Upgrade advice on my second system

[XysteR]

Hi all, I'm currently running a reasonable main system that doesn't need upgrading but my second system on my network that i want to let my partner use to play multiplayer games with me does.

Asus mobo max supported CPU 3000 CPU (Currently 2600 clocked to 3000 speed.) I think this mobo and CPU let down the video card a bit.
1 gig Geil value DDR400
Winfast 6800 LE AGP (12 pipes)

Now i was thinking of trying to pull together a 939 AGP mobo and 3500 Venice CPU to give the computer a cheap speed update for gaming. Does this look like a good idea? Or should i go for a low end core 2 duo CPU and cheap mobo?

Ideas?

 

[semi-pro waster]

I don't know how much the socket 939 option would cost you but this would be nearly the cheapest socket 775 option with Core2Duo.

Intel Core 2 Duo E2160 "LGA775 Conroe" 1.80GHz (800FSB) - Retail £54.99
(£64.61) £54.99
(£64.61)
Asrock 4CoreDual-VSTA (Socket 775) PCI-Express/AGP DDR2 Motherboard £39.99
(£46.99) £39.99
(£46.99)
Sub Total : £94.98
Shipping cost assumes delivery to UK Mainland with:
City Link Parcel Next Day (Delivered Mon-Fri)
(This can be changed during checkout) Shipping : £8.25
VAT is being charged at 17.5% VAT : £18.07
Total : £121.30

 

[XysteR]

I can get a 3500 venice for £23, mobo for around £35 and HSF for £17 so £65 in all and i could use the 1 GB DDR400 with that board.

Mind you i've heard good things about these conroes. I'm not really clued up on the XP 64 3500's or the 1.8 Conroes so some info on that would be cool.

I take it these low end conroes clock well too?



Still though at £120 your option is looking better. That board has some decent reviews. AGP and PCI so i can stick a PCI card in later when i want to upgrade from the 6800 LE + it looks like it'll run with the DDR400 mem i have. Everyones a winner!

Thanks for the info i was a click away from buying that 3500 phew

 

[semi-pro waster]

The Conroes do tend to clock well and you can use the DDR with that motherboard however it is unlikely to be great for overclocking purposes. Any Core2Duo ought to be considerably faster than an A64 3500 but it would be a more expensive option and if it is just for a second PC might not be worth it.

 

[XysteR]

I'm not really one for pushing the boundaries in overclocking. I normally like to overclock to the max the CPU can do stable at the default voltage and thats as far as i go. This lil board could be just the ticket with that 2160 CPU. The whole setup gives a good scope for cheap future upgrades too. I wouldn't get that with a 939 board and 3500 chip.

Well done man thats a cool cheap spec