Should I upgrade now?

Aristo · 05-01-2001, 01:15 PM

Hi fellow Apexer,

I have a Celeron 300A with ABIT BX6 2.0 system at home and due to the recent increment of workload, I need a faster computer to run CAD. Should I upgrade now or should I wait a little? What CPU should I upgrade to, AMD T-Brid or Intel P4? And which corresponding motherboard should I use? Please provide your opinion with the reasons. Really appreciate your help.

My only concern is CPU and mobo.

caddelma · 05-01-2001, 01:23 PM

What CAD software are you running. How much ram, what os...

Aristo · 05-01-2001, 01:26 PM

PC133 128MB.
Windows 98 beta (don't laugh)
Mostly circuit design softwares. I also use heavily on Adobe Photoshop.

caddelma · 05-01-2001, 01:35 PM

It all depends on how much you want to spend. I have used various cad packages (mechanical variety, ie Autocad, Unigraphics) and something simple like autocad could run on what you have just fine. Photoshop? If you are going to do a lot of large image work you should definetly considering adding another 128mb and consider win2k. The biggest question is how much do you want/need to spend?

Aristo · 05-01-2001, 01:43 PM

Okay. I'll add another 128MB since memory is so much cheaper at this stage. I will also install WinXP beta in my system (not sure if it would help or not). I'm looking to spend between 300 to 400 dollars.

cruelpupet · 05-01-2001, 01:48 PM

the cheapest solution would probably be a duron 800-900

but since i run a p3 i cant help ya out on the mobo choice.

also i sugegst you use win2k instead of winxp beta.

Aristo · 05-01-2001, 01:53 PM

I was checking AccessMicro, they have 256MB DDR for $111 and AMD T-brid 1G socket A for $140. All I need is a motherboard and the total should below $400 or at least close to $400.

caddelma · 05-01-2001, 01:58 PM

I would stick non-beta os (use win2k) if the cad work is done for work. I would check the sofware company to see if they have any known problems with amd cpus. If not amd is the cheaper of the two choices. Duron being the value version (very capable cpu - I would choose it over a piii now). Another to consider is the video card. A card good for 3d gaming may not be good for cad. (matrox or even ati over nvidia). If you are considering replacing the video card I would consider a ATI Radeon.

That setup would work well. You posted before I got to.

Aristo · 05-01-2001, 02:03 PM

I'm not gonna replace my GeForce2 GTS with Radeon.

Also I've heard some problems with AMD CPU, easy to overheat and not competible with some programs and etc. If those are true, I will stick with Intel.

OC · 05-01-2001, 03:12 PM

If a simple upgrade is what you want, as opposed to essentially building a new system, I'd go with a Slot1 P3 750 (about $130) and an extra 256 megs of ram. 384 Mb ram will be nice for CAD work. Easy upgrade with a nice jump in performance.

-OC

Aristo · 05-01-2001, 05:13 PM

Will changing from Win98 to Win2k boost up the performance?

~~DoPeY5007~~ · 05-01-2001, 05:51 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by dodo90024
Will changing from Win98 to Win2k boost up the performance?

I have Win98se and Win2k on my system (dual boot)... The Win2k takes longer to load the OS but is way more stable and is a faster OS....

I use Win2k more that Win98se....

So going from 98 to 2k will help....

Aristo · 05-01-2001, 07:39 PM

I also have Win2k and Win98 dual boot in my main system. I didn't notice the speed difference though Win2k does tend to boot up slower than Win98.

Aristo · 05-01-2001, 11:21 PM

chosenfool,

You the man.

I will definitely ask you guys' helps next time when I do a major upgrade of my system.

GraingerGuy · 05-02-2001, 01:54 AM

at http://www.newegg.com I got my mobo/cpu for 347. This was for a 1.2 gig T-bird "C" and an Iwill KK266. Right now, the cpu went down by 21 dollars and the mobo went down by 8 dollars. DOH!

Those incompadabilities went away and are now just a part of the intel propaganda to scare people away from AMD. PIII/P4s are just as easy to overheat if you don't have a good heatsink/fan combo. get an FOP38, or the new WBK38 by globalwin, cheap and good heatsink/fans. (Loud as nothing else though.)

caddelma · 05-02-2001, 05:30 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by chosenfool

Quote:

Originally posted by dodo90024
I'm not gonna replace my GeForce2 GTS with Radeon.

that's a great decision!!

dont replace that geforce2 GTS card, as you can HACK that card into a quadro2! THAT is the perfect card that you can use to run CAD. (actually the quadro is Nvidia's professional graphics card for CAD, worth over $800)

heres the link for the how-to:

http://www.geocities.com/tnaw_xtennis/

on the right hand side are the instructions.

I didn't realize you had a newer card like the geforce2 gts. That would be a good deal if you hack it into a quadro. I was thinking you might have an older card and might consider a mx version (not good for cad), but since you have a great card already don't switch!

Aristo · 05-02-2001, 12:18 PM

I'm gonna add another PC133 128MB from the Deal section. $25 + $9.95 shipping. Geez...the memory is so cheap now.

Aristo · 05-02-2001, 07:00 PM

Um.... I want my system to be as stable as possible. Guess I will look somewhere else. Thanks for the warning.

caddelma · 05-03-2001, 05:27 AM

I personally prefer crucial ram. Bought some yesterday for $90 for 256mb pc133 cas2. be sure to use the webpromo for 15% off

http://www.crucial.com/webpromo

Aristo · 05-03-2001, 08:05 PM

I've been giving some thoughts of major upgrade of my system, including CPU, motherboard, and/or memory. AMD T-Bird is certainly my choice if I want to upgrade now. But Palomino and Northwood are also very tempting. I usually upgrade my system once every 1.5 to 2 years. Should I wait for those "next-generation" or should I upgrade to T-bird with DDR now?

sbp · 05-03-2001, 11:52 PM

Northwood won't be out until the end of the year. Palomino is scheduled to come out during third quarter.

Personally I'm upgrading to a tbird system in 2 weeks.

skyline · 05-04-2001, 06:02 PM

Isn't Palomino uses the same socket A as TB? so at least you won't have to change the mobo but the cpu!! ^^ unlike CPU's p4 which need a different mobo !! ~~

sbp · 05-04-2001, 11:02 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by skyline
Isn't Palomino uses the same socket A as TB? so at least you won't have to change the mobo but the cpu!! ^^ unlike CPU's p4 which need a different mobo !! ~~

Yes Palomino will use same socket as TB. Yes the Northwood P4 will use a bigger socket size than current P4's.

[Edited by sbp on 05-04-2001 at 10:04 PM]

05-01-2001, 01:23 PM	#2
caddelma Lieutenant Join Date: Mar 2001 Posts: 202	What CAD software are you running. How much ram, what os... __________________ ----------------------------------- www.gotapex.com...gotcha covered

05-01-2001, 01:48 PM	#6
cruelpupet Admiral Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: NYC Posts: 6,302	the cheapest solution would probably be a duron 800-900 but since i run a p3 i cant help ya out on the mobo choice. also i sugegst you use win2k instead of winxp beta. __________________ Am I alone here? Is that it? Am I the only one who sees. Maybe we can learn to be just like him. Wear a little uniform. Yes, sir. No, sir. Thank you, sir.

05-01-2001, 03:12 PM	#10
OC the admiral formerly known as overclocked Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Outside the mainstream Posts: 5,922	If a simple upgrade is what you want, as opposed to essentially building a new system, I'd go with a Slot1 P3 750 (about $130) and an extra 256 megs of ram. 384 Mb ram will be nice for CAD work. Easy upgrade with a nice jump in performance. -OC __________________ But what is adulthood except a delayed end-run around our parents' better judgment? -- Peter Egan cough

05-02-2001, 01:54 AM	#15
GraingerGuy Rear Admiral Upper Half Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Working....and working...and working some more Posts: 3,573	at http://www.newegg.com I got my mobo/cpu for 347. This was for a 1.2 gig T-bird "C" and an Iwill KK266. Right now, the cpu went down by 21 dollars and the mobo went down by 8 dollars. DOH! Those incompadabilities went away and are now just a part of the intel propaganda to scare people away from AMD. PIII/P4s are just as easy to overheat if you don't have a good heatsink/fan combo. get an FOP38, or the new WBK38 by globalwin, cheap and good heatsink/fans. (Loud as nothing else though.) __________________ potato gun + marshmallow gun = FLAMING MARSHMALLOWS OF DOOM!!!!! -Welfareloser 4/13/05 Time to switch to AMD now I guess... (just kidding... ) -Darkfury 5/23/05 I don't think this'll stop anything though - the better you idiot-proof a system, the more impressive the idiot becomes. -ShawnLee 5/30/08

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05-01-2001, 01:15 PM	#1
Aristo Rear Admiral Lower Half Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 2,581	Hi fellow Apexer, I have a Celeron 300A with ABIT BX6 2.0 system at home and due to the recent increment of workload, I need a faster computer to run CAD. Should I upgrade now or should I wait a little? What CPU should I upgrade to, AMD T-Brid or Intel P4? And which corresponding motherboard should I use? Please provide your opinion with the reasons. Really appreciate your help. My only concern is CPU and mobo.

05-01-2001, 01:26 PM	#3
Aristo Rear Admiral Lower Half Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 2,581	PC133 128MB. Windows 98 beta (don't laugh) Mostly circuit design softwares. I also use heavily on Adobe Photoshop.

05-01-2001, 01:35 PM	#4
caddelma Lieutenant Join Date: Mar 2001 Posts: 202	It all depends on how much you want to spend. I have used various cad packages (mechanical variety, ie Autocad, Unigraphics) and something simple like autocad could run on what you have just fine. Photoshop? If you are going to do a lot of large image work you should definetly considering adding another 128mb and consider win2k. The biggest question is how much do you want/need to spend?

05-01-2001, 01:43 PM	#5
Aristo Rear Admiral Lower Half Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 2,581	Okay. I'll add another 128MB since memory is so much cheaper at this stage. I will also install WinXP beta in my system (not sure if it would help or not). I'm looking to spend between 300 to 400 dollars.

05-01-2001, 01:53 PM	#7
Aristo Rear Admiral Lower Half Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 2,581	I was checking AccessMicro, they have 256MB DDR for $111 and AMD T-brid 1G socket A for $140. All I need is a motherboard and the total should below $400 or at least close to $400.

05-01-2001, 01:58 PM	#8
caddelma Lieutenant Join Date: Mar 2001 Posts: 202	I would stick non-beta os (use win2k) if the cad work is done for work. I would check the sofware company to see if they have any known problems with amd cpus. If not amd is the cheaper of the two choices. Duron being the value version (very capable cpu - I would choose it over a piii now). Another to consider is the video card. A card good for 3d gaming may not be good for cad. (matrox or even ati over nvidia). If you are considering replacing the video card I would consider a ATI Radeon. That setup would work well. You posted before I got to.

05-01-2001, 02:03 PM	#9
Aristo Rear Admiral Lower Half Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 2,581	I'm not gonna replace my GeForce2 GTS with Radeon. Also I've heard some problems with AMD CPU, easy to overheat and not competible with some programs and etc. If those are true, I will stick with Intel.

05-01-2001, 05:13 PM	#11
Aristo Rear Admiral Lower Half Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 2,581	Will changing from Win98 to Win2k boost up the performance?

05-01-2001, 07:39 PM	#13
Aristo Rear Admiral Lower Half Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 2,581	I also have Win2k and Win98 dual boot in my main system. I didn't notice the speed difference though Win2k does tend to boot up slower than Win98.

05-01-2001, 11:21 PM	#14
Aristo Rear Admiral Lower Half Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 2,581	chosenfool, You the man. I will definitely ask you guys' helps next time when I do a major upgrade of my system.

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05-02-2001, 12:18 PM	#17
Aristo Rear Admiral Lower Half Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 2,581	I'm gonna add another PC133 128MB from the Deal section. $25 + $9.95 shipping. Geez...the memory is so cheap now.

05-02-2001, 07:00 PM	#18
Aristo Rear Admiral Lower Half Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 2,581	Um.... I want my system to be as stable as possible. Guess I will look somewhere else. Thanks for the warning.

05-03-2001, 05:27 AM	#19
caddelma Lieutenant Join Date: Mar 2001 Posts: 202	I personally prefer crucial ram. Bought some yesterday for $90 for 256mb pc133 cas2. be sure to use the webpromo for 15% off http://www.crucial.com/webpromo

05-03-2001, 08:05 PM	#20
Aristo Rear Admiral Lower Half Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 2,581	I've been giving some thoughts of major upgrade of my system, including CPU, motherboard, and/or memory. AMD T-Bird is certainly my choice if I want to upgrade now. But Palomino and Northwood are also very tempting. I usually upgrade my system once every 1.5 to 2 years. Should I wait for those "next-generation" or should I upgrade to T-bird with DDR now?

05-03-2001, 11:52 PM	#21
sbp Chief of Naval Operations Join Date: Dec 1999 Posts: 11,037	Northwood won't be out until the end of the year. Palomino is scheduled to come out during third quarter. Personally I'm upgrading to a tbird system in 2 weeks.

05-04-2001, 06:02 PM	#22
skyline Lieutenant Junior Grade Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: CA, USA Posts: 53	Isn't Palomino uses the same socket A as TB? so at least you won't have to change the mobo but the cpu!! ^^ unlike CPU's p4 which need a different mobo !! ~~