ 1000 mhz. The classic 1ghz athlon had the cache running at a fraction the speed of the processor. It probably costs more because they are not made anymore and there are fewer of them. In this case size does not matter for 99% of apps out there, it's speed and efficiency that matter. Go for the AMD T-bird.

But in your case the K7V you have is a slot A MOBO. The new t-birds are socket A(except for rumours, that AMD produced Slot A t-birds- you'll have to check on that). So unless you find some of these rumoured Slot A t-birds or get a Socket A to Slot A converter(if they exist never seen one) than you will have to get the 1ghz Athlon classic slot A.
Unless you want to also buy a new MOBO to go with that T-bird.
Is it worth it? Well that depends on what you use your computer for.

Anyone who buys an athlon computer from Dell, HP, Gateway or Compaq are one of those stupid people. They still use the old slot a in their computers, custom-built or pre-made.

- "I forgot my shirt, but I had body glitter."

I would agree if they knew about systems and still went ahead and did it. There isn't a lot wrong with Slot A if you've already got one of course. But just to remember when they told us that they couldn't get a socketed processor to run beyond 700mhz as a justification for producing slot processors. What's next...who knows, we definately have to be careful with our purchases nowadays and keep our ear to the ground to see what's in the pipeline before we buy.

Ray