Time for teh upgrade!!!

[FUNKED1]

Right now:  Nforce, Athlon XP 2100+, 512MB PC2100, Radeon 9600 Pro 128MB

For gaming is there any benefit to using an Athlon 64 instead of an Athlon XP, assuming they have the same speed rating, i.e. 3200+?

Also if I go to a 3200+ will that do much for gaming?  

And what would be the best bang-for-buck upgrade from a 9600 Pro?

Inquiring minds want to know.  

[schizer]

Originally posted by FUNKED1
Right now:  Nforce, Athlon XP 2100+, 512MB PC2100, Radeon 9600 Pro 128MB

For gaming is there any benefit to using an Athlon 64 instead of an Athlon XP, assuming they have the same speed rating, i.e. 3200+?

Also if I go to a 3200+ will that do much for gaming?  

And what would be the best bang-for-buck upgrade from a 9600 Pro?

Inquiring minds want to know.  

64 blows XP/P4 away for gaming, best bang for buck...9800pr0, sell your 90600pro for around $80-$90, buy a 9800pro for $170-$180

[Sandog]

Let me know if your interested in selling the 2100 when you finish your up grade.

[FUNKED1]

The only 9800 Pros I have seen for $170 were either used or the inferior 128-bit versions.

[ALF]

Originally posted by FUNKED1
The only 9800 Pros I have seen for $170 were either used or the inferior 128-bit versions.

You mean the 128 MEG versions?

You did say Best BANG FOR BUCK...not overall best, and calling a 9800 Pro inferior is a bit  drastic.  If you can wait...the newer mid rang $200 cards from nvidia and ATI are just around the corner and preform very favorably to the  current $299 cards

[eagl]

Definately get the athlon 64, and don't buy anything slower than an nvidia 6800 or radeon x800.  Buying the previous generation vid card as an upgrade from a 9600 would probably be a waste of money.  Wait a bit and get an nvidia 6800 GT or get a 6800 if you gotta buy now.  If you can't afford a 6800, wait.

But definately go up to an athlon 64 over the XP.  Get socket 939 if you can afford it (939 cpus might be getting much cheaper soon as AMD is releasing new slower but cheaper 939s soon) but otherwise any athlon 64 is going to be better than the athlon XP.  Athlon 64s kick butt in every way over the athlon XP in every review I've seen.

IMHO.

[FUNKED1]

Originally posted by ALF
You mean the 128 MEG versions?

No.

[FUNKED1]

Originally posted by eagl
Definately get the athlon 64, and don't buy anything slower than an nvidia 6800 or radeon x800.  Buying the previous generation vid card as an upgrade from a 9600 would probably be a waste of money.  Wait a bit and get an nvidia 6800 GT or get a 6800 if you gotta buy now.  If you can't afford a 6800, wait.

But definately go up to an athlon 64 over the XP.  Get socket 939 if you can afford it (939 cpus might be getting much cheaper soon as AMD is releasing new slower but cheaper 939s soon) but otherwise any athlon 64 is going to be better than the athlon XP.  Athlon 64s kick butt in every way over the athlon XP in every review I've seen.

IMHO.

Socket 939 is like 4 times more than what I can pay.  X800 is ridiculously priced too.  6800 is closer, but not possible right now.   Maybe in 6 months if prices drop, but then there will be another generation coming along that I should wait to buy.  

Right now I'm looking at the system I posted above but with an Athlon 64 3200+ & Asus K8N.
I want to be out the door about $700 to $800.

[schizer]

Originally posted by FUNKED1
The only 9800 Pros I have seen for $170 were either used or the inferior 128-bit versions.

Fry's had retail box on sale for $179 a week or so ago

[FUNKED1]

They have Fry's in GA now?????????????????????/
Holy Crap.

[FUNKED1]

BTW It would be just like Fry's to prey on people with the scheme I linked to above.  Check that box carefully.  

[FUNKED1]

Hmmmmmm
http://www.anandtech.com/video/showdoc.aspx?i=2196&p=11
Maybe I will wait then.

[MrLars]

I just upgraded to a 3.2g Nwood, 1G pc3200mem and a GeForce 6800GT.

The 6800 will be the last AGP card I buy but this thing rocks! A bit pricy at $399+ but well worth it IMO.

[Sancho]

that 6600 GT card will be an interesting video card that costs less than my rent.  with the right motherboard, it will be capable of SLI too.

[schizer]

1) Order at shop.ati.com price $249.00
2) Use 1010 coupon code to get 10% off - total order charge: $224.90 - shipped - from ATI direct (already less than 225 you're offering
3) find an old graphics card (buy an old pc at Goodwill if you must), and send it in usps priority mail - $3.85 for $50 trade-up (shop.ati.com/tradeup.asp)
4) get your $50 credit

Your total: $224.90 + 3.85 - 50 = $178.75