Should i upgrade, and if so to what?

ScoobyDoo · 22 Jun 2006 at 21:29

My current spec is:-

Biostar case
Xp2500 processor
1gb PC3200 RAM
Win PVR-150MCE TV card PCI
Nvida Fx5200 AGP graphics card
250gb IDE Samsung drive
Sony DVD writer
Windows MCE

Ive just brought a LG 32inch LCD TV and at present I use the above PC as a media centre PC. What i now require is a media centre PC which is capable of playing high defination footage along with the ability to play counterstrike source on the lcd tv.

I was thiniking about keeping most of the components, just changing the case, CPU to a A64 3200 (939), and change the graphics card.

Ive looked at Shuttle cases which I really like, but some dont have both PCI-express graphics along with PCI expansion which i need for my PCI TV card.

What would you recommend???
Budget for case is around £220

pinkaardvark · 23 Jun 2006 at 13:11

Bung cpu, mob and ram on ebay, as xp2500's seem to fetch silly money. Then use proceeds to up your budget and get an a64 3800 minimum. If your up for buying ddr2 get a gig of that, otherwise keep your existing and pick up a socket 939(bear in mind you won't likely be able to upgrade in future)

Tosk · 23 Jun 2006 at 14:21

lo ScoobyDoo, ive just sold my sff parts to a m8 and im now thinking of getting a silver stone sugo, and adding in a s939 cpu and a mother board

the case cost a abit, but it would be a lot easyer to upgrade in the future
by replacing the board and cpu
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i got £100.00 for my qbic case and board and £50.00 for me 2500+ mobile barton unlocked, i know i could have got more for the cpu, cuz there a good seller now days but i sold it at a good price to my m8, tho he dont know that

good luck and let us know what you go for in the end please

ScoobyDoo · 23 Jun 2006 at 17:05

Think the silver stone sugo might be the best bet for me.
Looking at the Shuttle cases they dont offer what I need, ie PCI-Express graphics, and a standard PCI slot for my TV card.

Im defo going to get a 939 based AMD64 processor, want to keep my current PC3200 1gb RAM, so ill have a look what motherboard goes best with the sugo.

Tosk · 23 Jun 2006 at 17:10

ive bin told the Biostar TForce 6100 or the DFI Infinity RS482 are a great choice in performance and overclocking if needed.

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but for me im still unsure if i want to go for a custom built Silverstone Sugo or a Shuttle SN21G5

as there aint much a price dif after buying all the parts ie.

mother board 55.00
case 90.00
psu 55.00

but if i go for the sugo i can always replace the board and cpu in the future which as a good point

so i might go the sugo way