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External
Since: Feb 20, 2004
Posts: 2
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(Msg. 1) Posted: Fri Feb 20, 2004 3:42 am
Post subject: System Ugrade Guidance - HELP
Archived from groups: alt>comp>hardware>pc-homebuilt, others (more info?)
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Hi,
I'm sure you folks read this 10 times a day, but this 61 year old guy
needs some suggestions to upgrade my system. I haven't kept up to date
on all this new stuff since I built my current system 2 years ago.
Thanks in advance for your guidance.
I currently use Win 98SE that has slowed down a lot. Much of it probably
has to do with a lot of junk programs I don't use anymore. Plus massive
registry entries that are bogus. I would like to move to XP and speed up
my computer with a hot new mb and cpu, plus switch out any other
components that aren't compatible. I use my computer for substantial
graphic image work from my digital camera and run GemCad for the design
of facets used in cutting precious gems. A couple of hobbies. My gaming
days are about over, with slowed reflexes.
My current system is:
* MB Epox 8K7A+
* AMD 1.4g/266 cpu
* Thermaltake Volcano 7 Cooling
* 512mb Crutial RAM (2x256) DDR PC2100 CL=2.5 Unbuffered, non-parity, 2.5V
* Gainward GF3 64mb
* Enermax 350W Power Supply w/dual fans
* 80G Maxtor HD
* Plextor CD-RW 24/10/40A
* Pioneer DVD Player 16X
* Hercules/Fortissimo Sound Card
* Blaster Modem, External
* Teac Floppy
* Logitech Optical Mouse
* Cooler Master ATX/Med ATC-201 SX w/personal killer casemod including:
window, lights, Dungeons and Dragons Figurines, etc. Very proud of my case.
* Sony 19" GMD-400PS
Any guidance for a speedy stable system would be greatly appreciated. I
also realize that some of the drivers will need to be upgraded to XP.
Most of my software is old and not used. Although I do use Office 97 Pro
and need the Access db program. Thanks again. Just have a need for speed.
Carl
O'Fallon, MO |
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External
Since: Dec 06, 2003
Posts: 25
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(Msg. 2) Posted: Fri Feb 20, 2004 3:42 am
Post subject: Re: System Ugrade Guidance - HELP [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)
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I was in your shoes last June when I upgraded from a PIII-1000 running
Win98SE with lots of hardware and both legacy and modern software--even two
DOS apps, which I'm still running. With careful registry cleaning (Reg1Aid
and Windoc mostly), defragging, and other maintenance, it ran quite well as
long as I kept resources in check.
My new system is below, which as you will notice has some legacy
hardware--and it is not only stable but quite fast. I'd recommend going
with an 875p chipset, P4 2.8 or 3.0 HT, and 1 or 2 gb of RAM (1gb should be
plenty for most applications.) You'll like XP Pro. It is more stable than
even Win98SE, and resources are no longer a worry. If you have the RAM,
just load what you want and don't worry about it. Six iterations of IE6,
Photoshop, Outlook, and a few other apps running simultaneously? No
problem.
I have two friends with Asus P4C800 mobos and they are equally impressive.
If you don't need the frills and won't be doing serious overclocking,
Gigabyte has 875p mobos with similar specs that would serve as well.
Keeping much of my legacy hardware including the case and PSU, I spent about
$800. Go for it--you'll like it. Remember, dual-channel requires multiples
of two RAM modules. One or three won't do.
And think about a WD Raptor drive (10k rpm SATA), either 37 or 74gb, as
they'll add even more spark to your system. I moved from the 160gb Maxtor
to the 37gb Raptor and the performance difference was quite noticeable.
Motherboard: Gigabyte 8KNXP v1 (non-Ultra), f9 bios
CPU: 2.8C P4 (not OC'd) with Zalman CNPS7000-Cu HSF
2gb RAM (4 x 512mb Kingston DDR400 in dual-channel mode @ SPD, matched
pairs)
OS: WinXP Pro SP1
Keyboard: Northgate 102 Ultra (via PS2 adapter)
SATA0 (ICH5R) - WD360GD [C:]
IDE1 - Maxtor 6Y160P0 [D:]
IDE2 - Empty
IDE3 - Empty, disabled
IDE4 - Empty, disabled
AGP - Matrox G450 DH at 4x
Monitors:
-Sony E540 (21") primary
-Sony A240 (17") secondary
NIC (on board) - Connected to Linksys 4-port router
Networked computers: 3
Sound (on board): Enabled
Firewire (on board): Disabled
PCI1 - Empty
PCI2 - StarTech firewire adapter
- Lexar Compactflash reader/writer [F:]
- WD800BB 80gb on firewire adapter (normally not running) [J:]
- WD1200BB 120gb on firewire adapter (normally not running) [K:]
PCI2 - AHA-2930B SCSI adapter:
- Plextor 12/10/32TS CD-RW [H:]
- Plextor 32Plex [I:]
- HP 6250 Scanner
- Iomega Zip [E:]
PCI3 - Extra parallel adapter (LPT2)
PCI5 - Empty
LPT1 - Brother HL-645 laser printer
LPT2 - Epson LQ-850 dot-matrix printer
USB:
- Epson Photo Stylus ink-jet printer
- Wacom pen tablet
- Digital Wallet (usually not connected)
COM1 - USR Courier V-Everything external modem (for fax)
COM2 - Empty
"Carl" wrote in message
> Hi,
>
> I'm sure you folks read this 10 times a day, but this 61 year old guy
> needs some suggestions to upgrade my system. I haven't kept up to date
> on all this new stuff since I built my current system 2 years ago.
> Thanks in advance for your guidance.
>
> I currently use Win 98SE that has slowed down a lot. Much of it probably
> has to do with a lot of junk programs I don't use anymore. Plus massive
> registry entries that are bogus. I would like to move to XP and speed up
> my computer with a hot new mb and cpu, plus switch out any other
> components that aren't compatible. I use my computer for substantial
> graphic image work from my digital camera and run GemCad for the design
> of facets used in cutting precious gems. A couple of hobbies. My gaming
> days are about over, with slowed reflexes.
>
> My current system is:
>
> * MB Epox 8K7A+
> * AMD 1.4g/266 cpu
> * Thermaltake Volcano 7 Cooling
> * 512mb Crutial RAM (2x256) DDR PC2100 CL=2.5 Unbuffered, non-parity, 2.5V
> * Gainward GF3 64mb
> * Enermax 350W Power Supply w/dual fans
> * 80G Maxtor HD
> * Plextor CD-RW 24/10/40A
> * Pioneer DVD Player 16X
> * Hercules/Fortissimo Sound Card
> * Blaster Modem, External
> * Teac Floppy
> * Logitech Optical Mouse
> * Cooler Master ATX/Med ATC-201 SX w/personal killer casemod including:
> window, lights, Dungeons and Dragons Figurines, etc. Very proud of my
case.
> * Sony 19" GMD-400PS
>
> Any guidance for a speedy stable system would be greatly appreciated. I
> also realize that some of the drivers will need to be upgraded to XP.
> Most of my software is old and not used. Although I do use Office 97 Pro
> and need the Access db program. Thanks again. Just have a need for speed.
>
> Carl
> O'Fallon, MO
> >> Stay informed about: System Ugrade Guidance - HELP |
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External
Since: Jan 03, 2004
Posts: 54
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(Msg. 3) Posted: Fri Feb 20, 2004 5:33 am
Post subject: Re: System Ugrade Guidance - HELP [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)
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"Carl" wrote in message
> Hi,
>
> I'm sure you folks read this 10 times a day, but this 61 year old guy
> needs some suggestions to upgrade my system. I haven't kept up to date
> on all this new stuff since I built my current system 2 years ago.
> Thanks in advance for your guidance.
>
> I currently use Win 98SE that has slowed down a lot. Much of it probably
> has to do with a lot of junk programs I don't use anymore. Plus massive
> registry entries that are bogus. I would like to move to XP and speed up
> my computer with a hot new mb and cpu, plus switch out any other
> components that aren't compatible. I use my computer for substantial
> graphic image work from my digital camera and run GemCad for the design
> of facets used in cutting precious gems. A couple of hobbies. My gaming
> days are about over, with slowed reflexes.
>
> My current system is:
>
> * MB Epox 8K7A+
> * AMD 1.4g/266 cpu
> * Thermaltake Volcano 7 Cooling
> * 512mb Crutial RAM (2x256) DDR PC2100 CL=2.5 Unbuffered, non-parity, 2.5V
> * Gainward GF3 64mb
> * Enermax 350W Power Supply w/dual fans
> * 80G Maxtor HD
> * Plextor CD-RW 24/10/40A
> * Pioneer DVD Player 16X
> * Hercules/Fortissimo Sound Card
> * Blaster Modem, External
> * Teac Floppy
> * Logitech Optical Mouse
> * Cooler Master ATX/Med ATC-201 SX w/personal killer casemod including:
> window, lights, Dungeons and Dragons Figurines, etc. Very proud of my
case.
> * Sony 19" GMD-400PS
>
> Any guidance for a speedy stable system would be greatly appreciated. I
> also realize that some of the drivers will need to be upgraded to XP.
> Most of my software is old and not used. Although I do use Office 97 Pro
> and need the Access db program. Thanks again. Just have a need for speed.
>
> Carl
> O'Fallon, MO
>
OK, you are one of the few users who would probably be happier with an Intel
system, with lots of RAM. Try a P4 ~2.8 on an AOpen AX4C MAX mainboard
(Intel 875P chipset) and (2) X 512MB Kingston or other good brand DDR400
RAM. (total 1GIG of RAM) You will also want a better Power Supply to keep
it stable. I'd suggest a 400W Seasonic brand from Axiom. You'll probably
want a better video card eventually also, but your other components look OK
for starters. Definitely move to XP pro. You will like it. Order it with
your motherboard so you can get a discount on it. -Dave >> Stay informed about: System Ugrade Guidance - HELP |
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External
Since: Feb 20, 2004
Posts: 21
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(Msg. 4) Posted: Fri Feb 20, 2004 6:35 am
Post subject: Re: System Ugrade Guidance - HELP [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)
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"Dave C." wrote in message
>
> > Hi,
> >
> > I'm sure you folks read this 10 times a day, but this 61 year old guy
> > needs some suggestions to upgrade my system. I haven't kept up to date
> > on all this new stuff since I built my current system 2 years ago.
> > Thanks in advance for your guidance.
> >
> > I currently use Win 98SE that has slowed down a lot. Much of it probably
> > has to do with a lot of junk programs I don't use anymore. Plus massive
> > registry entries that are bogus. I would like to move to XP and speed up
> > my computer with a hot new mb and cpu, plus switch out any other
> > components that aren't compatible. I use my computer for substantial
> > graphic image work from my digital camera and run GemCad for the design
> > of facets used in cutting precious gems. A couple of hobbies. My gaming
> > days are about over, with slowed reflexes.
> >
> > My current system is:
> >
> > * MB Epox 8K7A+
> > * AMD 1.4g/266 cpu
> > * Thermaltake Volcano 7 Cooling
> > * 512mb Crutial RAM (2x256) DDR PC2100 CL=2.5 Unbuffered, non-parity,
2.5V
> > * Gainward GF3 64mb
> > * Enermax 350W Power Supply w/dual fans
> > * 80G Maxtor HD
> > * Plextor CD-RW 24/10/40A
> > * Pioneer DVD Player 16X
> > * Hercules/Fortissimo Sound Card
> > * Blaster Modem, External
> > * Teac Floppy
> > * Logitech Optical Mouse
> > * Cooler Master ATX/Med ATC-201 SX w/personal killer casemod including:
> > window, lights, Dungeons and Dragons Figurines, etc. Very proud of my
> case.
> > * Sony 19" GMD-400PS
> >
> > Any guidance for a speedy stable system would be greatly appreciated. I
> > also realize that some of the drivers will need to be upgraded to XP.
> > Most of my software is old and not used. Although I do use Office 97 Pro
> > and need the Access db program. Thanks again. Just have a need for
speed.
> >
> > Carl
> > O'Fallon, MO
> >
>
> OK, you are one of the few users who would probably be happier with an
Intel
> system, with lots of RAM. Try a P4 ~2.8 on an AOpen AX4C MAX mainboard
> (Intel 875P chipset) and (2) X 512MB Kingston or other good brand DDR400
> RAM. (total 1GIG of RAM) You will also want a better Power Supply to
keep
> it stable. I'd suggest a 400W Seasonic brand from Axiom. You'll probably
> want a better video card eventually also, but your other components look
OK
> for starters. Definitely move to XP pro. You will like it. Order it
with
> your motherboard so you can get a discount on it. -Dave
>
>
Dave, why recomend a 875p based mobo? a 865pe is cheeper, just as fast, and
(like mine) you can enable PAT.
Oh well.. Carl, im a intel guy, my suggestion? 865pe (based mobo) from
Abit(if your comfortable in the bios), MSI(easy set up for newbs yet pros
will be happy too), or Asus(lots of those around so huge user base help).
Stick with those 3 companies.
cpu: how much $ can you spend, but, a 2.4c p4 will overclock nicely to 3.3
on air. so cheep 2.4c-2.8c (not prescott, the longer pipelines at 2.8ghz
speed make the 1mb lvl3 cashe bonus null)
ram: Corsair XMS series ram, you pay more but its worth every penny.
psu: did you like your Enermax? stick with it then but get min 420watt.
remember name brand only with 420watt constant not peak.
vid card: nvidia FX5600 or higher (how much you can afford) with VIVO. ATI
9600all in wonder or higher.
note: the nvidia FX5200's are cheep and some have lots of video type
features but dont buy its like buying a honda civic with leather int./fully
loaded, looks nice, appears nice, but the motor will chug going uphill...
some things you can go cheep for now but others? mobo and ram is a must for
quality, cpu & vid card can go cheep to upgrade later.
check out <a rel="nofollow" style='text-decoration: none;' href="http://www.newegg.com" target="_blank">www.newegg.com</a> for prices. >> Stay informed about: System Ugrade Guidance - HELP |
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External
Since: Jan 03, 2004
Posts: 54
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(Msg. 5) Posted: Sat Feb 21, 2004 3:57 am
Post subject: Re: System Ugrade Guidance - HELP [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)
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> >
> > OK, you are one of the few users who would probably be happier with an
> Intel
> > system, with lots of RAM. Try a P4 ~2.8 on an AOpen AX4C MAX mainboard
> > (Intel 875P chipset) and (2) X 512MB Kingston or other good brand DDR400
> > RAM. (total 1GIG of RAM) You will also want a better Power Supply to
> keep
> > it stable. I'd suggest a 400W Seasonic brand from Axiom. You'll
probably
> > want a better video card eventually also, but your other components look
> OK
> > for starters. Definitely move to XP pro. You will like it. Order it
> with
> > your motherboard so you can get a discount on it. -Dave
> >
> >
>
> Dave, why recomend a 875p based mobo? a 865pe is cheeper, just as fast,
and
> (like mine) you can enable PAT.
>
> Oh well.. Carl, im a intel guy, my suggestion? 865pe (based mobo) from
> Abit(if your comfortable in the bios), MSI(easy set up for newbs yet pros
> will be happy too), or Asus(lots of those around so huge user base help).
> Stick with those 3 companies.
> cpu: how much $ can you spend, but, a 2.4c p4 will overclock nicely to 3.3
> on air. so cheep 2.4c-2.8c (not prescott, the longer pipelines at 2.8ghz
> speed make the 1mb lvl3 cashe bonus null)
> ram: Corsair XMS series ram, you pay more but its worth every penny.
> psu: did you like your Enermax? stick with it then but get min 420watt.
> remember name brand only with 420watt constant not peak.
Well, since you asked . . . based on personal experience and reviews, AOpen
is one of the most stable brands of motherboards you can buy. That one I
picked is reasonably priced, also. You might be able to find a 865pe
cheaper, but probably not much. In any case, 875 or 865pe should both work
just fine. Oh, and 420W constant would be at at least 1200W peak. Don't
you think that's overkill?  -Dave >> Stay informed about: System Ugrade Guidance - HELP |
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External
Since: Aug 11, 2003
Posts: 43
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(Msg. 6) Posted: Sat Feb 21, 2004 3:57 am
Post subject: Re: System Ugrade Guidance - HELP [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)
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"Dave C." wrote in message
> > >
> > > OK, you are one of the few users who would probably be happier with an
> > Intel
> > > system, with lots of RAM. Try a P4 ~2.8 on an AOpen AX4C MAX
mainboard
> > > (Intel 875P chipset) and (2) X 512MB Kingston or other good brand
DDR400
> > > RAM. (total 1GIG of RAM) You will also want a better Power Supply to
> > keep
> > > it stable. I'd suggest a 400W Seasonic brand from Axiom. You'll
> probably
> > > want a better video card eventually also, but your other components
look
> > OK
> > > for starters. Definitely move to XP pro. You will like it. Order it
> > with
> > > your motherboard so you can get a discount on it. -Dave
> > >
> > >
> >
> > Dave, why recomend a 875p based mobo? a 865pe is cheeper, just as fast,
> and
> > (like mine) you can enable PAT.
> >
> > Oh well.. Carl, im a intel guy, my suggestion? 865pe (based mobo) from
> > Abit(if your comfortable in the bios), MSI(easy set up for newbs yet
pros
> > will be happy too), or Asus(lots of those around so huge user base
help).
> > Stick with those 3 companies.
> > cpu: how much $ can you spend, but, a 2.4c p4 will overclock nicely to
3.3
> > on air. so cheep 2.4c-2.8c (not prescott, the longer pipelines at 2.8ghz
> > speed make the 1mb lvl3 cashe bonus null)
> > ram: Corsair XMS series ram, you pay more but its worth every penny.
> > psu: did you like your Enermax? stick with it then but get min 420watt.
> > remember name brand only with 420watt constant not peak.
>
> Well, since you asked . . . based on personal experience and reviews,
AOpen
> is one of the most stable brands of motherboards you can buy. That one I
> picked is reasonably priced, also. You might be able to find a 865pe
> cheaper, but probably not much. In any case, 875 or 865pe should both
work
> just fine. Oh, and 420W constant would be at at least 1200W peak. Don't
> you think that's overkill? -Dave
>
I agree with Dave. AOpen mainboard based systems are the most stable
systems I have built to date.
Nystagmus
---
Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free.
Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
Version: 6.0.590 / Virus Database: 373 - Release Date: 2/16/2004 >> Stay informed about: System Ugrade Guidance - HELP |
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