What to upgrade?

Crawford

Crawford

Crawford

Associate
Joined
28 May 2003
Posts
302
Is more RAM the best performance upgrade on this system?

I realise a bigger performance leap would come from a new mobo etc, but not sure i want the additional cost/hassle at present!

Abit NFS7 Mobo
Athlon XP (Barton) 2800
512MB RAM
ATI 9600 128MB Graphic card
 
Yup, XP Professional.

Like the sound of a considerable performance boost!How much RAM do i need? 1GB? 2GB? Presumably it is a matter of diminishing returns.....
 
Most older systems benefit from a ram boost, especially if your not one for trimming the fat away from XP.

2gb and you will relay notice the difference in day to day tasks, what do you use it for?
 
I'd agree with 2-3gb of ram.

Also, i assume the mobo (with it being an old Athlon) has AGP rather than PCI-E?

If this is the case then a 7600gt would also offer a pretty large performance boost for gaming.

gt
 
Used mainly for general internet browsing etc, but with some view to playing Command and Conquer 3 (if possible).

I will probably use the 9600, even if other cards are better, as i have it sitting around unused at present. Currently, the machine has a Geforce 4400ti.

Hadn't realised that as much as 2GB would be helpful.
 
XP runs a lot better with at least 1GB of RAM. You'll need to check what Ram your mobo will take, I have a feeling that it'l be DDR-3200 at best?
 
Yup, it is indeed DDR-3200. So, do you reckon get 1 GB, and keep current 512mb, to make 1.5. Or splash the cash and get 2GB, and keep the 512mb?

Guess the latter must be better, but how much?
 
2GB kit & sell the 512MB. Some early Dual-channel capable mobos were iffy about mixing RAM sticks. But you could always try.
 
you're looking at just under £50 for 2gb from ocuk Here

It's a bit steep but you will see the improvement,

a worthwile upgrade if you're looking to keep with the same system for some time.

R
 
No way would I plump so much into an old system especially if you like to play the occasional game. Just add an extra 512MB stick to bring yourself upto 1GB and be done with it (or 2x512mb if you've got 2x25mb atm). DDR is way overpriced considering its useless if you were to ever upgrade.
 
Certainly £50 seems a bit strong, especially as i can go for a basic dual core and mobo for around £90 (an E4300 from memory? Might be completely wrong!).

Trouble with doing things on older machines is you can never find benchmarks etc. What i would really like would be bench's for an XP Rig on a 2800 with 512, 1GB and 2GB RAM!

Not much to hope for really!
 
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